Heights will again roll out college town's Welcome Back to Trinity students. PAGE 3
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015
74th YEAR, NO. 34 • 2 Sections
Serving the Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities
Mayor won't be big-boxed in Triangle McLaughlin takes aim at critics after Village Board finally approves $67 million U of C medical center By Jeff Vorva Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton calls it a “monumental facility.’’ Director of Development Services Karie Friling predicts it will bring the village $30 million over the next 25 years. Trustee James Dodge requested that everyone in the board room applaud the decision and led by example as he started clapping his own hands. Yes, there were giddy times for the Village Board Monday, minutes after the board approved an ordinance putting the finishing touches on plans to build the $67 million University of Chicago Medicine center at 143rd
Street and La Grange Road – a process that had taken two years to complete. It is another huge chess piece in the 20-years-in-the-making Triangle project to improve the downtown area. Between the medical center, the Ninety7Fifty on the Park luxury apartments complex, Metra commuter train station and other ventures, Friling estimates the Triangle area has spawned $180 million worth of projects. While officials orally clicked their heels in joy, Mayor Dan McLaughlin said he was happy and can’t wait to see the first shovel hit the dirt. But the mayor had a stern message for critics who don’t think the village is getting enough out of
Photo (left) by Jeff Vorva
Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin had some pointed words Monday night for critics who deem the village’s Downtown Orland Park Triangle project to be unsuccessful after the Village Board adopted an ordinance granting final approval for building a University of Chicago Medicine center (rendered in supplied sketch above) at 143rd Street and La Grange Road, within the Triangle.
the project to develop the Triangle within La Grange Road, 143rd Street and the Metra tracks along Southwest Highway into a Down-
town Orland Park at the village’s northern gateway. “I will occasionally run into somebody locally who will make
a comment like ‘well, the Triangle must not be very successful because you are not filling the place up,’ ’’ McLaughlin said.
“I don’t think people get the idea that we can sell that property in See ORLAND, Page 2
PALOS HEIGHTS
Safety concerns don't STOP on 76th Avenue
By Jack Murray
Regional News editor They want their stop signs put back on 76th Avenue in Palos Heights. A group of parents represented by spokeswoman Juliette “Toots” Fry took their case and a petition signed by scores of neighbors to the Palos Heights City Council Tuesday. The group which has formed a 392-member Facebook group called Moms for a Safer Palos want the north-south traffic control stop signs put back on 76th Avenue at both 123rd Street, and Ishnala and Sequoia drives, long a four-way stop regulating traffic entering or exiting Palos Pines and Ishnala. “We, the undersigned, insist, that by the end of 2015, the City Council of Palos Heights return the four removed stop signs to their original positions to assure safety for all children, pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles,” the
Photo by Patricia Bailey
Heights Women host gala at lakeshore
Palos Heights Woman’s Club members Celeste Kappel, Nancy Mitchell and Denise Hyker gather before working at the ticket table welcoming guests to the club’s Lakeside Pig Roast II fundraiser party Sunday afternoon on the shore of Lake Katherine in Palos Heights. Mrs. Mitchell was responsible for purchasing the porcine wind spinner. Balloons are no longer allowed at Lake Katherine because of environmental concerns. More scenes from Sunday’s indoor/outdoor party: Page 2.
petition states. It appears in full posted to the top of the Moms for a Safer Palos Facebook page. Fry’s young son Patrick handed a copy of the petition signed by residents to the City Council, as his mom pleaded for the restoration of the stop signs on 76th Avenue. Furthermore, they do not want most of the stop signs removed from 123rd Street, especially near Palmer Park, when 123rd is reconstructed next year. Stop signs dot the way along 123rd Street at 73rd Avenue, 73rd Court, and Richard and 76th avenues. The protest by Old Palos West residents has been brewing since the city removed the stop signs from 76th Avenue at 123rd Street on July 22, the day after the City Council voted unanimously to repeal the ordinances that years ago established north-south stops on the roadway, reconstructed using federal funds a few years ago. See HEIGHTS, Page 2
Police warn of increase in scams that target the elderly in Palos-Orland An 81-year-old Palos Park woman was the target of a grandparent telephone scam reported by the victim’s daughter Wednesday afternoon last week. Suburbs like Palos Park are seeing an increase in scams targeting the elderly, Police Chief Joe Miller said. Targets of the grandparent scam are always elderly residents, police said. Scammers call senior residents and pretend to be a grandchild who needs their
grandparent to wire money immediately to get them out of jail. How the scam works, according to police: A grandparent receives a frantic call from someone they believe to be their grandchild. The supposed grandchild sounds distressed and may be calling from a noisy location. The supposed grandchild claims to be involved in some type of trouble while traveling in Canada or overseas, such as being arrested or in
a car accident or needing emergency car repairs, and asks the grandparent to immediately wire money to post bail or pay for medical treatment or car repairs. The scammer typically asks for several thousand dollars, and may even call back again several hours or days later asking for more money. He or she may claim embarrassment about the alleged trouble and ask the grandparent to keep it a secret.
Don’t fall victim Palos Park Officer Debbie Legatzke says the elderly population in Palos Park is ripe for scams, as they are all over America. By phone and by mail, predators who operate largely from foreign countries, are creative and relentless. She noted that in the most recent scam in the village of 5,000, a stranger called an elderly resident and simply said “Hi, Grandma.”
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Such bogus-grandchild callers attempt to try and get personal information. Officer Legatzke says the best thing to do is hang up, stop the conversation before it goes anywhere. She says give up nothing, not your bank name or account number, your plans for the summer, even the location of your relatives should be treated as sacred information. She says See SCAMS, Page 3
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The Regional News
Hottest ticket in the Heights Palos Heights Woman’s Club immediate past president Barb Deckinga and President Rose Zubik greet the crowd at the PHWC’s Lakeside Pig Roast II fundraiser bash held Sunday at Lake Katherine. Deckinga chaired the event planning committee.
Photos by Patricia Bailey
Sherry TerMaat looks pretty in pink even after helping with the morning set-up of the event. Her husband, Rich, was responsible for helping with the delivery of the tents and bags of ice, donated by Lang Ice.
Palos Heights Garden Club members Elaine Kocolowski, Clara Van Howe and Mary Ann Sullivan handle the heat while listening to the Chicago Kingsnakes.
Ed and Mary Dombrowski greet Jeff and Lynda Schiappa outside of the bar area. Dombrowski’s landscaping business donated jasmine plants used as centerpieces and raffled at the end of the evening.
Orland
Continued from Page 1 a New York minute. “We turn down people all the time. They want to bring in big box stores or strip malls. We are holding strong in our vision and these guys [the University of Chicago] fit our vision. Thank God we didn’t sell the corner for a big box or a strip center.’’ Orland Park officials deemed the downtown property to be prime and they are fussy about what goes there. “The medical center will have a parking deck,” Frilling said. “And that parking deck is not going to look like a parking deck.’’ It is to be built on the base of the Triangle, between Ninety7Fifty and the U of C medical center, McLaughlin has said. Even the luxury apartments complex has a somewhat fancier visage now that the elegant-looking Cafe’ au Parc restaurant/coffee shop/wine bar moved in and held a grand opening Aug. 1. It faces north, looking toward Crescent Park, a recent concert venue. Slowly, but surely, Orland Park’s Triangle project continues to take shape. McLaughlin had a vision two decades ago of ratcheting up a downtown area that he deemed to be substandard, he said, and it’s taken a lot of years to build a new train station, the Ninety7Fifty luxury apartments and to finalize a deal with the medical center, which could be complete in the final quarter of 2016. With the medical center/restau-
— Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin
rant/parking lot and parking garage area, which will be located on the corner of 143rd Street and La Grange Road, in place, McLaughlin believes other projects could speed up in the coming years. While McLaughlin wouldn’t talk specifics, officials have been privately mulling bringing in topshelf entertainment venues. “We’ve had discussions with potential other ideas and potential other users but it was dependent on stuff like additional parking,” the mayor said after Monday’s meeting. “So working out a parking garage arrangement with the University of Chicago allows us to follow through on other discussions. “The train station and its infrastructure was the first step, Nintey7Fifty was the next step to bring in more traffic and this will be huge to kick start a couple of other things in the area. We’re hearing from restaurants, people who need office space and entertainment venues. There is a lot of potential. But there might be something soon now that this is done.”
The medical center facility is scheduled to be 120,000-square feet, four stories and with a restaurant on the first floor. The development is expected to include a pharmacy and a 500-space parking structure. The proposed mixed-use building is expected to employ more than 100 people and create more than 200 construction jobs. The project would also bring $61 million in private investment and 22,400 annual visits (from patients and others) to Orland Park's downtown. The medical center is expected to provide radiation oncology and orthopedics. It may include gastroenterology, cardiology, pediatrics and women's health services, as well as surgical consulting, according to a fact sheet provided to the press. There would also be full diagnostic imaging capability onsite for MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and mammography. “It’s nice to finally see it coming,” Dodge said. “And it’s fate that we found the perfect corner for it.”
with improved storm drainage, Alderman Dolores Kramarski (3rd Ward), chairwoman of the council’s Roads and Construction Committee, has said. The city’s traffic engineering consultant had recommended the stop signs’ removal to fully comply with the FHWA stop sign standards, Kramarski told The Regional after Tuesday’s meeting. The stop sign controversy that hit 76th Avenue began soon after residents aired their safety concerns on the roadway at 121st Street, near the spot where Palos Heights Public Works built a postand-rail fence to stop people on foot or bicycle from leaving the bicycle path from Community Park and entering highly-trafficked 76th Avenue. Mayor Bob Straz meanwhile has been “talking to an engineering group” about the safety concerns 43-year resident Nancy Steele brought to the council Tuesday that cross traffic no longer stops on 76th Avenue at Ishnala/ Sequoia drives, the entrances to the Ishnala and Palos Pines sub-
divisions. 76th Avenue is on an incline and there is a visibility issue for drivers pulling out of the subdivisions, Steele said. Straz said after the meeting he is still researching possible solutions to balance safety concerns on 76th Avenue of residents with federal standards recommended by the council’s Public Safety and Roads and Construction committees. He declined to name the engineering group he is in contact with, but agreed that one possibility worth considering for the concerns at the blocked pathway into Community Park near 121st Street is a crosswalk marked Stop for Pedestrian in Crosswalk, as is used in many spots in Orland Park. Fry after the meeting emphasized that she and her fellow Moms for a Safer Palos, and dads, too, seek to work cooperatively with the city to reach an accommodation acceptable to all for a solution that promotes the public safety of walkers, runner, pedestrians and motorists all on 76th Avenue.
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Answers
The new Café au Parc opened Aug. 1 in the Ninety7Fifty building to continue to give the downtown area an elegant feel. Photo by Jeff Vorva
Heights
Continued from Page 1
Lynn Terr, Cynthia Weglarz, and Mary Ann Nowak sneak away from the event to admire the dahlia garden. The dahlia garden is maintained by the Southwest Dahlia Club.
Brian Callahan of Palos Heights was a huge help in setting up the day’s event. He is shown with Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz and Mike Leonard, director of Parks and Recreation.
“We turn down people all the time. They want to bring in big box stores or strip malls. We are holding strong in our vision and these guys (the University of Chicago) fit our vision. Thank God we didn’t sell the corner for a big box or a strip center.’’
The Chicago Kingsnakes, Gus Gotsis/drums, Jim “Ang” Anderson/guitar and Mike Bailey/bass, take a much needed break from the heat. Gus’ drum kit riser was constructed on the spot by Hank Deckinga, who also organized tent set up and the roasted corn.
City officials blamed the feds and state of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for mandating the stop signs’ removal. Fry and others on Tuesday, however, disputed that IDOT mandated their removal. She gave the council a copy of an email response to her group’s questions about the issue from state Sen. Bill Cunningham’s office. Although state authorities “did not require removal as we have no jurisdiction authority over either 76th Avenue or 123rd,” according to the IDOT response from Cunningham’s office, it noted that the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (FHWA-MUTCD) -federal guidelines governing the locating of stop signs enforced by the states -- “is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway or bicycle trail open to public travel.” “STOP signs should not be used for speed control,” those standards state. “A STOP sign should not be installed on the major street unless (Puzzle on page 9) (Puzzle on page 9) justified by a traffic engineering study,” the manual states further. Both Aldermen Jack Clifford (2nd Ward) and Jerry McGovern (4th Ward) provided copies of the FHWA-MUTCD to The Regional. Alderman McGovern has noted that the City Council repealed the old ordinances that established the stop signs years ago because the city at that time never had the traffic engineering studies done to justify the ordinances that put them up in the first place. Palos Heights recently hired a traffic engineering consultant to conduct a review of stop signs at various locations in the city, and a traffic study determined that the withoutdiscount discount service. without service. all-way stop at 76th Avenue and without discount service. 123rd Street “was not warranted,” It’s accident no accidentmore morepeople people trust It’s no trustState StateFarm. Farm. Sen. Cunningham’s office further It’s no accident more people trust State Farm. Erik R Nelson, Agent Erik R Nelson, Agent advised the group of residents, Erik R Nelson, 10200 Roberts RoadAgent 10200 S SRoberts Road 10200 S60465-1539 Roberts Road based on information it said it Palos Hills, Palos Hills,ILIL 60465-1539 Palos Hills, IL 60465-1539 Bus: Bus:708-430-7575 708-430-7575 obtained from Palos Heights’ Bus: 708-430-7575 erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com Public Works director. The stop signs’ removal from 76th Avenue is in accordance with Federal Aid Urban (FAU) rules that provided matching funds P040036P040036 02/04 State Farm Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), IL IL StateMutual FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in Bloomington, NJ), Bloomington, P040036 02/04 02/04 State Farm Automobile Insurance Company (Not in (Not NJ), Bloomington, IL for Palos Heights’ 2007 project to reconstruct 76th Avenue
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Sunny squints and smiles by the five young ladies who helped serve the guests and finally were able to sit down and enjoy a meal together. Shown are Sam Webb, Maxine Hoge, Allie Duffy, Molly Fitzpatrick, and Cassiey Rosynek. The girls attend Palos South and Independence schools.
