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Thursday, December 18, 2014

A holiday toast between grandpa and grandson

‘My best Christmas ever’

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THEAfter complicated Bob Streit is one of the first to file for the trustee election 2 SECTIONS in Oak Lawn. For 22 PAGES a list on some of the other folks who filed early, see No. Bob50 Volume XLVII Rakow’s report on page 3. Vorva runs down his 12 favorite Christmas carols (page 3), Rakow is geeked up the Cubs picked up John Lester (page 6) and Ray Hanania remembers Judy Baar Topinka (page 6).

surgery, columnist thankful that he will still be here for Samuel

Editor’s note: The Reporter’s history columnist, Don C. White of Palos Hills, had open heart Serving surgery in October andChicago we were dismayed to find out during a phone call shortly after the surgery that there were some complications. After a longer-thanexpected recovery, White, 76, was back to his computer keyboard earlier this month and writing with a fresh outlook on life. The following column contains his thoughts after what he calls his “adventure”:

Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth

This will be my best Christmas ever. Two years ago, my grandson, Samuel, said “Grandpa, are you going to be around when I grow up?’’ He was about eight years old then and it was a pretty profound question, I told him “Samuel, I’m doing everything I can to be here for you.’’ I had open-heart surgery performed on Oct. 15 and it didn’t go quite as planned. But when it was over, I thanked the surgeon and told that he just accomplished will help me be there for Sam. I was admitted to the hospital

Don C. White of Palos Hills shares a lemonade toast with his grandson, Samuel, in Joliet last week. Don recovered from complications after an open-heart surgery and said he hopes to be around many years while Samuel grows up. on Oct. 14 to prepare for the next day’s surgery. The surgeon stopped by and explained that the procedure would be two by-passes, not four as he had originally thought. Another doctor stopped in to mark my legs for the location of where

they would harvest the veins to be used. The surgeon explained to my wife, Helen, and son, David, that the double bypass surgery should take around three or four hours. They spent the entire day and late

Simeon coach Robert Smith, left, talks with a referee during a game against Stagg at the Shepard Sectional in March. His powerhouse Wolverines will be back in the area, facing St. Rita Friday at Moraine Valley Community College’s new gym.

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Via ESPN2, Moraine Valley ready to show its new gym to the world By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor Bill Finn loves basketball. The Moraine Valley Community College athletic director played at Richards High School and coached the sport at Moraine for 22 years and racked up 506 wins. He has a laundry list of great contacts in the inner circles of Illinois college and high school basketball and loves watching a matchup of power teams facing each other. But don’t expect Finn to be

glued to his easy chair on Friday when Simeon plays St. Rita on a game that will be broadcast live across the world on ESPN2. That’s because he and his facility will be hosting the event. The Moraine Valley Community College Health, Fitness and Recreation Center officially opened in March. Nine months later, it will be featured for the world to see. The new gym inside the facility, which seats 3,200 people, will be the host site of the game, which tips off at 5:30 p.m. But

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Finn figures to be working all day with preparation. The crew will be stopping by early in the morning to set up. Finn can’t wait. “I am beyond excited,” he said. “I’ve been here 33 years and we’ve never had anything happen like this before. After my meetings, I would tell people ‘yeah, I just met with ESPN’ like it was a common occurrence. “This fit the bill for them. They want to fill the place. They didn’t (Continued on page 7)

Breakfast With Santa

Foul ball Chris Janes is crying foul but his grievances appear to be falling on deaf ears. The vice president of the Evergreen Park Athletic Association is accusing the Jackie Robinson West Little League of cheating by violating residency rules when it put together the team that competed in the 2014 Little League World Series and won the U.S. title. It doesn’t appear that the team will have its title stripped anytime soon. A spokesman for Little League International, Brian McClintock, which organizes the Little League World Series, said in an emailed statement the organization is “confident that the documentation provided to the organization from Jackie Robinson West Little League meets the residency regulations for the 2014 Little League Baseball tournament season” and the issue is considered “closed at this time,” according to reports. The story was first reported by DNAinfo.com Tuesday and has grown into a firestorm. Jackie Robinson West’s success was the feel-good story of the summer as a team from Chicago’s

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South Side came together and rolled through the sectional and state playoffs before winning the U.S. title. They lost the title game to a team from Seoul, Korea. Their season included a playoff slaughter-rule win over Evergreen Park Little League by a score of 43-2 in four innings, DNAinfo reported. The team enjoyed significant recognition when they returned to Chicago from Williamsport, Pa., including a downtown pep rally and appearances at both Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field. But the EPAA insists that the team was not made up exclusively of boys from Chicago’s South Side. Rather, they were chosen travel teams that hail from nearby suburbs, Janes said. In an email to Little League International, EPAA officials called on Little League officials to investigate whether Jackie Robinson West engaged in “manipulating, (Continued on page 2)

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from the pacemaker clinic coming in to adjust my settings lower for surgery. I was introduced to some of the surgical team and a general anesthetic was started to mellow me out.

By Bob Rakow Staff Reporter

File photo by Jeff Vorva

Jeff Vorva...........................3 Bob Rakow..........................6 Ray Hanania.......................6 Dee Woods........................12 Wine Guy...........................12

into the night waiting and getting updates from the surgery team and the surgeon. I was taken into the surgery prep area and work began to get me ready for my adventure. One of the last things I remember was one of the nurses

Evergreen Park group charges Jackie Robinson West used illegal players

See Page 8

COLUMNISTS

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Christmas Worship Services

Police News........................2 Our Neighborhood.............4 Sudoku.............................4 Commentary.....................6 Crossword.........................7 School...........................9 Calendar..........................10 Consumer.........................11

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By Don C. White

Michael Gilbert snaps some snappy photos from the Palos Hills tree lighting ceremony Page 4

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The Reporter Thursday, December 18, 2014

POLICE & COMMUNITY NEWS

of 87th Street, police said. Armando Contreras, 39, of Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license Dec. 7 after Michelle Zubek, 19, of Chicago a stop in the 2600 block of 87th Ridge, was charged with retail Street, police said. theft Dec. 9 after allegedly stealArthur W. Robinson, 52, of Eving merchandise from Kohl’s at ergreen Park, was charged with Chicago Ridge Mall, police said. driving on a suspended license Danielle Unseld, 26, of Chicago, Dec. 7 following a stop in the 3100 was charged with retail theft Dec. block of 87th Street, police said. 9 after allegedly stealing goods Patrick R. Carroll, 30, of Oak from Kohl’s at Chicago Ridge Mall, Lawn, was charged with possespolice said. sion of drug equipment Dec. 8 Aarika Shelton-Winston, 23, of after he was stopped in the 3100 Chicago, was charged with retail of 87th Street, police said. theft Dec. 9 after she allegedly Rodney E. Rodgers, 48, of Sauk stole merchandise from Kohl’s at Village, was charged with driving Chicago Ridge Mall, police said. on a suspended license Dec. 9 after Stormy Martin, 43, of Chicago being stopped in the 3600 block Ridge, was charged with driving of 95th Street, police said. on a suspended license following a Dennis Fedrick, 47, of Chicago, Dec. 9 stop in the 10000 block of was charged with driving on a susNottingham Avenue, police said. pended license Dec. 10 following Jose J. Pineda, 32, of Chicago, a stop at 95th Street and Sawyer was charged with driving on a Avenue, police said. suspended license, no insurance and making an improper turn following a Dec. 10 stop at 103rd Street and Ridgeland Avenue, police said. Carmen H. Feliciano, 42, of

silverware, jewelry and a game system were reported stolen Dec.1 from house in the 10300 block of Kedvale Avenue, police said. Brian P. Cook, 40, of Oak Lawn, was charged with assault Dec. 2 following a disturbance in the 9500 block of Oak Park Avenue, police said. A pickup truck was reported stolen Dec. 2 from the 4200 block of Kathleen Lane, police said. Vulgar words and symbols were reportedly spray painted Dec. 3 on a car in the 9200 block of Monitor Avenue. Tools valued at approximately $2,000 were reported stolen Dec. 4 from a car in the 4700 block of 101st Street, police said. Jamal Mahmoud, 37, of Oak Lawn, was charged with assault Dec. 5 after a disturbance at the Oak Lawn Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., police said. Clinton D. Howard, 22, and Jacquelynn D. Howard, 19, both of Chicago, were charged with battery Dec. 5 following an altercation with a Pace bus driver at 111th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue, police said. Oak Lawn, was charged with A generator valued at $1,200 possession of marijuana and drug was reported stolen Dec. 5-8 from equipment Dec. 13 after a stop a car parked in the lot of St. Gerald in the 8400 block of 95th Street, Church, 9349 S. Central Ave. Cordell D. Brown, 22, of Alsip, police said. Daniel J. Brueck, 37, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a was charged with drunken driving, suspended license Dec. 6 after a improper lane use, failure to signal stop in the 2700 block of 99th and driving with one headlight Dec. Street, police said. 6 after a stop at 95th Street and John C. Cypser, 41, of Evergreen A catalytic convertor was reported Austin Avenue, police said. Park, was charged with possession stolen between Nov. 28 and Dec. Timothy C. Kleist, 26, of Everof marijuana and drug equipment 1 from a car in the 9700 block of green Park, was charged with batDec. 6 following a stop at 102nd Karlov Avenue. tery Dec. 7 after a disturbance in Street and Kedzie Avenue, police A catalytic convertor was reported the parking lot of TC Too Corral and said. stolen Nov. 29 from a car in the Pub, 9906 S. Southwest Highway, Marc S. Koronkiewicz, 19, of parking lot of Jason’s Deli, 6260 police said. Evergreen Park, was charged with W. 95th St. Niko Fuentes, 21, of Evergreen domestic battery Dec. 6 after he Allison M. Lewis, 22, of South Park, was charged with possession of was arrested in the 9400 block Bend, Ind., was charged with drunk- controlled substance and disorderly of Richmond Avenue, police said. en driving and speeding Nov. 29 after conduct Dec. 8 after he was stopped David G. Franklin, 53, of Calu- a stop at 95th Street and Meade in the 9100 block of Sproat Avenue, met City, was charged with driv- Avenue, police said. police said. ing on a suspended license Dec. 6 Francisco J. Juarez Jr., 37, of after he was stopped in the 3900 Alsip, was charged with drunken block of 91st Street, police said. driving, speeding and improper lane Ashley A. Arrington, 26, of Chi- use Nov. 30 after he was stopped cago, was charged with driving on at 98th Street and Cicero Avenue, Abjul N. Razick, 22, of Brida suspended license Dec. 7 after police said. geview, of Ahmed Khattab, 23, being stopped in the 2700 block A television, laptop computer, of Palos Hills, were charged Dec. 10 with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and drug equipment after a stop in the 9100 block of Windsor Drive, police said. Chicago Ridge / Evergreen Park / Hickory Hills Justin Anderson, 24, of Palos Hills, was charged with drunken Oak Lawn / Palos Hills / Worth driving Dec. 14 after a stop at 103rd Street and Harlem Avenue, Publisher Amy Richards police said.

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Sergejs B. Lanovenko, 24, of Burbank, was charged with driving with a valid license Dec. 8 after a stop in the 6600 block of 111th Street, police said. Jonathan Lerma, 18, of Alsip, was charged with driving without a valid license, no insurance and failure to signal Dec. 10 after a stop in the 6700 block of 111th Street, police said.

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Kustok sentenced to 60 years By Tim Hadac Staff Reporter

in the early morning hours of Sept. 29, 2010 at their home in Orland Park. The trial lasted four weeks, Convicted wife-murderer Al- and the jury deliberated for about lan J. Kustok will spend his 64th 90 minutes before delivering a birthday behind bars on Jan. 6, verdict. and every other day of the rest According to evidence presentof his life, after he was slapped ed at the trial, Kustok pointed a with a 60-year sentence Dec. 10 loaded .357 caliber revolver at his by Cook County Associate Judge sleeping wife and shot her in the John Hynes in Bridgeview. face. Some 90 minutes later, he Shortly before he announced wrapped wrap her body in bloody the sentence, Hynes said he was bed linens and drive her to Palos baffled by the case and said that Community Hospital. Kustok “had it all, he had the Kustok did not call 911 and American dream, and yet that was explained it away by saying that not good enough,” in an apparent he was distraught over what he reference to his alleged cheating claimed was her suicide and that on his wife with younger women. he wanted to spend final minutes He told Kustok that he was sup- with his wife before handing her posed to be his wife’s protector over to “useless strangers,” ac“but became her executioner,” cording to published reports. according to published reports. “I wanted to be with her as long He added that the death of as I could because once I gave her 58-year-old Anita “Jeanie” Kus- up, I knew I would never have tok, an elementary school teacher that opportunity again,” Kustok in the western suburbs, represents said before sentencing, according “a loss for both her family and to a published report. The Kustoks the community.” had been married for 34 years. Kustok was convicted last Kustok’s defense attorney, Rick spring of the murder of his wife Beuke, said he plans to file an

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Kustok appeal and said in his heart, he believes that Kustok did not kill his wife and was wrongly convicted. “I know Judge Hynes believes the fact to be one way, and we believe the facts to be another way,” Beuke told reporters outside the courtroom. “He’s comfortable with the sentence he gave, but you’ve got a 64-year-old man who’s going to serve 100 percent of whatever the sentence is. If he gave him the minimum, which is 45 years, he’s dying in the penitentiary anyway.” During the trial, Beuke noted that Kustok, the son of a Chicago police officer, had never been arrested in his life.

Oak Lawn man arrested for alleged lewd act An Oak Lawn man was charged with disorderly conduct Nov. 29 after allegedly masturbating in the parking lot of L.A. Fitness, police said. Jay E. Hivick, 26, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. after a witness notified police that a man was masturbating while standing between two cars in the lot, 8812 S. Cicero Ave.

When Hivick realized that he had been spotted, he got into the back seat of his car, the witness said. The witness told police he was alarmed by Hivick’s actions as were others who were walking through the parking lot. Police found Hivick in the car wearing no pants or underwear, and he had his hand on his groin

area, according to reports. Hivick acted as though he was putting pants on, and told police he was changing because he was hot. He denied standing outside the car while naked, police said. He told police he had a handgun in the glove box and showed them both a firearms owner ID card and conceal and carry permit. —Bob Rakow

Foul Ball

ers who live and attend school in suburban towns within her district, DNAinfo said. Additionally, South Holland village officials congratulated the two as “alumni” in a village newsletter, and Sports Illustrated reported in its feature “Faces in the Crowd” that one player attended a school in suburban Homewood. Lynwood Mayor Mayor Gene Williams also was quoted as in a newspaper about plans to celebrate our own Jackie Robinson West player. According to the rules posted on the Little League International web site, each local little league determines its own geographic boundaries from which it can select its players. But, according to a map obtained by DNAinfo.com, the Jackie Robinson West boundaries include sections of the Morgan Park, Washington Heights, Auburn Gresham, Englewood and New City neighborhoods of Chicago — but do not include any suburbs. Residence must be established and supported with three forms of documentation, the rules say, which include items like a driver’s license, voter registration and copies of utility bills. Jackie Robinson officials deny cheating. “Oh my goodness, we did not cheat. We did not recruit these guys,” Jackie Robinson West pres-

ident Bill Haley told DNAinfo. “Nothing was done to put these kids together. We absolutely did not cheat.” Janes said Evergreen Park baseball officials and those from other leagues have long suspected Jackie Robinson West of violating residency rules to recruit the top players from the suburbs. He even recalled an occasion when he talked with a coach from Kankakee who knew about the alleged cheating by Jackie Robinson West. Nothing was ever made of the suspicions in the past because the team did not enjoy the success it experienced this summer, he said. “Nobody was ever comfortable going on the record,” said Janes, the father of four boys, three who play Evergreen Park Little League. Additionally, he said, there was a hesitancy to quash the feel-good story of the summer. Janes said he and the league has been the target of some criticism for raising the issue, but nothing too serious. “I haven’t gotten a lot of negativity in terms of people knocking at my door or calling me,” he said. Despite potential negative feedback, raising the issue is important, Janes said. “It’s about fair play. What are we teaching our kids? How is it fair and equitable?”

(Continued from page 1)

bending and blatantly breaking the rules for the sole purpose of winning at all costs,” DNAinfo reported. Janes said Tuesday that the all of the association’s officers agreed to go public with the accusation, though the decision may “open a big can of worms,” he said. He added that decision was not made overnight. “We have been working with Little League since early in the tournament,” Janes said. “It’s not as though I waited four months to spring this on everybody.” Additionally, he said, Little League requires the accuser to prove wrongdoing. He believes he’s done that. “I’ve given them compelling evidence,” he said. Some of that evidence was not that difficult to find. “It was just a Google search. That’s all it was,” Janes said. DNAinfo reported that an Internet search found that a congresswoman, a suburban mayor, an elite traveling baseball league and Sports Illustrated posted details about the players’ suburban roots. Specifically, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly took to Twitter to cheer on Jackie Robinson West play-

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Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Elite Performance & Auto Care, 9502 W. 179th St., Tinley Park, IL 60477, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Sandra Rojas & Sandra Monserat-Romero 2001 Ford VIN# 1FMCU03111KE59173 Lien Amount: $1,822.00

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Car Corner, 33 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL 60473, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Glenn Ford 2005 Cadillac VIN# 1G6DP567150175219 Lien Amount: $6,897.92

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Sergio’s Body Shop, 15330 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Malachi Strong 2011 Nissan VIN# 3N1AB6AP2BL663687 Lien Amount: $9,944.21

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Kevin’s Garage, 601 N. Williams St., Thornton, IL 60476, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. E. Devora Preston & Anthony Lyles 2007 Harley-Davidson VIN# 1HD1KB4107Y700141 Lien Amount: $5,487.20

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Chris’s Transport Services, Inc. 13017 S. California, Blue Island, IL 60406, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Eugene C. Ashpole, Hamhock Trucking, Inc. & Yellowtail Transportation, Inc. 1989 Fruehauf VIN# 1H5P04521KM062402 Lien Amount: $3,820.00

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-25-15, a sale will be held at G & M Auto Repair, 6146 W. 65th St., Chicago, IL 60638, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Chad James Wright Dupriest, Ross Fascetta & Joseph P. Fascetta 2003 Cadillac VIN# 1G6DM57N130116819 Lien Amount: $8,770.00

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 2-1-15, a sale will be held at M.A.C. Network, Inc., 1307 W. 171st St., East Hazel Crest, IL 60429, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Wilnessa Mims & Wilnessa Mimms 2008 Audi VIN# WA1AY74L58D027767 Lien Amount: $8,861.01

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 2-1-15, a sale will be held at Quality Mobile Truck Repair, Inc.,2400 American Ln., Elk Grove Village IL 60007, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. VJK, Inc. 1999 Sterling VIN# 2FWYJWEB6XA982385 Lien Amount: $3,343.36

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Reporter

These holiday songs tower over all the others “I’ll tell you what, if I hear Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer one more time, I’m gonna go up on a tower with a high-powered rifle.’’ Those were the words of wisdom from Peter Buck in REM’s holiday tune “Christmas Griping,’’ which is a sort of rap set to the beat of a poor man’s “Tusk” while the boys talk about throttling the person who invented fruitcake and having nightmares about Burl Ives. Like Buck, a lot of people are driven crazy by some Christmas carols. Many of them are lame and sung lamely by lame artists. My daughter Lauren makes me listen to Justin Bieber’s version of “The Christmas Song” in which he sings “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” and the word “fire” seems like it has 13 syllables. If I have to hear that one again, I may join Buck on the tower. But there are some good Xmas tunes out there. I have about 100 or so in my iPod, including the aforementioned REM gem. Like most people, I listen to a batch of them around this time of year. Unlike a lot of people, I will play some of them on days when the temperatures are in the 90s and 100s. But only for a few minutes. Last week, we asked people in our Viewfinder to tell us their favorite Christmas carols. Today, it’s my turn. Out of the 100 or so holiday songs from my collection of oddball and traditional songs, here are my 12 favorite in reverse order. 12. The 12 Gifts of Christ-

IMPRESSIONS

9. Silver Bells by REM The Athens boys are just horsing around here, singing this classic with a hillbilly twang but for By some reason, it works! Jeff Vorva 8. Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys Dismiss them as just a hot rod and summer band if you will, but these guys save some serious harmonic chops and show it on their “Christmas Album.” This song was the best of the batch with mas by Allan Sherman This novelty song features Sher- “Merry Christmas Baby” not far man merrily singing about the 12 behind. 7. The Christmas Song by gifts he will return, including a statue of a woman with a clock the Ravonettes I am not a big fan of the Rawhere her stomach ought to be and a Japanese transistor radio. vonettes and less of a fan of slow Over the years, I haven’t enjoyed songs, but for some reason this the song as much when I found original song has an old 50s or comedy’s Santa Claus was really 60s-ballad feel that strikes me just sad and miserable most of the right. It really should be a classic. time. It’s still a fun song, though. Maybe in 20 years. 6. Jingle Bells by Yello 11. I Saw Three Ships by It’s basically the Swiss electronBlackmore’s Night Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar ic pioneers’ hit “Oh Yeah” meets riff in “Smoke on the Water” by “Jingle Bells” but it works. The Deep Purple is a classic and lately group probably just mailed this he’s been heavily involved with in as a song for the soundtrack a project in which they play a for the 1995 film “The Santa bunch of songs in a Renaissance Clause” but it’s fun and bouncy style. Break out the mandolins in which sleigh bells meets elecand flutes. This Christmas ode tronic gizmos. 5, Feliz Navi-nada by El Vez is no “Smoke on the Water” but The Mexican Elvis Presley it is special. 10. Let Me Sleep by Pearl Jam impersonator turns out a wickEddie Vedder’s haunting voice ed version of this song with the sings about a lost soul – possi- punky “Public Image” riffs in bly a hobo – thinking about the the background. Wild stuff. It magic of Christmas when he was should make even the Scroogeyounger. But this Christmas he like Johnny Rotten smile, since just wants to sleep. It’s kind of a he wrote the background tune. 4, Merry Christmas (I Don’t downer with a trace of sentiment.

Want to Fight Tonight) by the Ramones My favorite group of all time came up with a novelty tune in which the so-called brudders dialed down the punk guitars and added sleigh bells. The song is about a couple who are fighting during the holidays and the video of the tune ends with an elf throwing up in a toilet. Nothing says Christmas more like an elf barfing! 3, Jingle Bells by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters Crosby is insanely famous for his version of “White Christmas” but for my money, his bouncy version of “Jingle Bells” with the

iconic Andrews Sisters is superior. Aside from the great vocal talent, we have a hot band swinging away toward the end of the tune. 2, Little Drummer Boy by Sparks One of the quirkiest musical acts around (“Eaten by the Monster of Love,” “Ugly Guys With Beautiful Girls,” “Angst in My Pants” and “Pretending to Be Drunk” are just a few of their song titles) play it straight on this live BBC rendering of the classic. It’s always been one of my favorite Christmas songs growing up and the Mael brothers make it greater. 1, Blitzkrieg Santa by Divide and Kreate

Some mashups work. Many don’t. This one is great as it mashes the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” with the Jackson 5’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’’ No, I never thought that high-voiced Michael Jackson before puberty would ever be able to blend in with the Ramones, but there you go. As a bonus, my favorite Christmas song title is “I Farted on Santa’s Lap (Now Christmas is Going to Stink For Me) by the Little Stinkers but it didn’t find its way to the Top 12. If you have any suggestion of odd favorite carols, let me know at thereporter@comcast.net.

Who would have ever thought that Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” would mix well with the Ramones “Blitzkrieg Bop?’’ Well it works so well that it became Vorva’s favorite holiday song.

No quint for Quintos But rest of CR board votes for new fire truck By Bob Rakow Staff Reporter

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn trustee candidates Daniel R. Johnson and Bud Stalker share a laugh with Deputy Clerk Chris O’Grady (left) and Clerk Jane Quinlan Monday morning, the first day to file to get on the April ballot.

Early birds hope to catch the term By Bob Rakow Staff Reporter Oak Lawn Trustee Bob Streit and two other hopefuls for the Oak Lawn Village Board gathered outside the village’s clerk’s office Monday morning waiting to submit their nominating petitions for the 2015 municipal elections. The same scenario occurred in village halls throughout the suburbs this week as candidates for local offices took the first critical step in their bids to achieve local office. Candidates have until Monday to submit petitions for the April election. In Oak Lawn, Streit was joined at village hall by Dan Johnson and Bud Stalker, both who are running for the District 5 seat being vacated by two-term incumbent Carol Quinlan. Streit, meanwhile, is being challenged by J. John “J.J.” Zurek, who also submitted his petitions Monday. District 1 Trustee Tim Desmond signaled his intentions to run for a four-year term by turning in his petition signatures on Monday. Desmond was elected to a two-year term in 2013.

As of noon Tuesday, neither Scott Hollis, a relative newcomer to the village, nor Steve Loulousis, who previously ran for trustee, submitted petitions. Both have said they planned to challenge Streit in the 3rd District. Additionally, Paul Vail, who announced his candidacy in March, had not yet filed petitions to run in District 5. Vail is a member of the village’s planning and development commission. While Oak Lawn residents can expect an eventful campaign season, residents of the other communities in the Reporter coverage area also can look forward to some interesting races. In Evergreen Park, incumbents Mary Keane, Mark Marzullo and Jim McQuillan are running for reelection to the six-member village board. They will be joined on the ballot by challenger Christopher Trzeciak, president of the Evergreen Park High School District 231 school board. In Chicago Ridge, incumbents Jack Lind and Dan Badon have submitted nominating petitions, as has Fran Coglianese, a longtime clerical employee at the Chicago Ridge Village Hall. Bill McFarland, a paid-on-call

firefighter and a member of the Our Lady of the Ridge school board, and Don Pratl, a former trustee and member of the School District 218 board, have indicated they will run for trustee but had not submitted petitions as of Tuesday. In Palos Hills, there are contested races for alderman in two of the city’s five wards. Mike Lebarre and Sonia Khalil are running for the 3rd Ward seat vacated by Ald. Bill Hansen. In the 5th Ward, Dawn Nowak is challenging incumbent Frank Williams. Additionally, incumbents Marty Keefisch (1st), Pauline Stratton (2nd) and Joseph Marrotta (4th) have turned in their petitions. Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley, City Clerk D’Lorah Catizone and Treasurer Dan Schramm submitted petitions on Monday. Additionally, Joe Mancuso has filed to run for alderman in the 2nd Ward and Colleen Kelly, a member of the Lyons Township Town Board, turned in signatures for a run in the 4th Ward. In Worth, trustees Mary Rhein and Warren Soldan along with challenger Bruce LeBeau have submitted petitions.

Best Wishes for A Happy Holiday Season From The Village of Chicago Ridge Mayor Charles E. Tokar Village Clerk Ceorge M. Schleyer Village Trustees: Daniel A. Badon, Amanda V. Cardin, Michael R. Davies, Sally A. Durkin, John “Jack” Lind, Bruce D. Quintos

At this special holiday time, we would like to thank all our residents for giving us the privilege of serving such a fine village. By working together we will continue on the road of progress, while maintaining the good neighbor spirit of a united community. Our sincere wish is for all our residents to have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health, wealth and happiness.