The Regional News
Thursday, August 20, 2015
3
College town Palos Heights welcomes Trinity back
Third annual Welcome Back to campus expo-style displays and treats is this Friday
Left: Carol Stefan and others were on hand as Palos Heights showed some love for Trinity students at a previous Welcome Back event. Below: Jean Gnap and the Palos Heights Public Library’s late Mary Johnson welcomed back Trinity students at booth displays last year.
By Jack Murray
Regional News editor Palos Heights’ third annual public campaign to welcome Trinity Christian College students to campus for a new academic year is in full swing as merchants, restaurants and other places of business across the city offer discounts and other specials to Trinity students, parents and their families dropping them off to start school. Welcome Back 2015 will take place this Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Trinity’s college campus in Palos Heights. Organized annually by the Palos Heights Business and Economic Advisory Committee, the event will provide food and snacks and plenty of information about all there is to see and do – including a list of businesses offering discounts and specials -- around Palos Heights to Trinity students and their families on Move In Day at Trinity. Booths will provide not only refreshments, but useful information from Lake Katherine Nature Center, the Palos Heights Public Library and the Cal-Sag Trail. They will offer displays to familiarize the students with off-campus opportunities available to them in
Supplied photos
Palos Heights Business and Economic Advisory Committee members will again Welcome Back Trinity Christian College students to campus this Friday. Members Bob Grossart and Diane’s Place owner Diane Goerg are shown with then-college president Steve Timmermans and others at a past Welcome.
Palos Heights. Several local businesses have offered food and refreshments to serve freshmen and returning college kids, moms, dads and others bringing them to move into their college dorms for the event, organizers said. Apart from the festive array of booths at Welcome Back on campus tomorrow, 62 businesses in and around Palos Heights have offered discounts to the students for the coming school year, according
to Bob Grossart, another committee member who was among founders of that first Welcome Back event with Alderman Jeff Key (1st Ward) and others three years ago. “Thank you to all the businesses who are participating in Welcome Back 2015,” committee member Jean Gnap stated in a release. The owner of the former Best-Sellers bookstore, which did business for decades in Palos Heights, first on Harlem Avenue
downtown, later in the Indian Trails Shopping Center on 127th Street west of Ridgeland Avenue, Gnap is a committee member who was recently appointed to serve on the Palos Heights Public Library Board of Trustees. A former longtime 1st Ward Palos Heights alderman, Gnap donated her leftover stock of books to the library after she closed Best-Sellers a few years ago. The Palos Heights Business and Economic Advisory Committee
was formed in 2010 by Mayor Straz and the City Council, according to Gnap. “Its members act in an advisory capacity to the city and focus on fostering growth within the business community,” she added. “One of the designated goals is to develop awareness and a closer relationship between city businesses and the Trinity college community,” Gnap said of the committee’s sponsorship of the Welcome Back campaign.
“Partnering with representatives of the college on the Welcome Back 2013 Event, the committee provided the students and their parents with information on city activities, resources, business discounts and refreshments.” The successful program was expanded last year, Gnap noted. “Welcome students -- enjoy living in Palos Heights and best wishes beginning your career at Trinity Christian College,” she concluded.
'No such thing as a free lunch,' Stokas tells Dist. 218 board By Dermot Connolly Staff reporter
Supplied photo
Palos 118 will start school year with annual picnic
Area residents are invited to bring your picnic blanket, chairs and appetite for fun to Palos School District 118’s Back to School Family Picnic on Monday, Aug. 24, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Palos South Middle School, 13100 S. 82nd Ave. in Palos Park. The annual picnic is open to the entire Palos community and offers complimentary slushies, soda, and popcorn, games, contests, live entertainment, face painting, inflatable fun slides, and balloon animals. Food available for purchase includes hot dogs, pizza, Chinese selections, frozen yogurt, roasted corn and more. Carpooling is strongly recommended. Parking and shuttle buses will be available at St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 8410 131st St., Palos Park. The event will take place rain or shine.
Property tax assessment appeal seminar for Palos property owners Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak will hold a property tax assessment appeal seminar for Palos Township property owners seeking to appeal their 2015 assessments. It will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m., at the Kaptur Administrative Center, 8999 W. 123rd St. in Palos Park. Palos Township is open for appeal through Aug. 17-Sept. 15.
Scams
Continued from Page 1 never wire money, no matter how desperate the story because once you send it, it’s gone for good. The village runs a four-week class to educate the aging population about scams and how to better protect their homes and their savings.
The seminar is co-hosted by Palos Township Assessor Robert Maloney, Township Supervisor Colleen Grant-Schumann and Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney. The hour-long session will educate taxpayers on how to file a successful tax appeal and address why property taxes go up when the value of your home goes down. The seminar includes a pre-
sentation by Commissioner Dan Patlak explaining the appeal procedure at the Board of Review. Before the end of the evening, taxpayers will have an opportunity to work with staff from the Board of Review to address their specific questions and concerns. This event is free to the public, and there is no fee to appeal at the Board of Review. Taxpayers are asked to bring a copy of their most recent tax bill.
Appeal forms also may be picked up at the Board of Review located at 118 N. Clark StreetRoom 601 in Chicago or at the Bridgeview Office 10200 S. 76th Ave., Room 237, Bridgeview, IL 60455. Taxpayers may also file an appeal online by visiting the Board of Review website: www. cookcountyboardofreview.com.
money through Western Union or MoneyGram or to provide bank account routing numbers. Wiring money is like sending cash; there are no protections for the sender. Typically there is no way you can reverse the transaction, trace the money, or recover payment from the telephone con artists. It is possible that the scammers are finding their targets on the Internet. Names, addresses, birth dates, and telephone numbers are
easily ascertained online. Scammers may also check Facebook or other social networking websites to learn about someone's vacation plans, (especially during spring and summer months when many families take vacations), and then contact that person's grandparent pretending to be the real grandchild. Another possibility is that the scammers are calling telephone numbers randomly until they
reach a senior citizen. In some cases, the senior citizen unknowingly "fills in the blanks" for the thief. For instance, the senior answers the phone, the scammer says something like, "Hi Grandma, it's me, your favorite grandchild," the grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the caller sounds most like, and the scammer takes on that grandchild's identity for the remainder of the call. - Palos Park PD
-- Office of Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak
Variation of the scam A variation of the scam may involve two scammers -- the first scammer calls and poses as a grandchild under arrest. The second scammer, posing as some type of law enforcement officer, then gets on the phone with the grandparent and explains what fines need to be paid. Alternatively, the scammer may pretend to be a family friend or neighbor. A common theme of the scam across the nation is the caller's request for the grandparent to wire
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Community School District 218 notified parents and guardians on its website this week that all students in the district will be entitled to free breakfast and lunch this school year, but school board member Robert Stokas expressed his displeasure about the move at Monday’s school board meeting. “The message says ‘We are pleased to inform you…’ But I am not pleased at all,” said Stokas, who asked that the issue be put on the agenda for the September meeting. “There is no such thing as a free lunch. It is a federal program, but somebody is paying for it,” he added, questioning why the decision was made without a vote by the board. The letter on the website explains that “District 218 schools will be implementing a new option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for School Year 2015-2016. Schools that participate in the CEP are able to provide healthy breakfasts and lunches each day at no charge for all students enrolled in that CEP school during the 2015-16 school year. Stokas, an Oak Lawn resident elected to the board last April, said he recalled objecting to the idea when a presentation was made on it a few months ago. “I want to voice my continued disapproval of this,” he said. “I don’t think it is the government’s role to provide free meals to everyone,” said Stokas. “We are here to educate students. And I am not alone in this. I have talked to a lot of people (who feel the same way).”
District Business Manager Joe Daley explained that in order to qualify for free meals for all students, 40 percent of students district wide needed to qualify according to household income limits. He said the suggestion was put forward in April or May about possibly applying for the program. Now, all students are entitled to a free “plated meal” that follows nutritional guidelines, and any extras or different items may be purchased on an “ala carte” basis. Paying for the plated meal, for those who would want to, is not an option “If students can’t afford it, that is one thing. But I don’t think there is any reason this district needs to provide two free meals a day to every student,” said Stokas. Board member Johnny Harris noted that the previous system for providing free meals to those who qualified “was a very loosely managed program,” in which no more than three percent of applications could be questioned about meeting qualifying income levels.” Vice President Randy Heuser, who led the meeting due to the absence of President Thomas Kosowski, then asked for further discussion of the matter to be halted until it is formally put on the agenda for the next board meeting, set for 7 p.m. Sept. 21, at the District Administrative Center, 10701 S. Kilpatrick Ave., Oak Lawn. Several board members questioned whether the free meals will even be popular among students who would rather bring their own lunches. “Maybe we can review this program when we get a little further into the year,” suggested board member Carol Kats, of Worth, who unseated Palos Heights’ Marco Corsi last April.
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OPINION
4 Thursday, August 20, 2015
READERS WRITE
The Regional News
Bike riders be aware: ‘danger zone’ hyperbole
Dear Editor: A group of people representing a small part of our community has raised an alarm about safety on the Cal-Sag Trail. Supposedly they are concerned about bike riders on Lake Katherine Drive. Particularly these residents contend that riders run the risk of getting doored by cars. That roadway is very wide, enough so that riders do not need to be close to curbed cars as they might be on many urban streets where bikers ride all the time. It makes no sense for the city to spend one cent on even studying the feasibility of relocating the trail to suit the nearby residents. Just because these people are vocal and taxpayers, the city officials should not burden the rest of us taxpayers to accommodate their unreasonable level of comfort. Calling this area a "danger zone" is pure hyperbole. I use the bike trail regularly and have never felt at risk because of traffic at Lake Katherine. Wherever riders choose to ride, they must be aware of their own personal safety. — Patricia Land, Palos Heights
Jewel of many facets sparkles more brilliantly Dear Editor: This reply is to the letter writer who complained that our jewel (Lake Katherine) has lost its luster. May I remind him that a jewel with many facets shines more brilliantly than one with only a few facets. -- Gloria Tolley, Palos Heights
Ray is right about summer
Dear Editor: Just a short note to thank you for the gift of columnist Ray Hanania’s words and thoughts regarding summer vacation days, families, and the start of school. I am a teacher in Palos Heights and agree with what he wrote. I've had this same discussion with parents and colleagues and it makes me very sad that our children are either now back in school or will be within the week. Summertime is such a valuable season when you're growing up. Thank you again, Ray, for writing those words which are so important. Each summer is a gift to a child and to a family to create happy memories. — Dawn Bronson, Palos Heights
Implement medical cannabis law for patients’ sake
Dear Editor, As a practicing physician for over 25 years, I have witnessed many patients forced to unlawfully use cannabis after all other medical options failed to help them with their pain and symptoms. As a specialist in internal medicine, hospice and palliative care, I observed first hand their improved quality of life. It’s nearly 100-days since the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board approved 11-debilitating conditions not originally included in the very restrictive and limited number of conditions in the original law. The Board consists of some of the most respected physicians and patient advocates in Illinois. Their task was to thoughtfully consider each new proposed medical condition, review the benefits, examine the research and make a determination on whether cannabis would be an effective medication. They heard testimony from a wide variety of opinions, including me, and overwhelmingly approved PTSD, Migraines, Post-Operative Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Neuropathy and five other worthy conditions for medical cannabis treatment. Their endorsement is credible and deserves immediate approval. Unfortunately, Gov. Rauner has remained silent on this issue and there is no word on whether he will follow the Board’s recommendation. Meanwhile, patients continue to suffer. There is wisdom in moving ahead carefully and cautiously, but we must move forward. We must eliminate barriers standing in the way of patients receiving life-changing treatment. Every day that passes is another day someone endures pain and suffering preventable with the use of medical cannabis under a physician’s direction. Gov. Rauner, implement the widely supported law including the new list of covered conditions, so patients can finally get the treatment they desperately need without fear of prosecution. -- Bruce Doblin, MD MPH, Chicago
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This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of those who gave their lives to protect America’s This newspaper is dedicated to freedom of the press, whenever and however it the memory of those who gave may be threatened. their lives to protect America’s free-
dom of the press, whenever and This newspaper newspaper dedicated This dedicated to to however it may beisthreatened. the memory memory of those who the who gave gave theirlives lives to protect America’s their to protect America’s free-
INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT
A free press in 'time of war' is not the enemy By Gene Policinski Journalism is neither criminal activity nor the action of an enemy, at home during domestic violence or overseas in a time of war. Still, charges have been brought in Ferguson, Mo., against two journalists a year after they were detained in a McDonald's restaurant by police in the first days of violence during protests over the police shooting and death of Michael Brown. And a new, 1,176-page Department of Defense "Law of War" manual distributed in June opens the door for U.S. military commanders — and, ominously, for repressive regimes around the world — to deem reporters who operate outside of official channels and who resist censorship as "unprivileged belligerents," military-speak for spies and saboteurs. Reporters doing their jobs may be inconvenient or irritating, or witnesses on behalf of the public to activity that is later challenged as illegal, unwise or just plain embarrassing. None of that ought to be subject to official sanction, arrest or worse. And to connect that Orwellian "unprivileged belligerents" turn-of-phrase with journalists just buys into the kind of despotic thought process that has a Washington Post reporter facing a secret trial in Tehran, accused of espionage and distributing propaganda against the Islamic Republic for simply doing what journalists do: Gather news and fairly report the facts. Let's clear out the easy criticisms: The issue is not actions that clearly interfere with lawful police activity, inflame tense situations to create a sensational atmosphere, that directly or intentionally place bystander, police, or American military lives at risk or aid an enemy nation. Civil authorities and military commanders ought not to have a right — or think they have a right, based on fuzzy guidance from above or by virtue of trained bluster and bravado — to ignore, override or punish journalists in the performance of their legitimate, constitutional "watchdog" role protected in the U.S. by the First Amendment. A year ago in Ferguson, in one of the first nights following the police shooting and death of Brown, reporters for The Huffington Post and The Washington Post were working in a McDonald's restaurant. Just in the last few days, the pair was charged with trespassing and with interfering with a police officer's performance of his duties. Police say the journalists didn't leave the restaurant fast enough. About two dozen journalists have been arrested while reporting on the continuing Ferguson protests. Officials recently settled at least one lawsuit brought by a reporter who was arrested, agreeing to pay $8,500 and dropping three charges. At the same time, similar charges against another reporter were dropped. Editors at the The Huffington Post and The Washington Post have criticized police conduct in the arrests of their staffers. Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron said the decision to pursue charges "represents contemptible overreaching by prosecutors who seem to have no regard for the
role of journalists seeking to cover a major story and following normal practice." Police and prosecutor conduct around events in Ferguson also seems part of the artful pattern that persists in police actions nationwide, around not just civil disorders but also protests at political conventions or economic summits, of "arrest now, clean it up later" — often with an accompanying financial settlement at cost to taxpayers. The new U.S. military manual represents a less direct — but just as misplaced — threat to journalists doing their jobs. A New York Times editorial on Aug. 10 also said it would make journalists' work "more dangerous, cumbersome, and subject to censorship." The manual says that U.S. armed forces may withhold protection, censor reports and even deem journalists as "unprivileged belligerents" — which it elsewhere defines as including "spies and saboteurs," with fewer legal rights in war zones than the armed opposition forces. Driving home a point, the manual says that "reporting on military operations can be very similar to collecting intelligence or even spying." The Times' editorial notes that "to cover recent wars, including the civil war in Libya in 2011 and the war in Syria, reporters had to sneak across borders, at great personal risk, to gather information." The editorial also properly says, "Authoritarian leaders around the world could point to it to show that their despotic treatment of journalists — including Americans — is broadly in line with the standards set by the United States government." The 1,176-page manual's introduction says it "reflects many years of labor and expertise, on the part of civilian and military lawyers from every Military Service. It reflects the experience of this Department in applying the law of war in actual military operations, and it will help us remember the hard-learned lessons from the past." I would add that the manual also ignores the very "hardlearned lessons from the past" — from the world wars to Vietnam to the Gulf wars — that more news reported independently bolsters the public's understanding and support for the U.S. military, not the reverse. More than two decades ago, in explaining the Defense Department's rationale then for journalists to "embed" with active U.S. combat units, officials got it right: "We need to tell the factual story — good or bad — before others seed the media with disinformation and distortion." The "fog of war" — or the confusing circumstances surrounding civil disorder — may well make confrontations inevitable between authorities and a news media charged with closely and critically observing and reporting on them. But that's no reason for poor judgments, or for policies set in the light of day and calmer times, which encourage or institutionalize a disregard for the needed presence of independent journalists and a free press. Gene Policinski is chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute and senior vice president of the Institute’s First Amendment Center. He can be reached at gpolicinski@newseum.org.
Rewards cards are great, unless you expect a reward
M
y mom gave me my first credit card popped up in my wallet around 1975. I had just been honorably discharged from active duty during the Vietnam War and I was driving from Chicago to Peoria to report in for my monthly service in the Illinois Air National Guard. Driving back to Chicago, I stopped and tried to use it at a Peotone gas station. But it didn’t work. Back in the 1970s, you could talk to a gas station owner, or almost anyone, and there was trust. The owner let me put $5 of gasoline in my car to get me back to Chicago on the promise I would mail him a check for $5 in repayment, which I did do that same night. I’m not sure how that would work today. There’s so little trust in our society any more -- and, for good reason. We’ve been duped into believing that in order to get something, we have to do something first. It’s called the rewards card. I have dozens of rewards cards, from grocery stores, bookstores, gas stations, Lowes, Macy’s and more. The first one I ever got was from Jewel, back in the 1980s, so I could cash a check and get a cheaper price on food items. That one really seemed to work, which is probably
RAY HANANIA why they ended it a few years ago. You see, I don’t think the purpose of a rewards card” is to really give you a reward. The purpose of the rewards card is to make you think you are getting a reward when you don’t. I tested all my rewards cards this past week, and most gave me no rewards at all. I have spent a fortune at Lowes buying flowers, rocks and supplies for my yard, garden and home and I have never gotten a reward from them at all. I was at Speedway the other day, fumbling to find the card which is not a large credit card size but a “key-chain” size about a half inch wide and one inch long. It falls out of my wallet all the time. But, I give it to them each time I buy something, and I spend a lot there for gasoline ($80 to fill up the tank twice each week) and two diet cokes almost every day. Do you think I ever get a reward for doing all that? About once in a blue moon,
they give me a paper receipt that says I can get a Diet Coke bottle the next time I stop there. Of course, I never can find the piece of paper when I do stop and while the computer can remember my rewards card number, it can’t seem to remember my rewards. Non-existent. I go to Pete’s Market all the time. I love its deli. I just hate its rewards card. Every time I purchase something, they want my rewards card. It’s a small one, too, and it always falls on the ground. In the past few months I’ve spent a fortune there but I’ve never gotten one reward. (I did get one free White Chocolate Latte free after buying nine before, though). And don’t get me started about the airlines. Rewarded with miles that you can exchange for free tickets. It’s never happened to me once. Jewel did one thing right when it eliminated their rewards card. I wish the rest of them would reward me by getting rid of them, too.\ So far, rewards card have been very unrewarding. Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com.
The Regional News
Thursday, August 20, 2015
5
Horrifying reason to have skydiving flight called off stand down. I learned one of the Army jumpers, who was a decorated, respected veteran, had collided in mid-air with a member of the Navy's parachute team, the Leap Frogs, while performing a maneuver. The Leap Frog, identified as Tim Holland, had broken one of his legs but managed to still land By Alison Moran on North Avenue Beach, but the Correspondent Golden Knight was undergoing "Tell her the jump's not gonna brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. happen." Dixon told me the entire Black I heard the voice of the pilot navigating the Army's Golden Demonstration Division visited Knights parachute team over him at the hospital. The commander and team the walkie-talkie at leader, she said, the Gary Jet Center stayed at the hoson Saturday. pital to support the Just an hour or so soldier's family. before, the Golden Overnight, things Knight's precision appeared promisskydiving team had ing. According to taken off from the Dixon, he remained same airstrip, to dazstable through the zle and entertain an night but was still estimated 1 million in critical condition. people gathered at And we learned his Chicago's lakefront Corey Hood name: Sgt. First Class for the 57th annual Corey Hood, 32. The Air & Water Show. I had been scheduled to fly with native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the prestigious Golden Knights' a 14-year Army veteran and had Black Demonstration Division, served five tours of duty in Iraq and interview the parachutists, and Afghanistan. But Hood's condition worswho annually make more than 27,000 jumps with a team of 427 ened. On Sunday, just after 7 national champions. Many were p.m., Dixon sent word of Sgt. from the Midwest, and I was ea- Hood's passing. Survivors include ger to find out what motivated his wife, Lyndsay. "Our focus right now is on them to do such dangerous work supporting Corey's family and on behalf of their nation. "These guys are like my broth- grieving for our teammate." ers," said Sgt. First Class Shelby said Lt. Col. Matthew WeinBixler, of Michigan, one of the rich, team commander, in a few female parachutists in the statement. "As soldiers, there Golden Knights, in an interview are risks every day in what we prior to Saturday's jump. "We do, but you do everything you back each other up, support each can to minimize those risks and other. We know it's dangerous, it is extremely hard when that is not enough. but important work." "The Knights are a very close "Skydiving is a dangerous sport," Donna Dixon, the para- knit team and the military skydivchute team public affairs officer, ing community is equally close; told me by email. "But the team we will support Corey's family goes through extensive training and each other during this difto be prepared for malfunctions." ficult time." In the aftermath, counseling And now, the jump’s “not gonis being offered to the Golden na happen.” Knights, and an investigation "Why?" I asked. "The reporter would like an into the accident is ongoing. The explanation," repeated Colleen safety stand down may impact Goldstein into the walkie-talkie, the team's performance schedule. The Golden Knights are an who was communicating with the pilot as part of the Air & Water important connection between the Army and the American peoShow team. ple," said Mark S. Davis, deputy A pause. assistant secretary of the Army "No reason," he said. A few minutes later, as the sit- for marketing. "Corey's loss is a uation unfolded, we were in the loss for the Army team and every midst of a tragedy. We learned all single person he has touched and jumps were cancelled that day, as inspired wherever and whenever the team implemented a safety he jumped." Editor's note: DesPlanes Valley News Reporter Alison Moran was at the Gary Airport on Saturday at the invitation of the Army to fly with the Golden Knights parachute team when Sgt. Corey Hood was involved in a mid-air collision that would take his life. Here is her story:
Long lines at Marist on Thursday meant the Stanley Cup, recaptured by the Blackhawks this past NHL season, was in town.
Photo by Lauren Vorva
This Cup was runneth all over
By Jeff Vorva Staff Reporter
Oak Lawn’s Marlene Gapski said it never gets old. For the third since 2010, her son, Mike, brought home the ultimate Blackhawks bauble from their championship seasons to her home on Thursday and hundreds of people gawked and had pictures taken with it. Mike, the team’s trainer, had the Cup for a day and, like he did in past, he shared with as much of the south suburbs as he humanly could. In the morning, hundreds, including OL Mayor Sandra Bury gathered at Marlene’s house, which she calls “the Hockey House” and took in the aura of an iconic inanimate object. “I love this,” she said. “I’ve been a fan since I was 12 and watching Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita and I love them all. It doesn’t surprise me that so many people are here, they all love the Blackhawks, too. I don’t even know half the people here.’’ But for close to an hour, folks had fun until it was time for the Cup to move on to bigger crowds. The Cup appeared in front of thousands in the late morning at Marist High School, thousands at Standard Bank Park in Crestwood in the afternoon and a bunch of more people in the evening hours at 115 Bourbon Street. Many people who were in the presence of the silver prize forked over at least 10 bucks in which the money went to Special Olympics and other charities. Marlene Gapski said she never believed that one of the most recognizable trophies in the world would be sitting in her front yard three times. “When my son was called to be the trainer, I was ecstatic,” Marlene said. “When [former Hawks executive] Pulford called him, he thought it was a joke. When he realized it wasn’t, he was thrilled to death.’’
Photos By Jeff Vorva
The man of the hour – Blackhawks trainer Mike Gapski brought the Stanley Cup to the south suburbs for the third time in six seasons on Thursday.
Submitted photo
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Left: Jack Michael Yunker of Oak Lawn makes the Stanley Cup his home for a few minutes as the trophy spent some time at the home of Marlene Gapski, the mother of Blackhawks trainer Mike Gapski. Above: The Shepard Band performed at Standard Bank Park during the appearance of the Cup with Hawk highlights in the background.