Chicago Ridge trustees Tuesday accepted a recommendation from Fire Chief George Sheets and approved the purchase of a new fire apparatus. The village board voted 5-1 to purchase a quintuple combination pumper, or quint, an apparatus that serves the dual purpose of an engine and ladder truck. The truck will replace three older fire trucks thereby reducing costs and improve efficiencies, Sheets said. Trustee Bruce Quintos cast the lone “no” vote, saying the fire department’s three lieutenants should appear at a board meeting to discuss the purchase. “I think we should bring them in,” Quintos said. “Ask questions. Get it all out in the open.” Sheets told Quintos that the lieutenants already have weighed in on the purchase. “We’ve absolutely listened to the firefighters,” Sheets said. “Those who are doing the job absolutely have a say on what the vehicle is.” He said the lieutenants were waiting to meet with Quintos, but the trustee never followed through and scheduled one. A brief exchange between Sheets and Quintos led the fire chief say he took offense to Quintos’ implication that he was not

File photo by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Ridge Fire Chief George Sheets obtained his new fire truck via a vote from the village board but there was some discussion and a “no” vote. fully informed about the purchase. “There’s no reason for me to tell you anything other than the facts. I’m not sure where you’re going with this. I’m your fire chief, and I’m making this recommendation,” Sheets said. The quint refers to the five functions that the apparatus provides: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device and ground ladders. Purchase of apparatus means the fire department will remove from the fleet an aerial truck and two pumper trucks, one that is badly rusted and requires significant repair, Sheets said. Those vehicles will be sold and the proceeds will be used to help

pay for the quint, he said. “It’s more efficient. It’s the way to go,” Sheets said. The department currently spends about $60,000 to maintain 11 vehicles, a figure that is too high considering that the Oak Lawn Fire Department has a $50,000 maintenance budget for 18 vehicles, said Sheets, who also serves as fire chief in Oak Lawn. The quint will cost $685,000, which will be offset by the $250,000 the village expects to receive for the sale of the three vehicles it is removing from the fleet. A $350,000 state loan could be used to pay for the bulk of the balance, Sheets said.

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The Reporter Thursday, December 18, 2014

Our Neighborhood

Hills are alive with holiday cheer Photos by Michael Gilbert Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett welcomes all to the event with a little help from his grandson Lucca Leone. A soldout crowd of more than 130 people were in attendance to light the city’s Christmas tree, have their picture taken with Santa Claus, watch a magic show and enjoy a hot dog dinner.

Palos Hills resident Greta Rimkevicius tells Santa what’s on her Christmas wish list. Following dinner, guests had the opportunity to meet Santa and take a picture with him.

Patricia Wlodarczyk (front row, left to right), her mother, Bozena, father, Bogdan (back row) and brothers, Christopher and Joseph take a break from enjoying their dinner to smile for a picture.

The Palos Hills community tree is adorned with unique ornaments including hats, gloves and teddy bears. The tree was lit by Mayor Gerald Bennett with assistance from the children in attendance.

SUDOKU 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 digits1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

RETRO

By Mark Andrews

Compiled by Jeff Vorva

News and events from our archives.

Look out for those dangerous snow shovels 50 years ago From the Dec. 17, 1964 issue The story: Oak Ridge School in Palos Heights was burglarized. The thieves took a television set and petty cash. They also stole money out of the vending machines and took small change from some of the teachers’ desks. They couldn’t open the school’s safe, however. The quote: “Gary Collins, 6-year-old son of Edna and James Collins, was injured by a snow shovel in his yard. The cut lip required six stitches.’’ – an item in Ridge Reading by Kay Landry. Fun fact: The Worth Lions Club offered free coffee for those shopping for Christmas Trees at 112th Place and Harlem Avenue.

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History of the World

25 years ago From the Dec. 21, 1989 issue The story: Two Tinley Park men were mad that a Palos Hills Pizza Hut was closed and they dented an electric sign and damaged a drive-through microphone. That is, after they got through shouting profanities into the microphone. The quote: “We’re an open-arms community,” Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki, after the Crisis Center for South Suburbia moved from Palos Hills to his town. Fun fact: Len Scaduto, the longtime Oak Lawn boys basketball coach, won his 400th career game when the Spartans beat Brother Rice, 72-50. The Spartans were 0-6 heading into the game.

Longtime coach in Oak Lawn dies

10 years ago From the Dec. 16, 2004 issue The story: Oak Lawn’s first recreation director, Joseph Zajac, died at age 90. He was also a longtime coach at Oak Lawn Community High School. The quote: “H-F is something else,” – Shepard boys basketball coach Tony Chiuccariello after his team dropped a 73-35 decision to the Vikings. The Vikings were led by future NBSA player Julian Wright and had aready beaten the No. 2 team in the nation, Oak Hill. Fun fact: One of the top selling items of the week was “Crunk Juice” by Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz.

Dec. 18: ON THIS DATE in 1892, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 1940, Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler signed a secret directive ordering preparations for a German invasion of the Soviet Union, which came the following June. Dec. 19: ON THIS DATE in 1887, bare-knuckle boxers Jake Kilrain and Jem Smith fought 106 rounds to a draw. In 1998, President Clinton was impeached by the Republicanled House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. He was later acquitted by the Senate. Dec. 20: ON THIS DATE in 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. In 1879, Thomas Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent electric light at Menlo Park, N.J. Dec. 21: ON THIS DATE in 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1991, all but one of the 12 former Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States. Answer to last week’s question: This week in 1969, the U.S. Air Force closed Project Blue Book, an investigation that concluded there was no evidence that extraterrestrial spaceships were behind thousands of reported UFO sightings. This week’s question: In 1968, a daughter of the president-elect married the grandson of a former president. Who were the presidents, and what are the couple’s names? (Mark Andrews can be reached via e-mail at mlandrews@embarqmail.com.)

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Reporter

Trees and waters rates going up in Hickory Hills The plan is to add trees to the perimeter of the city first, Boettcher said. The three blocks chosen will The tree population will be be prioritized and letters will be branching out in Hickory Hills sent to residents on the selected in the spring. blocks offering them a chance to A plan to add trees to residential participate in the program. areas throughout the city will kick The cost to residents is $60. off in the spring when 25 trees Homeowners who have a tree on are planted in each of the city’s their parkway do not qualify. Resifour wards. dents have 14 days to respond to “We don’t have the best qual- the offer or additional residents ity of trees in town,” said Public will be contacted, Boettcher said Works Director Larry Boettcher. The city is using utility tax “What we’re trying to do is en- funds to pay for the majority of hance the appearance of the city.” the $30,000 program, he said. The program calls on the city’s The four species of trees the eight aldermen to identify three city has selected will be planted blocks in their wards that are de- in the spring, he said. The city’s void of trees. The blocks must be arborist will decide where each adjacent to major streets such as species of tree will be planted. 95th Street or Roberts Road. In other business, Hickory Hills By Bob Rakow Staff Reporter

resident can expect about a $6 increase in their monthly water rates beginning in 2015. The city council in January is expected to approve the hike, the fourth consecutive year water rates have gone up in Hickory Hills, officials said. “All of the communities are facing the same thing,” said Village Treasurer Dan Schramm. That’s because the increases are passed along to the suburbs from Chicago, which has increased rates every year since 2012 to generate the necessary funds to rebuild its water infrastructure. Four years ago, residents paid an average of $2.66 per 1,000 gallons of water. Next year, that figure will jump to about $4.81, Schramm said.

D218 officials flipping over flipped classrooms By Kelly White Correspondent

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Don C. White of Palos Hills is writing again a couple of months after suffering through complications after open-heart surgery. even a blur for me, I appreciate the wonderful care I don’t remember anything that that I received. happened to me. Was it perfect? (Continued from page 1) I was told that at some point Well, no, but the T.L.C. (tender And it did. they attempted to put a feeding loving care) that I received made I do remember being wheeled tube in through my nose and down me want to do the best I could toward the surgery center and my throat – but I tried to fight to help them help me. I think then it was lights out for a while. them off. it worked and I know that my The procedure went smoothly, I wasn’t trying to be a pain hospital care helped me get betbut when they were getting ready the butt, but I guess sometimes I ter and on the road to recovery. to close me up that’s when the was. Again, I don’t have memory I am writing again. I am drivproblems began. When they re- of much of this. ing. I am back to work at my Ace moved a clamp from my aorta a Samuel called me and said, Hardware job and Helen and I are small tear developed and bleeding “Grandpa I love you.” But I looking forward to going back to occurred. Because the aorta wall didn’t know what Samuel said. our volunteer duties at Hines. It was so thin, they were unable to At some point the feeding tube has been an uphill battle and I suture the tear. They had to put was taken out and I was able to could not have done it without me back on the heart-lung bypass start eating a regular healthy diet. and cool me down to 28 degrees Well, one of the problems that Helen, David and the rest of my before they could make the repair. sometimes occurs after surgery family’s love and support. At this Christmas season, I After the repair, I was rewarmed and sedation is that your taste want to give thanks to God for and taken off the bypass machine. buds go on vacation. Mine did The surgery had taken between and seven weeks later they pretty guiding the surgeons’ hands. Also, thanks to all of you who prayed seven and eight hours. Needless much still are. to say, my wife and son, as well as This is one of the reasons that and sent your good wishes for the surgery team, were stressed. I wanted to get home as soon my recovery. I have been truly Me? I just enjoyed a little lon- as possible so I could get some blessed to have Helen by my side ger nap and was oblivious to the tasty food in my system. So far throughout this adventure. God entire procedure. that has not helped much, but is bless you my wonderful wife. Again, this will be my best After I was closed up -- wired getting better each day. and glued back together and staI spent a total of nine days at Christmas ever. This surgery bilized in the operating room -- I the Hines V.A. Hospital. I was makes understand what’s important of what’s going on in my was taken to ICU for recovery. discharged on Oct. 22. I just want to say how much life and to be here for my family. The next couple of days were not

Christmas

EP is $200K closer to balanced budget By Bob Rakow Staff Reporter Evergreen Park officials are sharpening their pencils to achieve a balanced budget for 2015. Another $200,000 in cost savings is all that it will take to achieve that goal, Mayor Jim Sexton said at Monday’s village board meeting. And the mayor left little doubt that the goal will be achieved, saying the village simply will cut back “on things it can’t afford.” “It’s like home. You can’t spend it if you don’t have it,” Sexton said.

He added that additional cuts to the $24.4 million spending plan will not affect residents. Instead, the village will ask department heads to trim their proposed budgets. “We’ll get there,” Sexton said, adding that the village might delay maintenance to a village facility or put off the purchase of equipment. “That’s the way we think it should be done,” Sexton said. Sexton said the budget expenditures initially were $700,000 over the breakeven point. “Department heads always want everything,” Sexton said. In other business: The board approved a liquor

license for Mariano’s, which is scheduled to open Feb. 3. “It only took us five years but we got there,” Sexton said, referring to the time between his additional talks with Mariano’s ownership and the opening of the store. Additionally, the board approved a 2015 sewer rate increase of 20-cents increase per 1,000 gallons and a $10.65 water rate per 1,000 gallons. The water rate reflects the 15 percent increase charged to the village by the city of Chicago.

High School District 218 has decided to flip its classrooms. “Flipping the classroom” has become something of a buzzword in the last several years, driven in part by stories in high profile publications such as the New York Times. Students learn content online by watching video lectures -usually at home -- and homework is done in class with teachers and students discussing and solving questions. Teacher interaction with students is more personalized with guidance instead of lecturing. This is also known as backwards classroom, inverted classroom and reversed teaching. In 2011, Michigan’s Clintondale High School flipped every class. After 20 weeks flipped students were outperforming traditional students and no flipped student class scored lower than a C+. Not every classroom in District 218 has flipped, but Ryan reports several teachers are testing out the waters in the non-traditional teaching method. “This approach is far more labor intensive on the teacher’s part than traditional teaching,” Michael Ryan, Director of Instructional Services for District 218, said at Monday night’s school board meeting. The traditional pattern of teaching has been to assign students to read textbooks and work on problem sets outside school, while listening to lectures and taking tests in class. “In the traditional classroom setting, the teacher will stand up in front of the students and lecture on a topic,” Ryan said, “This is not the case in a flipped classroom.” He admits there are both pros and cons to the new teaching approach.

“It depends on the teacher, not just the concept of flipping the classroom,” he added, “The teacher will be the one to determine how successful it is.” With the flipping the classroom approach, students are doing the lower levels of cognitive work by gaining knowledge and comprehension outside of class. Is also focuses on the higher forms of cognitive work -- application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation -- in class, where they have the support of their peers and instructor. Flipped classrooms frees class time for hands-on work. Students learn by doing and also by asking questions. Ryan said teachers can create or have students watch videos on websites at home, including YouTube, creating actual homework that does not feel like homework. “The only real problem with

this method is just as how sometimes the students will not do their written homework at home, sometimes they will not want to watch a video at home if it is pertaining to school work,” he said. There is no written homework with a flipped classroom. Instead, all of the written assignments take place inside of the classroom. With a flipped classroom, teachers are also able to revisit concepts students do not understand more frequently than they would in a traditional classroom setting. After students watch video lessons at home, they can write down any questions they have and the teacher will review those questions with the student on an individual basis inside of the classroom. “This is a very interactive teaching approach for both the teachers and the students,” Ryan said.

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Letters to the Editor in

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The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014

COMMENTARY THE

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Jeff Vorva Editor

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

Judy Baar Topinka (center) poses with Aaron (left) and columnist Ray Hanania. Topinka died last week and Ray Hanania said she had a big smile and bigger heart.

Remembering Topinka who was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;political muttâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Judy Baar Topinka was one of the most energetic public officials I met. What a nice person. Topinka, who died last By week, was always smiling, Ray Hanania even at moments of controversy. She was optimistic and always hopeful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny to see the mainstream news media pretend to be her friend. They pretty much ignored her, except when she forced her way into the news. A few now fawning over her were at the frontlines attacking her with vicious accusations about her political friendships. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the news media and Topinka knew it. She had been professionally trained in journalism. A graduate of the Medill Journalism school, Topinka worked at the Life Newspapers and the Forest Park Review before buying the Riverside Landmark. In 1981, Topinka ran for the Illinois House and won, representing the west suburbs, at a time when women in politics where breaking the glass ceiling. Jane Byrne was mayor of Chicago and when Topinka came to meet Byrne one day at City Hall, I was there and had a chance to meet her. None of the other reporters bothered to cover the meeting, reflecting their disdain for anything southwest or west suburban. I left journalism in 1992, just as Topinka was planning a run for Illinois treasurer. In 1993, I helped her and her close friend Marty Kovarik with media, pro bono, because I liked their style. My love for the southwest and west suburbs gave me many opportunities to see her at events. Most recently, she led this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Houby Day Parade, a celebration the mainstream news media ignores of Czech, and Slovak heritage and Fall Harvest. (By the way, houby means mushroom). More than 20,000 people attended the parade on Cermak Road between Berwyn and Cicero, with only two reporters from small newspapers. The southwest and west suburbs have never been important to the Chicago news media, except, of course, when there is a controversy or scandal they could inflate to nudge their sagging circulations. Topinka shared this disdain for the news media, but brushed them off as irrelevant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just have to do the best you can. The people see it,â&#x20AC;? the tough lady said after another event the Chicago media ignored. Topinka was the keynote speaker at the Muslim religious celebration, the Eid, July 28. She joined State Sen. Steven Landek as Muslims gathered for their religious holiday at Toyota Park, where they spoke about tolerance. There were more than 15,000 people crowded into Toyota Park, but only two reporters, of course. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Republican officeholder, Topinka, often referred to herself as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;political mutt,â&#x20AC;? reflecting her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reagan Democratâ&#x20AC;? political beliefs. She supported gay and reproductive rights. She walked in parades with Democrats, while championing Republican ideals, the party coat she wore proudly. Topinka liked to shake things up, leaving life the same way. She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have picked a more controversial moment to leave for that â&#x20AC;&#x153;polka floor in the sky,â&#x20AC;? between winning re-election and waiting to get sworn in, as the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mansion changes hands from Democrat Pat Quinn to Republican Bruce Rauner. And, how ironic how we lost both Jane Byrne and Judy Baar Topinka, only weeks apart. Among names that surface as possible successors are her chief of staff, Nancy Kimme, and close ally Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lizâ&#x20AC;? Doody Gorman. You will be missed Judy Baar Topinka, sitting in that little, unimposing Mini Cooper with that big smile and even bigger heart.

The Grapevine

Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com.

Is new Cubs pitcher Lester worth $155 million? Hell yes! On Oct. 2, 1984, my college buddy Paul Gember bought a used car and was itching to drive. He sat with me in the lounge at Moraine Valley Community College practically begging me to ride with him. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t budge. The Cubs were about to play in Game 1 of the National League playoffs and nothing was keeping me from watching the game. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t missing a pitch. This was a rare occasionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Cubs and playoff baseball. It was not to be missed. Just a week earlier, I lugged my boom box to work so I could listen to the Cubs clinch the National League East with a win in Pittsburgh. I was washing pots and pans at Jennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smorgasbord in Oak Lawn (later the Harley-Davidson shop) and listened to the last few innings after the eatery closed. What a moment. The team that lost every year since I began following them as a young boy won a division. Rick Sutcliffe threw a two-hitter. What a gem. The ace that had been acquired from the Cleveland Indians carried the Cubs that year. When I wrapped up the pots and pans that glorious night, I walked out of the restaurant to my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waiting car. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember what we said to one another, but it was one of those perfect moments. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d waited nearly 40 years for the Cubs to do something, anything. He suffered through 1969. We relished the moment. Back to Paul Gemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new car. He would not take no for answer and offered the ideal compromise. "Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll drive us to Wrigley Field," he said. "Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

on,'' I told him, and we made the trek from Palos Hills to Wrigleyville listening to the Cubs game on the radio. When we got there, we managed to get into a bar, and when the game ended, a woman poured a beer over my head. Cubs, 16, San Diego Padres, 6. Sutcliffe hit a home run. I was ecstatic. Wet, but ecstatic. Five days later, I was bummed. The Cubs lost three straight games to the Padres, who were led by Steve Garvey. The final game was on a Sunday. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget my dad cooking or baking something in the kitchen and refusing to watch the game. It hurt bad. There have been other Cub playoff appearances, and they were disappointing. But nothing hurt like 1984 and the ball rolling under Leon Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mitt. That was 30 years ago and I remember it like yesterday. I thought about the Cubs joy and pain my dad and I suffered last week over the years when I texted my son with the most exciting news Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had as a Cub fan in several years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cubs got Lester,â&#x20AC;? I texted. He knew already and held off texting me the news because he thought I had gone to bed. Lester is Jon Lester. The top pitching free agent in the 2014 crop. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the guy who signs the first free-agent pitching contract so terms can be established for all the other free agent hurlers out there. Lester, as sports radio host Chet Coppock would say, sits atop the big, rock candy mountain. The crĂ¨me de la crĂ¨me. The Cubs paid dearly to get himâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;six-years, $155 million dollars. Lot of money? You bet.

The B-Side

by Bob Rakow

Worth it? In the Cubs case, hell yes. Lester is a winner. The kind of guy who could carry a team. He spent most of his career with the Boston Red Sox. Won the World Series with the team in 2007 and again in 2011. He spent part of last season with the Oakland Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but the baseball world has known for months that the he would be the prime free agent in the off-season. And now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Cub. I have trouble wrapping my head around that notion. Chicago teams, not just the Cubs, typically do not get the top players. They pay lip service to free agency while the Yankees, Cardinals, Red Sox and Angels among others are serious about winning and willing to spend the money needed to be competitive. On the afternoon before he signed, four teams were still in the running for Lesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services: the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Los Angles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Later in the day came word that the California teams were out of the running. Just as well. The Giants are the world champs and the Dodgers have the best pitcher in baseball. So, Lesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choices were to return to Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;familiar territory where heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had success and the fans love himâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or take a chance in Chicago, where

something is about to happen. Where Theo Epstein tore the whole ugly, losing mess to the ground and gathered top prospects that are finally ready to play in the big leagues. Oh yeah, along the way he added one of the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best managers in Joe Maddon. Some Cubs ripped Epstein over the past few years for his rebuilding strategy. They were sick of losing and argued that Epstein needed to sign some veteran players as soon as possible to make the team respectable. They wanted the short-term fix. Epstein wanted a team that is in a position to win every year. See the Chicago Blackhawks as an example. Epstein was patient. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endured several losing seasons but introduced us to Starlin Castro, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo on the major league level plus Kris Bryant and a host of others on the minor league level. Addison Russell, the Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top prospect, was brought to Chicago in a late-season trade last year. Last summer, the Cubs had four of the top 15 prospects in baseball, according to MLB.com, and eight among the top 100. The future is bright. The future is now. Talk of the Cubs winning in a few years should be put to bed. Jon Lester doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get signed so the team can win in 2017. Epstein just upped the ante. Lester is likely not his last off-season move. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an exciting time to be a Cubs fan. Opening Day is April 5.

Inside the First Amendment:

Without religious freedom, there will be no lasting peace By Charles C. Haynes On Dec. 10, 1948, the nations of the world gathered at the United Nations to adopt the Universal Declaration of Rights, an American-inspired proclamation that launched the modern human rights movement. Voting in the shadow of the Holocaust, religious freedom was prominent among the inalienable rights that the world agreed must be guarded for all people. According to Article 18 of the Declaration, "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance." Sixty-six years later, however, 5.8 billion people â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 76% of the world's population â&#x20AC;&#x201D; live in countries with a high or very high level of restrictions on religious freedom, an estimate based on the Pew Research Center's most recent study of religious hostilities and oppression across the world. The abject failure of governments to uphold the Universal Declaration has had dire consequences in the 21st century. It

is no exaggeration to say that denial of religious freedom is today a leading cause of repression, division and conflict across the world. Consider that in recent weeks alone: â&#x20AC;˘ The Chinese government banned any practice of religion in state institutions, public schools, and businesses in the Xinjiang region in an attempt to further repress the Uyghur Muslim population. â&#x20AC;˘ A Christian couple in Pakistan's Punjab province was lynched and another man hacked to death by a policeman for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam. Blasphemy is a capital crime in Pakistan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and villagers often take matters into their own hands. â&#x20AC;˘ Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar fled by the thousands in the wake of new requirements by the government designed to force the Rohingya out of the country. Many Rohingya are already confined to concentration camps and are, in the words of one aid worker, "treated like animals." â&#x20AC;˘ The French Interior Minister announced that anti-Semitic threats and incidents in France have more than doubled this year. Feeling frightened and unsafe,

thousands of Jews are leaving the country. From the burning of churches and mosques in East Africa countries to the destruction of ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria to the imprisonment of Baha'i leaders in Iran, much of the world's population suffers from religious persecution, extremism and hatred. That's why the United States must move religious freedom from the margins of foreign policy to the center of our relationships with other nations, including strategic allies like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; two of the worst violators of religious freedom in the world. American advocacy of religious freedom is not only a moral obligation; it is in our national security interest. Where religious freedom is denied, religious division, extremism and conflict flourish. Without religious freedom, there will be no lasting peace. Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Email: chaynes@ newseum.org

Viewfinder 12-18-14 What is your least favorite Christmas song? Asked of the Orland Park Lions at Paddy Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub, 11969 W. 143rd St., Orland Park, as they wrapped Christmas presents for the needy. Photos by Joan Hadac

Jim Smith, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Lenox â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; because I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the way it sounds.â&#x20AC;?

Jim Jankowski, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Orland Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elvisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Blue Christmasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because it represents sadness.â&#x20AC;?

Sandy Jankowski, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Orland Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;The version of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jingle Bellsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sung by barking dogs. It annoys me.â&#x20AC;?

Steve Anton, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Orland Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Santa Babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford her wish list.â&#x20AC;?

Gail Anton, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Orland Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because Bob Collins used to play the song on WGN radio over and over and over, and it was too much.â&#x20AC;?

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Reporter

Submitted photo

Preventing Christmas tree fires can be easy as a few, simple steps are followed.

It’s easy to Prevent Christmas tree fires

Photo courtesy Moraine Valley Community College

MVCC on ESPN: The gym in Moraine Valley Community College’s new fitness center will host a nationally televised high school basketball game Friday.

ESPN

(Continued from page 1)

want UIC or Chicago State or Rosemont. This ended up being the perfect venue for size. We’ve had full-day showcases here before but nothing like this. This is requiring tons of more work but it’s worth it. The attention and exposure for our college and athletic program will be tremendous.’’ Finn said former players of his

have connections with the Paragon Marketing group, which has ties with ESPN and the two sides came together in recent months to make this event work. The talent on the floor will be special. Simeon coach Robert Smith has coached stars Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker in his tenure and may not have players of that caliber this year, but he has three Big 10 Conference signees in Edward Morrow (Nebraska), D.J. Williams (Illinois) and Isiah Moss (Iowa). The Wolverines

opened the season 3-0 including Sunday’s 71-66 victory over Morgan Park at the CPS Rivalry Showcase at Whitney Young High School. Simeon has won six Class 4A state titles in nine seasons including a historic four-year run that ended last season. St. Rita won three of its first four games including last Friday’s 80-61 victory of St. Joseph. Charles Matthews is heading to college powerhouse Kentucky while Arjmani Chaney is heading to Tennessee Stat and Myles

Carter has Northwestern, Notre Dame, De Paul, Illinois and others still on his wish list. Tickets are on sale now at the school’s rec center and will be available at the door. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for high school students with identification. Finn hopes the thousands of fans at the game and many more watching the game on ESPN2 will enjoy the school’s new venue. “This is not the Taj Mahal,’’ Finn said. “But it’s the Taj Mahal for me.”

Talking to your child about Santa Claus The wonderment of Christmas is reflected in the eyes and expressions of a young child awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, but what happens when the Santa stories begin wearing a bit thin as the child matures? When is the best time to tell your child, “There is no Santa Claus?” “There is really no ‘right time’ or right way to tell your child that Santa is simply a symbol of what is good about Christmas and that those holiday presents actually come from mom and dad,” says Gabrielle Roberts, Ph.D., clinical child psychologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital-Oak Lawn. Actually, parents should wait for their child to come to them with questions about Santa and his existence rather than taking

any preemptive action. A parent can create some complications if telling a child that Santa is a myth before the child is ready to hear it, Roberts says. “Certainly, some parents may fear that their son’s or daughter’s heart will be crushed if they learn at school that Santa does not exist, but mom and dad should resist the temptation of bringing up the subject first,” Roberts advises. “Of course, there are some exceptions to that guideline. For example, if an older child is being bullied or at risk of being bullied for his or her belief, then it may be time to initiate the ‘talk.’” If a child does start asking questions about Santa, “use your parenting intuition to determine

whether or not your child is simply seeking confirmation of his or her belief in Santa or is really wanting hard answers,” Roberts says. The best approach is to “throw the question back to the child. Ask your son or daughter, ‘What do you think? If you believe, that is what’s important. It is okay to believe in Santa.’ The child’s response should give you some understanding of what they are truly trying to learn,” Roberts adds. When children are ready to find out the truth about the jolly, bearded old man in the red suit, “parents can use the opportunity as segue to discussing what Christmas is all about and how Santa Claus symbolizes the true

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

magic of the holidays.” Francis Pharcellus Church, editorial writer for the New York Sun, perhaps, said it best in September 1897, when responding to a letter from 8-year-old, Virginia O’Halon, who had questioned the existence of Santa Claus: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy…A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10 thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.” --Advocate Children’s Hospital

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees can keep your home and loved ones safe. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that approximately 15,000 people are treated in emergency rooms every holiday season for injuries related to Christmas trees and holiday decorating. “The last thing anyone wants in their home is a Christmas tree-related fire and end up in the emergency room hurt,” says Daniel Checco, D.O., emergency medicine physician at the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center located at 143rd St. and Bell Rd. in Homer Glen. “Although if they find themselves seriously injured from a burn, seek medical attention immediately.” Further, these NFPA Christmas tree safety tips can help keep the holiday season safe for all: Picking the tree •If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant. •Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Placing the tree • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk. • Make sure the tree is at least

Church Corner

three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. Lighting the tree • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. After Christmas • Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Driedout trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. -- Silver Cross Hospital

Real kids are curious about alcohol. 40% will try it by the time they reach 8th grade.