Palos Park PD shares news alerts via social media sites
Parcels pilfered from porches
Friends don't let friends text and drive: Designate a driver
Ex-employee charged with felony theft from jewelry store
Cell phone stolen
Orland Park police charged Annette M. Devries, 51, of Oak Lawn, with felony theft after she allegedly stole an estimated $25,000 worth of jewelry and watches from an Orland Park jeweler that once employed her. Devries was taken into custody at her boyfriend’s home in Lockport on July 22 after their investigation began in April, when a routine inventory showed at least 17 items missing from the store, police said. Working off a list of current and former employees, police said they encountered a witness who provided information and helped recover some of the items, according to the police report. Devries was charged with one count of felony theft and is due in court in Bridgeview on Sept. 1, according to a spokesman for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Naperville man charged with crashing into parked vehicles
Palos Park police encourage all to visit and use their social networking sites like Nextdoor Neighbor.com, Twitter and Facebook to stay informed and tap into the social networking platforms we use to disseminate information to the public. Police Commissioner Dan Polk said: "We think the Police Department has an obligation to get information out to the community through whatever means or mechanisms we have at our disposal. Traditional media releases, expecting the local print media to pick it up and run it in the newspaper tomorrow, is 24 hours too late."
From Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller Think you can get away with texting and driving? Think again. More than 100,000 crashes per year are caused by a driver focused on their phone and not the road, crashing their car and possibly taking a life. It has got to stop. We have a solution – designate a texter. Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk said: “Friends don’t let friend’s text and drive. They designate a texter. And we encourage all to join the movement.” A State Farm Insurance survey found that 78 percent of teens said that as passengers in a car,
Palos Park Police believe social media platforms allow for crime alerts and traffic alerts and immediate information sharing as quickly as they can hit send. Using the social networking platforms, police find the use of these sites to be not only speedy, but also a convenient way to distribute press releases, Amber alerts, road closings and suspect descriptions. The sites are facebook.com/palos.p.pd, twitter. com/palosparkpolice and mccarthy86.nextdoor. com/news_feed/ — Palos Park PD
they spoke up about a fellow driver’s distracted behavior, and 84 percent of the time, the driver listened and stopped the behavior. Need more convincing? Take a look at some of the stats: • The average length of time your eyes are off the road while sending a text is five seconds, long enough to travel the length of a football field if you’re going 55 mph. • A texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident than a non-texting driver. • Using a cell phone while driving affects your reaction time as much as a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent, the legal limit. • About 18 percent of lethal distracted-driving related crashes involved cell phones.
POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK An Orland Park man told police that someone stole a package off the front porch of his home in the 11300 block of West Poplar Creek Lane between 1 and 2:15 p.m. July 30. The parcel, delivered by a Postal Service employee, contained three pairs of shoes worth a total of $387, the victim said. A 56-year-old woman reported that someone stole a package off the front porch of her home in the 15200 block of South Willow Creek Lane sometime on July 14. The parcel—which contained a pair of shoes--had been delivered that day by a UPS employee, according to tracking records. The victim did not report the crime until Aug. 1, when she complained that a second parcel, containing a wine bottle opener, had been stolen from her porch on June 19.
Charged with DUI • Orland Park resident James C. Mallios, 36, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and disobeying a traffic light after police curbed his car near 159th Street and 108th Avenue at 2:39 a.m. July 24. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Mallios is due in court in Brid-
geview today. • Police charged Palos Heights resident Rebecca L. Blake, 26, with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no proof of insurance after her vehicle allegedly rear ended another near 159th Street and Harlem Avenue shortly before 10:30 p.m. July 27. The car was towed and impounded, and Blake is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Wednesday. • Orland Park resident Robert J. Favorite, 24, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and causing damage to a highway after police found him attempting to change a flat tire on his minivan in the 9500 block of West 143rd Street at 4:40 a.m. July 29. Police said Favorite’s vehicle crashed into an ornamental light pole at a nearby bank. The minivan was towed and impounded, and Favorite is expected to appear in court in Bridgeview today. A 34-year-old Lockport woman told police that someone stole her cell phone after she set it down on a shelf while she shopped at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Orland Park Place at about 11 a.m. Aug. 2. She became aware of the theft when she looked for her phone as she walked up to the cashier, about 40 minutes after she arrived at the store, she told police.
Police charged Michael R. Smith, 25, of Naperville, with leaving the scene of an accident and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. A man who heard a crash in the 14000 block of South Concord Drive at about 1 a.m. July 31 called 911 and told police he saw a car fleeing the scene. Police responding used a description of the vehicle, which included a partial license plate number, to locate Smith’s car parked in the 9000 block of West 140th Street, according to the police report. Damage to Smith’s vehicle matched damage to three parked vehicles, and Smith’s cell phone was found at the crash scene, police said. Smith is set to appear in court in Bridgeview today.
6 Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Regional News
HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE
For liver health and diverticulitis Q: I wonder if you can give me some advice. My dad is in his early seventies and has taken a whole bunch of medications for years for cholesterol, blood pressure, and pain. I know that he has to be so toxic from taking those medications for so long and that they have to be hurting his liver. I’d really like to be able to give him something to take to protect his liver, but I’m worried about things interacting with his medications. Do you have any ideas? A: I understand your worry. Often prescription medications are necessary, but they can take a toll on the body -- often the most on the liver (which processes everything put into the body). The best supplement I can recommend is milk thistle. Milk thistle is probably the very best supplement that exists for supporting, cleansing, and healing the liver. It’s very safe to take, and no drug interactions have ever been reported from it. In fact, in the book A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions by Alan Gaby, milk thistle is mentioned quite a few times as an herb to take with medications known to damage the liver. Milk thistle has been the subject of numerous clinical trials due to its potent liver protecting qualities. It’s one of the few herbs that really have no pharmaceutical equivalent, and has been shown useful in treating liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver poisoning, vital hepatitis, fatty liver, acne, and more. Not only can it protect the liver against further damage, studies have documented its ability to regenerate the liver. The liver performs so many important functions, and keeping the liver clean makes a huge impact in health, so I think it would be a great choice for your dad. Q: Where does diverticulitis come from and what can one do to help it? A: Diverticulitis happens when pouches known as diverticula form in the wall of the colon and then get inflamed or infected. Diverticulitis can happen as a result of eating a low-fiber diet, constipation and straining for bowel movements, or having a weakness in the colon or large intestine wall. It is estimated that that half of all Americans age 60 to 80, and almost everyone over age 80, have diverticulitis. It is a very common disease in developed nations like America, England, and Australia due to unhealthy, processed food diets. Studies have shown that a balanced, high-fiber diet can help regulate the bowels and protect against a variety of health problems such as diverticulosis and diverticulitis. There are also a number of supplements that have shown to be
effective in treating and managing diverticulitis. Aloe vera juice can be especially helpful for diverticulitis since it has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect on the bowels. Aloe vera is also effective at reducing constipation, a common problem and cause of diverticulitis. Another idea would be peppermint oil softgels. Enteric coated peppermint oil (an enteric coating on a capsule or softgel is a special coating which prevents the softgel from opening until it reaches the intestines) is effective against diverticulitis in several ways. Peppermint oil is soothing and calming to the intestines and colon, and can help relieve the stomach cramping that can come with diverticulitis. Peppermint oil also helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, both problems people with diverticulitis face. Finally I would recommend a fiber supplement in addition to a high fiber diet. Fibers like psyllium husk or flaxseed meal add bulk to the stool and can work almost like a brush, keeping the intestines clear. Drinking lots of water is also important to help to keep the small pockets or diverticula clear of waste deposits. To submit a question to be answered in a future column send an email to healthyanswersforlife@gmail. com or mail to Healthy Answers for Life c/o Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463 Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable associates at Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive. Feel free to stop by the store for more information or advice. www.passhealthfoods.com. This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.
PICK OF THE LITTER
AC/DC dangerous playthings Dear Dr. Fleming, My cat has some kind of problems inside her mouth and on top of her tongue. My vet thinks she may have chewed on an electrical cord. If this were true wouldn’t she have died? — Carla, Blue Island
JOHN FLEMING
DVM • PrairieStateVet.com Dear Carla, The cat in the movie “Christmas Vacation” sure lungs) and heart arrhythmias can develop in the died, but most of the pets that I have seen that hours after the incident. Therapy for edema may have chewed into electrical cords just had burns include oxygen therapy, diuretics and drugs to in their mouths. Puppies and kittens are affected dilate the airways. Anti-arrhythmic medications most often because the cords look like playthings. are administered as needed. Electrical energy is transMinor oral burns are often formed into heat at the point cleaned with an antiseptic where the bare wires touch solution. Most burns heal live tissue resulting in a local without surgery but severe burn. Electrical current can full-thickness burns may realso travel inside the body. quire surgery if the tissue dies Cords that are temporary, and become necrotic. such as those used for ChristAnimals with only mild mas trees, floor fans, space signs that require no treatheaters or outdoor tools, may ment and should be kept really draw the pet’s interest. quiet and carefully observed When the cords are bitten, for breathing problems (pulpale yellow, tan or gray burns monary edema) for 24-48 may be present on the lips hours. Most animals in shock and tongue. With high arcing or with cardiac problems currents copper deposits require intensive monitoring can be left at the burn site. throughout the initial therapy Systemic effects of the electriand for a few days, if they cal current include muscle survive. Monitoring may inSupplied photo spasms and seizures, irregular clude measurement of blood Meet Shawne from Palos Park and Tiger heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, pressure, pulse quality, gum Lily, a sweet 14-year-old rescue kitty. We respiratory arrest, vomiting, often see Shawne for lunch at her Belle color, heart rhythms, breathabdominal pain and unconCafé restaurant inside the Palos Health ing rate, blood oxygen levels, sciousness. The gums of the mouth may be pale or blue in and Fitness Center. We are lucky that the body temperature, neurologiclinic is located so close. cal reflexes and urine output. color. Other lab tests and chest The diagnosis is obvious if films may be done. the injury is witnessed or if the animal is found Most animals found in cardiac arrest or near a damaged electrical cord. Disconnect the unconscious do not survive. Survival rates for cord before touching the animal! Clear the pet’s animals that develop pulmonary edema range bemouth and nostrils of any mucous or fluid and tween 39 and 85 percent, depending upon whom if not breathing start mouth-to-nose breathing. you read. Prognosis is good for animals with Seek vet care immediately if the pet is having only mild oral burns. muscle spasms, seizures, difficulty breathing, or weakness. "They that can give up essential liberty to Hospitalization for close observation may obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither be recommended, even for animals with miniliberty nor safety." — Benjamin Franklin mal early signs. Pulmonary edema (fluid in the
Special lunch for Golden Oaks Seniors The Golden Oaks Seniors were treated to lunch and a presentation about D-Day at their most recent monthly meeting Aug. 5 at Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church. Guest speaker Wayne Rethford (left) was assisted by his daughter, Elaine Moore. He is shown with James Hay (from left), Ian Laing and John LeNoble. All but Hay are military veterans of World War II. The Golden Oaks Seniors will next meet on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 11:30 a.m. for their annual Bingo Day. To attend, call the church by Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 448-5220 to make your lunch reservation. - Supplied photo
DEATH NOTICES EDWARD WILLIAM RADTKE Edward William Radtke, WWII Army Air Force Veteran Beloved husband of 62 years to Betty (nee Selby) Radtke. Loving father of Linda Radtke and Sharon (Dean) Komrska. Cherished grandpa of Julia, Lauren and Jennifer Komrska. Dear brother of the late Maurice “Bud” (late Jean) Radtke, late Bill (Etta) Radtke and the late Laura Radtke. Kind brother-in-law of Roy (late Evelyn) Selby. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Edward graduated from Western University with a B.S. in Physics. He was the owner and head of a commercial heating and air conditioning company in Chicago for over 25 years. Funeral arrangements & services were entrusted to the Kerry Funeral Home in Palos Heights. Donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov would be appreciated. www.kerryfh.com ~ (708) 361.4235 ~ www. facebook.com/kerryfuneral
Palos Township is new signup site for Access to Care health system Palos Township is a new intake site for Access to Care, a charitable program delivers primary health care to the medically indigent of suburban Cook County. Access to Care is designed for uninsured and underinsured residents of suburban Cook County. The program partners with local doctors to provide primary care services to patients in their local neighborhoods. Access to Care can be used as a supplement to high deductible insurance plans. Access to Care provides the opportunity for suburbanites to see a local primary care doctor in the physician’s private office for a $5 fee. Other services include: prescription medication for $15 (generic), $30 (preferred-brand name), or $40 (non-preferred brand name) and basic lab and x-ray services for $5. Patients develop a relationship with their Access to Care doctor and report increased peace of mind. To determine eligibility, call 531-0680. Interested individuals must call the township office at 598-4418 to make an appointment to complete the application. The township is located
at 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills. In order to apply for Access to Care, an individual must provide proof of address and proof of income. Eligibility guidelines are 1) live in suburban Cook County and 2) family income below 300 percen of the federal poverty level. The individual must have no health insurance, or a per- person deductible of $500 or more and be ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare. However, if an individual is financially unable to afford Part B of Medicare, Access to Care will serve him/her. This program serves people who fall in the gap between eligibility for public insurance programs and those individuals who are privately insured. The program serves people with high-deductible insurance plans as these people still cannot afford to see a doctor. Many parttime employees, students, unemployed, low wage earners and individuals not offered health insurance by their employer are eligible for Access to Care. -- Access to Care
Bridge Teen Center programs offer variety The following programs for teens 7th through 12 grade are available at the Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park. • Bocce Ball - 4 to 5 p.m. today (Thursday), The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a program to teach students how to play Bocce Ball. • Life As Grandma and Grandpa - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. today, a program for students to see what it feels like to be in their Grandparents' shoes. • Summer Photo Contest - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Friday Night Live event and the announcement of the Summer Photo Contest winner. Live music by Distant Cousins. Free food samples will be provided by White Castle. • Open Studio: Visual Art - 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 25, an open studio for students to create a mas-
terpiece with several different mediums. • Life Hacks: Tips To Make Your Life Easier - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25, teaches students to find new uses for items they have lying around the house. • Nutella and Fruit Crepes - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26, a culinary program teaches students how to make delicious crepes. • De-Stress Walk and Flavored Water - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26, a program for students to relax and clear their head while they take a walk and enjoy some fruit infused water. • Project Serve: Litter Pick - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27, a program for students to help take care of The Bridge by picking up trash outside. Free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information, call 532-0500.