Pilgrim Faith UCC Children, Youth Stage Christmas Pageant The children and youth of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn, will present the Christmas pageant “The King’s Birthday” at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The public is invited. The church is handicapped accessible. Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Planned By Pilgrim Faith UCC Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn, will hold candlelight Christmas Eve services at 7 and 11 p.m. Both services will feature special music, a Christmas message by Pastor Peggy McClanahan and singing “Silent Night” as each participant lights a candle. The 7 p.m. service also includes a children’s story. The public is welcome. The church is handicapped accessible.

UNDERAGEdrinking.SAMHSA.gov or Text TALK to 30364 Message and data rates may apply.

Funeral Directory “THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Across 1 Tucked-in part of a dress shirt 4 Cocoon contents 9 Glaringly vivid 14 “__ you kidding me?” 15 Words after make or close 16 Carne __: roasted Mexican dish 17 Ford Model T, colloquially 19 Siesta taker 20 Eight-armed cephalopod 21 Speed demon 23 Open-__ shoes 26 TV producer Norman 27 Online “Yikes!” 30 Chinese leader 33 Bus depot: Abbr. 36 Mature male gorilla 38 Purim observers 39 Essayist de Botton 40 Match for a pocket handkerchief 41 West Pointer 42 Mideast strip 43 One only in it for the money 45 Baton Rouge-to-Montgomery dir. 46 Twisting force 47 WWII venue 48 Latin god 50 “__ a lift?” 52 Japanese cooking show

56 Schemer Charles 60 Gallivants 61 Certain rock music fan, and what 17-, 21-, 36-, 43 and 52-Across each has 64 Last Olds off the line 65 Mental picture 66 NBC skit show 67 Zac of “The Lorax” 68 Glove material 69 Game gadget, or the area where it’s used 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22

Down Boaters and bowlers Actor La Salle It may drop down or pop up Made vulnerable Axlike shaping tool Tribal land, informally, with “the” Colorado resort Out of the wind Fire truck feature Lady Liberty’s land, familiarly Somerset Maugham novel, with “The” Prefix with logical Pub missile On fire South Sudanese supermodel

(Answers on page 10)

Wek 24 Goof 25 Short person? 27 Missouri river 28 La Scala’s city 29 Like eyes showing boredom 31 Drops in a slot 32 Stranded at 7-Down, perhaps 34 Chirp 35 Jetson dog 37 By way of 38 Spree 41 Multi-screen theater 43 “Gee whiz” 44 It goes for a buck 46 Second-most populous Arizona city 49 Warm Argentina month 51 “Stupid me!” 52 “Dies __” 53 Massage deeply 54 Actor Jannings 55 Earthquake response gp. 57 Cozy home 58 Writer Grey 59 Inactive 62 Art on the reality show “Ink Master” 63 Single-malt datum

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CHRISTMAS

The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014

WORSHIP s e c i v r e S

Savior Divine Lutheran Church

10040 S. 88th Ave. Palos Hills 598-0700 Rev. Martin Pauschke, Pastor Sunday, December 21 10:30 a.m. - Tree Decorating Ceremony Praise Dancers - Drama Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 5 p.m. - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion www.saviordivine.org

St. Damian Church

5300 W. 155th St., Oak Forest, Illinois 60452 708-687-1370 www.stdamianchurch.org info@stdamianchurch.org

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24 3:00 p.m. 3:10 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m.

Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil

Mass Mass Mass Mass Mass

Youth Choir at 2:45 Shaw/O’Day Halls Musical Prelude at 4:15 Musical Prelude at 5:45 Musical Prelude at 11:30

Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25

Our Lady of the Ridge Catholic Church

10811 S. Ridgeland Ave. Chicago Ridge 708-425-3800 www.ourladyoftheridge.org

Bethel Bible 1 Church

3225 W. 96th St.

Evergreen Park

6:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

INVITES THE PUBLIC TO THESE CHRISTMAS/DECEMBER EVENTS:

Sunday, December 14, 10:00 a.m.

12101 S. Harlem Ave.

Palos Heights

9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn 708-422-5111

Christmas Sing-A-Long and Concert Sunday, December 14 - 4 P.M.

Invites you to

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

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church

9701 S. Melvina Ave. Oak Lawn 424-1059 Rev. Mark Birkholz, Pastor www.faithoaklawn.org Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. - Christmas Celebration Service “Have a Blessed Christmas!”

Wednesday, December 24 – 5:30 P.M.

SUNDAY WORSHIP Adult Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Kingdom Kids 10:15 A.M. Worship 10:45 A.M.

9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn (708) 422-4200 www.pilgrimfaith.org Rev. Peggy McClanahan

Christmas Eve, December 24th 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service Children’s Story, Carols and Choir 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service Lessons, Carols and Special Music Nursery service provided at 7:00 p.m.

10000 S. Central, Oak Lawn 708-423-1170 www.oaklawnchurch.org Christmas Eve Service

Rev. Dr. James. R. Sandberg, Senior Pastor Rev. Zachary Lovig, Associate Pastor

Trinity Lutheran Church and School

11500 German Church Rd., Burr Ridge 708-839-1200

Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ

First United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24 4:30 p.m. - Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion 6:30 p.m. - Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 p.m. - Traditional Worship

Christmas Day Service Thursday, December 25 10:00 a.m. with Holy Communion

Salem United Church of Christ 9717 S. Kostner Ave. Oak Lawn 423-9717 Rev. Steve Hoerger

Candlelight, Favorite Carols Joyful Message! Join Us at 5:30 p.m.

United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church 3240 W. 98th Street 3240 W.60805 98th Street Evergreen Park, IL Evergreen Park, IL 60805 708-422-6301 www.unitedbyfaith-ep.org 708-422-6301

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day No services

Wednesday, December 10 - Advent

St. Mark Lutheran Church

212 S. Nolton Ave. Willow Springs 708-839-5255

5:30 p.m. - Supper (lower level) 7:00 p.m. - Service (upper level)

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

Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

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

Wednesday, December 17

Sunday, December 14

4:30 p.m. Lessons, Carols with Candlelight 10:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy (Incense) with Candlelight

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve 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

Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Traditional Service

Rev. Jay Trygstad • www.stmarkworth.org

Hope Christian Reformed Church

SAINT PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL

687-2095

Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m. Lessons, Carols, & Candlelight

4660 West 94th St. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (708) 423-1040

Pastor: Rev. John S. Moeller

Come Celebrate the Joy of Christmas with Us

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church 10400 S. Kostner Ave. Oak Lawn 423-6554 Christmas Eve, December 24 Services at 4:30 p.m.

Family Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols

www.pmcucc.org

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00 p.m.

Oak Forest

Sunday, December 21 - 4 P.M. Refreshments at 5 P.M.

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

“Come Home for Christmas” December 24, 2014

5825 W. 151st St.

Kingdom Kids Christmas Program “The Animals of Christmas”

Peace Memorial Church

8859 S. Francisco Ave. Evergreen Park, Illinois

6:35 7:45 9:20 10:50 12:15

Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church

448-0798

Candlelight and Communion

Evergreen Park Presbyterian Church

at at at at at

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Day of World Peace 9:00 a.m. - Mass

December 24, 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Celebration!

Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude

Thursday, January 1

Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 21

Musical Musical Musical Musical Musical

5:00 p.m. - Vigil Mass

Palos United Methodist Church

Christmas Music Program, “Songs of the Christ Child” lead by our worship leader Zach Becze.

Wednesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve

Christmas Eve Masses 4:00 p.m. Family Mass and 12:00 Midnight Christmas Day Masses 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Serving Chicago Ridge and Worth

424-1384

Mass Mass Mass Mass Mass

www.unitedbyfaith-ep.org

Christmas Worship Services CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES Christmas Eve, December 24 at 11 pm Christmas Eve, December Christmas Day, December 25 at 11 am 24 p.m. Family Worship & 11 2p.m. Candlelight Worship Epiphany Sunday, January at 9:30 am

Christmas Day, December 25 at 10 a.m.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 9000 South Menard Ave., Oak Lawn 708-422-1433

Friday, December 19 12:00 p.m. - Christmas Service for Preschool students & parents 4:00 p.m. - Christmas program and celebration by “Spindulelis” Preschool and Day care.

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21 9:30 a.m. - English Family Service with Holy Communion; 11:00 a.m. - Lithuanian Service with Holy Communion; 2:00 p.m. - German Christmas Service. Rev. George Mrochen preaching, Rev. Dr. Valdas Ausra conducting the Service, Choir of Zion is singing. Come and celebrate Christmas singing German Christmas carols and hymns! Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Our traditional Candlelight service, with Choir and soloist singing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE

Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day 9:30 a.m. - English language with caroling; 11:00 a.m. - Lithuanian with caroling.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY

Wednesday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve 5:00 p.m. - Traditional New Year’s Eve Service with Holy Communion

5:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

Family Worship Service with Communion Candelight Communion Service Festival Communion Service

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE 7:00 p.m.

Traditional New Year’s Eve Communion Service

HAPPY NEW YEAR! In the service of the Lord! Rev. Dr. Valdas Ausra, Pastor

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Reporter

SCHOOLS

Submitted photo

Conrady seventh grader Margarito Villarreal said the Hour of Code was fun.

Catching a code By Jim Hook District 117

Submitted photo

Food drive a success

This holiday season, District 123 schools have hosted food drives to help pantries and families within our community. Collections started at the end of October in conjunction with many Fall Fest activities and continued through November with Student Council efforts and PBIS events. Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School staff and students brought in over 2,600 non-perishable food items and over $600 to be donated to the Pilgrim Faith Food Pantry. Kolmar Avenue Elementary helped seven district families with their Thanksgiving meals.

Students in North Palos School District 117 joined millions of their peers around the globe in kicking off a campaign to introduce computer coding into the classrooms. Called Hour of Code, the program is designed to demystify computer science and show that anyone can learn the basics. At Conrady Junior High School, students watched a brief tutorial on Code.org and then took to basic coding like fish to water. Sixth grader Nicholas Burall was so excited about computer coding that he boldly declared he was changing his career choice. “My dream has been to become a volcanologist, but I think I want to be a computer programmer,” Nicholas said. “I’d love to be able to create computer games. “This coding is a lot of fun,” he said. “I can’t wait to continue this at home. This (coding) is going to take the place of me playing my PS3 (computer game system).” Seventh grader Margarito Villarreal said the biggest challenge was

learning the keystroke functions that tell the computer what to do. “Once you have a basic understanding of that, coding isn’t hard at all,” Margarito said. “It’s actually a lot of fun.” Some Conrady students were familiar with coding as part of a technology club. A similar after-school coding club was started this year for students at Oak Ridge and Glen Oaks schools. The popular program will continue again next year with different groups of students. Statistics show that by 2020, there will be nearly 1.4 million computing jobs and only about 400,000 qualified students to fill those positions. Salaries for computer science jobs are among the highest around. Code.org is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding computer science programs in schools. The goal is to inspire 100 million students across the globe to try one hour of computer science during National Computer Science Education Week (December 8–14).

Stagg senior wins Posse Scholar award

Submitted photo

Mailing it in The kindergarten class at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn, under the guidance of Faith Triemstra and Ruth Goudzwaard, created a Jingle Bells Post Office to raise money for the charity, World Renew. The students sold cards, envelopes, and stamps each day to students and parents for a penny each. Students and parents wrote a holiday greeting to anyone they wished and placed the card in the Jingle Bells Post Office mailbox and the cards were delivered. The students raised money to purchase chickens for families in third world countries. The students include Caleb Carlson (Crestwood), Toby Fratto (Midlothian), Isabella D’Ambrosia (Chicago), and Bree Bille (Midlothian).

Stagg High School senior Motasem Salameh earned a full-tuition, four-year scholarship as a Posse Scholar. This award places him among the top 5 percent of 2,500 nominations for the prestigious Posse Scholar recognition. Salameh plans to attend Pomona College in Claremont, California to major in biology and then attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. In addition to excelling in the classroom at Stagg, Salameh has volunteered more than 100 service hours and is involved in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta, Student Advisory and Key Club. “Motasem is one of the most mature and prepared students I have ever met,” said guidance counselor Rich Kowalczyk. “He has clear goals for his future and a drive and determination that will no doubt lead him to successful completion of those aspirations. Motasem is the complete package. In 20 years when my knees finally give out on me, Motasem will be the first orthopedic doctor I call.” The Posse Foundation has identified, recruited and trained 5,574 public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential to become Posse Scholars. Since 1989, these students—many of whom might have been overlooked by traditional college selection processes—have been receiving four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships from Posse’s partner institutions of higher education. Most important, Posse Scholars persist and graduate at a rate of 90 percent and make a visible difference on campus and throughout their professional careers. -- District 230

LEGAL NOTICE Marist added 56 more Illinois State Scholars to its list.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-4-15, a sale will be held at Bill Kay Ford, 14633 S. Cicero Ave., Midlothian, IL 60445 IL, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles Ryan Higgins, Anne Hynes, Ash- are redeemed within thirty days ley Kaczorowski, Lauren Kapa, of the publication of this notice. Eugene Moore & Gene Moore Madeline Kelly, Tara Kelly, Joe 2003 Mercury Kezon, Lauren Kirwan, SamanVIN# 2MEHM75V53X673911 tha Kliros, Michelle Krzemien Lien Amount: $6,827.97 and John LaMantia. The list also includes Ryan LoizLEGAL NOTICE zo, Gabriella Lynch-Shaw, Andrew Mack, Catherine Mahoney, Katie Notice is Hereby Given that McGrath, Tim O’Connell, Sky on 1-18-15, a sale will be held at Patterson, Rosemary Peck, Simon Ogden Auto Credit, LLC., DBA Rafacz, Colleen Reilly, Kristen Ro- 505 Motors, 505 Ogden Ave., szak, Marty Ryan, Kaylie Sampson, Downers Grove, IL 60515, to sell Mitch Schroeder, Gabriela Scott, the following articles to enforce Michael Serwetnyk, Briana Sheehy, a lien existing under the laws of Taylor Sonntag, Matt Spinazzola, the State of Illinois unless such Elizabeth St. Lawrence, Patrick articles are redeemed within Sweeney, Anna Thomas, Lucie To- thirty days of the publication lan, Bridget Trainor, Sarah Valek, of this notice. Brooke Wilson Brian Canchola, Luis Moreno Alex Gattone, Alexa Maisenbach 2000 Volkswagen and Liz St. Lawrence. VIN# WVWBA21JXYW100379 v Lien Amount: $1,608.75 Submitted photo

Another 56 seniors from Marist named Illinois State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission recently named 56 Marist High School seniors Illinois State Scholars. This brings the total of Illinois State Scholars from Marist to 267 over the past four years. Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors, hailing from 671 different high schools across the state. Selection is based on SAT, ACT or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine the winners. “It is with great pride that we announce this year’s group of Illinois State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC Executive Director. “In addition to con-

gratulating our State Scholars for their commitment and hard work, we also want to commend their parents, teachers, coaches and mentors for helping these students achieve their goals. It really does take a village.” “We are so proud of our Illinois State Scholars,” said Marist Principal Larry Tucker. “This is a powerful reflection of the caliber of students at our school, as well as the strong curriculum and preparation our teachers provide to help students excel.” Scholars include Ben Alvarado, Amanda Apato, Kelly Barker, Christina Brooks, John Carroll, Fiona Clair, Sarah D’Astice, Grace Enright, Elizabeth Finn, Emma Flosi, Clare Gilligan, Kevin Griffith, Tom Hampston, Cameron Heppeler,

Submitted photo

Stagg High School guidance counselor Rich Kowalczyk congratulates senior Motasem Salameh on being named a Posse Scholar which includes a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.

The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Submitted photo

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk ended his Navy service Monday with a ceremony in Washington.

Kirk ends Navy service with ceremony in Pentagon

U.S. Senator and Commander missioned an Ensign in 1989 Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) retired from in Pensacola, Florida, via Office the Navy Monday in an official Candidate School and was desSubmitted photo ceremony at the Pentagon, led by ignated a Navy Intelligence OfAdmiral Jonathan W. Greenert, ficer. Subsequent tours included USN Chief of Naval Operations the Office of Naval Intelligence, and Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun, U.S. Southern Command AnaUSN Chief of Navy Reserve. lyst for the Republic of Panama, Members of the Knights of Columbus St. Louis de Montfort Council 14553 donated $600 to local nonprofit Park Lawn from Commander Kirk was designat- USS Normandy (CG-60), USS monies raised through their Tootsie Roll Drive. Each year the Knights of Columbus hold their Tootsie Roll Drive on the third ed as a Navy Intelligence Officer John C. Stennis (CVN-74), Joint weekend in September. Some of Park Lawn’s residents also participated in the Knights Tootsie Roll Drive. Pictured from left to in 1989, and served in the Navy Chiefs of Staff Yugoslavia Task right, Park Lawn participant Megan, Past Grand Knight Ray Vanderwarren, John Quintavalle, Chairman Mike Dorr, Past Grand Knight Tom Trusk and Park Lawn participants Barbara and Joyce. Reserves for 23 years. Force, Electronic Combat Squad“At the heart and soul of my ron 209, Operation Allied Force service has been my love for the (Aviana, Italy), Operation NorthUnited States Military, the great- ern Watch (Incirlik, Turkey), NaLEGAL NOTICE est force for human dignity on tional Military Joint Intelligence earth. I have loved every day in Center, and Operation Enduring IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS the Navy, and serving has been Freedom, International Security COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION The Oak Lawn Public Li- tion part of their spring break or first in a series. “A Catered Mur- one of the greatest honors of my Assistance Force (Kandahar, AfCITIMORTGAGE, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER ghanistan). brary is located at 9427 S. Ray- summer plans. der” by Isis Crawford will be the life,” Senator Kirk said. TO ABN AMRO MORTGAGE GROUP, INC. Commander Kirk was com--Mark Kirk’s office mond Ave. For more information, topic of discussion Friday, Jan. 9 Plaintiff, -v.or to register for a program, call Jan. 10: Sensory Storytime for at 9:30 a.m. DIRK R. SCHMIDT, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA) N.A. 422-4990, or visit oaklawnlibrary. children of all abilities is open to AND HARVEST CREDIT MANAGEMENT VII, LLC Defendants org. all ages, with an adult. Families True Crime - At once frightenwith a child who has special needs ing, fascinating and compelling, 14 CH 8789 8850 HILLSIDE DRIVE The Oak Lawn Public Li- are invited to this inclusive story these books go beyond the sensaDennehy School Of Irish Dance For the first time in over Hickory Hills, IL 60457 brary will be closed on the fol- time program from 10 to 10:45 tionalism of an event. They will be Wins Two Mid America Champi- ten years, Dennehy had two NOTICE OF SALE lowing dates: Wednesday and a.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Li- remembered and talked about for onships ceili teams, made up of dancer Thursday, Dec. 24 and 25 for brary. Registration begins 10 days a long time. “The Most Dangerous PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant The Dennehy School of Irish younger than 10 years old, and to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in Christmas; and Wednesday and before each date. Animal of All” by Gary L. Stewart Dance attended the 2014 Mid younger than 8 years old, comthe above cause on August 15, 2014, an agent Thursday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for with Susan Mustafa will be the America Oireachtas in Minne- pete at the Mid America Oireachfor The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2015, at The Judicial Sales New Year’s. The library’s reguJan. 10: Patrons are invited to book talked about on Thursday, apolis, Minn. in November. The tas. The younger than 10 team Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, lar hours are: Monday through come for the movie, and stay for Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. Mid America Oireachtas is the placed fifth out of 28 teams. The CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday the discussion of the 2013 “Short Midwest championships of Irish younger than 8 team won the Mid described real estate: and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Term 12” at 1 p.m. at the Oak Paging Through History - dance. Dennehy had 30 dancers America Oireachtas defeating 13 other teams. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Lawn Public Library. A 20-some- These are stories embedded in compete. LOT 45 IN MILORD’S ORCHARD ON THE HILL SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE Michael Putman, who has been Members of the younger than thing supervising staff member history the riveting reads that NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST Dec. 18: The Oak Lawn Pub- of a residential treatment facil- ensure a stimulating discussion a Dennehy dancer for 19 years, 8 Championship Ceili team inQUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL lic Library, 9427 S. Raymond Av- ity navigates the troubled waters of history, the times and an era. won the Senior Mens Champi- clude, Elizabeth Adkins, Maggie MERIDIAN, AS PER PLAT OF SUBDIVISION REenue, will present a free movie of that world alongside her co- This group will talk about “The onship. Putman has won the Carmody, Molly Carr, Mary Cait CORDED SEPTEMBER 21, 1961 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 18281496 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. screening of the 1954 film “White worker and longtime boyfriend. Astronaut Wives Club” by Lily Mid America Oireachtas a total Doherty, Claire Gilhooly, Keira Christmas” today, Thursday, at After the movie, moviegoers can Koppel on Wednesday, Jan. 21 of eight times. He has also won Martin, Maura Poppish and Commonly known as 8850 HILLSIDE DRIVE, the North America Championship Katelyn Roney. The team plans Hickory Hills, IL 60457 10 a.m. A successful song-and- head up to the second floor Art at 7 p.m. three times, the All Ireland Cham- on attending the North America dance team become romantically Gallery area for an informal disProperty Index No. 23-02-113-021. pionships and the World Cham- Championship in Providence, involved with a sister act and team cussion of the film. Even those Books and Brew - A focus pionship. Putman will travel to Rhode Island in July. Dennehy The real estate is improved with a single family up to save the failing Vermont who don’t want to discuss the residence. on bestsellers, popular fiction and Montreal, Quebec to compete in last won the younger than 8 Mid inn of their former commanding movie can still feel free to attend memoirs ensures a sociable and the World Championships in April. America ceili 20 years ago. The judgment amount was $190,484.63. general. The movie features Bing the screening. The film is rated lively discussion at Deja Brew Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary R and is 96 minutes long. Pub, right across the street from funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Clooney and Vera Ellen and is Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be the library. These are the books accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale 120 minutes long. January: The Oak Lawn people are talking about. “Me fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Public Library has launched a Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real Before You,” by Jojo Moyes will Dec. 19:Registration begins new book discussion program. estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction be the topic on Tuesday, Jan. 27 thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to for students 11 to 15 who need There are six groups, each with exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is at 7:30 p.m. to earn two service hours begins a different theme, each with a due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real at the Oak Lawn Public Library. different meeting time and place, estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by Ongoing: Patrons are asked to Participants will work together on and each with a different schedany mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor donate their “gently used” books, acquiring the residential real estate whose rights large projects on Monday, Dec. 29 ule. The variety ensures that in and to the residential real estate arose prior to magazines, CDs and videos to the from 1 to 3 p.m. Space is limited. there will be at least one that the sale. The subject property is subject to general Friends of the Oak Lawn Library real estate taxes, special assessments, or special will appeal to anyone who loves taxes levied against said real estate and is offered Ongoing Book Sale at the Oak Jan. 6: Representatives from to talk about books. Patrons can for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and Standard Bank will discuss, “Tak- pick up a copy of the library’s Lawn Public Library. Due to space in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to ing Control of Your Finances 2015: booklet that contains titles and limitations, the Friends will not confirmation by the court. Budgeting Strategies That Make details for all of the book clubs, accept Readers Digest Condensed Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purCents.” According to financial or visit oaklawnlibrary.org. Books Books, encyclopedias and older chaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate experts, taking control of personal will be available behind the Ref- textbooks. The donation drop-off after confirmation of the sale. finances begins with understand- erence Desk on the second floor. area is near the library’s Cook The property will NOT be open for inspection and ing where the money goes. The Participants can come to one, or Avenue entrance. Interested parplaintiff makes no representation as to the condition discussion will focus on putting come to all groups. Here is the ties may fill out a short form at of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished the Customer Services Desk to personal finances “back on track” lineup of titles for January. to check the court file to verify all information. receive a tax letter by mail that and regaining control at 7 p.m. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Short Works After Work - acknowledges their donation. The of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal Participants will learn a more bal- These slim volumes are brimming Friends Ongoing Book Sale profees required by The Condominium Property Act, JAMES F. SOLTES, D.D.S., LTD. anced approach to manage their with intriguing ideas and char- vides an ever-changing variety 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property Orthodontics Exclusively is a condominium unit which is part of a common money to finally reach your fi- acters and are perfect for people of books, magazines and other interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the nancial goals. who have busy lives. This group forms of media at bargain prices. 8260 W. 95th Street foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium will discuss “Girl, Interrupted” Hardcover books cost 50 cents Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). Jan. 8: Patrons can visit the by Susanna Kaysen Wednesday, each, paperbacks are 25 cents (708) 599-7100 IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), and magazines cost 10 cents each. Oak Lawn Public Library at 7 Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSAudio-visual items are priced as p.m. when veteran Disney traveler SESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE Karen Luster will discuss how to Mysteries in the Morning - indicated. Funds collected from WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS plan a magical visit without break- These books deal with murder in the book sale support library proMORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. ing the bank. This is for patrons a most charming, humorous and gramming and purchases that are You will need a photo identification issued by a who want to make a Disney vaca- gentle way. All selections are a beyond its regular budget. government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Knights (Tootsie) roll in the dough for Park Lawn

Oak Lawn

Community Brief

SEASONS GREETINGS from

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.

SUDOKU Answers

CROSSWORD Answers

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC, 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201, CHICAGO, IL 60606, (312) 3571125 Please refer calls to the sales department Please refer to file number 14-01592. 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. LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201 CHICAGO, IL 60606 (312) 357-1125 Attorney File No. 14-01592 Attorney Code. 18837 Case Number: 14 CH 8789 TJSC#: 34-14524 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.

6857 SOUTH PULASKI CHICAGO, IL 60629 (773)585-1850

Thursday, December 18, 2014

CONSUMER / FEATURES

The Reporter

Time for a family meeting to New-look Hooters opens in Oak Lawn Comings discuss financial preparations? & During the holiday season, you no doubt have a lot going on in your life — work functions, gatherings with friends and neighbors, tracking down the elusive “perfect gift,” etc. But you may find it valuable to add one more event to your calendar: a family meeting to discuss those financial preparations that affect you and your loved ones. Of course, the scope of your meeting will depend on your age and the age of your children, and on whether you have elderly parents. So, let’s look at one family meeting scenario that would work under two different sets of circumstances: you are meeting with your own grown children or you are meeting with your elderly parents. In either case, you’ll want to review the following areas: Investment information — It’s a good idea to let your grown children know where you (and your spouse, if still living) keep your investments and what sort of investments and retirement accounts you own, such as your IRA, 401(k), and so on. You should also provide your children with the name of your financial advisor. And talk to your parents about their investments. You might think that this could be challenging topic to bring up, but you might be surprised at their willingness to talk. Estate planning documents — Comprehensive estate planning

can involve a variety of legal documents, such as a will, a living trust, power of attorney, etc. If you have already created these documents, you need to share both their location and their intent with your grown children, who will be active players in carrying out your estate plans. The same is true with your elderly parents — try to encourage them to share all their estate-planning documents with you, especially if they will be counting on you for their care. Names of professional advisors — As you put together your estate plans, you will likely need to work with a team of financial, tax and legal advisors. Make sure your grown children know the names of these professionals and how to contact them. Similarly, seek the same information from your parents. Wishes for future living arrangements — It’s certainly possible that you will be able to live independently your whole life. On the other hand, you may eventu-

Headline -- New-look Hooters opens in Oak Lawn Hooters, a restaurant famous for its wings and waitresses who wear tight T-shirts and short shorts, opened its new-look restaurant Monday at 9159 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn. The new Hooters will act as a flagship for its Chicago-area locations, according to the Floridabased chain. It was built next to the existing location, which will be torn down and turned into a parking lot for the new building. The new Hooters is one of the first locations to offer new features and services as the chain looks to revitalize itself. The restaurant, which is one of the busiest in the Chicago area, opened 15 years ago. It has a new interior and exterior, updated furnishings, video gaming and high definition televisions. The remodel cost about $3 million. There also is a new, updated menu with even more wing choices along with burgers and salads.

ally need some type of long-term care, such as that provided in a nursing home or an assisted-living residence. Let your children know what your feelings are about such a possibility, and what preparations you have made. And try to elicit the same information from your own parents. Funeral or burial instructions — Admittedly, you can probably find topics that are more pleasant to discuss than funeral plans. Yet, if you make your own burial or cremation plans in advance, and possibly even prepay for them, you will be taking a tremendous burden off the shoulders of your loved ones, who won’t be forced to make difficult decisions — or scramble for money at short notice — during a highly emotional time in their lives. Once again, you’ll also want to learn about your parents’ desires for their final arrangements, and what steps they may have Panera bails on already taken in this area. By holding a family meeting Beverly Panera Bread will be closing its about these issues today, you can avoid a lot of stress and misunderstandings in the future. So bring out the coffee and cookies — and start talking. Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for For the 20th time, the finanuse by your local Edward Jones cial services firm Edward Jones financial advisor. ranked No. 1 in WealthManagement.com’s (formerly Registered Rep) annual survey of the nation’s six largest financial services firms, according to Scott W. Johnson, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Palos Hills. The magazine randomly selects financial advisors nationwide and asks them to rank Rashad Sherif to Abdelazeez their firms in various categories. Edward Jones’ overall score was Ameen, 9308 S Parkside Ave, 9.5 out of 10 possible points. The $200,000; Blizzard Dale Thompson Jr to firm scored top marks (9.5) for Lee James R II, 10521 S Kolin its online client account information and 8.8 for the quality of its Ave, $210,000; Werr Loretta to Dubiel Thomas mobile applications, according to P, 9533 W 95th St, Unit #2WEST, WealthManagement.com. “This ranking reflects several $96,000; things that set us apart in the Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Fortner Paul, 8739 Melvina industry: our solutions-based ap-

Area Property Tran$fer$

joy Michael E, 4540 100th Pl, $155,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Vidal Luis, 10715 S Keating Ave, Unit #107152C, $45,000; Rudd Donald B to Stovall Jeffery, 4944 Spring Rd, $205,000; Smolik David to Gorski Marcia, Chicago Ridge 4984 Wick Dr, $183,000; Us Bk to Zaghmoury Adam, Jaksevicius-Mohen Jurate to 9823 S Nottingham Ave, Unit Ptach Brenda T, 4107 98th St, #208, $41,000; Unit #83&83G, $63,000; Baranowsky Ronald J to Gutzwiller Carmel to Ortiz MaMortensen Nick J, 10625 S Oak ria E, 9124 Meade Ave, $225,500; Park Ave, $165,000. Hahn Marianne to Sonsikoski Eric W, 9960 Elm Circle Dr, Evergreen Park $132,500; Dunne Brianna to Riccordino Fannie Mae to Mclaughlin PaFrank Jr, 10021 S Trumbull Ave, tricia, 4022 107th St, $77,000; $192,000; Jarzabek Jan to Ibrahim Baseel, Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp 7110 93rd Pl, Unit #1A, $55,000; to Revitalize Inv Grp LLC, 9655 Newman Eleanor to Tadros S Troy St, $110,000; Sami Khalil, 11016 S Keating Sabre Inv LLC to Crededio John Ave, Unit #110161B, $51,000; C Jr, 2627 W 98th Pl, $35,000; Pischl John P Extr to Chorney City Cap Holdings LLC5 to Hol- Michael, 4616 100th St, $190,000; man Patrick E, 8745 S Mozart Chlumecky Michael to Miric St, $230,000; Sanja, 7100 W 95th St, Unit Grisolano John P to Dinneen #210, $65,000; Margaret M, 9831 S Spaulding Nevins James M Tr to CabreAve, $190,000; ra Silvestre, 9137 Monitor Ave, Forczon Magdalena to Bled- $135,000; soe Kenny E, 2920 W 100th Pl, Sheared Lela A to Downs $226,500; Cleother, 9725 Karlov Ave, Unit Gonzalez Francesca to Henry #9725502, $40,000; James, 2957 W 101st Pl, $89,000. Reuling Sylvia to Ramirez Marybell, 9928 Menard Ave, Hickory Hills $247,500; Fortier Nancy Tr to Schifano Vrshek Christopher to Regan Carmelo M, 7800 W 95th St, Unit David L, 10013 Kilbourn Ave, #91202A, $103,500; $200,000; Jerbich John to New Road Mack Industries Ltd to SpringHouse Venture LLC, 8000 W 91st view Investments II LL I LLC, St, $200,000. 9232 50th St, $160,000; Hsbc Mtg Services Inc to Solid Oak Lawn Sol Real Estate Inv Inc, 5474 Edi Mailhiot Patricia Tr to Fan- son Ave, $117,000;

Ave, $125,000; Sangosti Robert Emil to Ramirez Graciela, 9325 Sayre Ave, $118,000. Palos Hills Klotzke Donald to Hering Andrea M, 7849 Peak Dr, $170,000; Deacetis Leyvis Ind Adm to Jakubczak Dorota, 10541 Palos Pl, Unit #10541C, $82,000; Thompson Virginija R to Booras Demetri, 11111 S 84th Ave, Unit #111113B, $55,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Sieczka Stanley, 9008 W Sierra Ln, $227,500; Grelecki Ryan A to Gorczynski Richard M, 11131 Cottonwood Dr, Unit #10D, $135,000; Standard B&T Co Hhq to Mcnamara Nedra, 8254 Chestnut Dr, Unit #41A, $155,000; Bradley Lana M Extr to Janosek Amanda, 11241 Sycamore Ln, Unit #63A, $136,000. Worth Marquette Bk Tr to Vaniel Stephen A, 11119 S Preller Ave, $134,000; Firstsecure B&T Co Tr to Oceguera Monica, 6827 S Lode Dr, $195,000; Cushing Katherine S to Cook Robert K, 7237 W 113th St, $130,000.

First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 15) RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.047 0 3.375 3.644 0 4.125 4.170 0

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 16) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 3.990 4.011 0 3.250 3.286 0 2.990 3.042 0

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

sandwich shop at 2314 W. 95th St. in Chicago's Beverly community Tuesday. Ald. Matt O'Shea was quoted in a number of news outlets as saying the decision was based, in part at least, because of the recent vote by the city council to raise the city's minimum wage. For its part, the company did not address the minimum wage issue when it issued a release about the closing: “For years, the Panera bakerycafe on 95th and Western has been privileged to serve and feel the support of the community. We continually invest in efforts to improve and renovate bakerycafes to ensure that our customers have the dining experience they have come to appreciate from the brand. Unfortunately, in some

proach, our integrated tools for serving clients, our support for each branch office, the training and development we offer, and compensation that reflects our values. “ said Scott W. Johnson. “We are guided by a clear mission to serve the serious, long-term individual investor and to provide the best career-long opportunity for financial advisors who take pride in their work and appreciate the importance of the work we do.” According to WealthManagement.com, between Sept. 24 and with Tony Oct. 31, REP. Dunst magazine emailed invitations to praticipate in an online survey to print and web subscribers and advisors in the Meridian-IQ database. By Oct. 31, a total of 2,965 responses were

Talkin Poker

Mortgage Rates Around the Area 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

By Bob Bong

RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.038 .25 3.750 3.802 .25 3.250 3.314 .25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Car wash reopens in Summit

Tornado Car Wash, which closed a couple of years ago reopened last week at 5735 S. Archer Road in Summit, under new ownership. 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

For 20th time, Edward Jones on the top of the charts

Area Property Tran$fer$ Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Goings

locations, it is difficult to achieve the standards we believe will meet customer expectations. With the expiration of our lease, we have decided to close our Beverly location on Dec. 16. We will provide opportunities for all associates and managers who wish to continue with our company at other Chicagoland locations. Thank you for all the years of loyalty and patronage; we truly appreciate it and will miss the deep connection to the neighborhood.”

received. Financial advisors rated their current employers on almost 50 items related to their satisfaction. Ratings are based on a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 representing the highest satisfaction level. Headquartered in St. Louis, Edward Jones ranked No. 4 overall in FORTUNE magazine’s 2014 100 Best Companies to Work For ranking. Visit our website at www.edwardjones.com and our recruiting website at www.careers. edwardjones.com. Follow us on Twitter @EdwardJones. Member SIPC. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with and do not endorse Edward Jones products or services.

Talkin Poker

By Chad Holloway

Don’t let yourself be pushed around I was fortunate enough to win a World Series of Poker bracelet back in 2013, but not before making some of the toughest poker decisions of my career. One of those decisions came when Bobby Rooney put me by the test by moving all in, but before I get to that, let me set the stage. It happened in Event No. 1, the $500 casino employees no-limit hold ‘em event, with just three players from an 898-player field remaining. Rooney was sitting with 1 million in chips, I was second with approximately 850,000, and Allan Kwong was the short stack with around 400,000. The blinds were hefty — 12,000-24,000 with a 4,000 ante — so our stacks were fairly shallow. In what turned out to be one of the biggest hands of the tournament, I raised to 50,000 on the button holding Ah Js. Kwong folded from the small blind before Rooney opted for a three-bet to 150,000 from the big blind. I considered reraising him, but I thought that disguising the strength of my hand was the better choice. Rooney no doubt

thought my initial raise was nothing but attempt to steal the blinds, so he could very well interpret a smooth call as weakness. The 5h As 3d flop gave me top pair with a jack kicker, and with Tony Dunst even when Rooney bet 175,000, I thought I was good. I called. The dealer burned and turned the 9s, and Rooney paused for a moment before moving all in. I certainly wasn’t expecting a shove, and I had a lot to think about, as this decision was for my tournament life. I didn’t put Rooney on a big hand. He’d been three-betting a with Tony Dunst lot, and in my mind he was trying to bully with his big stack. What’s more, I had a feeling he was trying to leverage my chip stack against Kwong’s. The next player to go would receive $33,903, and the second-place finisher would earn $52,318. Did Rooney shove all in counting on the difference in prize money to influence my decision? My gut told me that was exactly what was happening. Unfortunately for Rooney, I was there to win, and the prize money was an afterthought. I called off my

Talkin Poker

stack, and Rooney tabled Qs 2s. I was right that my pair of aces was ahead, but Rooney held both a straight draw and a flush draw. The dealer burned one last time and put out the Kh. Rooney missed, and I doubled into a huge chip lead. Rooney bowed out in third place a short time later, and I went on to defeat Kwong in heads-up play to capture the $84,915 first-place prize. This hand was indicative of what good players will do to try to push you around. Amateur poker players have a tendency to put opponents on stronger hands than they actually have, but it’s important not to be a pushover. Play smart, play to win, and don’t back down in the face of adversity. Do this, and you very well may be on your way to a gold WSOP bracelet of your own. Chad Holloway is a World Series of Poker bracelet winner and Senior News Editor for PokerNews.com and learn. pokernews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChadAHolloway.

The Reporter Thursday, December 18, 2014

The

Enjoying our first stress-free Back Page Christmas in sunny Arizona

Photo by Jeff Vorva

WHATIZIT?

Oh, oh, oh. It was a very un-merry Christmas for the few guessers who tackled last week’s photo. It was Santa’s beard, which is also a song by the quirky group, They Might Be Giants. It’s also another song by the Beach Boys but that would have been too easy of a clue. We’ll try to make it up this week with an easier clue. Theresa and George Rebersky of Worth were first with the right answer. Worth’s Robert Solner nailed it and Evergreen Park’s Bernie Mysliwiec knew it was the TMBG song and not some reference from the movie with the same name. Incorrect guesses were of a snow monkey, the Abominable Snowman, a boa and the unfortunate guess of “We have come to the conclusion that this is not Santa’s beard, so we are going with the Great Pyrenees dog.’’ This week’s clue, think a “top” hit for Neil Diamond. Good luck and get those guesses to us by SUNDAY night (earlier holiday deadlines ) at thereporter@comcast.net with WHATIZIT? in the subject line. Don’t forget your name and home town.

Can it be? Christmas is almost here? Every year it seems to come sooner. I don’t quite know how that works. What I do know is Americans are undergoing even more tremendous stress than in the last few years. Stress seems to have an ability to magnify itself around the Christmas holidays. Years ago, I decided to remove myself from the Habitrail known as the Christmas rush. It just seemed so wrong to me. You can keep your Black Friday events. People are always getting trampled and the fighting begin. Thieves are out in force and the mood is generally neither happy nor healthy. In fact, I rarely shop around Christmas, except for food. What I do enjoy is decorating the house. It makes me feel warm and joyful. This is our first Arizona Christmas in our home and it’s weird, I confess. It’s a great deal easier to decorate when the temps are hovering around 70, it just seems

so odd. I hear the temperatures in Chicago are not bad at all and I’m happy for Illinois residents after last year’s deep freeze. I generally attempt to share ideas on how to relax while enjoying the wondrous and glorious birth of Christ—just in case anyone forgot—that’s what this holiday is really about. Well, there are things you can do to keep your sanity while enjoying the season. Nervousness and mild anxiety can be caused by depletion of nutrients such as magnesium, B-Complex and other deficiencies. For those presently on medications, many times medications rob the body of nutrients, creating other issues. It’s important to talk with your doctor about any nutrients you may be taking because some may interfere with medications. There are websites throughout the internet and a wonderful book by pharmacist, Suze Cohen, called “Drug Muggers,” that might help determine which drugs mug

which nutrients and what to do to correct the situation. She also suggests various nutrients. Having said that, there are simple things like brewing a cup of chamomile tea, Rooibos tea, or another relaxing tea that can take the edge off. Then, if your stress is a bit more involved, there’s nothing like lemon balm and L-theanine to settle you down. Lemon balm is a natural relaxant and actually contains anti-viral qualities. Considering everyone seems to have come down with something this year--and considering that flu shot you took won’t work on the most prevalent virus out there, you might want to include lemon balm as a bit of protection as well. Lemon balm is also considered to be a mood-elevator. L-theanine is one of my favorites and I’ve written about in the past. Ltheanine is considered to be neuro-protective and calming at the same time. For situational depression, St. John’s Wort is

Mixing it up for good health By Dee Woods another relaxing herb used very frequently in Europe—but must first be cleared with your physician because there are certain meds and foods that should not be taken with it. Another suggestion is to take a warm bath with a cup or two of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts). I add lavender to mine and relax with an LED candle. Some of the magnesium is absorbed to help us relax. The warm water along with the magnesium can be quite a helpful mood soother. But please, people, keep in mind this wondrous event as a promise from God, not an insane gifting holiday with little meaning. Remember: Christmas, like life…is empty without Christ. Merry Christmas! Dee Woods column runs every first and third week. She can be reached at deewoods10@icloud. com.

Standard Bank takes donations for Park Lawn Three Standard Bank and

Trust branches are collecting donations to decorate their holiday trees to help complete the wish list of hope for Park Lawn’s Angel Fund. The proceeds raised help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with little or no family support. Through Friday, you can support “Holiday Hope for Park Lawn” by entering one of three Southland Standard Bank and Trust locations and make a donation to place an ornament on the branches holiday tree. Participating southland Standard Bank and Trust branches are located in Oak Lawn on 95th and 111th street, Evergreen Park on 95th street and Palos Park at 131st street and 119th street. Donations will help purchase much needed items for Park Lawn’s Angel Fund. The fund was created by Park Lawn to provide a warm, caring and lov-

ing environment for individuals with multiple medical, physical and intellectual disabilities. It is the goal of Park Lawn and Standard Bank & Trust to ensure all residents feel unique, loved and valued especially when family members can no longer assist. This program makes every effort to bridge the gap between essential needs and daily living necessities. Park Lawn is a non-profit organization offering a variety of programs and services such as adult developmental training, residential facilities, vocational training, supported employment and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1955. The mission of Park Lawn is to provide services that promote independence, choice and access to community for people with developmental disabilities. More information about Park Lawn can be found at www.parklawn.com. --Submitted by Standard Bank

Santa to appear on SXU radio Santa Claus will be taking calls from children live on the air from WXAV Radio, the award winning radio station of Saint Xavier University from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Tune into 88.3 FM or stream it live on wxav.com to hear him. The number to call for this special program is 773-429-0463. To participate, parents need to call and speak with a producer who will be answering the incoming calls off the air. Once they have spoken with the producer, parents can hand the phone over to their child to speak with Santa Claus live on the radio.

“This promotion is special because it aligns with SXU’s core value of service, in the sense that it provides an opportunity to bring smiles to children’s faces in a fun and unique way during the holiday season,” said Brian Condon, DJ and host of the Santa Claus program. “I spoke with Santa recently and he is thrilled to be coming to WXAV to talk with children on the radio, and we are grateful for his time.” This will be the first year WXAV has conducted this Christmas promotion. --St. Xavier University

Ho, ho, ho – happy New Year

Submitted photo

The Sabrette dancers are appearing New Year’s Eve at the Sabre Room. The $75-per-person ticket includes a gourmet New York Strip steak dinner and open bar. The Sabre Room is located at 8900 W. 95th Street in Hickory Hills. For more information, call 708-598-1200.

Maniacs and more headline BAC shows With a gala reception and ribbon-cutting, the Beverly Arts Center’s mainstage theatre was recently renamed The Baffes Theatre in honor of the the William Baffes family, owners of County Fair Fine Foods in Beverly and long-time supporters of the BAC. This intimate and welcoming 400-seat theatre is a premier venue for live music and theatre, with high-quality acoustics, unobstructed views, a full bar for all performances and plenty of free parking. The Baffes Theatre is undeniably one of the best places in Chicago to take in a show. The BAC has announced its upcoming schedule of live music that promises to keep The Baffes Theatre an inviting and lively destination throughout the winter months ahead: American English, Jan. 9 Hailed in Newsweek's special 2012 commemorative issue, "The Beatles!" as one of the best Beatles tribute bands in the world today, and voted No. 1 in soundalike contests at Beatlefest® for three consecutive years, American English captures the very essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo! From the Ed Sullivan era with classics like She Loves

You and Twist and Shout to the psychedelic phase with incredible selections from Sgt. Pepper’s and Magical Mystery Tour, American English offer a colorful journey back in time that does not disappoint. Their recreation of the Beatles' style is musically delicious and visually stunning. Ronnie Baker Brooks, Jan. 23 "I grew up among the best of the best," says Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of the legendary Lonnie Brooks. "Every time I play, I feel like I've got to do it with the authenticity and passion that I saw in guys like Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and my father. But I also have to put my twist on it. None of those guys repeated what came before them." Brooks’ twists well; he sings with soulful fire, plays with a white-hot intensity and knows well the transcendent release at the heart of soul, blues and rock. Brooks takes the roots sounds of his musical legacy and transforms them into music that spans the ages. 10,000 Maniacs, Feb 13 One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last three decades, 10,000 Maniacs helped define college rock and played a large role in the first wave of

what later became known on the radio airwaves as alternative rock. Their multiple and indelible hits have been influenced by folk, classic rock, and indie, and their 2013 release Music from the Motion Picture has been hailed as a beautiful affirmation of the band’s blend of classic poetic lyrics and dreamy Americana. The line up includes founders Dennis Drew (keyboard and vocals) and Steve Gustafson (bass and vocals) with Mary Ramsey (viola and lead vocals), Jerry Augustiniak (drums and vocal), and Jeff Erickson (lead guitar). Siegel Schwall, Mar. 6 Corky Siegel met Jim Schwall when both were music students at Roosevelt University. Siegel, originally a saxophonist, was interested in blues, while Schwall's background was mostly in country music. They combined the two genres, and along with the firstwave British Invasion bands like The Rolling Stones, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and stateside

groups like the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, were instrumental in the Great Blues Revival of the 1960’s. Chicago-based and serving as the house band at the famed Pepper’s Lounge, they earned their spurs backing greats like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Willie Dixon, and pioneered the cross-fertilization of the blues with other forms, such as Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues. The current band includes two other genuine notables, bassist Rollo Radford (Martha & The Vandellas, Sun Ra) and drummer Sam Lay (in both the Blues and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame). “The word ‘legendary’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but it seems appropriate to apply to The Siegel-Schwall Band.” – Triple Door, Seattle For more information and tickets to these and other events, call 773-445-3838 or visit the BAC website at beverlyartcenter.org --Beverly Arts Center

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Sports S

The Regional News - The Reporter

outhwest

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Section 2 Page 1

Eagles rested, but not rusted Time off offers payoff as Eagles beat Steelmen By Ken Karrson

shot 80 percent in the first quarter and jumped out to a 20-15 Receiving two weeks’ notice advantage. Joliet Central never is an ominous occurrence in the retreated, but it also did not fulworkplace. ly recover from the early blows Todd Allen’s basketball-related as it suffered a 76-66 SouthWest concern was whether or not his Suburban Conference Blue loss in Sandburg players would experi- Orland Park. ence any ill effects from having “I was real happy because I two weeks off. A scheduling quirk thought we were pretty much in left the Eagles sitting idle after control the whole game,” Allen their break-even appearance at said. “They’re a team that plays the Hinsdale/Lyons Thanksgiving a lot of guys who are athletic and tournament and 14 days elapsed likes to play up-tempo, but we had before Sandburg took the court a long time to prepare for them again. and we knew what kind of game “I was a little leery of how we’d we were in for.” play in our first home game and The Steelmen, however, may after being off for that long,” Al- not have known. Used to dislen said. “We were getting a little rupting opposing teams with its antsy at practice playing against aggressive style, Joliet did only each other, but we have a lot of moderate damage in that regard guys that don’t have a lot of expe- as the Eagles (3-3, 1-0) finished rience so I think [the down time] with a baker’s dozen worth of worked to our benefit.” turnovers, a total Allen considered It certainly gave Allen and his more than acceptable. coaches plenty of opportunity to “I had told our guys [beforeget ready for Friday night’s op- hand] if we had 12 [or less], I’d ponent, unbeaten Joliet Central. be really happy,” he said. “They That was good news when tan- really pressed us, but we had said, gling with the fast-pace-favoring ‘If you break it, you’ll get good Steelmen and it ultimately paid shots.’” dividends. That much was borne out by Behind eight points from Tom- a shooting percentage over 50, Photo by Jeff Vorva my Demogerontas, three 3s from not to mention plenty of trips to Sandburg’s Tommy Demogerontas ponders his next move while getting support from band members Friday night in Orland Park. Niko Kogionis and another long Demogerontas scored a career-high 28 points to help the Eagles knock off previously undefeated Joliet Central 76-66 in a SouthWest ball from Peter Paxinos, Sandburg (Continued on page 5) Suburban Conference Blue game.