SENIOR NOTES Orland Twp. Dancing with the Senior Stars auditions Auditions for Orland Township’s fourth annual Dancing with the Senior Stars will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Auditions are open to amateur dancers only, ages 55 and older. At auditions, couples will be required to perform one dance routine in front of a panel of judges. Couples must provide their own music at auditions. Dance categories in-
HEALTH BEAT Orland Twp. blood pressure screenings for residents Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., will give free blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Fridays, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. No appointment is necessary. For more, call 403-4222.
Healthy Heart, vitamin D and thyroid screenings at Palos Twp. Palos Township Health Service, 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills, offers screenings on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vitamin D screening costs $25, thyroid $15 and Healthy Heart screening $60. Also open to nonresidents. Call to reserve a spot at 598-2441.
clude: swing, jitterbug, fox trot, waltz, tango, cha cha and rumba. Registration is required. Call 403-4222 to register. The dance teams selected to compete for the title and trophy will receive complimentary dance sessions from Fred Astaire Dance Studios to perfect their dance routines for the final competition on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., at Georgio’s Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park. The winning couple will receive a cash prize and trophy. All proceeds from the event benefit the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. Tickets cost
$30 and are available now at the township. (403-4222).
Ballroom dancing at Orland Township Orland Township offers a ballroom dance class for seniors to learn to waltz, tango and more. The fall session begins in late August and runs through the middle of November, on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Fees are $40 per student for residents; $50 per student others. To register, call 403-4222.
Looking for a new church? We’ll see you next Sunday! Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. 1st Sunday of the Month Open Communion Sunday School 9:45 am
Peace Memorial Church
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST • Worship • Missions • • Youth Activities • • Bible Studies •
NAMI free course for family and friends As a major part of its mission, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a six-week course for family and friends of persons who are living with a mental illness called Family to Family. It will start Sept. 9, meeting two evenings a week, in a south suburb. The course is free and materials are provided at no cost, but prior registration is required. Call Len Renz at 310-2038.
10300 West 131st St., Palos Park, IL
708-448-7833
Rev. Shana Johnson, senior pastor Rev. Sarah Lohrbach, youth pastor www.pmcucc.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Regional News
Thursday, August 20, 2015
7
Market meets Heights author Busen, interior designer Zwolfer Aracely's Tamales makes WGN TV's 'Chicago's Best'
The Palos Heights Farmers Market has fantastic vendors and food products. The locally grown produce tastes delicious, and is highly nutritious. In addition to the fruits and vegetables, we have many other food items for sale, including breads, croissants, bakery, pies and noodles, cheeses, eggs, butter, olive oils and vinegars, jams and local honey, beef, pork, bacon, sausages and chicken, salsas, pasta sauces and Italian peppers, toffee, three different varieties of ready to eat tamales, pizza and pizza products, ready to bake pizza, pesto, and organic and vegan frozen vegetable patties and wraps, soups, desserts and peppers. One of our vendors, Aracely’s Tamales, has been selected to be featured on the Sunday, August 23 edition of WGN “Chicago’s Best.” Make sure to tune in at 10 a.m. and see for yourself just how great his tamales are! The Aug. 26 market will feature two local businesses at the Community Tents; MBZ Interiors Inc. and author Sue Busen. Mary Beth Zwolfer is the owner of MBZ Interiors Inc., an interior decorator and home colour stylist based in Palos Heights. She is also the
Supplied photo
Felipe and Laura Rincon and Florence Smith work at Aracely's Tamales’ booth at the farmers market. The eatery is scheduled to be featured on WGN's "Chicago's Best" this Sunday.
author of the blog www.mbzinteriors. com. MBZ Interiors offers full service decorating for homes and offices, including in-home consultation, space planning (professional floor plans), designing and sourcing of products to complete a room design. MBZ Interiors also provides an affordable service called E-Design. With their E-Design service, clients share photos and room dimensions and all work is complet-
ed via email. MBZ Interiors charges one flat fee per room in E-Design which enables everyone the luxury of having their very own interior decorator. Mary Beth has decorated many homes right here in Palos Heights and homes as far as Oak Brook. She has decorated a pediatric dentist's office in Palos Heights and St. Mary's School in Riverside. She is currently busy decorating the public spaces for
The Shoppes of Palos Place, which is located in the old Ben Franklin variety store building. Anyone wishing to contact Mary Beth at MBZ Interiors may call 299-2157. Sue Busen is a transformational coach, speaker, and an award-winning International author. She is the founder of GetSet™ Tapping, Tap into Balance and My Pet Healer. She worked as an environmental biol-
ogist and research scientist before her own health challenges led her to natural health and energy therapies. Sue will be available to discuss ways to identify and release physical and emotional stressors, detoxify your environment, and improve the quality of the foods you eat. She is an advocate of health freedom, environmental awareness, and is a nonGMO activist. Sue will have books available for purchase and will also sign them for you. Make sure to stop at the City Tent. LINK cards are accepted at the Palos Heights Farmers Market. Stop by the City Tent to start the process. Pick up this week’s “Recipe of the Week”, along with previous summertime recipes. In addition, all previous recipes can be found at WellbeingMD.com or at palosheights.org. Make sure to pick up or have endorsed your Frequent Shopper Card at the City Tent. Ten endorsements of your card enter you into a year-end market raffle, to be held at noon on Oct. 14. Every time you bring a can of fruit, vegetables, or protein to be donated to the local food pantries, you receive double credit on your card. Additional information about the Palos Heights Farmers Market can be found at palosheights.org, by calling 361-1800, join us on Facebook, or email farmersmarket@palosheights.org. -- Palos Heights Farmers Market
COMMUNITY NOTES Mediterranean Festival St. Mary Orthodox Church will hold its second Mediterranean Festival this Friday through Sunday at the church, 6330 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights Hours are 2 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Food and drinks will be sold, camel rides, music, games and other family fun offered.
Palos Heights shredding, Rx drug dropoff and recycling A shredding, drug disposal and recycling day, co-sponsored by the Palos Height Public Library, Lake Katherine and the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot just west of the police station off Route 83. Limit of two boxes for shredding.
Orland Police Bike Ride for Special Olympics Ill.
Supplied photo
Toastmasters: Let’s talk
The Center Toastmasters Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 2 and 16, at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. The club invites people interested in improving and practicing their public speaking skills. Members take turns leading the meetings and giving speeches, gaining confidence from each others’ encouragement. Newly elected Center Toastmaster President Tony Lampl is pictured. The club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. New members and guests are always welcome. For more, call Dave Sanders or Lois Lauer at The Center at 361-3650.
The South Suburban Civil War Roundtable will begin its new program year with speaker Brice Allardice on the election of 1864 at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Smokey Barque, 20 Kan-
sas St. in Frankfort. If coming for dinner, arrive by 6 p.m. Dues for all 10 meetings is $25, $30 family, $5 student. For more, email SSCWRT@gmail.com or call 815-274-5321.
RECREATION ROUNDUP Heights early childhood classes Palos Heights Parks and Recreation offers early childhood programs for age birth to 6. Classes are offered at various times Monday-Friday. Programs are listed in the fall brochure, pages 7-9 or check out the online brochure at palosheightsrec.org. Register online or at the Rec. Center, 6601 W. 127th St. For more, call 361-1807.
Heights after-school program Power Play after-school program is for families who need extended care past the regular school hours in Palos Heights School District 128. Students participate in a wide variety of activities
including homework assistance structured games, arts and crafts and social interaction with other children. Staff is always on hand to supervise, lead actives and assist with homework. Power Play is offered through Palos Heights Parks and Recreation, partnered with District 128. Power Play held at Chippewa School and is open to District 128 students in afternoon preschool to 5th grade. Buses will transport students from Navajo and Indian Hills Schools to the after-school location. The program is available on early dismissal days, but is not run on school holidays. It runs the entire school year Monday-Friday. Registration is going on now. Fee: Monthly $160/Daily $14. For questions, call the Rec. Department at 361-1807.
STUDENT NEWS William David Keefer, of Orland Park, a sophomore majoring in political science at the University of Rochester, has been named to the Dean’s List for academic achievement for the spring 2015 semester. Keefer is the child of Timothy and Patricia Keefer, and a graduate of Saint Rita Cascia High School in Chicago. *** The following local students were graduates of Marquette University in Milwuakee last May. Palos Heights: Daniel Brennan, Bachelor of Science, Marketing; Kara Miyashiro, Bachelor of Science, Marketing; Rachel Schmiedl, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Palos Park: Christina Pavilon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Palos Twp. property assessment appeals The time period for Palos Township residents to file a property assessment appeal application ends Sept. 15. Palos Township will assist residents with applications until Monday, Sept. 14, allowing the last day for delivery. The township office is at 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more, call 598-4449.
McCord golf outing at Crystal Tree McCord Gallery and Cultural Center’s second golf outing "Fairway to the Arts,” will be held Monday, Sept. 14, at Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club in Orland Park. McCord invites community members to consider booking a foursome, sponsoring a hole, donating items or services for the raffle or sending a monetary contribution. Tickets for the outing are $200 and include brunch, dinner and a day of golf. Sponsorship opportunities range from platinum sponsorship at $500 to hole sponsor at $250. For details, see McCord’s website at www. mccordgallery.org or call 671-0648.
LIBRARY NOTES
CLUB ACTIVITIES Civil War Roundtable
The Orland Park Police Department will hold its annual bicycle ride for Special Olympics Illinois this Sunday. The ride for ages 12 and older departs from and returns to Gatto’s of Orland Park, 8801 W. 143rd St. The 14.4-mile course, which is not a race, is a police escorted ride that travels through Orland Park and on the adjacent bike trails. A water stop is held midway through the ride. Check in and registration will begin at 6:30 a.m.; the ride starts at 7:30 a.m. Refreshments and a complimentary breakfast buffet with soft
drinks and coffee will be available at Gatto’s after the ride. Wearing bicycle helmets is strongly encouraged. For more, call the police non-emergency number, 349-4111.
Heights library youth programs Play Doh Fun– ages 3 and up can play with Play Doh at the library today (Thursday), at 2 and 6 p.m. Registration is not necessary. Friday Morning Fun- ages 2-6 (with an adult) - Drop in to the Activity Room to listen to back to school stories and songs. Weather permitting it will be held outdoors this Friday, at 10 a.m. No registration is required. All programs are free and open to everyone at the Palos Heights Public Library, located at 12501 S. 71st Ave. in Palos Heights. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.palosheightslibrary.org, call 448-1473, or stop by the Youth Services desk.
Heights library upcoming programs • Recycling Day, shredding and Rx drug dropoff, co-sponsored by the Palos Heights Public Library, Lake Katherine and the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot just west of the police station off Route 83. • Save the date: Palos Reads, this year featuring author Julia Keller and her novel “Summer of the Dead,” will take place Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. at Palos Country Club. Copies of the book are available at the Library. The following clubs meet weekly at the Palos
Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. No registration necessary. • Needle Club – Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Library’s Conference Room. • Mah Jongg – Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. in the Library’s Meeting Room. • Scrabble Club – Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. in the Library’s Conference Room. Registration is required for programs where noted, and always encouraged. Register for programs by contacting the Adult Services Reference Desk at 448-1473, or visit the Library’s website at www.palosheightslibrary.org, hover over “Programs,” and click “Online Programs Calendar.” • Thursday @ the Movies – The library will show the 2015 film “McFarland USA,” starring Kevin Costner, at 10 a.m. today (w/ subtitles), 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Rated PG; 129 mins. • Digital Photos: Storing Photos Online – Explore Google Drive, Flickr, and other options that let you back up your photos and access them through the internet during this course in our Technology Lab on Monday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. Space is limited; please register. • Streaming Video and Music – Learn to access free streaming movies, television shows, and music with the Library’s Media on Demand and Freegal services during this class in our Technology Lab on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
SCHOOL NOTES ***
Heights Dist. 128 PFA The following local students received degrees first-day ice cream social
from the University of Iowa in Iowa City at the close of the spring 2015 semester. Orland Park: Eric Chmielewski, BBA-Finance; Michael Corcoran, BS-Psychology; Joseph Dempsey, BSE-Mechanical Engineering; Jason Fox,BSE-Mechanical Engineering; Melissa Huhtelin, BS-Leisure Studies; Rachel Lynch, BA-Elementary Education; Meghan Marino,PHR-Pharmacy with Distinction; Nicole Rhim, BA-Psychology. Palos Heights: Michael Lynch, a BBA-Finance; Tyler Pena, BS-Psychology; Jon Simpson BS-Human Physiology; Andrew Torossian, of Palos Heights, BBA-Finance; Palos Park: Sean Connelly, BBA-Management; BBA-Marketing.