Positive senior moments

Pained on the glass

Rebounding woes Trio of upperclassmen carry Chargers past Griffins cost Knights vs. Illiana By Ken Karrson

has created a wider learning curve than usual for Stagg and The term “senior moments” it also had to do without its most does not carry with it positive game-tested athlete, Jeff Goral, a connotations. few times because of injury. It usually refers to an act of forGoral was back in action Thursgetfulness, but Stagg remembered day after lobbying Daniels for a resomething Thursday thanks to a turn and receiving clearance from trio of senior players: how to win. the team doctor and immediately The Chargers have done a lot made his presence felt. But Goral of that during John Daniels’ 12- wasn’t the only senior having an year coaching tenure but not so impact against Lincoln-Way East. much this season. Acclimating five Fellow upperclassmen Joe Zasophomores to the varsity game remba and Brett Stratinsky did

as well. Together the three seniors supplied the Chargers with 29 points and 11 rebounds, an exhibition good enough to propel Stagg to a 56-47 SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue triumph over the Griffins. That victory was sandwiched between a pair of losses suffered in Addison Trail’s holiday tournament. But it was still enough to give Daniels reason to grow more optimistic. “The kids played hard [against

Lincoln-Way East] — if we would have played this way at Thanksgiving, I think we would have won a couple more games,” he said. “The first step to success is competing and we did the little things better. That’s the key coming out of this [past] week [and] it was encouraging.” What aided the Chargers (26, 1-1) on Thursday was a better-than-usual getaway. With the

By Ken Karrson

Chicago Christian is broken on the glass. Maybe that’s not entirely true, but what is a fact is the Knights are having trouble rebounding the ball this season. Except for a strong performance against an overmatched Walther Christian Academy squad last Tuesday, Chicago Christian has been on the (Continued on page 6) short end of most board battles, including Friday night versus visiting Illiana Christian. The Vikings and Knights again belong to the same conference after a few years apart, although that will change once more in the near future when Illiana moves its campus from Lansing to northwest Indiana and drops its association with the IHSA. In the meantime, though, emotions still run high in head-to-head meetings between the Vikings and Chicago Christian. But Illiana, which entered Friday’s contest with a 7-0 ledger, seemed to possess a little more of it on this occasion. That was certainly the case in the rebounding department, where the Vikings’ eight first-quarter boards represented half of the Knights’ game total. Chicago Christian still managed to exit that period ahead by a deuce, but Illiana erupted for 20 points in the second stanza and never again trailed as it bagged a 52-37 Metro Suburban Conference victory in Palos Heights. “They’ve got a little height, some speed and outside shooting,” Knights coach Kevin Pittman said of the Vikings. “And they’re physical and rebound pretty well, which is the last thing in the world we needed to see. “I have really good kids — me being the dean of students, I’m thrilled about that. As a basketball coach I’d like to see them not be so nice. If someone comes out and Photo by Jeff Vorva puts one on us, we shrink. Stagg sophomore John Contant follows the flight of his 3-point shot, which was on the mark last Thursday against Lincoln-Way “They [figuratively] punched us East. The Chargers defeated the Griffins 56-47 in Palos Hills to square their SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue record at 1-1.

in the mouth and we didn’t do anything. You have to play through some things, [but] right now we’re not tough enough. That’s all rebounding and defense is — toughness.” Chicago Christian’s cause wasn’t helped by either the loss of forward Bradford Fitzpatrick to an ankle sprain in the second quarter or center Jay Spencer’s foul trouble, which put him on the bench with his fourth early in the third frame. But the situation had grown unfavorable before Spencer was forced to sit. Looming largest in the pivotal second period was Matt Zandstra (18 points), who nailed three of Illiana’s four 3s during that session and added a layup just before halftime. Compounding the Knights’ misery were eight turnovers of their own as the Vikings staked themselves to a 26-17 advantage at the break. “Against good teams every mistake you make gets magnified,” Pittman said. “That 20-point quarter absolutely killed us.” Pittman felt Fitzpatrick’s injury “should have been something we were capable of playing through,” but he cited “poor shot selection [and] poor transition defense” as culprits in Chicago Christian’s struggles. The Knights (3-5, 1-2) did climb within 34-30 with less than 2 ½ minutes remaining in the third quarter, but a 7-1 Illiana run capped by Chandler Kimmel’s three-point play pretty much quieted Chicago Christian for good. Trevor Wolterink netted 21 points for the Knights, but the production dropped off dramatically behind him. Marcus Parker’s seven points were Chicago Christian’s second-highest total. The Knights hit just 10-of41 field-goal attempts and were out-rebounded by a massive 4216 margin. With its 14 offensive boards Illiana was able to satisfactorily overcome its own 20-of(Continued on page 4)

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Section 2 Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

BARTOSH

Glad to be a Gladiator invitee Reprinted from Feb. 21, 2008 Anyone who has reached — or even approached — middle age understands the concept of sagging. Except in the case of freaks like Sylvester Stallone, previously well-toned bodies have a tendency to be undone by gravitational pull once individuals enter their fifth or sixth decade on the planet. And I even have my doubts about Stallone, whose acting chops reveal him to be more robot than man. For those of us to whom the term “well-toned” describes the sound emanating from our stereo speakers, middle age can be even more cruel. On the plus side, we obviously have less to lose in both muscularity and self-esteem. So given my current state of not-in-shape, imagine how thrilled and confused I was to receive an e-mail from someone connected with “The American Gladiators,” a show once relegated to television’s wee hours and an off-brand network, but magically resurrected by NBC and placed in a prime-time slot. (Who says the TV writers’ strike didn’t negatively affect the public in any tangible manner?) Since my picture doesn’t run at the top of my column, the folks at “American Gladiators” must have mistaken me for someone much younger and fitter. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have read these words in the e-mail: “We’re on the prowl for extreme athletes, adrenaline junkies and badass weekend warriors who have what it takes to compete in Gladiator Arena. If you’ve been tuning-in to Monday night’s episodes thus far, you know what kind

of bone crunching, hard hitting action goes on between these Gladiators and Competitors ... and we’re just getting started! Join us in pumping up our open casting call in CHICAGO as we search for next season’s exceptionally skilled athletes to hang with the likes of Titan, Mayhem and Crush!” After counting up the myriad grammatical mistakes and wondering if perhaps Titan or Mayhem had written the message, I re-read it to make sure it really was meant for me. I didn’t see anything that would have indicated otherwise, so then I contemplated what category best fit me. “Extreme athlete?” Unless that means getting extremely winded after playing a computerized basketball game, I don’t think this is the one. “Adrenaline junkie?” I don’t know — do snack foods give you an adrenaline rush or just a cholesterol one? “Bad-[butt] weekend warrior?” Sorry, my behind’s getting plopped in an easy chair every chance I get on a weekend. Personally, I’m getting a bit long in the tooth for “bone-crunching, hard-hitting action.” I prefer to pursue such things vicariously these days by watching rugged endeavors like ultimate fighting, rugby, kickboxing and women jostling to be the first in line at a 2-for-1 shoe sale played out by tougher competitors than I. I remember the original “American Gladiators,” hosted by former NFL players Mike Adamle and Larry Csonka. Csonka was no shrinking violet in his heyday, but I’m guessing he’d have come in second-best against some of those gladi-

ators. The males would have probably given him quite a tussle, too. Some of those people bordered on frightening, but then I’ve always been leery of monosyllabic Neanderthal types, particularly if they’re close enough to slap a headlock on me. Having that done in front of a television audience by somebody’s muscle-bound sister never held much appeal to me. I don’t know if the current “Gladiators” is any different, though I’m guessing not. Why mess with a formula that worked so well for so short a time before? But as far as what they want from me, I’m at a loss. I couldn’t have effectively competed before, when I was in A-1 — OK, make that 4-F — condition. How could I possibly avoid completely embarrassing myself now? Maybe there’s some other competition involving the gladiators. After all, I wouldn’t mind matching up with them in more intellectual activities, such as simple addition and finishing a complete sentence. Somehow, though, I don’t think I’ll get that lucky. So I must say, “Thanks, but no thanks” to the invitation. I appreciate being thought of, particularly when I’m being thought of as someone possessing vast physicality, but I must be realistic. Being an “American Gladiator” just isn’t in my future. I will treasure the e-mail, however, and I intend to print it out so I can show it to everyone I know. It’ll let them see just how close I came to being on television. Not to mention a full-body cast.

Not busyness as usual RedHawks manage to win ESCC opener in hectic week By Ken Karrson Playing four games in six days is nothing for a baseball team. For a basketball squad, however, a similarly packed schedule can present plenty of hurdles, foremost among them being the onset of fatigue. That’s why hoops coaches generally refrain from dealing with such a slate. But that was the assignment Marist boss Gene Nolan placed in front of his players last week, and the busyness came with an added feature: the RedHawks’ East Suburban Catholic Conference opener. The matchup with St. Patrick followed two games within Marist’s holiday tournament and was a precursor to Saturday’s clash with DePaul Prep in the ESCC-Chicago Catholic League Shootout at St. Rita. The Rams got the better of the RedHawks, as did TF South, which put the first black mark on Marist’s ledger after six consecutive wins last Monday. Most important to Nolan, though, was that confrontation with the Shamrocks — and the RedHawks picked that exact time to perform a great-escape routine. Except for a 3-2 deficit near the start of the contest St. Pat’s never trailed, and as the fourth-quarter clock ticked down Marist appeared destined to fall short. But before time ran out the RedHawks caught up to — and then passed — their foe. Jeremiah Ferguson’s steal and layup handed Marist a 40-38 ad-

vantage. Chamar Hawkins hit a basket right after that to extend the lead and the Shamrocks failed to answer. A missed layup, two errant free throws and an off-target 3-point try earmarked St. Pat’s closing possessions. Brian Barry (two) and Ferguson then closed out a 45-41 win with free throws. “It was a well-played game, [but] we were fortunate late in the game,” Nolan said. “I thought our kids played very hard and our effort was outstanding, and so was [the Shamrocks’]. It was two teams that really brought it. “It was a big early season game and getting a win like this early was big in order to gain [more] confidence. It helped the kids realize we can be a team that can do great things.” One of the best things Marist (8-2, 1-0) did here was lock down St. Pat’s two biggest offensive threats. Four-year varsity player Nick Coleman, the ESCC’s top returning scorer, was held to three points by Ferguson while Kevin Lerma drew Adrian Pierzynoski as his defensive assignment and limited the Shamrock to seven points. “We always talk about making unknowns beat us,” Nolan said. “The kids did a great job [of stopping St. Pat’s].” The Shamrocks committed 19 turnovers, two more than the RedHawks, and six of those occurred in the second period, paving the way for Marist to recover from a sub-par opening stanza. The

RedHawks notched four baskets off those miscues, two of them Hawkins dunks. Hawkins ended the night with 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Ferguson also did his part on the offensive side as he tallied 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, doled out four assists and made three steals. TF South 53 Marist 43 The Rebels had a tall order for the RedHawks on Monday as 6-foot-7 Brandon Johnson presented a potential matchup nightmare for the locals. Johnson scored only 13 points, though, not enough to inflict great pain upon Marist. The RedHawks harmed themselves in the early going with seven turnovers and then were unable to hit the mark with a couple of late 3-point attempts that would have knotted the score. “You always want to be consistent and great at the end,” Nolan said. “I thought we got better in terms of ball security as the game went on, but we just did not make enough plays, offensively and defensively, down the stretch. We could not get stops in the half-court.” Despite its mistake-prone tendencies at the outset, Marist was charged with just 10 others over the last three periods. A bigger problem was 42 percent fieldgoal shooting — which included a 2-of-14 display from 3-point (Continued on page 6)

Reversing the roles Bulldogs gain traction by downing Rebels By Ken Karrson

attached to their current-season resume, the Bulldogs suddenly Richards and TF South prac- viewed the Rebels as a barometiced a little role reversal Friday ter. And first-year Richards coach night. Jevon Mamon told his players that Ever since winning a state title very thing. in 2008 the Bulldogs have been “We said we’d see Friday what a program against which many kind of character we had by how other teams measure themselves. we played,” he said. “We weren’t That’s particularly true of squads very pleased about that [45-42 looking to raise their reputation setback to Bremen] and we talked from pretender to contender, about having some grit and not something the Rebels were once losing three straight. We had a seeking to do, as beating someone solid two days to prep for South of Richards’ caliber is a great way and that was probably the best to make progress. ball we’ve played, at least in the Fast forward to December of first half.” 2014 and TF South has become Mamon likely wouldn’t get one of the south suburbs’ better much of an argument from coachcontingents, a theory given validi- ing counterpart John O’Rourke ty by several noteworthy wins this as to the Bulldogs’ effectiveness. fall. One of its most recent was Richards’ defense forced TF South against Eisenhower, which had into seven turnovers on its first blasted its District 218 rival from nine possessions and the host RebOak Lawn by nearly 30 points at els never did get righted before Thanksgiving. halftime. With that loss, another one-sidNo field goals in the second ed one to Hillcrest and a nail-bit- quarter compounded TF South’s er versus Bremen last Tuesday misery and it fell into a 31-18 hole.

The Rebels made a second-half charge and closed to within two in the waning moments, but a couple Ameen Hussein free throws applied the finishing touches to a satisfying 54-50 South Suburban Conference crossover triumph in Lansing. “Now we’ve seen the type of ball we’re capable of playing,” Mamon said. “All we need is to do it consistently. [We have to] just play our brand of basketball for 32 minutes to give ourselves a chance to win. “Guys know [TF South has been] playing well — they had some good wins leading up to us. So this was definitely a great confidence boost for us.” The key, according to Mamon, was the Bulldogs’ ability to set a positive early tone. “They were on a roll,” he said of the Rebels. “We had to come out and be more aggressive. We wanted to get after them and we (Continued on page 6)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Stagg’s Noor Elmosa tries to get past Andrew defenders during last Tuesday’s SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover contest. Elmosa scored 12 points, but the Chargers dropped a 49-23 decision.

Girls’ basketball roundup

Pride make their coach proud By Anthony Nasella

After a tough 2013-14 season that produced just two victories, Queen of Peace has already surpassed that total. The Pride collected three wins the past two weeks and had their most productive stretch last week. Although it dropped a hard-fought 56-55 decision to Evergreen Park last Monday, Peace demonstrated some fortitude by rallying from an eight-point deficit to create a tie just before the end of regulation. Kara Shimko's 3-pointer established the deadlock with seven seconds remaining and overtime appeared imminent when the Mustangs offered no immediate response. However, with .7 seconds left Evergreen was awarded three free throws after the Pride were whistled for a foul. “Coaches from a few different high schools who were at the game stated that it was unfortunate for an official to make that call with such insignificant contact to decide the game,” Peace coach George Shimko said. “They felt terrible for my girls, who battled all night against a very good Evergreen Park team. We had a great showing against Evergreen Park [and] it was such a great game. "We were down eight points with a minute to go and fought our way back. Despite the tough call, the girls were [right] there and that was a fun thing to see. It was great for our girls to compete in a game like that.” Ally Herman led the Pride with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Kara Shimko backed her with 16 points, six assists and three steals, and both Ashley Murphy (nine points) and Mary Keenan (six) lent a hand. Any disappointment stemming from that somewhat controversial loss was gone by the time Peace tangled with Josephinum. The Price (3-6) won handily, 41-14, on Tuesday as Shimko (14 points), Herman (eight points, eight rebounds), Erin Foley (seven points, six rebounds) and Sarah Spencer (six points) all supplied noteworthy performances. “I was really proud of the girls,” Coach Shimko said. “Despite a really tough loss, they bounced right back with a solid victory over Josephinum. They keep moving along. “We’re playing some really nice basketball. The girls are starting to buy into the changes that we’re making [and] they’re understanding what’s expected of them. They’re playing really hard, really well and playing together.” Shimko said that he has been using nine of the 11 players on his roster consistently, but the play of his daughter and Herman has anchored the team in the early stages of the season. “Kara and Ally are both are doing a very nice job,” he said. “They’re the stalwarts of what we’re doing. The two of them have been a really solid inside-outside combo for us. "Kara really shoots the ball well and is a solid all-around player, and [she] is such a team player who really sees the floor and can also score with solid outside shooting. Ally is just a force inside." The maturation of Murphy, Keenan and Abby Bennett has also opened Shimko’s eyes. “We’ve gotten some solid guard play from Ashley and Mary is a completely different player than she was last year,” he said. “She’s becoming a scorer and handling the basketball [in addition to] rebounding. She’s starting to get more comfortable with herself and finishing pretty nicely. “It’s just fun to watch them all grow. Abby and Mary are my seniors and I had just a little time with them last year. You can see how they want to improve and be successful.” Herman, Spencer and Amber Anderson all enrolled at Peace after Mt. Assisi closed its doors in the spring. Their arrival has given the Pride good depth.

“We’re getting [a lot of] the girls minutes," Shimko said. "Every one of them has a particular role to fill. They all do a nice job.” Four games awaited Peace this week before it enters the 16-team Riverside-Brookfield Tournament. “We’ve got our hands full for the next two weeks,” Shimko said. "We’ll get plenty of experience and a chance to build on what we’ve started.” EVERGREEN PARK In addition to their win over Peace, the Mustangs also scored a 51-38 triumph over Tinley Park in a South Suburban Conference crossover on Thursday. Megan Pfister (13 points) and Maddie Vojacek (10) led the way for visiting Evergreen (9-3, 2-1). RICHARDS The Bulldogs went 1-2 last week, with the win coming over Bremen (59-42) in a South Suburban Conference crossover last Tuesday. Richards came up short versus TF South (51-32) in another conference crossover on Thursday and against Riverside-Brookfield (56-42) on Saturday at the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament. Richards led the Braves at each quarter stop as Sydni Tears (18 points, 11 rebounds, six steals) was its top gun. Also pitching in with solid efforts were Takesha Powell (11 points, six rebounds, seven assists), Andy Sonichsen (10 points, six rebounds), Kennedy Brister (seven points), Dominque Miller (five points, five rebounds) and Briana Kuchenny (four points, four rebounds). “I thought we started out slow," Bulldogs coach Jeff Kortz said. “We came out in the second half, turned up the pressure a little bit and caused some turnovers and got some easy baskets. I was happy how we played in the second half. It was good to see the bench get some time and score.” On Thursday it was Richards doing the chasing as it fell behind by nine in the first period and never caught up. Tears (10 points, seven rebounds), Powell (six points, seven rebounds), Brister (four points, six rebounds) and Kuchenny (three points, nine rebounds) all contributed in defeat. “We played hard,” Kortz said. “We just couldn't overcome the pressure they applied.” The Bulldogs fell behind R-B 20-7 on Saturday and couldn't fully recover. Powell (13 (points), Tears (10 points), Miller (six points) and Brister (five points) were Richards' headliners. “They came out on fire shooting the ball and they pushed the ball up,” Kortz said of the other group of Bulldogs. “I thought we played very hard in the second half. Our pressure was amped up. I thought we played more physical and rebounded the ball better and we didn't get pushed around. "I was very proud of the girls. We cut it to eight a couple of times and couldn't get over the hump. R-B is a good team and very well coached." STAGG The Chargers came up short against both Andrew (49-23) and Homewood-Flossmoor (87-22) last week. There was no home-court advantage for Stagg on Tuesday as poor shooting plagued it throughout the SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game. The Chargers struggled from both the field and free-throw line. Noor Elmosa led Stagg with 12 points. Mia DiGiacomo (seven) and Erin O'Leary (four) accounted for the remainder of Stagg's offense while Katie Dwyer and Michelle Rentauskas pulled down five rebounds apiece. “The T'bolts did a nice job of getting the ball inside while we shot 0-of-18 from the 3-point line and 5-of-15 from the charity stripe,” Chargers coach Bill Turner said. “I can't explain it, but we would have had a hard time throwing the ball in the ocean. It was one of those nights, I guess. “We stayed fairly close for most of the game, trailing by only nine

at the half and 16 after three quarters. Defensively, we are making some progress. Now we have to start putting the ball in the basket.” Stagg didn’t fare any better on the road Thursday in their SWSC Blue opener against divisional powerhouse H-F. The game was decided early on by the Vikings' full-court pressure, which paved the way for a 30-8 getaway. “They are able to force you into so many turnovers and convert them into easy baskets,” Turner said. “H-F is very quick, long, and they have a deep bench that continues to attack you in waves. They just wear you down." On the few occasions Stagg was able to beat the press, DiGiacomo (12 points, six rebounds, three steals) was the beneficiary of a couple of layups. Elmosa added six points and three steals and O'Leary dished out three assists. “That was about the extent of our offense for the night,” Turner said. OAK LAWN The Spartans went 3-0 last week to improve their record to 6-4. Defeated were Tinley Park (47-27 in a Tuesday SSC crossover), Lemont (38-37 in another crossover on Friday) and De La Salle (48-27 at the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament on Saturday). Brianna Markusic had 12 points and Kara Melvin added 11 and to lift the Spartans (6-4, 3-0) over the Titans and Markusic delivered 16 markers opposite the Indians. Another heroine in the latter contest was Kelly Touchie, whose 3-pointer in the final half-minute decided things in Oak Lawn's favor. Markusic was at it again versus the Meteors, who were burned for 19 points. Also helping the Spartans dispatch De La Salle on Saturday was Kara Melvin (15 points). MARIST After starting off 6-0 the RedHawks have dropped two of their last three contests, the most recent one being a disheartening 52-32 setback against Marian Catholic in an East Suburban Catholic Conference contest last Wednesday. Penn State University-bound Teniya Page scored a game-high 21 points for the Spartans (51, 2-0). Kauai Bradley added 11 points and 12 rebounds and Jerell Matthews had seven points and six rebounds. Tehya Fortune (eight points) and Claire Austin (seven rebounds) paced Marist (7-3, 1-1). Page was the difference-maker over the final couple of minutes of the first half, scoring eight points during a 10-0 Marian run that broke open what had been a 1712 game. Down 29-14 at halftime and shooting just 5-of-19 from the field, things didn’t get any better for the RedHawks in a 2-of-8 third quarter. It was 45-16 Spartans in the closing seconds when a 3-pointer by Dajae Black gave Marist a tiny spark that carried over into what was a respectable final frame. MOTHER MCAULEY The Mighty Macs fell to 5-7 after dropping a 65-55 decision to Kenwood at Young’s Chi-Town Showdown on Saturday. Amy Balich and Tara O’Malley scored 15 points and had three steals apiece for Mother McAuley. Caitlin Jandacek added 12 points for the Macs. An athletic Kenwood squad that applied an aggressive half-court press went up 22-9 in the second quarter and 53-37 in the fourth. McAuley, however, kept fighting. A flurry of 3-pointers and free throws over the final nine minutes had Kenwood reeling, but time ran out on the Macs' comeback effort. McAuley finished with 23 turnovers. The Macs’ defensive effort was evident throughout the game as Kenwood struggled to convert inside, shooting just 24-of-61 from the field. (Continued on page 5)

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014 Section 2

Not a sure thing Lack of confidence haunting Mustangs By Ken Karrson When talking about his team’s prospects before the 2014-15 season began, Evergreen Park coach Pat Flannigan joked that he might have to hang out the help-wanted sign at some juncture. He’s doing it now. It’s not that the Mustangs don’t have enough available bodies; Flannigan simply wants to see measurable input from more of them. Too often in the early going Evergreen has leaned heavily on senior Isaac Matthews, a returning all-area performer and the Mustangs’ unquestioned ringleader. Flannigan understands the desire to have Matthews handle the load given his track record, but one man alone isn’t going to get it done. That much was proved again last week, especially in a Thursday encounter with TF North. Matthews tossed in 16 points versus the Meteors, but the problem for Evergreen was that the rest of its roster generated only 19 more. That added up to a 62-35 loss, the Mustangs’ second of the week and third straight in South Suburban Conference crossover play. Also doling out a defeat to Evergreen (3-5, 0-3) was Tinley Park, which did so by a 71-62 count on Tuesday. The Mustangs did show some signs of life in the final quarter of that earlier game as they exploded for 31 points, but the Titans tallied 22 themselves and were able to hold on for the win. “Both games could have been different if we had come out with some confidence and hit some shots,” Flannigan said. “We broke the press [versus TF North] and should have been up 8-0 or 10-0, but we were missing [good] shots. “We have some trust issues with our own games and our teammates’. As a result we don’t get that extra pass, [which is] something we’re working on changing to take some pressure off of Isaac Matthews. We’re putting too much on him. “We’re not very deep, so we need everyone in every quarter to compete. We’re depending on guys to play a lot of minutes.”

Given Evergreen’s 3-1 showing in Oak Lawn’s season-opening Thanksgiving tournament, learning that confidence problems exist might catch many people by surprise. However, Flannigan has an explanation for that. “They didn’t know those teams [at Thanksgiving],” he said of his athletes. “This senior class has been beat up in this [South Suburban] conference every year they’ve played. I think that has something to do with it.” TF North seized control of Thursday’s game right away as it raced to a 19-9 first-period lead and the Mustangs, who were unable to reach double digits in any stanza, could not adequately respond. Evergreen notched just seven baskets and would have suffered an even more resounding setback had it not gone 19-of-27 at the foul line. Not helping the Mustangs’ cause, either, were 27 miscues. Matthews paced Evergreen in both scoring and rebounds (five) and Darren Pritchett provided a defensive bright spot with five blocks. However, that was nowhere near enough to derail the Meteors, who were led by a combined 42 points from Christian Johnson and Sadiq Salisu. “They only had eight guys, which hurt them against Eisenhower [in another game last week],” Flannigan said of TF North. “But they had two fantastic guards and a pretty good big man and we gave up a lot of transition baskets. That’s pretty much the same formula each game — when we can set up our defense we’re difficult to score against.” Johnson and Salisu also contributed to the Meteors in ways other than scoring, the former with a game-high 14 rebounds to go with his 22 markers and Salisu with five assists and five steals. And when TF North didn’t create trouble for the Mustangs, the latter supplied some of their own. Flannigan pointed to a couple instances of Evergreen being unable to run an out-of-bounds play. Traveling violations cost them possession each time. “We did some things in that Thursday game I’ve never seen,” Flannigan said, “and I’ve been coaching a long time at all levels.

TF North 19 9 18 16 - 62 Evergreen Park 9 8 9 9 - 35 Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 16, Moran 8, Brown 4, Sorbellini 3, Horton 2, Pritchett 1, Smith 1. Rebounds: Matthews 6. Assists: Matthews 1. Steals: Brown 1, Langston 1, Moran 1. Blocks: Pritchett 5.

Offensive difficulties hamstring Crusaders twice While being offensive is not a worthwhile trait to carry in polite society, it’s a must in sports. Defense is said to win games, and ultimately championships, but even the most robust display of resistance doesn’t matter if the team flashing it hasn’t scored enough points of its own to construct a lead. Such is life at the moment for Brother Rice. The Crusaders have performed above average defensively in most outings this season. A glimpse of that was seen last Tuesday against St. Ignatius, where the Wolfpack managed to hit only 41 percent of their shots. With a typically potent Rice squad, that would have been more than good enough to capture a win. But the Crusaders are not experience-laden, and where that has shown up with some frequency is on offense. Rice posted a field-goal percentage of 39 versus St. Ignatius, which helped trip the locals up. After being handed a tough 4138 Chicago Catholic League loss by the Wolfpack, the Crusaders were kept on the skids by Loyola Academy, which made off with a 57-43 triumph on Friday in Mount Greenwood. While admitting the losing was “frustrating,” Rice coach Rick Harrigan also felt bad for his athletes. “They’re battling hard and doing all the right things,” he said. “Guys expect to win, but the natural kind of presence that’s there when you’re a junior [with experience] or a senior isn’t there yet [for the younger players]. As a young team it’s hard to jell right away and develop the consistency you need. “But I couldn’t be more proud of being the coach of this team. They’re coming to practice every day, watching film and doing extra [work].” The Crusaders (3-5, 0-3) played Loyola on even terms for three of Friday’s four quarters. The one exception was the second, which is when the Ramblers

embarked on a momentum-shifting 24-10 surge. Loyola scored in bunches of threes as Ramar Evans’ threepoint play inched it in front, then Brandon Danowski and Ricky Cenar buried five long balls between them to keep the Ramblers’ offense humming. Danowski (19 points) and Evans (11 points, seven rebounds) were the visitors’ ringleaders, along with Michael Mangan (10 points) and Peter Poggioli (eight points, six rebounds). Mike Shepski’s three-quarters-court shot at the end of the period gave Rice a much-needed lift and the hosts eventually climbed within 39-33 of Loyola in the third stanza. But the Ramblers netted the only points over the final 2:05 of the quarter and another Danowski 3 ushered in the fourth frame and effectively silenced the Crusaders for good. Shepski canned four 3s of his own and topped Rice with 16 points to go along with four rebounds and two steals. Joe Ruzevich narrowly missed a double-double as he ended the evening with 11 points and nine boards. Loyola outshot the Crusaders 49 percent to 39, committed five fewer turnovers and sank seven more free throws. Rice held a 25-18 edge on the glass. “A couple more smart plays [would have helped],” Harrigan said. “It’s based on a lack of experience — we’re half a tick too slow sometimes. We need to improve our ability to read plays, but we’re not going to quit.” St. Ignatius 41 Brother Rice 38 The Crusaders’ offensive woes were also evident on Tuesday as no one beyond senior Connor Finn (14 points, three assists, two blocks, one steal) and Shepski (eight points, five rebounds) made much of an impact. Rice’s errant marksmanship — which included a 3-of-17 performance from 3-point land — would seem to indicate players were pressing and trying to do too much. However, Harrigan said, “If anything we want them

Astros’ performances win approval, not games By Ken Karrson

Like many parents with their children, a coach is going to be the harshest critic of his own team. So the first person Shepard basketball players have to impress is Tony Chiuccariello, which they managed to do for the most part last week. On Friday, in fact, the veteran leader “thought the kids played as hard as they possibly could.” Unfortunately for the Astros, effort did not translate into accomplishment. The hard work of which Chiuccariello spoke went unrewarded on the scoreboard, where Shepard found itself on the wrong end of a 63-45 final in a South Suburban Conference crossover game against Oak Forest. Chiuccariello did not consider Shepard’s wire-to-wire exhibition last Tuesday versus Lemont to be quite as energetic, but there were still enough encouraging signs to make the 58-48 outcome that favored the Indians a tough one to swallow. “There’s some positives in there,” Chiuccariello said, referring to both contests. “I hate saying that after a loss, but it’s true. [Friday’s game] looks like a blowout, but we were playing a very solid team and the effort level in this game was great.” And more than anything else Chiuccariello wants his players to have that same opinion about the matchup with the Bengals and use it as emotional fuel going forward. “You don’t want it to snowball and have them lose confidence,” he said. “We’ve just got to keep clawing away. If we keep working, we’ll break through and the confidence grows [from that].” Oak Forest didn’t gain a foothold against Shepard (2-5, 0-3) until the second quarter when it Statistics outscored the Astros 21-13 behind Tinley Park 14 20 15 22 - 71 14 points from Drew Dominik (25 Evergreen Park 7 14 10 31 - 62 points), who drilled four 3s in the stanza. “They’ve got three shooters Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 22, who can take it to you,” ChiucBrown 19, Pritchett 12, Sorbellini 4, Moran 3, Smith 2. Rebounds: Pritch- cariello said of the Bengals. “With ett 14, Brown 11, Matthews 9. Assists: us trying to double down on the

A need to score some more By Ken Karrson

Nothing to show for it

They’re pretty smart kids, but I think [the making of mistakes] is just contagious.” Tinley Park 71 Evergreen Park 62 Undoubtedly the week’s highlight for the Mustangs was their fourth-quarter display versus the Titans. The only problem was that they were chasing 18 points by the time their attack shifted into overdrive. Matthews was his usual productive self with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals, but also delivering huge pick-me-ups were senior Jordan Brown and Pritchett, who combined for 31 points, 25 rebounds and eight blocks. Both players registered double-doubles and eight of Pritchett’s 14 boards were snared on the offensive end. Flannigan said Evergreen was the more aggressive squad over the last eight minutes and pegged Brown’s emergence as his team’s X-factor in its late charge. However, the coach also liked Pritchett’s ability to complement his staunch defensive work. “We need him to be scoring about 10 points [every game],” Flannigan said. “He’s got to start believing in himself [as being competent on offense].” The Mustangs were guilty of 23 turnovers against Tinley and went 0-of-10 from 3-point land, but they did shoot a respectable 46 percent overall, collect 44 rebounds and sink 16 free throws to keep some heat on the Titans. A Friday date with Lemont is the only game on tap for Evergreen this week.