The Palos Heights School District 128 PFA will hold a Back-to-School ice cream social on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Chippewa School, 12425 S. Austin Ave., Palos Heights. Families can end the first day back to school with a sweet treat and chance to catch up with friends, greet district faculty and staff, meet the new district superintendent, Dr. Dawn Green, and the PFA board to learn the PFA’s plans for the 2015-16 school year. Parents can join the PFA and sign-up for hot dog day.
Heights School Dist. 128 preschool screenings Palos Heights School District 128 will conduct a screening for all children residing within district boundaries who are 3 to 5 years of age on Monday, Aug. 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Indian Hill School, 12800 S. Austin Ave. Areas of development assessed include speech and language, gross motor skills, and visual/auditory strengths. A vision and hearing screening will also be conducted. Children will be screened by a diagnostic team of district personnel under the direction of District 128 Administration. Contact the Student Services office at 597-1285 to make an appointment or to request additional information. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
BUSINESS
8 Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Regional News
Inflation and your retirement income strategy Y
ou might not think much about inflation. After all, it’s been quite low for the past several years. Still, you may want to take it into account when you’re planning your retirement income strategy. Of course, no one can really predict the future course of inflation. But it’s a pretty safe bet it won’t disappear altogether — and even a mild inflation rate, over time, can strongly erode your purchasing power. Consider this: If you were to purchase an item today for $100, that same item, in 25 years, would cost you $209, assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%. That’s a pretty big difference. During your working years, you can hope that your income will at least rise enough to match inflation. But what about when you retire? How can you minimize the impact of inflation on your retirement income? One thing you can certainly do is include an inflation assumption in your calculations of how much annual income you’ll need. The number you choose as an inflation factor could
FINANCIAL FOCUS
JIM VAN HOWE
Edward Jones Investments possibly be based on recent inflation levels, but you might want to err on the conservative side and use a slightly higher figure. Since you may be retired for two or three decades, you might have to periodically adjust the inflation factor to correspond to the actual inflation rate. Another important step is maintaining an investment portfolio that can potentially provide returns well above the inflation rate. Historically, stocks have been the only investment category — as opposed to investments such as Treasury bills and long-term government bonds — whose returns have significantly outpaced inflation. So you may want to consider owning an appropriate percentage of stocks and stockbased investments in your portfolio, even during your retirement years.
*Yield to maturity cannot be predetermined, due to uncertain future inflation adjustments. If TIPS are sold prior to maturity, you may receive less than your initial investment amount. If bonds are not held in a tax-advantaged account, investors will be required to pay federal taxes on the accredited value annually, although they will not receive any principal payment until maturity. When the inflation rate is high and the principal value is rising significantly, the taxes paid on TIPS may exceed interest income received. Therefore, TIPS may not be suitable for investors who depend on their investments for living expenses.
Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 3613400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Maher Funeral Home opens at old Tinley Park library site
The Stanley Cup brought by Chicago Blackhawks head trainer Mike Gapski last Thursday to show to adoring fans at Marist High School and Crestwood’s Standard Bank Stadium made a stop that afternoon at AneMoNe Caffe in Palos Heights. Co-owners Emanuele Riontino (left) and Pete Andrews greet Gapski (center), the native Chicagoan who got his dream job of working for his hometown NHL team as head trainer in 1987. He worked his 2,000th NHL game, against the Vancouver Canucks, in November 2013. AneMoNe Caffe, named for the flowering anemone plant, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, located at 6431 W. 127 St., in the Indian Trails shopping center.
A
Photo by Patricia Bailey
AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Orland Park Strubbe Joseph A to Healy Stephanie L, 10430 Capistrano Ln, $550,000; Fannie Mae to Gallagher Cathleen, 8937 Biloba St, $186,000; Sassetti James T to Harry Christopher K, 7531 Halasia Ct, $277,500; Sipavicius Edward H to Depinto Michael, 11123 Karen Dr, $265,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Whited Patrick, 17726 Washington Ct, Unit #245, $171,500; Nagel Daniel M to Lyons Michael Sean, 14262 Wittington Ct, $435,000; Locsmandy Peter J to Vanwyngarden Doug Ias A, 14911 Poplar Rd, $265,000; Hicks Denise E to Nicely Kate E, 15655 Westminster Dr, Unit C, $141,500; Harzich Joseph to Maropakis George, 8649 W 142nd St, $614,000; Fannie Mae to Askar Buthayna, 8437 Hollywood Dr, $255,000; Robson Betty Alm to Rychtarczyk Krystian, 14955 Hopkins Ct, $230,000; Droha Yvonne M Tr to Mludek Pawel R, 15411 Brassie Dr, $247,000; Lorenc Brian R to Bokota James Trust, 15729 Ravinia Ave, Unit #157292W, $170,000; Ibrahim Nashat to Manprisio Richard P, 8830 Merion Dr, $320,000; Fannie Mae to Macnamara Daniel John, 14121 Norwich Ln, Unit #201, $132,000; Tomczak Joann to Wojtczak Genevieve Tr, 10557 Lynn Dr, Unit #170, $160,000; Kotula Michael F to Borgardt Randy, 8349 141st St, $303,000; Dillon Helen S Tr to Pittos Courtney N, 8332 Ashley Dr,
you could choose to sell your TIPS before it matures.* Work with your financial advisor to help decide what moves are right for you to help protect your retirement income from inflation. It may be a “hidden” threat, but you don’t want to ignore it.
COMINGS & GOINGS
Palos stop for Stanley Cup
Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Regional News does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.
Now, you might be concerned at the mention of the words “stocks” and “retirement years” in the same sentence. After all, stocks will fluctuate in value, sometimes dramatically, and even though you may be retired for a long time, you won’t want to wait for years to “bounce back” from a bad year in the market. But not all investments move in the same direction at the same time; spreading your dollars among a range of asset classes — large stocks, small and midcap stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), foreign investments and so on — may help you reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio. And you don’t even have to rely solely on stocks to help combat inflation. You could also consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS. When you purchase a TIPS, your principal increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Your TIPS pay interest twice a year, at a fixed rate; this rate is applied to the adjusted principal, so your interest payments will rise with inflation and fall with deflation. When your TIPS matures, you will receive adjusted principal or original principal, whichever is greater. As is the case with other bonds, though,
$294,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Kovarik William, 7824 Keystone Rd, $357,000; Smagac William J Tr to Wallace Michael J, 15644 Shenandoah Dr, $200,000; D Alessandro Derek John to Carol L Beranek Trust, 14687 Maple Creek Dr, $295,000; Cook Thomas J to Baran Klaudiusz, 13649 Ishnala Dr, $440,000; Strobel Thomas W to Charnot Laurence, 17045 Kerry Ave, $445,000. Palos Heights Standard B&T Co Tr to Massa Nancy Tr, 13200 Westview Dr, Unit #13200, $285,000; Rabold Wayne Tr to Evens Erica L, 6049 W 128th Pl, $278,000; Reed Joseph G Tr to Wasmill-
er Jason, 12507 Melvina Ave, $257,500; Farber Richard C to Corcoran Christopher M, 12621 Moody Ave, $360,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Mcdonough David M, 12835 S Shawnee Rd, $300,000; Fasel Leslie A to Moran Brian J, 12742 Palos Ave, $166,000. Palos Park First Midwest Bk Tr to Henney Ronald E, 9756 E Mill Dr, Unit #B1L16, $162,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Cudney Nicholas, 13255 W 108th Ave, $855,000; Watt Jeanette M to Kartsounes George, 126 Old Creek Rd, $330,000; Botts Nettie C Tr to Kooyenga Jacob, 12444 79th Ave, $315,000.
Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Aug. 17) RATES
APR POINTS
30-year fixed
4.000
4.035
0
15-year fixed
3.375
3.430
0
30-year fixed Jumbo
3.875
3.920
0
new funeral home has opened in the former Tinley Park Public Library building at 7051 W. 171st St. "We received our occupancy permit last week," said Phil Maher, co-owner of the new Maher Funeral Home. Maher said the funeral home is a family affair with his business partner and brother John Maher providing elder care and other legal services for their clients, his sister Julia Maher Dombrowski handling public relations and an uncle Robert Maher taking care of community outreach for the business. Phil Maher has been in the funeral business for 24 years and spent many of those years learning from his late mentor Andrew J. McGann Sr., who operated a funeral home in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community. "I started with him when I was 19 years old," said Maher. Maher said he struck out on his own more than a year ago and spent a lot of that time looking for the right location for his own funeral home. "We found the library in January and spent the last several months remodeling the building," he said. "We liked the space that was available and the location and the fact it had parking for more than 100 cars." The building has two 14,000-square-foot levels and the funeral home is on the main floor. It was built in 1973 and served as the Tinley library until it moved into a new location in 2004. As for the main level, Maher said they kept the library's large windows in the front because of the view they offered. They also did extensive landscaping work to the site. "We have too large parlors that can be combined into one massive parlor, if needed," he said. "Each parlor has its own coffee room and each parlor has its own outdoor seating area. I wanted to make sure they were separate, to be more accommodating for the families." Maher said village officials were very happy to have the family buy the building. "It had been vacant for many years," he said. "Even the neighbors are thrilled to finally have the building open again." Maher said the community was invited to check out the new building at its open house from 3-8 p.m. today, Thursday. For more information, call 781-9212 or visit the funeral home website at maherfuneralservices.com.
Amazon to open warehouse in Joliet Amazon.com has announced plans to build a 500,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Joliet, which the company said would create 1,000 full-time jobs when it opens. The warehouse would be the company’s first in Illinois. Amazon hopes to have it ready in time for the Christmas shopping season. The company said it was attracted by Joliet's proximity to the Chicago market and the availability of labor in an area that has become a major intermodal distribution hub for many national retailers. Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said he was happy with Amazon’s decision to make Joliet the home of its first Illinois fulfillment center. Amazon employees at the center will process smaller items, such as books, electronics and consumer goods. The jobs are expected to pay from $13 to $15 an hour.
TreadFit opens in Beverly A new fitness center that combines a treadmill workout with strength training opened Aug.
United Trust Bank (as of Aug. 17) RATES
APR POINTS
30-year fixed
4.050
4.071
0
15-year fixed
3.375
3.411
0
10-year fixed
3.125
3.178
0
Prospect Federal (as of Aug. 17)
BOB BONG 10, in Chicago's Beverly community. TreadFit offers classes six days a week at 10326 S. Western Ave., said its owner Jennifer Harkins in a news release. Harkins said TreadFit was geared toward all fitness levels including walkers, joggers and hardcore runners. Treadfit’s classes run 50 minutes and are taught by a certified trainer. Attendees receive a heart-rate monitor at the start of each workout, so they can track heart rate zones and calculate accurate calorie burn, ensuring a workout with maximum results. Workouts are estimated to burn between 400-800 calories per class. Classes start at $15 and are open to anyone 16 and older. For information, visit www.treadfitbeverly.com.
Refinery woes to drive up prices Problems at BP's Whiting, Ind., refinery are likely to drive up retail gasoline prices from 15 to 30 cents per gallon for motorists in the Midwest and Great Lakes area, is the dire prediction from gasbuddy.com. The website that tracks gasoline prices and the oil business said in an email release last week that BP's refinery unexpectedly experienced issues with its largest crude distillation unit, capable of refining over half (210,000bpd) of the total refinery's oil capacity (410,000bpd). Almost immediately, market gasoline prices shot up on the concerns of reduced gasoline supply from the BP refinery, the seventh largest in the country and the largest in the Midwest.
Great Lakes Credit Union merges with Bell West Great Lakes Credit Union has announced it has merged with Bell West Community Credit Union. The Bell West branch will remain open as GLCU at its current location at 9930 Southwest Highway in Oak Lawn. “I am thrilled that Bell West members will be joining our GLCU family and continue to enjoy the benefits of a credit union as our two organizations merge,” says Vikki Kaiser, president/ CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union. “We are also pleased to be able to provide them with an array of new financial products and services.” Along with other GLCU locations, the Oak Lawn branch is open to the public and GLCU encourages consumers to stop-in and take advantage of the variety of financial products and services they offer. Kaiser adds, “One of GLCU’s main goals is to exceed our members’ expectations by providing outstanding, personalized service and we look forward to providing that personalized service through our professional, dedicated and courteous staff." GLCU has more than 65,000 members and is over $693 million in assets. The Bannockburn-based credit union has branches in Antioch, Bolingbrook, Country Club Hills, Gurnee, Naperville, North Chicago, Oak Lawn, Round Lake Beach, Waukegan, Willow Springs, and Zion. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line a tbobbong@hotmail.com.