Matthews 5. Steals: Matthews 5. Blocks: Pritchett 5.

to be more aggressive.” The coach also likes how Finn is following in the footsteps of predecessors Quinn Niego and Ray Rubio in regard to being the Crusaders’ cornerstone. “Connor Finn’s trying to play the way we need him to play,” Harrigan said. “Sometimes when there’s a youth movement you can get some [older] guys who buck the system and some upperclassmen who bail out on you, [but] Connor has stepped into a leadership role. He’s trying to show [others] how it’s done and he’s a guy we look to.” Harrigan also reiterated that despite the slow going there is no chance Rice will ever start “mailing it in this season.” “We’re at Brother Rice, where winning is commonplace and expected, so it’s tough to go through this,” he said. “But there’s no immediate formula that’ll make this turn over right away. It takes time. “We try to tell the players to take the consolation victories and pats on the back, but that when we hit the floor against these tough Catholic League teams we want to compete with them. That means we need to keep working hard.” Next up for the Crusaders is Leo, which meets Rice in a Catholic League game Friday at St. Xavier University.

Statistics Brother Rice St. Ignatius

7 13 6 12 - 38 11 6 13 11 - 41

Brother Rice Scoring: Finn 14, Shepski 8, Collins 4, Badali 3, Conlisk 3, Kosakowski 2, Niego 2, Ruzevich 2. Rebounds: Badali 5, Ruzevich 5, Shepski 5. Assists: Badali 3, Finn 3. Blocks: Finn 2. Loyola Academy 8 24 10 15 - 57 Brother Rice 9 10 14 10 - 43 Brother Rice Scoring: Shepski 16, Ruzevich 11, Finn 7, Collins 4, Badali 3, Niego 2. Rebounds: Ruzevich 9. Assists: Conlisk 2, Finn 2. Steals: Shepski 2.

post [to negate 6-foot-10 Kyle Flanagan], Dominik made us pay.” So, too, did Flanagan over the course of the game as he finished with 18 points. With Dominik and Flanagan leading the way Oak Forest connected on 58 percent of its field-goal tries (26-of-45), a showing that rendered the Astros’ respectable 45 percent performance moot. An additional problem for Shepard was losing the rebounding battle by a 2-to-1 margin (28-14). “It was pretty much one-anddone for us,” said Chiuccariello, whose club claimed only three offensive boards. Kenjrick Watson had 13 points to pace the Astros, while Marlon Perkins and Kenny Gorski chipped in 10 and eight, respectively. Shepard committed four fewer turnovers than the Bengals but hurt itself further with 4-of-11 free-throw shooting. An interesting statistic Chiuccariello noted involved the last two minutes of each of the first three periods. Over those spans the Astros surrendered a total of 16 points while scoring none themselves. “We really battled, but we have to do a better job [of executing] on both ends of the floor at those times,” Chiuccariello said. Lemont 58 Shepard 48 Just as on Friday, one quarter pretty much made the difference last Tuesday. A 26-13 scoring advantage in the third frame shot the Indians into a lead that wasn’t relinquished. Starring for Lemont in that period was PJ Pipes, who buried a couple 3-pointers and provided 10 points. Coupled with Pipes’ marksmanship was a bad start to the quarter by the Astros, who rushed their first four shots and never seemed to regain momentum. Gorski’s layup halted the Indians’ opening 8-0 run and briefly forged a tie, but Shepard soon found itself having to play catch-up. “We can’t get into a faster pace [because] it’s a challenge for us to

score,” Chiuccariello said. “If we could put the ball in the basket, we’d be better served. Our [firsthalf] shot selection was what we wanted and the tempo was where we needed it to be.” The Astros’ defense also “didn’t get the job done — we couldn’t get enough turnovers after halftime.” That wasn’t so in the first half, which Shepard won by limiting Lemont to three points in the second frame. “We were jumping to the ball defensively and shut down any type of driving lane,” Chiuccariello said. The Indians’ 40 percent accuracy and 15 miscues illustrated the Astros’ defensive work, but the latter couldn’t do enough offensively to make those numbers matter. Shepard, which had no double-figure scorers, connected on 31 percent of its shots and was guilty of 18 turnovers. Watson and Adebayo Ogungbeni both tossed in nine points, Gorski added eight and Kyle Longfield led the rebounders with 10. Between them Watson and Kyrun Heard distributed four of the Astros’ seven assists. Shepard traveled to Manteno this past Tuesday and hosts Hillcrest on Friday in another SSC crossover. In a Blue Division Chiuccariello says “is pretty darned good,” the Hawks are flying highest thus far.

Statistics Shepard Lemont

10 12 13 13 - 48 13 3 26 16 - 58

Shepard Scoring: Ogungbemi 9, Watson 9, Gorski 8, Perkins 7, Longfield 5, Haxel 4, Heard 4, Ashkar 2. Rebounds: Longfield 10. Assists: Heard 2, Watson 2. Oak Forest Shepard

10 21 18 14 - 63 10 13 13 9 - 45

Shepard Scoring: Watson 13, Perkins 10, Gorski 8, Heard 6, Ashkar 2, Haxel 2, Smith 2, Longfield 1, Newhall 1. Rebounds: Haxel 4, Longfield 4. Assists: Gorski 2, Haxel 2, Newhall 2, Watson 2.

Rout of the problem Spartans reeling after lopsided loss to Lemont By Ken Karrson At the root of Oak Lawn’s recent problems are routs. Or, more specifically, the Spartans’ inability to avoid being the victim of them has become troublesome to coach Jason Rhodes. One week after seeing his team get roughed up by TF North, Rhodes had to endure another long evening Friday night. This time it was Lemont laying a hurt upon Oak Lawn on the latter’s own floor. A relatively close game at halftime, the South Suburban Conference crossover matchup became a romp for the Indians during the third quarter as they scored the period’s first 11 points in about 4 ½ minutes. Josh Rogers netted five of those, PJ Pipes had four and Lemont never wavered after that. With the Spartans undermining themselves further with 17 turnovers and 9-of-40 shooting, the Indians had no difficulty cruising in with a crushing 58-27 victory. Although the defeat left Oak Lawn with a .500 ledger, Rhodes termed it “probably the worst 3-3 in the state.” While he was quick to credit Lemont for its role in the outcome, Rhodes said the differential between the clubs shouldn’t have been so massive. “We are not bringing the necessary level of engagement,” he said. “The last three games we’ve been down by [at least] 10 in the first quarter and had to scrap our way back. “We allowed [the Indians] to do

whatever they wanted and that was embarrassing on our own court. I saw three [of their] games before we played them so we had a good game plan going in. I thought there were some things we could do, but nothing came to fruition.” Rhodes conceded Lemont possessed more size and overall skill than his team, but he said that alone shouldn’t have been enough to produce the one-sided result. “Effort, execution, intelligence [and being] mentally and physically tough can offset that,” Rhodes said. “Those are things we pride ourselves on, but if we don’t play with high energy we’re not going to succeed.” Josh Prince accounted for more than a third of the Spartans’ points and augmented his 10 markers with six rebounds. Also earning kudos was junior Jimmy Wiltzius, who contributed eight points and “did some nice stuff” according to his coach. Little went right, though, for Oak Lawn beyond those two. Foul trouble plagued one of the Spartans’ other usual scorers, senior Leo Nelson, for the second game in a row and no one else stepped forward in his place to effectively attack the Indians’ 2-1-2 zone defense. Oak Lawn (3-3, 0-2) was also the victim of some plain old bad luck. Rhodes noted several examples of the Spartans getting “a lot of looks inside that we could not convert.” Lemont, on the other hand,

rarely seemed to misfire. It sank 55 percent of its field-goal tries as Nick Wisz (14 points, six rebounds) and Rogers (12 points) were its top guns. In some ways Rhodes wasn’t shocked by Oak Lawn’s shortcomings, saying those reflected “a very inconsistent week of practice. We played how we practiced — we can’t catch the ball, can’t throw the ball, can’t hit a layup.” “And you can’t use the word ‘young’ either,” he said. “I’ve got to fly off the handle sometimes at practice and you don’t do that with good teams.” Rhodes certainly isn’t writing off the 2014-15 campaign at such an early juncture, but he was emphatic when stating some changes are forthcoming. “The last three games were a big enough sample size,” Rhodes said. “We’re not going to roll the same guys out and expect a different outcome. If it means I have to bring guys up from the sophomore level who’ve impressed, that’s what I’ll do.” Oak Lawn tangles with Oak Forest in another SSC crossover on Friday.

Statistics Final Lemont 58 Oak Lawn 27 Oak Lawn Scoring: Prince 10, Wiltzius 8, Cosenza 3, Alshaikh 2, Nelson 2, Smith 2. Rebounds: Prince 6.

Trouble brewing? No way

Shorthanded Vikings open league play with pair of wins By Ken Karrson

Jumping on a bandwagon is easy, but what happens when one — or more — of the wheels suddenly comes off? What St. Laurence, and by extension its fans, did was simply keep riding along the high road. Trouble certainly appeared to be brewing for the Vikings last week. After getting tagged with its initial defeat of the season by Marist the previous week, St. Laurence suffered a couple other losses, both of them player-related. Rich Lamb, who had been tournament MVP at Stagg as the Vikings captured the championship of that event, was nursing an injured ankle and St. Laurence coach Jim Maley chose to hold the senior out of the Vikings’ first two Chicago Catholic League encounters. In addition, senior sharpshooter Matt Gurgone was unavailable for non-medical rea-

sons. That left St. Laurence severely shorthanded for its entry into league action, which began last Tuesday against Seton Academy. But instead of wilting under the pressure the Vikings blossomed, thanks to input from some heretofore unknowns. One of those individuals was sophomore Justin Wierzgac, who actually shone brightest on Friday night versus Bishop McNamara as he tossed in 13 points, all in the second half. Christian Ferrer hit double digits against both the Fightin’ Irish and Sting and Miguel Delvillar made his presence felt along the way as well. And then there was point guard Quentin Forberg, who answered Maley’s request to become more of a scorer by contributing a gamehigh 23 points opposite Seton to go along with five rebounds and four steals. With help coming from so many sources, St. Laurence

weathered the absence of its two veterans and recorded twin victories as it downed the Sting 52-37 and Bishop Mac 68-60. “I’m about as proud as I’ve ever been of any team,” Maley said. “Some other teams might have folded when their two leading scorers were out, but the thing about our team is [the players] all rebound and play defense. You’re either going to win or be in most games doing that.” A sampling of the Vikings’ devotion to defense was found in Chris Gutierrez’s proclamation to his coach. The senior forward, who has not logged a lot of minutes so far this season, told Maley upon entering one of the games, “Wait till you see the charge I take.” Gutierrez did exactly that and St. Laurence as a team totaled nine over the two contests, six of which ruined Irish possessions. “Taking a charge is like a dunk (Continued on page 6)

Section 2

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

SXU sports summary

Moraine athletics wrap

Cyclones snap five-game losing streak By Maura Vizza

Last Tuesday’s 79-64 setback was made all the more painful With the basketball schedule by the fact that Moraine had easing up as Christmas apearly control of the proceedings. proaches, Moraine Valley Col The Cyclones’ lead grew as lege’s men didn’t want to be left high as 12 points during the with several lumps of coal as first half and stood at 28-24 stocking stuffers. by the break. But when play So the Cyclones stuffed the resumed everything went the stats sheet instead last Tuesday, Hawks’ way, so much so that which enabled them to snap a Ermias Nega (21 points, two Moraine fell behind by as many five-game losing streak. Brian assists), DJ Deere (12 points, as 20 points before absorbing Townsend’s 22 points, eight reseven assists), Mychele Bullock the 15-point defeat. bounds and two steals led the (eight points, five rebounds) and Nariman Jaber, the No. 1 shot way to a convincing 86-61 victory Randall Rushing (eight points, blocker in National Junior Colover Malcolm X College. Moraine, which has been three rebounds) played key roles lege Athletic Association Division II with an average of 5.7 plagued by some late-game in the win. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL per game, did her part to make breakdowns this season, stayed solid the entire way and coped While the Cyclones men pros- things go the Cyclones’ way as effectively with the Hawks’ de- pered at Malcolm X’s expense, she swatted aside 13 Malcolm fense. In addition to Townsend, the women pulled up short. X field-goal attempts.

Sports Wrap By Anthony Nasella After four weeks of practice, Shepard's boys' swim team was more than ready to compete in a varsity meet. And the Astros took full advantage of their initial opportunity last Tuesday in a triad against Richards and Thornton Fractional Co-op, racking up 150 points and nearly doubling on both squads in the process. Overall, Shepard captured first place in seven events, making a mark in relays, individual medley and sprint events and diving. “This was our first meet of the year and I think the boys were just really excited to finally get the chance to start competing and not just [be] practicing,” Astros coach Tricia Biedron said. “This is our fourth week together, so they’re just excited to just step up and swim against someone other than who’s on their [own] team. “We have a solid group of juniors and seniors who are all very talented. It was great to see the juniors step up in the first meet on the varsity level for them and really compete well against other teams.” Sanders Yu was a standout as he finished first in the 100-yard breaststroke (1 minute, 6.98 seconds) and 200 IM (2:10.47) as an individual and was a member of two triumphant relay foursomes. Hayden Wiest, Mike Graham and Jeremy Schultz joined Yu in winning the 200-medley (1:50.85) while the victorious 200-free relay quartet consisted of Graham, Mike Jokubauskas and Andrew Choragwicki in addition to Yu. Their winning time was 1:41.78. “I call Sanders my quiet leader, even though he has become more vocal this season,” Biedron said. “But he’s not one to get in people’s faces and yell. He primarily leads by example by busting his butt. The other boys really respect that. “But it’s cool that a four-year varsity starter is starting to take a more vocal role." Wiest set the pace in the 100-butterfly (1:02.08) and 100-backstroke (1:01.87) individually and Tyler Timmer took first in diving.

KNIGHTS

(Continued from page 1)

53 effort from the floor. Keeping Chicago Christian in the hunt for a while was a 15-6 edge in made free throws. For Pittman, however, the result came down to only one thing. “The rebounding disparity [against us] can’t be huge,” he said. “If [42-16 is] not huge, I have to recheck the definition of the word. “We had a nice crowd on both sides, but we just didn’t respond well when things started to go poorly. When you bring guys in you expect them to do something positive with the opportunity they’re getting.” Pittman said he challenged his players afterward to “do some things a little bit different,” and he saw some positive signs during a Saturday practice session. According to the coach, emotions flared at times and a little pushing and shoving ensued. “I thought, ‘Hallelujah!’” Pittman said with a chuckle. “I’m not telling them to play dirty or do things that are illegal, but when your mind battles your body it’s not good. You have to get mind over body.” Pittman gets two chances to see if the Knights can bring that

What impressed Biedron was that so many juniors — Graham, Jokubauskas, Choragwicki, Wiest, and Schultz — shone right out of the gate. “The majority of our team is made up of juniors this season,” she said. “They haven’t disappointed so far for the team. We have many returning players from last year who scored well at sectionals — Sanders and Hayden were top six — so that gives us a lot of hope this season.” Ahead for Shepard is a meet today against Reavis and Tinley Park, plus the Tinley Park Invitational on Friday. “The [tri] meet against Reavis and Tinley Park, that will be a big meet,” Biedron said. “Reavis beat us last year in conference and Tinley beat us in dual meets, [so] that will be a good gauge to see where we are at. We really have a good group with a lot of potential.” BOYS’ BOWLING Shepard (6-6) split a pair of matches last week as it lost 3,033-2,980 to neighboring Chicago Christian Monday at Orland Bowl before rebounding to defeat Oak Forest 1,915-1,643 Thursday at Centennial Lanes. Eric Walters was a ringleader in both meets as he rolled a 676 three-game series versus the Knights and a 458 for two games opposite the Bengals. Walters also had the high game in the second match with his 246. Jordan Noftz (268) had the Astros’ high game on Monday. Kyle Starostka’s 664 series paved the way for Chicago Christian in its victory over Shepard. *** Sandburg finished sixth with 6,186 pins at Saturday’s 22-team Lincoln-Way East Invitational at Orland Bowl. Andrew (6,612) topped Lincoln-Way North (6,504) for first place. In a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover last Tuesday, Lincoln-Way Central beat Stagg 1,781-1,510. GIRLS’ BOWLING Chicago Christian defeated Shepard 1,378-928 last Monday at Orland Bowl behind Breanna Malak’s195 game and 378 series. Also on Monday Stagg suffered a 1,700-1,351 loss against

Richards. Getting the better of the Chargers on Thursday in an SWSC Blue dual was Lockport, which prevailed 1,703-1,254. Emily Schrader bowled a meet-best 480 series on Thursday, but that wasn’t enough to spare Sandburg from an 1,8241,546 SWSC crossover setback versus Andrew at Orland Bowl. Thursday also wasn’t a good day for Shepard, which fell 1,4921,083 to TF North. Freshman Tatyanna Taylor rolled games of 156 and 122 to lead the Astros. WRESTLING Sandburg remained unbeaten in dual meets after a convincing 52-15 victory over Lincoln-Way Central in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover between two of the top teams in the area Thursday evening in New Lenox. A year ago the Knights edged the Eagles 30-21, but this time Sandburg (10-0) had that many points after five matches. Pins by undefeated John Prieto (152 pounds) and Tom Slattery (160) at 2 minutes, 21 seconds and 3:51, respectively, highlighted the getaway, which was also aided by decision wins from Brian Krasowski (7-3 at 170), Patrick Brucki (1-0 at 182) and Cole Bateman (10-6 at 195). Lincoln-Way Central pulled within 21-12 after scoring pins at 220 and in the heavyweight match, but Louie Hayes’ pin at 2:53 of the 106-pound match and Robbie Precin’s 12-4 major decision at 113 got the Eagles back on track. Vinnie Piunti’s 15-12 decision at 120 was the Knights’ last win. Brother Rice transfer Rudy Yates (126) registered a technical fall for Sandburg, Colin Glascott (132) captured a 15-5 major decision, Christian Robertson (138) won via forfeit and Ben Schneider (145) pinned his opponent in 2:29. Hayes, Yates and Matt Frostman (220) all maintained perfect records at Saturday’s nine-school Wheeling Invitational, which the Eagles won with 262 points. The hosts were runner-up with 176. Precin, Glascott, Robertson, Slattery and Krasowski were Sandburg’s other titlists.

same intense attitude into a game night as they host Guerin Prep on Friday and visit Timothy Christian for a boys-girls doubleheader on Saturday. Chicago Christian 71 Walther Christian 23 While manhandling any foe would appear to be reason to celebrate, Pittman was having none of that following the Knights’ destruction of the Broncos, who never tallied more than seven points in any period last Tuesday and were down by 17 at intermission. “Two years ago they were an above-average team,” Pittman said of Walther. “They had a big enrollment drop [since then] and I knew they were down, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this bad. Walther has always been a nice rivalry, so it was really sad [to see this]. I can’t imagine going through an entire year like that.” The Broncos, who had three would-be starters transfer and a fourth forgo basketball to prepare for track season, committed 33 turnovers — four on their first four possessions — and never issued a threat. Christian scored the game’s first 11 points and rolled from there. Wolterink (15 points), Daylon Washington (12 points, four steals), Spencer (12 points, 15 rebounds), Parker (eight points, five steals) and Josh Decker

(five points, seven rebounds, three assists) were the Knights’ notables. Christian coaxed the Broncos into 14-of-51 shooting and out-rebounded its opponent 30-20, with 19 of the boards being grabbed off the offensive glass. While the stats were impressive, Pittman wanted the Knights to know they were also somewhat misleading. “I warned against reading too much into it and [getting] false feelings of overconfidence,” he said. “I had subs in the majority of the game and we learned nothing from the Walther game. Playing Illiana after Walther didn’t help us.”

Statistics Chicago Christian 20 11 19 21 - 71 Walther Christian 7 7 6 3 - 23 Chicago Christian Scoring: Wolterink 15, Spencer 12, Washington 12, Parker 8, Decker 5, Fitzpatrick 4, Frierson 4, Winchester 4, Johnson 3, Hill , Schaaf 2. Rebounds: Spencer 15, Decker 7. Assists: Fitzpatrick 4. Steals: Parker 5, Washington 4. Illiana Christian 6 20 15 11 - 52 Chicago Christian 8 9 14 6 - 37 Chicago Christian Scoring: Wolterink 21, Parker 7, Fitzpatrick 5, Spencer 2, Washington 2. Rebounds: Wolterink 4. Assists: Parker 2, Spencer 2, Washington 2. Steals: Parker 2, Washington 2.

Another honor for Hayward The honors keep coming for Greg Hayward. St. Xavier University’s senior defensive end, a two-time Capital One Academic All-America® College Division first-team selection and the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year in the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League, is one of 70 finalists for the 2014 Cliff Harris Award. The award is presented to the nation’s top small-college defensive player. Nearly 500 schools representing NCAA Division II and III and the NAIA are eligible to have a nominee and Hayward is one of only 14 NAIA athletes chosen for the final list of candidates. The overall winner will be announced Christmas Eve and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual banquet in February. Hayward had an amazing senior season with the Cougars, who finished with a 10-3 record and rose to No. 3 in the national rankings. The Oak Lawn graduate led SXU with 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, both single-season school records. On the NAIA charts Hayward was second in total sacks and third in sacks per game (1.2), tackles for loss and tackles for loss per game (2.2). Hayward concluded his collegiate career as the Cougars’ alltime leader in tackles for loss (55 ½) and sacks (28 ½). He was second among SXU players in 2014 with 85 total tackles. MEN’S BASKETBALL Call it “3s and easy” for the Cougars. The last thing SXU coach Tom O’Malley expects whenever his team plays Robert Morris University is a cakewalk. And while Saturday’s Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference contest couldn’t officially be declared one, it certainly wasn’t standard basketball procedure. The Cougars have had some success against the Eagles in the past, perhaps more than any other CCAC program has. And even when Robert Morris has prevailed, a down-to-the-wire battle often took place. But only once before could O’Malley recall SXU having an easy time of it against the Eagles, and that instance didn’t feature Cougars domination from the getgo. That’s pretty much what happened this time, though, thanks to some otherworldly 3-point marksmanship. Buoyed by 67 percent accuracy from beyond the arc SXU jumped out to a quick lead and never loosened its grip. Eighteen points separated the clubs at halftime and Robert Morris made only minor inroads over the last 20 minutes as the Cougars collected a 115-101 victory at the Shannon Center. “Anytime you beat Robert Morris it’s a good win, no matter when or where,” O’Malley said. “This was particularly pleasing because we played well. When you shoot 14-of21 from 3, you think the game is going to be [a] better [one for you].” Spearheading the long-range bombardment were Kyle Huppe and Jack Krieger, who combined for 52 points. Huppe went 8-of10 from the field with six 3s and Krieger hit five 3s in six tries before intermission, part of a 6-of-9 shooting effort that supplied 20 of his 24 points. “We played the first half as well as we could, especially offensively,” O’Malley said. “[The Eagles] have some pretty good athletes and they’re not a team you can usually build a big lead against. But we ran a little different style of offense to match up with what they do defensively and I thought we moved the ball better both on the dribble and passing it. “And when you kick the ball out [to the wings] and kids can knock down 3s, it takes all the steam out of you.” SXU (8-2, 3-1), which sank 20-of-36 first-half shots, started out on a 16-5 run to put Robert Morris on its heels immediately. Mitch Uratchko’s three-point play culminated the tear. The Cougars’ advantage got to 23-8 before the Eagles responded, and when Greg Tucker hit a layup the visitors were within 31-28 at the eight-minute mark of the half. However, Tony Core’s dunk began a fresh surge and SXU’s ensuing 18-6 blitz was instrumental in creating that 18-point halftime cushion. Uratchko was one of five Cougars in double digits as he scored 15 points, one fewer than freshman point guard Quinn Niego (Brother Rice), who also distributed six assists. Also inflicting harm on Robert Morris was Stanley Moore, who totaled 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Moore’s rebounding and steal totals tied Krieger for the team lead. O’Malley felt SXU might have caught the Eagles at a good moment, seeing as how the latter had just come off a win over Cardinal Stritch and were likely basking in the glow of achievement. Of course, now he must prepare his

own players to avoid a similar fate. “We need to keep our guys from thinking that way,” O’Malley said. “You get those kinds of ups and downs, but you’ve always got to look at things in perspective. This whole league has gotten better. “We can’t go into any particular game thinking it’s a sure ‘W.’ Judson hasn’t won, but I don’t think anybody is anxious to play them.” The Cougars finished with 58 percent shooting overall against Robert Morris. O’Malley was plenty satisfied with that portion of SXU’s game but would have liked a bit more second-half intensity on defense. “I can’t say we’re playing really good defense when we give up over 100 points,” he said. “[But] when you’re moving the ball fast and playing fast, the other team’s going to get more chances to score, too.” The Cougars’ win was their fifth straight and it placed them in a three-way tie with the Eagles and Stritch atop the CCAC standings. Another league contest is on tap tonight at the Shannon Center as SXU tangles with Roosevelt University. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Beginning Sunday the Cougars host their annual holiday tournament and a field that includes several ranked clubs. “It’s a very good schedule, but five of the 10 [games] we’ve already played were [against] very good teams,” O’Malley said. “So we’re prepared for it.” — Ken Karrson WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Falling behind Robert Morris 7-0 on Saturday was somewhat unexpected, but Cougars coach Bob Hallberg knew exactly why it happened. “All week we talked about moving the ball around, [but] in the first five minutes we held the ball way too much,” Hallberg said. “We needed to get our zone offense rotating. When you’re playing [against] a zone you have to have some ball movement — all we did was freeze the basketball, which played right into their hands.” So NAIA Division II No. 4 ranked SXU made the necessary adjustments and eventually made up the early deficit. The Cougars took a 14-point lead into halftime and eventually bagged a 76-62 CCAC triumph at the Shannon Center. Senior Morgan Stuut recorded her ninth double-double of the season as she totaled 21 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Kara Krolicki sank four 3 pointers in the opening half and wound up tying Stuut for the team scoring lead. Also chipping in for SXU (101, 5-0) were senior Suzie Broski and sophomore Mikayla Leyden, both of whom tossed in eight points. Leyden complemented her offense with five assists, two fewer than Maloree Johnson’s team-best seven. The Cougars dished out 24 assists in all, their second-highest number of the season. “We have a good passing team and the girls are very unselfish,” Hallberg said. “They share the ball well and hit the open person. You always have strengths and weaknesses, but we’re very good at handling and distributing the ball. “The assist is usually the result of knowing who you’re supposed to get the ball to. Once we started moving the ball around, we started getting better looks at the basket and got some wide-open shots. The zone gives you the outside, which we used to our advantage by shooting 8-for-18 from the 3-point line. “Our shooting has been more inconsistent than I’d like it to be, but it’s also hard to go out and shoot 70 percent from threepoint land every night.” SXU’s field-goal percentage of 35 wasn’t anything special on this occasion, but it bettered the Eagles’ 31 percent mark. The Cougars didn’t move in front for the first time until more than six minutes had elapsed, but then they embarked on a 17-2 burst that turned things their way for the rest of the game. Krolicki’s 3-pointer and Stuut’s jumper in the final minute established a 45-31 halftime advantage. Robert Morris narrowed the gap to 10 early in the second half, but no full-blown rally was in store for it. Instead, SXU ballooned its lead to 23 (72-49) after another 3 from Krolicki, who has relished the opportunity to be an impact player so early in her collegiate career. “Coming into the program, you never know what’s going to happen,” Krolicki said. “You’re never guaranteed a starting spot or a lot of playing time, especially as a freshman. Being able to play with these girls as a freshman is the best feeling ever. We get along