A funeral home is now on the site of the old Tinley Park library. Supplied photo
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The Regional News
Thursday, August 20, 2015
PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE
10 Years Ago This Week
File photo from Aug. 21, 2005
A conceptual rendering of a new 142nd Street west of La Grange Road shows how the new street would someday provide a showcase for Orland Park’s new 143rd Street Metra station. The sketch is part of a new brochure being sent out asking developers to submit plans for the village’s planned Main Street Triangle between La Grange Road and Southwest Highway (143rd Street at the triangle’s base).
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Tie with a cord 5 Acute anxiety 10 Miss from Madrid: Abbr. 14 Texter’s “That being said ...” 15 Get on the phone, say 16 Lustful look 17 *Miracle Mets center fielder 19 “If all __ fails ...’’ 20 Weed whacker 21 Friskies eater 22 “Your choice” 24 Skip over in pronunciation 26 *Creator of Daffy and Bugs 28 Nevada gambling city 29 __ for the course 31 Variety show 32 Dressing component 36 Nav. rank 37 *”Songs About Me” country singer 39 Dashboard meas. 41 Unsettled detail 42 Island near Venezuela 44 Mexican mama bear 45 Official records 49 *He voiced Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story” 52 European toast 53 Come by 54 Fraternal club member 56 CCV x X 57 Roughly 58 *Three-time Super Bowl-winning Cowboys quarterback 61 Dumbfound 62 Wished (for) 63 Odometer unit 64 Pajama parts 65 Line in a ledger 66 Fret Down 1 Pester
40 Years Ago This Week
The Palos Heights pool commission and city recreation board are sponsoring a teen concert and swim party on Saturday at the Palos Heights community pool. The band M&R Rush will perform. Swimwear will be required and a $1 fee will be charged.
The Reporter was on C.M. Punk bandwagon way back when C.M. Punk appears in the Reporter getting ready to finish the Frog Splash move on his opponent in a Lunatic Wrestling Federation bout in 1998.
W
File photo by Richard Dramato
great minds could come up with. “I said ‘hey, let’s go in the back yard and beat the crap out of each other,’ ’’ he said. “We were jumping around like a bunch of jerks.’’ And so, that’s where it started for Mr. Punk. The LWF started to grow and they were attracting a couple of hundred people to their shows. Punk talked about his love for the sport. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s the ultimate stage,” he said. “A lot of kids play baseball, stickball or soccer. They grew up watching that and they want to emulate it. I grew up watching wrestling. It’s a love of the sport, the theater and the stage it provides.’’ Even back in the old days, he would take chair shots to the head. On one night, one of the Obnoxious Frat Boys snuck up behind him and BAM! “It’s like playing a game of chicken,” Punk said. “You know it’s coming, your body wants to react. You’ve really got to
Peter of “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” (1969) 3 Chinese noodle dish 4 Unit of resistance 5 Bay __: Oakland’s locale 6 Tidy 7 Joke 8 Bad thing to make in public 9 Bad thing to get at work 10 Record protector 11 Takes over for 12 Trial in simulated conditions 13 “You __ My Sunshine” 18 Skating surface 23 Large game fish 25 Way in 26 High-level betrayal 27 “You betcha!” 29 __ de gallo: salsa fresca 30 Chevy hatchback 33 [I don’t remember the words]
34 Laudatory poems 35 Swedish furniture giant 37 Good sign from Ebert 38 Fargo’s state: Abbr. 39 Yoga class rental 40 Before 43 They’re waved by conductors 46 Say “I do,” say 47 Husk-wrapped Mexican dish, and when divided in three parts, a hint to the answers to starred clues 48 Never seen before 50 Supple 51 Scandal-plagued energy giant 52 Enjoy the slopes 54 Watcher 55 Title for Godiva 57 East, to Ernst 59 Make a choice 60 Metric distances: Abbr.
(Answers on page 2)
(Answers on page 2)
IMPRESSIONS
hilst I was researching through the old Reporter newspapers from 1998, something caught my eye on page 5 in the April 9 edition. It was a picture of a pro wrestler with a skull on his t-short leaping from the top rope, ready to do some skullduggery on an opponent’s skull. Although I am not as big of a pro wrestling fan as I used to be, I wondered who this high flyer was and I read the caption that he was none other than Phil Brooks. Most know him by his ring name: C.M. Punk. Punk has gone on to huge things in the World Wrestling Entertainment in recent years. His ability to throw his body around and top microphone skills made him a heel and then an antihero crowd favorite. He held the WWE title for 434 days, which makes him the longest-reigning champeen in the modern era. That reign ended Jan. 27, 2013. A few times, however, he ticked off the big bosses by deviating from scripted storylines to get into some of the real warts of the inner workings of the WWE. But he was getting such heat from the audiences that owner Vince McMahon and his people had to suck it up. Finally, the two parted ways in 2014 and Punk is now trying to make it as an ultimate fighter. But way back in ’98, Punk, who hails from Lockport, was a featured star in the Lunatic Wrestling Federation and picked up the biggest break of his career when he and the LWF were featured in the Reporter. He was 21 at the time and the LWF got started in a dude named Larry Satkus’s back yard in Mokena. After Satkus. C.M. Punk and a few other goofs watched a pay-per-view event, Satkus had an idea that only the rarest of
2
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
From Aug. 21, 1975
JEFF VORVA
9
work at overcoming that. It’s really getting over that natural reflex.’’ Punk went on to become a huge star. The rest of the LWF? Well… The group still has a Twitter account and it appears it hasn’t hosted matches in a while but one of the founding fathers of the group wrote a book about the organization. There was one report that in September, 1998, Punk closed the LWF because his brother allegedly embezzled thousands of dollars so the inner workings of the group was not without its drama. While people are predicting and celebrating the demise of newspapers, I steadfastly maintain there is a great need for them. I know of some places where Internet archives have been wiped out and the only place you could still read certain stories is the hard copy of the newspaper. We provide an important service to society. Where else are you going to find out C.M. Punk got hit start jumping around with a bunch of jerks?
WHATIZIT?
Photo by Jeff Vorva
We had a little decision to make. Last week’s photo (below) was of an apparatus that you use to clean golf spikes, hence the clue of something you use when you turn 18. Others guessed shoe and boot cleaners so the nerdy WHATIZIT Board of Directors walked to a local bar to hammer out what to do with those guessers. After getting hammered themselves, they staggered back to the office and a group of girls smiled at them. They were so elated at the attention, they decided to generously let the shoe/boot guessers in the paper too. By the way, the girls weren’t smiling at them, they were laughing at them because every Board of Director had his barn door open. So we broke the winners up into two divisions – the spike division and the shoe division. Steve Rosenbaum of Oak Lawn wins the green jacket for being first among the spikes with the correct answer. Others who finished under par were Chicago Ridge’s Donna Andrasco, Craig Breier, Joe and Marilyn Blackwell and Chris and Rick Towner, Oak Lawn’s Mike Sutko, Dolores Graziadei, Betty Schadt and Matt Vari, Palos Heights’ Crystine Busch and Lorraine Deckinga, Worth’s E.J. Oahueke, Evergreen Park’s Jan Merchantz, Vince Vizza and Henrietta Mysliwiec, Hickory Hills’ Ken Osborne, Cap’n Morgan from Palos Hills and the Friday Night Ladies and One Gentleman Poker Club and Golf Cart Thrill Riders From Oak Lawn, Oak Forest, Orland Park and New Lenox. Oak Lawn’s Chris O’Grady was the first correct guesser in the shoe division. Those who also showed a lot of sole were Oak Lawn’s Bob and Jane Foley, Palos Park’s Robert Brendel, Chicago Ridge’s Dan and Kathy Higgins and Patty Vandenberg, Evergreen Park’s Rich Rahn, Worth’s Theresa and George Rebersky, Mike and Russ Martin, Gene Sikora, Carol and Jerry Janicki and Celeste Cameron, Hickory Hills’ Griffin and Jack Faddis and Palos Heights’ Jim Cap and Mary Sheeren, Last week we said a guy by the name Dan Martin was a winner. Dan-g it, it was actually Russ Martin. This week’s clue: It's something your mother might wear. Send those guesses to thereporter@comcast.net with WHATIZIT in the subject line by Monday night. Don’t forget your name and hometown.
LIFESTYLE
10 Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Regional News
Heights library joins Concert in the Park
Photos by Patricia Bailey
The Palos Heights Public Library had a table at the city’s Concert in the Park last Thursday at the Memorial Park gazebo, fitting the library’s summer reading program’s theme, “Read to the Rhythm.” Library Director Jesse Blazek and Karen Skocik (above), head of circulation, not only enjoyed the band, but had giveaways of personalized eyeglass cleaning cloths for the first 100 people who visited their table. Below: The evening’s crowd enjoyed the music stylings of The Limitations: Tom Swenson on lead guitar, Tony Volini on acoustic guitar and Steve Justman on bass. They describe their music as classic, fun music for all ages, 2 to 100.
Photo by Patricia Bailey
At all the old familiar places
Mike Lobraco, and his bride soon to be, Carli Irace, were snapped in front of the Plush Horse ice cream parlor in Palos Park on the afternoon of Aug. 8, their wedding day. Carli’s parents, who live in the village, had their first date at the Plush Horse, and the couple has carried on that sentimental tradition with frequent stops there for ice cream. They could think of no better way to kick off their nuptials than to visit their favorite spot. Asked when they were getting married, Carli said, “At 6 p.m. at Meyer’s Castle in Dyer, Indiana.”
Trinity Christian College offers signup for SALT adult enrichment offerings Registration is now open for Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity (SALT), enriching three-week classes, book discussions, breakfast events, and day trips for adult learners ages 45 and over offered by Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights. A variety of classes are available, including Behind the Headlines, Introduction to iPhone and iPad, and the Inspired Readings of poet John Terpstra. Day trips include a tour of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Chicago and a visit to Shipshewana, Indiana, for the new musical, Our Christmas Dinner. Single Servings offer one-time, morning presentations on topics like Awakening Joy and Chicago’s Sweet Candy History, as well as a book discussion by author and speaker Jane Rubietta. For more information or to register, visit www.trnty. edu/salt, or call the college at 597-3000. -- Trinity Christian College
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Standard poodle Margaret Mary of PAWWS (Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS) gets her "blarney on" while showing off her new continental cut at the Palos Heights Farmers Market last week. Pam Barnett, owner of Pack Leader Academy in Palos Heights, grooms her every two weeks to keep her styling. Barnett will be the guest speaker at the Palos Heights Woman’s Club meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Rec. Center, 6601 W. 127th St. She will be joined by service dogs Harold and Matthew to explain how PAWWS selects, trains and then pairs a service dog with a wounded warrior combat veteran VOTED with post-traumatic stress. VOTED
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The Regional News • The Reporter
SPORTS
Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com
Thursday, 2015 Thursday,August March 20, 5, 2015
Southwest • Section 2, Page 1
MORAINE ATHLETICS WRAP
Cyclones give unto others crew, along with additional volunteers that totaled a group of 118 in all, filled 177 boxes, which is 38,232 meals that could feed 105 children for a year. One box holds 216 meals. “I was very proud of our students who went above and beyond in this volunteer group project,” Moraine athletic director Bill Finn said. “They worked hard, had fun and were classy representatives of our great college in helping prepare a tremendous amount of food for starving children across the world.” Athletics secretary Mary Nagel had previously volunteered with the organization and thought it would be a good team-building activity for incoming freshmen to get to know each other while having fun. And so far the feedback has been positive. “We never did anything like this before so it was a nice change,” sophomore tennis player Agnieszka Szudy said. “It was enjoyable. I really liked it.” “I thought the experience was very beneficial,” women’s soccer coach Al Palar said. “The girls were having so much fun, I don’t think they even realized the good deed they were doing.” Freshman basketball player Joe Ruzevich was glad to be a part of the activity. “As athletes, we’re blessed with a lot of opportunities that many people don’t have,” he said. “It’s great to give back to those less fortunate. I really liked it.”
Submitted photo
Some Moraine Valley College student-athletes pack food that will be sent to hungry children around the world. The Cyclones volunteered their time Aug. 10 in Aurora.
By Maura Vizza While Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” blared through the speakers of a warehouse in Aurora, roughly 90 Moraine Valley College student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff members sang along and sweated while filling and sealing bags of food. The bags were then boxed for shipment to hungry children around the world. The work was part of the Cyclones’ volunteer project at Feed My Starving Children.