on and off the court perfectly, which helps a lot in the game. “It’s definitely great to have Morgan and Suzie be able to play their game with a lot more relief. You can’t come out and play great every game, but we can’t get down on ourselves. We have to pick each other up, which we were able to do early in the game.” Broski, for one, has certainly appreciated Krolicki’s contributions. “It has honestly been great,” Broski said. “Kara has been a great asset to our team. She opens options up, not only for herself but also for the rest of us. It makes it easier. “And what’s great is that it’s not just Kara, but it’s also been Mikalya, too, and the girls coming off the bench. It’s been the mix of us all that has made the difference. That’s the coolest part compared to the past three years is the offensive options that we have. “Consistency is [also] what we have this year. We have good execution because we have good components.” Hallberg said that Krolicki’s ability to succeed is in direct proportion to her confidence level. “For a freshman to play, they really have to play like a junior or senior — Kara has been playing with that kind of confidence all season,” he said. “She doesn’t get intimidated at all. Kara is proving to be a difference-maker right away.” The Cougars head to Honolulu later this week to play two games in the Hoop N' Surf Classic They’ll take on Dickinson State (ND) University Friday at 8:30 p.m. and then face No. 1-ranked Morningside (Iowa) University on Saturday. “We’re really looking forward to Morningside,” Hallberg said. “You want to see how well you stack up against a team outside of your conference. If we’re going to have an opportunity to win a national championship, these are type of teams — win, lose or draw — that you have to play well against. “I’d be happy win, regardless of the score, but it wouldn’t be good if we lost by 15 or 20 points. It’s a very important game to evaluate where you’re at. We beat them four years ago in Hawaii, so we’ll see how we fare this time around.” — Anthony Nasella SOFTBALL Elizabeth Brzezinski, a senior outfielder at Tinley Park, recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at SXU as a member of the Cougars softball program. She will be a freshman in the fall of 2015 and compete for playing time during the 2016 season. She plans to pursue a degree in education. “Liz will fill one of two open slots in the outfield [in 2016],” Cougars coach Myra Minuskin said. “She has great instincts in the outfield and gets an excellent jump on the ball. Liz will also add another solid left-handed bat to our lineup.” NEWS Former Cougars pitcher and SXU Hall of Famer Luke Gregerson recently signed a threeyear, $18.5 million deal with the Houston Astros. Gregerson has had a solid major-league career that started in 2009 and included a five-year stint with the San Diego Padres before he spent last season with the Oakland Athletics. This will mark the first time in his professional career Gregerson has landed a multiyear contract. Gregerson’s earned-run average of 2.75 over the past six seasons ranks fourth overall among relievers who have thrown at least 350 innings. “We are very excited to hear the news that Luke will continue his professional career with the Astros and so proud to have him as part of the Cougar baseball family,” first-year SXU coach Rocco Mossuto said. “Everyone in our program follows his career and we wish him continued success as he makes this move to a new team. His accomplishments from his days playing at St. Xavier University until now are truly inspirational and should serve as a model for young athletes everywhere.” Gregerson had a stellar senior season with the Cougars as their closer during the 2006 campaign, a 3-1 record with nine saves and a 0.68 ERA. And as the team’s starting right fielder that same year, he earned NAIA Region VII Player of the Year honors. Gregerson hit .330 (72-for218) with a team-leading 49 RBI, 46 runs scored, 15 doubles, 12 stolen bases and five homers for SXU as it reached the NAIA World Series. In February 2014 Gregerson was inducted into the SXU Athletics Hall of Fame along with his former head coach Mike Dooley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2014 season.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Community Sports News

Section 2

Girls Basketball (Continued from page 2) SHEPARD The Astros dropped a pair of SSC crossovers last week, 37-29 to Lemont on Tuesday and 49-27 to Oak Forest on Thursday. Abby Newsome’s 12 points paced Shepard (2-5, 1-2) versus the Indians and she tallied a teambest 10 against the Bengals. Cassidy McCarthy added seven points on Thursday. SANDBURG The Eagles, behind Victoria Stavropoulos’ 16 points, defeated Romeoville 54-41 at Saturday’s Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament. Sandburg improved to 7-2 with the win. CHICAGO CHRISTIAN The Knights scored a 44-18 victory over Walther Christian Academy last Tuesday in a Metro Photo by Jeff Vorva Suburban Conference East contest. Abbie Bulthuis’ 14 points Stagg forward Mia DiGiacomo attempts to maintain control of the paced Chicago Christian (4-8, 3-0). ball as an Andrew player reaches for it last Tuesday in Palos Hills. Stagg guard Alex Abed sees something she likes as she smiles while bringing the ball upcourt last Tuesday against Andrew.

Submitted photo

The Chicago International U14 girls’ soccer team, featuring some players from area communities, placed first in its division while posting an 8-0-1 record.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

SANDBURG (Continued from page 1)

the foul line. Sandburg made hay there as it went 27-of-30, which included a 17-of-20 display in the fourth quarter that enabled the Submitted photo Eagles to withstand a late 3-point Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jared Allen (center) and St. Laurence football players joined barrage and 25-point uprising by the Steelmen. together to help veterans during the holiday season. Kogionis’ trio of 3s, part of a 21-point evening for him, made colette Gossage, Katie Farr and Palos Stampede 13U team Evergreen bowlers the senior guard Sandburg’s Claire Cronin. long-distance king. He ended the looking for players take two of three Palos Stampede Baseball’s 13U night with 179 for his career, three After dropping an 88-pin South team is looking for two Gold-level more than previous record-holder Suburban Conference Red verdict Vikings join Bears’ Allen players to fill out its roster for Sean McBride. to Reavis last Tuesday at Arena Members of St. Laurence’s foot- the 2015 season. “That was a nice accomplishLanes, Evergreen Park’s boys’ ment for him,” Allen said of Kogiobowling team rebounded to post ball team recently joined Chicago Pitching experience is a plus. nis, who eclipsed a standard that a winning record for the week as it Bears defensive lineman Jared Players must be 13 years of age had stood for over a decade. He by May 1. defeated Hinsdale Central (2,724- Allen in volunteering their time added five more 3s to his collec Winter workouts begin in ear2,609) and Argo (1,683-1,616). for veterans of armed services. tion the next night against Lyons The latter match, played at The meeting with St. Laurence ly January. The Stampede play Township. a competitive schedule that inArena Lanes, was another SSC Playing an even bigger role for students wasn’t Allen’s first. A cludes appearances in several Red affair. The Red Devils were the Eagles on Friday, though, was a nonconference foe that met the few members of the school’s tournaments, including one out- Demogerontas, whose 28-point Mustangs at Suburbanite Bowl Sports Management Club saw of-town event, and their main outburst represented a career in Westmont. him at a commercial shoot for goal is preparing players for high high for him. Jacob Ottenfeld paced Ever- Proctor and Gamble, where they school baseball. “He’s a tough matchup for a green versus Hinsdale as he rolled also got a behind-the-scenes For more information or a pri- lot of people because he’s 6-7, can vate tryout, contact Dan Szykow- put the ball on the floor and shoot a 637 series. Producing the day’s high game was the Mustangs’ Isa- look at how the commercial ny at 906-7148 or dannyszy@ the 3,” Allen said. yahoo.com. Lyons Twp. 51 iah Colon, who registered a 247, was made. Sandburg 39 three pins better than the Red Allen loved the fact the Eagles Devils’ top individual score. SPBL seeking players Some opening for Shaun Quinn was Evergreen’s The Southside Pony Baseball ringleader against the Argonauts Diamond in the Rough League is seeking players aged as he claimed both high-series Diamond in the Rough Fast- 13 and 14 for the 2015 season. (445 for two games) and high- pitch has a limited number of Players must be in grades 7-9 as game (223) honors. Nick Tonika openings for winter pitching of May 1. bowled a 205 high game and 353 All games will be played at training. series for Argo. the Spartan Athletic Complex Quinn also doubled up for the Room is available for beginner, in Oak Lawn. The season runs Mustangs in their loss to the Rams intermediate and advanced stu- April through June. as he finished with a 466 series dents. For more information or to For more information, email and 253 high game. Reavis’ Ja- schedule a time, contact Bill Lam- pony@oaklawnbaseball.com. To son Barrios was five pins shy of mel at 289-3438 or ditrfp73@aol. register, go to www.oaklawnbaseball.com. matching Quinn’s best game, but the former rolled the top series com, or visit www.facebook.com/ pages/Diamond-in-the-Roughwith his 474. Online registration for Fastpitch

Chicago International U14 soccer team completes successful fall season

The Chicago International U14 girls’ soccer team, coached by Emir Hadziahmetovic and featuring some players from local communities, recently completed an unbeaten fall season. CI went 8-0-1 to take first place in the IWSL Open Division while outscoring its opponents 36-7. The Open Division, which features competitive teams from all around the Chicagoland area, is the highest level of play before advancing to the Midwest Regional League. Orland Park residents Victoria Collins and Megan Kirkwood and Palos’ Madison Karr are included on the team roster. Other members are Jane Pinkerton, Megan Shelton, Meghan Schick, Brittny White, Shannon Klemm, Jennifer Latoza, Natalie Miller, Ashley Canny, Sara Loichinger, Brianna Geary, Maura Murphy, Anna Kirk, Samantha Sarna, Ni-

Oak Lawn baseball, softball

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.

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

U.S. Baseball Academy returning to Oak Lawn

U.S. Baseball Academy, which operates a national network of affordable hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base-running camps for players in grades 1-12, will be returning to Oak Lawn High School for a winter session. The session is scheduled to run Jan. 4-Feb. 15 under the direction of Spartans head coach Bill Gerny. Registration is now underway at www.USBaseballAcademy.com and will conclude approximately six weeks before the beginning of the session, although last year’s camp filled up before that. For more information, visit the website or call 1-866-622-4487.

Niko Kogionis became Sandburg’s career leader in 3-point baskets Friday night when he hit three versus Joliet Central. He added five more against Lyons Twp. on Saturday and now has 184. Photo by Jeff Vorva

averaged more than a point per possession on Friday, but he didn’t get to witness a similar feat one night later. While the Lions always play a Friday-Saturday schedule, the back-to-back concept is foreign to Sandburg, which made Allen wary of how his players would answer the bell right after registering such an emotional triumph. Through the first half, however, any worries seemed unfounded as the Eagles trailed by only three. And with much of the third period gone there was still reason for optimism as the teams were deadlocked at 28-all. “I knew it was going to be a tough game, but I was happy with our effort defensively,” Allen said. “If you would have told me [the scenario before the game] I would have liked my chances with them having 28 points with 2 ½ minutes to go in the third.” Things went south in a hurry, though — at the quarter break Lyons was ahead by 13, thanks to a nightmarish span for Sandburg. Eight of the Eagles’ 13 turnovers were made in that stanza, six of them over the last nine possessions. And nothing changed at the outset of the fourth period as Sandburg missed its first four shots and committed another

miscue on the next possession. “We had a stretch where we really didn’t play well,” Allen said. “We were careless with the basketball and uncharacteristically had some unforced turnovers. I don’t think we kept our mental focus the entire game and that’s dangerous against a good team. I hope it’s a lesson learned [for us].” Kogionis poured in 18 points, but only two of those came after halftime. No one else tallied more than five points for the Eagles, who shot 11-of-42. “Give Lyons credit [for that],” Allen said. “That was the tale of the game.” Sandburg met Lockport in an SWSC Blue game this past Tuesday and plays Lincoln-Way East Monday at the United Center.

Statistics Joliet Central 15 13 13 25 - 66 Sandburg 20 14 18 24 - 76 Sandburg Scoring: T. Demogerontas 28, Kogionis 21, Kotsogiannis 13, Paxinos 8, Martinez 6. Sandburg 8 13 8 10 - 39 Lyons Twp. 4 20 18 9 - 51 Sandburg Scoring: Kogionis 18, Martinez 5, T. Demogerontas 4, Paxinos 3, L. Demogerontas 2, Kotsogiannis 2, Maras 2, McLin 2, Razik 1.

Sandburg point guard Alec Martinez gets hounded by a Joliet Central defender during Friday night’s SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue contest. Following a two-week layoff the Eagles downed the Steelmen by 10. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Section 2

Thursday, December 18, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

STAGG

new year to make sure the player’s ankle was sufficiently healed from a football injury and not put his (Continued from page 1) athletic future in jeopardy. “He came to me Thursday and seniors and sophomores John Contant (13 points) and Josh said, ‘I really want to play,’” DanStrama (nine points, three re- iels said. “We were going to limit bounds) all lending a hand, Stagg his minutes and be real careful. outscored the Griffins 15-7 over He only played about 14 minutes, the first eight minutes and held less than half the game, but it an 11-point edge (34-23) at in- was nice to have him there [even for a while].” termission.

cause we were senior-dominated and we went 3-1,” he said. “Being so young and inexperienced [now] I should never have gotten in it — that was a coaching mistake. Prep is important [for these players] and we’re saying things to kids on the fly.” Even so the Chargers didn’t embarrass themselves, not even when they took a goose egg in Saturday’s first quarter versus Naperville Central. That’s be“We took care of the ball early 56 cause Stagg’s defense prevented and it was nice to run some offense Addison Trail in the half-court,” Daniels said. Stagg 46 the Redhawks from running away 33 and hiding. “We played a good game and it Naperville Cent. Stagg 20 Naperville accumulated just six was nice having that confidence points in each of the first three early.” The Chargers were slated for quarters and, behind two ConLincoln-Way East didn’t disappear from view, but the Chargers three games in the Blazers’ hol- tant 3s and six more points from held it at arm’s length by put- iday event, but Universal was a Strama closer to the basket, the ting together their finest show- no-show for Wednesday’s sched- Chargers notched 14 third-periing at the foul line to date. Stagg uled contest. Daniels is hoping to od points to pull into an 18-all converted 20-of-27 free throws, play the game on Saturday but deadlock. But the Redhawks drew including 13-of-16 in the fourth was surprised it was postponed first blood in the final frame when they hit a layup and 3-pointer on quarter. Goral went 7-of-8 to lead in the first place. “I was really taken aback by their first two possessions. the way for the Chargers, whose After that Naperville went into only basket in the session was a the whole thing, [but] I don’t want to take a forfeit,” he said. a delay. Stagg was forced to foul Stratinsky layup. Daniels called the combined “It doesn’t do us any good. My once the clock wound under three minutes and the Redhawks sealed performance of Stratinsky, Za- kids need to play.” That being said, Daniels wasn’t the deal for themselves with free remba and Goral “the best game our seniors have played,” but he so sure he did the right thing by throws. “We did a pretty good job dewas particularly thrilled to have placing Stagg in the tournament, even though it has become an fensively, but they gutted it out,” Goral back in the lineup ahead of schedule. A week earlier Daniels annual pre-Christmas destination Daniels said. The Chargers committed only announced he was perfectly con- for the club in recent years. “Last year it was good for us be- six turnovers but were undercut tent having Goral sit out until the by disastrous 7-of-38 shooting. Strama and Contant accounted for all but four of Stagg’s points. *** Daniels lives in Addison, one of his sons attends Addison Trail and he’s friends with the Blazers’ coach, but all that familiarity didn’t breed contentment for the Chargers, who missed Goral’s presence last Monday. “We lost his height passing out of traps,” Daniels said. “They hurt us with their length. We didn’t play terrible, but they’re better than us.” An 18-11 scoring advantage in the third quarter enabled Addison Trail to stretch out what had been a two-point halftime lead. Stagg’s ability to match the Blazers’ productivity early on, particularly during a 17-point opening period, pleased Daniels, who termed it “one of our better quarters of the season. We came out and did a really nice job.” Contant and Strama were an effective 1-2 punch for the Chargers in Goral’s absence as they teamed up to score 30 points. Contant also dished out a team-best four assists while Strama tied Stratinsky for the rebounding lead with four boards. Photo by Jeff Vorva Besides the hoped-for makeup Matt Mohan gathers in a rebound as Stagg teammate Jeff Goral with Universal, Stagg’s docket watches last Thursday during the Chargers’ SouthWest Suburban this week included a clash with Lake Park on Monday and a Tuesday SWSC Blue encounter with Bolingbrook.

Statistics Stagg 17 6 11 12 - 46 Addison Trail 17 8 18 13 - 56 Stagg Scoring: Contant 16, Strama 14, Zaremba 9, McMahon 3, Liput 2, Mohan 2. Rebounds: Strama 4, Stratinsky 4. Assists: Contant 4. Lincoln-Way East 7 16 7 17 - 47 Stagg 15 19 7 15 - 56 Stagg Scoring: Goral 14, Contant 13, Strama 9, Zaremba 9, Stratinsky 6, Worst 3, Mohan 2. Rebounds: Goral 6, Stratinsky 5. Assists: Goral 3.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Stagg guard Nick Worst advances the ball along the sideline last Thursday vs. Lincoln-Way East.

Stagg 0 4 14 2 - 20 Naperville Cent. 6 6 6 15 - 33 Stagg Scoring: Strama 10, Contant 6, Mohan 2, Stratinsky 2. Rebounds: Stratinsky 5. Assists: Contant 1, Zaremba 1.

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REDHAWKS (Continued from page 2)

territory — and just five made charity tosses. “We weren’t shooting well and we didn’t get to the free-throw line enough [to compensate for it],” Nolan said. Ferguson’s 13 points topped the RedHawks. Hawkins added eight points and seven rebounds, and both players were credited with three steals. TF South totaled 15 turnovers. “The things that presented issues to us as far as what they did well, I felt we generally played well against those things,” Nolan said. “[But] they’re good. TF South’s got some real good size, strong [and] athletic kids, and I think they’ll continue to get better throughout the year.” Marist 62 Southland Prep 42 After destroying Southland by 30 points in the season-opening District 218 Tournament, the RedHawks got a rematch last Tuesday. Seemingly a gimme for Marist’s win column, Nolan didn’t view the contest in quite so obvious a way. “You wonder what’s the mentality of playing a team the second time that you had been able to beat [handily] before?” he said. Nolan found out soon enough as, just like in the earlier meeting, the RedHawks imposed their will right away. A 21-5 charge out of the gate made this game another runaway for Marist. Six RedHawks tallied between

BULLDOGS (Continued from page 2)

hit them first and made them uncomfortable.” Doing a large share of the pain-inflicting was Hussein, who topped Richards (4-3, 1-2) in both scoring (26 points) and rebounds (seven), the latter stat being especially eye-opening seeing as how the senior guard stands just 5-foot-10. Prior to Friday Hussein had often been playing out of position as he ran the ‘Dogs’ offense at point guard. “He’s done a good job of creating off the dribble for himself, but we put him at a point where he was able to play off the ball [against TF South] and he was great all night,” Mamon said. “It was good having that scoring punch.” Spencer Tears and Chris Bender both tossed in eight points for Richards, which scored the last nine points of the second quarter and then opened the third with an 11-4 run that handed it a 42-22 advantage at the 4:43 mark. But before the Bulldogs could slam

VIKINGS

(Continued from page 3)

or 3-point shot, especially when they score [and it gets wiped out],” Maley said. “It demoralizes a team. And when we get one called the whole bench acts like we won the World Series. “It’s been a lot of fun how these kids have bought in. They play hard — that’s what I’ve been hearing from everybody — and our whole motto is to make people beat us with contested jump shots. When people do get in the lane, we get defenders on them.” Maley called the Vikings’ defense “phenomenal” against Seton, and indeed it was solid as the Sting’s 12-point first quarter wound up being their most potent. A 15-6 scoring edge in the second period gave St. Laurence a 30-18 lead to protect and visiting Seton offered only token resistance after that. Ferrer backed Forberg’s strong all-around performance with 11 points and a couple of assists. The Vikings (6-1, 2-0) out-rebounded the Sting 24-18 and exhibited no hangover from the Marist matchup. “The thing about losing to

eight and 10 points and both Ferguson and Barry passed out five assists to keep the attack humming the whole way. Marist shot 53 percent from the floor, buried 6-of-16 3-pointers and bettered Southland in both offensive rebounding (8-5) and miscues (11-16). “We played very well early,” Nolan said. “We shared the ball and executed well.” DePaul Prep 45 Marist 42 Saturday’s affair with the Rams, who are coached by former DePaul University player and Gordon Tech standout Tom Kleinschmidt, featured a battle similar to Friday night’s. As was the case one evening earlier, the RedHawks held a 4038 lead. This time, however, they were unable to close the deal as DePaul Prep went on a 7-2 run to end the contest and snatch victory away from Marist. The RedHawks did a solid job defensively after the first quarter as they held the Rams to seven baskets over the final three, but DePaul did maximum damage early as it erupted for 22 points in the first eight minutes and built a 10-point edge. “It’s a hard one to climb when you’re playing a talented team,” Nolan said. “They’re very sound defensively so it’s not easy to go on a run.” Shooting was again a sore spot for Marist, which clicked on only 36 percent of its shots and made good on just 3-of-14 from behind the arc. Hawkins (18 points, eight rebounds, three steals) and Ferguson (11 points, five rebounds,

four assists) were the RedHawks’ notables once more. Encounters with Gage Park and Leyden this past Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, wrapped up holiday-tournament play for Marist. It meets Marian Central Catholic in an ESCC game Friday night in Woodstock.

the lid shut on the Rebels, the home team roared back with a 16-0 surge sparked by Ronald Ryan (18 points) and De Ason Taylor (10). A free throw with 1:11 remaining in the contest drew TF South within 52-50, but the Rebels missed the front end of a 1-and-1 — and with it a chance to tie — with 9.2 seconds left and was also charged with a lane violation. Hussein’s two charity tosses finalized the verdict. Although Richards’ lead dwindled during the second half, one thing keeping the visitors afloat was a relatively error-free existence. The Bulldogs were charged with only five miscues over the last 16 minutes. “We shared with the guys how important it was for us to get this win, not just for us but for the [SSC] Red [Division],” Mamon said. “We needed it because the Blue teams have been winning most of the [crossover] games.” Richards gets another crack at a Blue foe on Friday when it plays its home opener at D-Wade

Court versus TF North, which rolled over Evergreen Park last Thursday. Those Blue successes included the Braves’ conquest of the Bulldogs in a Tuesday meeting. Unlike on Friday Richards struggled to run its offense cleanly and the turnovers prevented it from ever mounting a sustained run. Tears’ 18 points represented the Bulldogs’ best individual effort.

Marist was we still played pretty well [overall],” Maley said. “It just worked against us near the end.” St. Laurence 68 Bishop McNamara 60 The Vikings demonstrated their offensive prowess early in Friday’s matchup as, even without Gurgone in the lineup, they unleashed a 3-point barrage on the host Irish. Five long balls in all were deposited during the opening period, part of a 25-point outburst by St. Laurence that staked it to a nine-point edge. From there the Vikings added to their lead and were ahead by 14 at the third-quarter break. While some may have been caught off guard by St. Laurence’s ability to do damage from the perimeter minus Gurgone, Maley was not. “We told our players, ‘This is not a fluke — you guys can shoot,’” he said. The Vikings did so at a 53 percent clip from 3-point territory. Brett Risley finished with four 3s and totaled a team-best 17 points. He also passed out four assists, which tied Delvillar and Forsberg for the lead in that category. Forsberg couldn’t duplicate the scoring onslaught with which he

attacked Seton, but he did toss in 10 points and earned praise from his coach. “I think he’s been sacrificing a lot, but he did exactly what we needed him to do [here],” Maley said. Wierzgac, Ferrer (12 points) and Chris Carli (six points, seven rebounds) were other principal figures for St. Laurence, which visited Solario Academy this past Tuesday and hosts Hales Franciscan in another Catholic League contest on Friday.

Statistics TF South Marist

13 16 13 11 - 53 9 17 11 6 - 43

Marist Scoring: Ferguson 13, Hawkins 8, Hill 7, Parker 6, Reynolds 4, Barry 3, Lerma 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 7, Lerma 6. Assists: Barry 4. Steals: Ferguson 3, Hawkins 3. Southland Prep 5 10 19 8 - 42 Marist 21 21 9 11 - 62 Marist Scoring: Ferguson 10, Hawkins 9, Hill 9, Lerma 8, Parker 8, Reynolds 8, Barry 3, Hardin 3, Brown 2, Weaver 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 6. Assists: Barry 5, Ferguson 5. Steals: Hawkins 3. St. Patrick Marist

13 13 10 5 - 41 8 14 11 12 - 45

Marist Scoring: Hawkins 19, Ferguson 16, Commander 3, Hill 3, Barry 2, Lerma 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 9. Assists: Barry 4, Ferguson 4. Steals: Ferguson 3, Hawkins 3. DePaul Prep Marist

22 6 12 9

5 9

12 - 45 12 - 42

Marist Scoring: Hawkins 18, Ferguson 11, Parker 5, Commander 3, Hill 3, Barry 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 8. Assists: Ferguson 4, Hawkins 4. Steals: Hawkins 3.

Statistics Final

Richards 54 TF South 50 Richards Scoring: Hussein 26, Bender 8, Tears 8. Rebounds: Hussein 7.

Final

Bremen 45 Richards 42 Richards Scoring: Tears 18.

Statistics Seton Academy 12 6 10 9 - 37 St. Laurence 15 15 8 14 - 52 St. Laurence Scoring: Forsberg 23, Ferrer 11. Rebounds: Delvillar 5, Forsberg 5. Assists: Ferrer 2. Steals: Forsberg 4. St. Laurence 25 8 21 14 - 68 Bishop McNamara 16 6 18 20 - 60 St. Laurence Scoring: Risley 17, Wierzgac 13, Ferrer 12, Forsberg 10, Carli 6. Rebounds: Carli 7. Assists: Delvillar 4, Forsberg 4, Risley 4.

The Regional News - The Reporter

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S ďż˝ COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIRST MIDWEST BANK, AS SUCCESSOR IN I N T E R E S T ) ďż˝ TO PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY; Plaintiff, v s . ďż˝ STEVEN J. ZEBROWSKI, AN INDIVIDUAL; C A R O L Y N ďż˝ M. ZEBROWSKI, AN INDIVIDUAL; SKYLINE, INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS; NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN TENANTS AND OCCUPANTS; Defendants, 13 CH 3828 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 12920 South Mason Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463. P.I.N. 24-32-205-003-0000. The mortgaged real estate is 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: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Stephen G. Daday at Plaintiff's Attorney, Klein, Daday, Aretos & O'Donoghue, LLC, 2550 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008. (847) 590-8700. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637416

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I ďż˝ L L I N O I S ďż˝ COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS Tďż˝ R U S T E E , ďż˝ SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF Aďż˝ M E R I C A , ďż˝ NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS Sďż˝ U C C E S S O R ďż˝ BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS A S S E T ďż˝ BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET BACKEDCERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EC1 Plaintiff, v s . ďż˝ THERESA POSPISIL; DAVID POSPISIL Defendants, 13 CH 18345 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 Monday, January 12, 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 8812 West 103rd Place, Palos Hills, Il 60465. P.I.N. 23-15-202-008-0000. 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 3 0 2 2 4 5 1 ďż˝ INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637369

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County ďż˝ Department, Chancery Division. Nationstar Mortgage LLC P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ vďż˝ s . ďż˝ Tricia Bradley aka Tricia Lynn Skowron aka Tricia Lynn ďż˝ Bradley; Michael Bradley aka Michael O. Bradley aka Michael Oliver Bradley; The Crystal Hills Condominium ďż˝ 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 ďż˝ # 140772 F13070021 NSTR Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said ďż˝ in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Court Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on January 20, 2015, 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 real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 9120 West 95th Street, Apartment 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 ďż˝ 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 Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I631368

For Sale For 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. 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, 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. 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.

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

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

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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

Thursday, December 18, 2014 Section 2

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â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;All Real Estate advertising in this news-

I N T H E C I R C U I T C O U R T O F C Opaper O Kis subject to the Fair Housing Act CO D E - makes it illegal to advertise â&#x20AC;&#x153;any ďż˝ U N T Y, I L L I N O I S C O U N T Y which limitation or discrimination.â&#x20AC;? PA R T M E N T - C H A N C E R Y D I V I S preference, ION Familial status includes children under WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIthe age of 18 living with parents or legal ATION, TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEcustodians, pregnant women and people HOLDERS OF FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE securing custody of children under 18. LOAN TRUST 2004-FF4, MORTGAGE PASSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;This newspaper will not knowingly acTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-FF4 cept any advertising for real estate which of the law. Our readers are P l a i n t i f f is in violation , herby-informed that all dwellings adverv . tised in this newspaper are available on SAWSON HADDAD A/K/A SAWSON R. HADDAD, an equal opportunity basis. To complain RAJAEI HADDAD A/K/A RAJAEI J. HADDAD A/K/A of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 ďż˝ HADDAD, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST RAY (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED number 1ST for the hearing impaired is 1 (800) DAY OF APRIL, 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, 927-9275. INLAND BANK AND TRUST, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, INTEGRA BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES Selling homes locally for 25 years OF CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1ST DAY OF APRIL, corey53@sbcglobal.net Email:Email: corey53@sbcglobal.net RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s 1 1 C H 0 2 8 0 5 5 Frank Lloyd Wright 17128 POINTE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY inspired home on GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November premium homesite 15, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporabreathtaking views of tion, will at 10:30 AM on January 15, 2015, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker crystal tree golf course. Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth Full ď&#x192;&#x17E;nished walkout below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 17128 POINTE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-313-003. The real estate is improved with a single family $799,000 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 14340 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462 creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real Sharon Kubasak 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 Â Â?Â?Â? a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the Â Â?Â?Â? foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay Â? the assessments and the legal fees required by The Â? Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) Â?

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and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the Â Â?Â?Â? purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other Â Â?Â?Â? than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The

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(HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER Â?Â&#x192; Â?Â?Â? ENTRY OF AN Â?Â&#x192; Â?Â?Â? ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF Â Â&#x201E; THE ILLINOISÂ Â&#x201E; MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE Â?

Â&#x201A; LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by Â?

Â&#x201A; a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, Â&#x2026; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026; Â&#x201A; etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the

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Â? Â&#x2020; foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification Â&#x2021;Â? Â?Â?Â? for Â&#x2021;Â? Â?Â?Â? 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 14-11-18640. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 24th RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE (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. 14-11-18640 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 028055 TJSC#: 34-20866 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a R e f . N o . 1 4 - 0 1 7 3 7 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF I L L I N O I S ďż˝ information obtained will be used for that purpose. C O O K C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION I637239 COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. C I T I M O R T G A G E , I N C . , P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ P l a i n t i f f , v s . ďż˝ GHADA SHAABNAH; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC v s . REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE MICHAEL R. WHALEY A/K/A MICHAEL REYNARD F O R ďż˝ WHALEY AND KARLENE M. COUNTRYWIDE BANK, N.A.; W H A L E Y A / K / A K A R L E N E D e f e n d a n t s , ďż˝ M I C H E L L E W H A L E Y, C I T I B A N K , N . A . , 10 CH 37060 D e f e n d a n t s , NOTICE OF SALE 1 4 C H 9 6 5 5 PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to C a l e n d a r 6 0 a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the N O T I C E O F S A L E above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to Corporation will on Friday, January 9, 2015 at the hour a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, entitled cause on September 10, 2014, InterSuite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to county Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the January 12, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their following described mortgaged real estate: office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Commonly known as 10601 South 80th Court, Palos Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, Hills, IL 60465. the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-14-217-037-0000. Commonly known as 6717 W. SHIAWASThe mortgaged real estate is improved with a single S I E D R . , PA L O S H E I G H T S , I L 6 0 4 6 3 . family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is P. I . N . 24-30-415-015-0000. a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the family residence. If the subject mortgaged real esassessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section tate is a unit of a common interest community, the 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. property will NOT be open for inspection Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East The property will NOT be open for inspection. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plain1 0 2 0 6 1 8 ďż˝ tiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 14-01737 I636092 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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Merry Corey Bergamo COREY BERGAMO ChristmasColdwell Banker RealReal Estate Coldwell Banker Estate Have & Happy Cell:Cell: 708-212-1342 708-212-1342 New Year!Selling homes locally for 25 years

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Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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ďż˝

Section 2

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

Real Estate

Property Listings

For Sale

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

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 14 CH 8355 10108 SOUTH BUELL COURT Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE 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: 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. 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. 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.

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, NA; SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING LP FKA C O U N T R Y W I D E ďż˝ HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP; P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v s . ďż˝ MOUNCEF ELALAMY; NADIA BOUKILI; TCF N A T I O N A L ďż˝ B A N K ; ďż˝ D e f e n d a n t s , ďż˝ 12 CH 7227 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 Monday, January 12, 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 10300 South 83rd Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465. P.I.N. 23-14-219-054-0000. 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 4 0 1 7 3 5 5 ďż˝ INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637342

For Sale For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S ďż˝ COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, FSB; P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v s . ďż˝ LISA BRANDAU; FREDERICK BRANDAU; J P M O R G A N ďż˝ CHASE BANK NA; Defendants, 12 CH 40831 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 Wednesday, January 14, 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 12327 South 71st Court, Palos Heights, IL 60463. P.I.N. 24-30-301-003-0000. 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 2 0 2 6 4 5 7 ďż˝ INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I637394

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ďż˝

R e f . N o . 1 2 - 0 2 4 5 6 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF C O O K C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S ďż˝ COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ďż˝ U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 Mďż˝ A S T E R P A R T I C I P A T I O N T R U S T, P l a i n t i f f , v s . C A R O L E A . R A M E Y , D e f e n d a n t s , 1 2 C H 2 6 9 8 5 C a l e n d a r 6 0 N O T I C E O F S A L E PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on October 2, 2014, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 9857 S. LAWNDALE AVE, EVERGREEN PARK, ILLINOIS 60805. P . I . N . 2 4 - 1 1 - 1 3 0 - 0 5 4 . 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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. ďż˝ property will NOT be open for inspection. The For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 12-02456 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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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 ďż˝ PA R T M E N T - C H A N C E R Y D I V I S I O N U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-3 P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v . CHOUDHRY K. HUSSAIN AKA CHOUDRY ďż˝ K.ďż˝HUSSAIN, SHAHIDA KAMRAM HUSSAIN D e f e n d a n t s 0 ďż˝9 C H 4 0 7 9 8 8748 ďż˝ WEST 96TH PLACE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY ďż˝ GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 23, 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 8748 WEST 96TH PLACE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-103-007-0000. The real estate is improved with a brick, single family home with a detached 2 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor ďż˝ 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: 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 PA0924114. 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. PA0924114 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 09 CH 40798 TJSC#: 34-18237 I637698

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May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the helpless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day, on the ninth day your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St. Jude, for prayers answered.

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 18, 2014 Section 2

Out & About

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

Five of my favorite Christmas films With Christmas around the corner and holiday cheer all around, what better way to escape than with a timeless Christmas movie? With so many Christmas movies and so little time around the holidays, you have to be careful that you don’t get stuck with a lump of coal. Well, I’m here to help. Instead of a nice shiny new movie review, I’m here to unwrap the top five Christmas movies of all-time according to this young writer. You may be wondering what the criteria is for this list. It’s something I’ve seen, something I like, and something I would watch again. Basically there are no rules, so let’s get to unwrapping these festive movies: 5) A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas To start with a movie many of you have not seen, we have the third movie in the Harold and Kumar trilogy. They’ve been to White Castle and to Guantanamo Bay, so now all they have to do is become friends again. Santa gets shot, they burn down the prized Christmas tree, they become friends again, and you can’t forget the big musical numbers with Neil Patrick Harris. The movie itself is very cheesy but it’s worth giving it a shot. 4) Jingle All The Way What more do you need than Arnold Schwarzenegger? Apparently not much more for this 1996 classic. On the Eve of Christmas, Arnold must fight through the herd of people in order to find a Turbo Man action figure for his son. Little does he know it’s the hottest toy around. The movie follows him as he competes against police, con-artist Santas, a messed-up postman, and all the other horrible parents who waited until the last minute. While Arnold is searching for the doll, you

Pinto’s Popcorn Picks by Tony Pinto

have a son clamoring to spend time with his dad. 3) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The search for the perfect tree, way too many Christmas lights, and some family you don’t want to see decorate this Chevy Chase led-holiday classic. The drive for the perfect holiday creates a mess from a burning tree to a non-existent bonus. What can go wrong does go wrong. 2) Home Alone Another John Hughes movie makes the list (the previous movie was also written by him) and another movie that happens to call Chicago home. What more reasons do you need to watch this movie? 1)How The Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version) Technically this is cheating because this isn’t a movie, but who cares? It was made into a movie starring Jim Carrey but let’s not talk about that abomination. Narrated by Boris Karloff and his beautiful baritone, this animated TV special which originally aired in 1966 is something that’s going to continue to stand the test of time. Most of you already know the story and how the Grinch steals Christmas away from Whoville. It’s a touching story that teaches us that it doesn’t matter what we have for Christmas, it’s who we spend it with. Now you’ve seen my list, so go check out these films while making your own list and spread it around with the ones you care about.

Broaden Your Horizons This Week

for adults in Drawing, Watercolor Painting, Pastel Painting, The Bridge Teen Basketry, Weaving, Knitting, Stoneware Pottery, Woodcarving, Center events Quilting, Collage, Lapidary, Po• Ping Pong Tourney - 5 to etry, Stained Glass, Calligraphy, 6 p.m. today (Thursday), The Silver Jewelry, and Papermaking. Bridge Teen Center will host a Family Pottery, Teen Pottery, and Ping Pong Tournament for High Children’s Art are also on the winter schedule. T h e School students only. • Leave the Light On - 7:30 Log Cabin Art Center offers sixto 10:30 p.m. this Friday, The week courses plus occasional 1 Bridge Teen Center will host its day workshops. Classes are held weekly Friday Night Live event in three cozy log cabins in the with live music from acoustic/ woods, and are known for their rock band Leave the Light On warm and welcoming ambience and free popcorn from a popcorn and excellent instruction. Registration is required for bar courtesy of Meijer. • Movie Day: Elf - 4:30 to 5:30 classes, most of which begin p.m. Dec. 23, a movie day for in early January. For further students to watch “Elf” and get information, interested persons should call The Center at 361a free cup of hot chocolate. These free events are for teens 3650. in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

Upcoming

Yulelog service A Christmas Yule log Service will be offered on Monday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. The Yule log service features Christmas carols, scripture, stories, and a variety of old-fashioned traditions. The highlight of each evening is the lighting of the huge log and the opportunity for each participant to throw his or her own twig into the fire, symbolizing a fresh start for the New Year. Special music will be provided by The Center’s Singers. “The Christmas Story” will be read from the Bible by Chris Hopkins. The Rev. Ron Greene will dramatically deliver his rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The Yule log service is a night of warm fellowship, good cheer, and Christmas spirit. Tickets to the Yule log service cost $10 per person, are limited in number, and must be purchased in advance. Call 361-3650 for more information.

No excuses journaling

“No Excuses Journaling” is a new opportunity at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, beginning Friday, Jan. 2 at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Participants will be encouraged to create a colorful artistic record of their days, their thoughts, and their experiences, through words, collages, photos, poems, magazine images, drawings, watercolors, or any other media. The idea is that there are so many options that there are no excuses. Using Gina Rossi Armfield’s “No Excuses Art Journaling” book as an inspiration, participants will make a commitment to make time for creativity, to document the days of their lives and keep a record of their thoughts and inspirations. Students will need to purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly datebook or calendar, and should plan to begin right away on Jan. 2. The Jan. 2 meeting is a free no-obligation introduction to the project. The group will meet once each month from noon to 3 p.m. Winter art The program cost $100 per registration year, or $10 per month. After Registration is open for winter the Jan. 2 introductory session, classes at the Log Cabin Center students will need to register for for The Arts, located at The Cen- the remainder of the project. To participate on Jan. 2, call ter, 12700 Southwest Highway, The Center to say you are planPalos Park. Winter classes are offered ning to come: 361-3650.

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Native American games at Isle a la Cache A Native American games workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Learn the history of several Native American games and toys and how to make them. Participants may choose to make one or more crafts, including a toy buzzer, a cornhusk doll, a ring-and-pin game and a dice game. The program, which will be held indoors in an accessible facility, is for ages 8 to 16. Cost is $10 per person. Registration is required; call 815-886-1467. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck

Enjoy a golden loaf of homemade bread on your holiday table “I’ve baked a loaf of bread.” These are such simple words. Yet, if you say them to family or friends, especially during the holidays, there’s a very good chance they’ll be greeted with awe, admiration and gratitude. Nothing you can make impresses in quite the same way. After all, bread is considered elemental sustenance. Who hasn’t heard it referred to as “the staff of life,” or read the classic romantic yearning of “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” for “A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread — and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness”? There will be no trace of wilderness on your holiday dining table if it features some good bread. And if you’ve made the bread yourself, for your own celebration or a party to which you’ve been invited, many of those gathered will feel it has transformed the meal into a feast — regardless of whether it accompanies a glorious roast or humble leftovers. As you’ll discover while making the recipe I share here for Braided Egg-and-Butter Loaf, you can accomplish that feat with relative ease. Thanks to the mixing and kneading help supplied by a stand mixer, which so many home cooks have in their kitchens today, and the seemingly miraculous action of the benevolent microorganisms known as yeast to make the dough rise, most of the work of making bread is done for you while you simply sit back and let it happen. Of course, you do have to measure your ingredients carefully and check to make sure you provide the correct water temperature and room temperature for, respectively, activating the yeast and letting the dough rise. (If you need to go out, you can slow down the rising process by refrigerating the dough, which will then take about 4 times longer.) A close cousin of French brioche and Jewish challah, my recipe also involves dividing the dough into two equal batches (for two loaves), then dividing each batch into three equal pieces that are rolled out into ropelike shapes and braided. Please don’t be intimidated by this task. It’s surprisingly similar to braiding hair into a pigtail; and even if you’ve never

done that, you’ll find it easy to follow the simple, methodical instructions I include here. Try making this bread for any forthcoming holiday party. (If you observe Jewish dietary laws, in which dairy and meat are not mixed, you can substitute water for the milk and 1/2 cup, or 125 ml, of vegetable oil for the butter.) It freezes well, too — just wrap it airtight in plastic and then in aluminum foil. Here’s to a holiday season filled with awe, gratitude and good food.

BRAIDED EGG-ANDBUTTER LOAF Makes 2 large loaves

DOUGH:

• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (2 packets) active dry yeast • 2 cups warm milk, 80-90 degrees F. (27 degrees-32 degrees C.) • ¹∕³ cup (85 ml) granulated sugar • 6 cups (1.5 l) bread flour or all-purpose (plain) flour, plus extra for kneading • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 3 large cage-free eggs, at room temperature • 2 teaspoons salt • Cornmeal, for sprinkling

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A close cousin of French brioche and Jewish challah, my recipe is easier than it looks to make!

2 minutes, then medium speed for about 8 minutes, until a smooth dough forms, adding a little more flour if it looks too sticky. Scrape out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and finish kneading by hand, about 1 minute. Shape the dough into a ball. EGG WASH: Clean and dry the bowl. Lightly • 1 large cage-free egg butter or oil it and return the • 1 tablespoon water dough to it, rounded side down • Poppy seeds or sesame first, and then turning it roundseeds, optional In the bowl of a stand mixer, ed side up to coat it. Cover the combine the yeast and 1 cup of bowl with plastic and set aside warm milk; stir to dissolve. Add in a warm, draft-free place until the sugar and 2 cups (500 ml) doubled in bulk, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Turn out the dough onto a of the flour and mix with the paddle attachment at medium lightly floured work surface. Cut speed. When smooth, cover the it in half. Cut each half into 3 bowl with plastic wrap and leave equal pieces. Roll each piece back in a warm spot until bubbly, 45 and forth between your fingers to form an even strand 18 inches minutes to 1 hour. Add the remaining warm milk (45 cm) long. Pinch the ends of and, with the paddle at medium 3 strands together and stretch speed, beat in the butter. One at them out parallel to but 2 to 3 a time, beat in the eggs. Com- inches (5 to 7.5 cm) apart from bine the remaining 4 cups (1 l) each other; then, braid by alflour with the salt and add all at ternately lifting the right-hand once to the mixture. Mix with the strand over the middle one, and paddle. Then, switch to the dough then the left-hand strand over the hook and knead at low speed for middle. Finally, pinch the other

ends together and tuck both ends neatly underneath. Repeat with the remaining 3 strands to make a second loaf. Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal. Transfer the loaves to the sheet, space about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart, or use 2 sheets. Beat together the egg and water and gently brush over the loaves. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if you like. Cover the loaves with 1 or 2 clean, damp kitchen towels and leave to rise until nearly doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. If using 2 baking sheets, place 1 in the refrigerator, removing it after 1 hour. About 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C). Position the topmost rack in the middle of the oven. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake the loaves until they are deep mahogany brown and sound hollow when rapped on the bottom with a knuckle, about 45 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Section 2

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

Out & About

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

Videoview by Jay Bobbin (NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.) STARTING THIS WEEK: “TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES”: The “heroes in a half-shell” return to big-screen action in this live-action adventure, which may mean more to those who recall their earlier exploits than youngsters who may not be as familiar with them now. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael are back on the streets of New York to combat the latest nefarious plot by their enemy Shredder. Megan Fox plays the turtles’ usual cohort, reporter April O’Neil, and Will Arnett and Whoopi Goldberg also turn up. *** (PG-13: V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE MAZE RUNNER”: A continually reconfiguring maze poses endless challenges for the young people trapped within it in this compelling adaptation of the James Dashner best-seller. The youths aren’t alone inside the puzzle, since additional threats are posed by creatures known as Grievers that are on their trail. Dylan O’Brien (“Teen Wolf ”) and Thomas Sangster (“Game of Thrones”) are among the actors, but the clever production design is a star in itself here. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “ T H E SKELETON TWINS”: After being “Satur-

day Night Live” colleagues, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig reunite as long-estranged twin siblings ... and while humor might be expected from their casting, the performers dig commendably deep with the dramatic content. Directed and co-written by Craig Johnson, the tale finds their characters surviving brushes with mortality on the same day, prompting them to reunite and assess the paths their lives have taken. Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) and Luke Wilson also appear, but Hader is the particular revelation among the cast members, making a very impressive transition from comedy. DVD extras: two “making-of ” documentaries; audio commentary by Hader, Wiig, Johnson, co-writer Mark Heyman and producer and editor Jennifer Lee; deleted scenes; outtakes. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT”: Colin Firth and Emma Stone furnish the romantic magic, as well as some of the more literal kind, in this beguiling comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. Firth plays a popular illusionist who isn’t a complete believer in what can’t be explained rationally, making him an unlikely partner of an alleged psychic (Stone) as they make their way through Europe. Eileen Atkins, Marcia Gay Harden and Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”) also star. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; Los Angeles premiere footage. *** (PG-13: AS) (Also on Blu-ray

and On Demand) “THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU”: The death of the family patriarch leads to an uncomfortable reunion for the four grown children in this seriocomic, wellplayed story, adapted by Jonathan Tropper from his novel. Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver (“Girls”) and Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) play the siblings who have much to work out with each other — and others in their respective lives, including their omnipresent mother (Jane Fonda). The impressive cast also includes Rose Byrne, Timothy Olyphant, Connie Britton (“Nashville”), Dax Shepard (“Parenthood”), Abigail Spencer and Kathryn Hahn. DVD extra: “making-of” documentary. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “EXTANT: THE FIRST SEASON”: Halle Berry began her acting career in series television (in the sitcom “Living Dolls”), and the Oscar winner returned to it recently in a much different way. Aired on CBS last summer, this sci-fi-thriller casts her as an astronaut who returns to Earth after a year alone in space. If that was the case, how did she come back pregnant? Goran Visnjic, Camryn Manheim, Michael O’Neill, Grace Gummer and young Pierce Gagnon (as Berry and Visnjic’s android “son”) also star in the show executive-produced by Steven Spielberg — and it will return next year. DVD extras: seven “making-of ” documentaries; interview with series creator Mickey Fisher; network promos.

*** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) COMING SOON: “THE EQUALIZER” (Dec. 30): Denzel Washington reinvents Edward Woowdard’s television role as Robert McCall, a former government agent who uses his skills to help people in trouble. (R: AS, P, V) “GET ON UP” (Jan. 6): Chadwick Boseman plays James Brown, the music icon who channeled his energy and ambition to become known as “the hardest working man in show business.” (PG-13: AS, P, V) “NO GOOD DEED” (Jan. 6): A family woman (Taraji P. Henson) comes to regret giving assistance to a stranger (Idris Elba) who turns out to be an escaped convict. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “ANNABELLE” (Jan. 20): The spirit within a vintage doll makes things tough for the cultSupplied photo ists who invade its new owners’ (Annabelle Wallis, John Gordon) home. (R: AS, P, V) “THE BOXTROLLS” (Jan. 20): An orphan tries to protect The owners of family-owned Capri Ristorante in Palos Heights the trash collectors who raised pose for a holiday picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus him from an exterminator in this Monday evening at their Italian eatery, at 12307 S. Harlem Ave. animated fantasy; Ben Kingsley Capri sponsored photos with Santa for a small charge for the comis in the voice cast. (PG: AS) munity, donating the proceeds to Palos area charitable organizations. “LUCY” (Jan. 20): An innocent (Scarlett Johansson) is transformed into a furious warrior by an untested drug in writer-director Luc Besson’s scifi-adventure; Morgan Freeman also stars. (R: AS, P, V)

Christmastime at Capri

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The Regional News

FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

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Top DVD Rentals 1. 22 Jumpstreet, Columbia Pictures, R 2. The Expendables, Lionsgate, PG-13 3. The Giver, The Weinstein Company, PG-13 4. Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas, Lionsgate, PG-13 5. Maleficent, Walt Disney Pictures, PG

Top Pop Albums

6. The Purge: Anarchy, Universal Pictures, R 7. X-Men: Days of Future Past, 20th Century Fox, PG-13 8. Earth to Echo, Relativity Media, PG 9. Hercules, Paramount Pictures, PG-13 10. Neighbors, Universal Pictures, R

1. 1989, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records 2. That’s Christmas to Me, Pentatonix, RCA 3. ShadyXV, Various artists, Interscope Records 4. Four, One Direction, Columbia 5. In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith, Capitol Records (Universal)

Top Country Albums 1. Man Against Machine, Garth Brooks, Sony Music Nashville 2. Old Boots, New Dirt, Jason Aldean, Broken Bow 3. Home for the Holidays, Darius Rucker, Universal Nashville 4. Montevallo, Sam Hunt, MCA 5. Platinum, Miranda Lambert, RCA Records Label Nashville

6. 747, Lady Antebellum, Capitol Nashville (Universal) 7. Just As I Am, Brantley Gilbert, VALORY 8. Anything Goes, Florida Georgia Line, Big Machine Records 9. Crash My Party, Luke Bryan, Capitol Nashville 10. The Big Revival, Kenny Chesney, Blue Chair Records, LLC./Columbia Nashville

6. Hood Billionaire, Rick Ross, Def Jam 7. My Everything, Ariana Grande, Universal Republic 8. Beyonce: More Only, Beyonce, Columbia 9. Frozen, Soundtrack, Walt Disney Records 10. V, Maroon 5, Interscope Records

Top Pop Singles 1. Blank Space, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records 2. All About That Bass, Meghan Trainor, Epic 3. Take Me to Church, Hozier, Columbia 4. Shake It Off, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records 5. Animals, Maroon 5, Interscope 6. The Heart Wants What It Wants, Selena Gomez, Hollywood

Records 7. I’m Not the Only One, Sam Smith, Capitol Records 8. Uptown Funk!, Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars, Elektra 9. Habits (Stay High), Tove Lo, Island 10. Love Me Harder, Ariana Grande & The Weeknd, Motown/ Universal

Omarr’s Weekly Astrological Forecast by Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Networking can rope in golden opportunities in the week ahead. You may feel pressured to perform at a high level or to adapt to new technologies. New contacts and reliable advisors will help you make progress. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Clear planning may help you to focus your energies. A proposal about joint finances or possessions can move forward during the week to come. Those who care about you the most are willing to wait for the best. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your initiative and willpower give you an advantage in the week ahead. This can be an excellent time to make promises and commitments, or to make definitive decisions about a business partner or romantic relationship. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may strive to attain material things in the week to come, but a compassionate act can alter the results. This is a great time to make a favorable impression on a new friend or to participate in group activities. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your theme song might be “getting to know you” as the week unfolds. Other people may be glad to meet you and emulate your attitudes. Since you have more influence than usual, this is a good week to ask for support.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Let your friendliness shine like a beacon. If you show yourself to be an eager participant in interactive activities, you could get invited to the best places. Make crucial family decisions in the week ahead. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Implement prettier philosophical principles. This is a good time to reassess your goals and develop more admirable ideals. A wise advisor might give you an inspiring idea that you can use for your benefit in the week ahead. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you expect the best, you set the

stage so that you’ll surely get it. Keep your mind trained on attaining your most spectacular dreams in the week ahead. You’re wiser than usual about money and possessions. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): New friends may figure in your future. Your dissatisfaction with certain situations in the week ahead can be assuaged with a little help from your friends. Use financial problems as a catalyst of change. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll find you have extra drive and determination to put your dreams into action this week. At the same time, you may find it

necessary to compromise and participate as a member of a team in order to get ahead. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Join in as a team member. Someone might take his or her cues from Tom Sawyer in the week ahead and show you that painting a fence can be fun. You’ll find great companions during a work-related project. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You should have all your favorite ducks lined up in a row. You’ll receive appreciation for your talent for organization. Concentrate on keeping your promises in the week ahead and you will get ahead.

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