Freshman athletes represented the lion’s share of Moraine participants, but some sophomores also took part for a couple hours on Aug. 10. Everyone worked at different tables with packages earmarked for countries such as Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Ghana and Haiti. Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization that sends hand-packed meals specially formulated for malnourished children to nearly 70 countries in need. The organization considers packing one box per person a good day; Moraine’s
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Palar’s Cyclones traveled to Madison, Wis., last Friday for an exhibition match against Madison College. Moraine dominated in its first outing of 2015 as it rolled to a 5-0 victory. Marbella Rodriguez recorded a hat trick to pace Moraine while Xitlaly Mandujano and Alex Abed added solo tallies. Dalila Alcala assisted on Mandujano’s marker and netminders Kaylyn Egyarto and Kortnie Hanold shared the shutout. “I am very happy with the result, the effort and most importantly the team’s performance,” Palar said. “There could have been many excuses made, but they were all up to the challenge and got the job done. We will build on this as we prepare for
Joliet Junior College [in the regular-season opener].” The Cyclones are coming off a 10-8 season and top-four finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region IV in 2014. Palar is now the head coach after being an assistant for the men’s squad the past three years. “I’m not sure what their competition looks like yet, but we’re going for it,” Palar said. “It’s definitely a change from men’s to women’s, but it’s the same concepts. The guys are more tactical while the women use pressure and force more errors.” Palar played professional soccer in Poland and coached boys’ and girls’ teams for Inter FC out of Palos Hills. He still plays for the Amateur Schwaben AC out of Buffalo Grove. Palar brings not only his coaching style, but a confidence that his team can go far this season. “I’ve been excited to get started,” he said. “We have good returners and every recruit will have an impact. They’ve been good at practice and come together. “Everyone is 100 percent at it [and] there’s no slacking off. We want to get to nationals — we’re geared toward that. They all want to do something big, and we have the group to do it.” Returning players include Maggie Hacker (Sandburg), an All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference selection as a freshman and the Cyclones’ second-leading scorer a year ago, and Hanold, an all-conference and all-region choice in 2014. Alexis Delgado also garnered all-region recognition last fall. Other returnees are Liliana Cabrera, Kristina Cypser (Shepard), Cecia Esquivel, Alejandra Hernandez and Mandujano. Key losses were leading scorer Alyssa Braun (Shepard), now at Roosevelt University, and goaltender Diana Lozano (Richards). The crop of newcomers includes Rodriguez, who played for Palar in club soccer, Abed (Stagg), Alcala, Francis Corona, Egyarto (Sandburg), Ewelina Kmin, Diana Lang (Marist), Karina Lopez, Victoria Paczkowska, Lauren Regan (Mother McAuley), Sintia Salas, Jazmin Sanchez and Paulina Stafira (Stagg). (Continued on page 2)
Yes … yes … yes Mayors get revenge over chiefs in third Special Olympics softball game By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor “Yes … yes … yes.” Those were the words used several times during 9-year-old Special Olympian Jack Klawitter’s
speech Sunday at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood. Klawitter, a Frankfort resident, is the youngest global messenger for Special Olympics, and the kid had hundreds of spectators captivated before the third Battle of the ‘Burbs
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Special Olympian Jack Klawitter throws out one of the ceremonial first pitches in Sunday’s Battle of the ‘Burbs at Standard Bank Stadium. Proceeds from the event benefited Special Olympics.
softball game. He gave a 10-minute speech about how Special Olympics has helped his life and those of others, and every once in a while he would throw in a “yes … yes … yes’’ for good measure. Klawitter’s neck was full of medals that he won as he threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches. Minutes later, the main event took place, and for the first time in the short history of the competiPhoto by Jeff Vorva tion south suburban mayors could finally say “yes … yes … yes.” Palos Hills Mayor Jerry Bennett avoids a forceout and scores a run as he gets to the plate a second before MerThe mayors, known as the Big rionette Park Fire Chief Leonard Edling in the Big Hitters’ 13-10 victory over Gunsmoke. Hitters, beat a team of fire and police chiefs, known as Gun- all for fun, but we absolutely love smoke, 13-10 in the five-inning winning.’’ Orland Park Mayor Dan affair whose proceeds benefited Special Olympics. In the past two McLaughlin was on base several games, the chiefs had outscored the times and made some diving stops mayors 45-20 by winning 26-12 at third base. “It was good [and] I love the in 2013 and 19-8 last year. When the mayors scored three new field,” he said, referring to the runs in the top of the first inning artificial turf installed at Standard on a day in which the temperatures Bank for the 2015 campaign. “It’s touched 90 degrees, things looked a lot nicer [surface] to play on. We good. Then Palos Hills Mayor Jerry gave it the old college try and this Bennett took the mound and used time it worked out.’’ Other Big Hitters from the area tricky hesitation pitches that didn’t fool the chiefs, who hammered were Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Oak Lawn Mayor Sanhim for six runs. “Yeah, I thought, ‘Here we go dra Bury, Oak Lawn Clerk Jane Quinlan, Worth Clerk Bonnie Price again,’” Bennett said. But the Big Hitters kept living and Chicago Ridge Attorney Burt up to their name as they scored Odelson. The Big Hitters picked up some six times in the third inning and four in the fourth. The defense ringers this year as they were joined came through as well, holding by a few former athletes-turnedGunsmoke to four runs in the state senators. Napoleon Harris of the third final four frames. Photo by Jeff Vorva State Senator Napoleon Harris gives Harvey Mayor Eric Kellog a little “We had better defense and bet(Continued on page 2) airplane spin during the Big Hitters’ 13-10 win over Gunsmoke on Sunday. ter hitting,” Bennett said. “This is
2 Section 2
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Regional News - The Reporter
Community Sports News FALL BALL REGISTRATION FOR OAK LAWN BASEBALL
Oak Lawn Baseball is conducting online registration for its fall baseball and softball leagues, which begin after Labor Day and run through mid-October. Baseball will be played at the Shetland (ages 5-6), Pinto (6-7), Mustang (8-9) and Bronco (10-11) levels while softball will feature 8U, 10U and 12U divisions. Games are scheduled for the weekends weather permitting. Team jerseys will be provided, but players must supply their own hats, pants and socks. Registration and payment will be accepted online, but two in-person payment dates will also be held. Visit www. oaklawnbaseball.com for details. For any questions, baseball players should contact boyspresident@ oaklawnbaseball.com and softball players should contact girlspresident@oaklawnbaseball.com.
SOUTHSIDE SHOOTERS TRYOUTS IN AUGUST
The Southside Shooters will conduct tryouts and hold an organizational meeting on Monday, Aug. 31, at Moraine Valley College’s “G” building gymnasium. The tryouts are open to youngsters in grades 4-8 and will run as follows: grades 4 and 5 from 6-7 p.m.; grades 6 and 7 from 7-8; and grade 8 from 8-9. For more information, contact Bill Finn at coachfinn34@yahoo.com.
DE LA SALLE LOOKING FOR BASEBALL COACH
De La Salle Institute in Chicago is looking to fill a head-coaching vacancy with its varsity baseball team. Teaching positions are available for the 2015-16 school year.
Interested candidates should contact athletic director Tom White at (312) 842-7355, ext. 118 or white.@dls.org.
ST. LAURENCE SEEKING FOOTBALL COACHES
St. Laurence is seeking two assistant football coaches for the 2015 season. Offensive coordinators are being sought for both the sophomore and freshman teams. The latter candidate should have a specific ability to coach quarterbacks and both must have a flexible schedule that will allow for attendance at summer practices as well as those conducted during the school year. Previous high school coaching experience or the equivalent is preferred and candidates must hold a valid Illinois teaching certificate or be ASEP certified. Qualified individuals should send a letter of interest and resume to varsity coach Harold Blackmon at hblackmon@stlaurence.com.
BEARS NON-CONTACT CAMPS COMING THIS SUMMER
Chicago Bears youth football camps for ages 6-14 will return to 26 Illinois locations this summer. Former Bears players Rashied Davis, Jason McKie, Jim Morrissey, Mickey Pruitt and Kris Haines are among those expected to visit the camps, which will offer non-contact instruction. Led by professional, USA Football-certified coaches, kids learn to run, throw, catch, defend and compete the Bears’ way. A comprehensive skills camp is designed for newcomers while the accelerated skills camp is for experienced players between the ages of 9 and 14. The cost is $259 for a five-day camp. To register or for more information, visit www.BearsCamps.com or call (312) 226-7776.
Moraine
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“The expectations before the season are high, and with practice it’s looking realistic,” Palar said.” I think we’re in position to compete. I’m confident we’re stronger than last year.” The match to watch is a Sept. 16 meeting with conference rival and powerhouse Waubonsee College in Palos Hills. “I’m looking forward to that match,” Palar said. “I’ll be nervous the whole morning but in a good way. I wish every game was like that because that’s how you learn — through tough matches.”
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
One word describes the 2015 Cyclones: youthful. Only two runners have a year on their spikes, but the new kids could be impactful before all is said and done. Braulio Castellanos and Ryan Dovgin will be relied upon heavily to lead the way, especially in the early going while the rookies gain an understanding of how to compete at the collegiate level and an 8K distance. “They are up to the task [because] Braulio and Ryan have been through the wars,” said Moraine coach Mark Horstmeyer, who’s entering his 16th season. “They know what to expect, and we will need for them to impart that knowledge both through word and deed.” Ten newcomers will join Castellanos and Dovgin. “They are experienced high school runners who know how to compete and win, and that’s the important thing no matter the distance or level of competition,” Horstmeyer said. “We are confident that as long as they stay healthy and continue to push the way they have been so far, they will become experienced collegiate runners sooner [rather] than later. “The talent certainly is there. Now we have to get them to gain confidence in themselves [and realize] they are very capable of excelling.” The new group consists of Alec Altman (Sandburg), Mike Bradley, Vicente Carbajal, Juan Castillos, Kevin Dusek (Shepard), Andrew Miller (Shepard), Jeremy Morgan, Tomas Villa, Ronaldo Wallace and Rej Bedini. “What we like so far is that they are already working together, and they will need to continue doing so in order for all of them to rise to the next level,” Horstmeyer said. “We think they have the commitment and heart to do so. “We have challenged them to end the drought — it’s been way
Submitted photo
About 90 Moraine Valley College student-athletes took part in the Feed My Starving Children volunteer effort on Aug. 10.
too many years since the men’s team last claimed titles — and make their mark on the program. It will be a lot of fun to see them go for it. They have the potential and work ethic to be really good [and] we’re excited for them.”
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
The 2015 Cyclones return the core of last year’s ISCC and Region IV championship team, so the pressure is on to do something no other Moraine cross country squad has ever accomplished: successfully defend its titles. The current group is up for the challenge but will need assistance from a talented group of freshmen to get it done. There is one huge loss, however, as NJCAA All-American Aileen Gorman (Marist) is gone after completing two stellar years as a Cyclone. “She will be missed both from a talent and leadership standpoint,” Horstmeyer said. “She set the bar high eith her work ethic, determination and competitiveness.” But Horstmeyer is confident the void can be filled. Three of the four returning runners —Abby Correa, Crystal Flores and Jackie Navarrete (Shepard) — earned both all-conference and all-region honors a year ago. Along with the departed Gorman and sophomore Amy Miller (Shepard), the trio helped Moraine place 24th at the NJCAA race. “They know what they have to accomplish in their training to bring home the championship trophies once again,” Horstmeyer said. ‘They know they cannot rest on their laurels and expect to have the same results. “The wonderful thing about them is that they want to get better, and they know they have to work hard to do so. We will need to rely on their leadership to help bring our younger runners along.” Those youngsters include Stephanie Majewski, Yuliana Olivares, Weronika Staszel, Gabby Plewa
and Hannah Funk (Sandburg). While new to the college ranks, they are cross country veterans who come from top-notch high school programs, so they know what it takes to be competitive. “They have shown a strong work ethic, a determined attitude and a dedication to their sport,” Horstmeyer said. A lot of work lies ahead for the Cyclones in their preparation to successfully defend their crowns, but in the early going the coaching staff liked what they saw. “We are tremendously fortunate to have such an outstanding group of young women who are beginning to blend in well,” Horstmeyer said. ‘There are a lot challenges awaiting them, but those challenges also present opportunities — an opportunity to believe in what they are capable of achieving and an opportunity to accomplish something very, very special. They will be an exciting group to watch grow and succeed.”
VOLLEYBALL
The Cyclones don’t want to be No. 2 again. Following a 2014 season that saw a new coach and largely new team win 20 times, finish second in both the ISCC and Region IV, Moraine is ready to go further. A strong group of veterans will lead the way. Libero Carolyn Yerkes (Marist) was an NJCAA All-America nominee and named to the allregion and all-conference teams last season after ranking 11th in NJCAA Division II in digs per set (6.03 average). She was the Cyclones’ MVP. “Yerkes is the true definition of a leader,” second-year coach Mark Johnston said. “She works harder than anyone out there all while keeping a smile on her face.” Also back is Carly Trinley, another all-region and all-conference pick who moved around last season and played multiple positions. This year, she is leading the offensive charge as Moraine’s setter.
Softball
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district showed up for the game a little late but made a big impact. His pregame ritual was lifting Harvey Mayor Eric Kellogg and giving him a little airplane spin. Harris played football at Thornton High School, Northwestern University and with Minnesota, Kansas City and Oakland in the NFL. He appeared in Super Bowl XXXVI. Michael Hastings, a former Andrew football player who also played at West Point, added some muscle to the lineup. Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs, one of the tallest legislators in Illinois at 6-foot-8, was another large presence for the Big Hitters. Area players for Gunsmoke inPhoto by Jeff Vorva cluded Orland Park Police Chief Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin makes a diving stop and throws to Tim McCarthy and Oak Lawn second base during the mayors’ 13-10 win over the police and fire chiefs in the third Battle of the ‘Burbs. Police Chief Michael Murray.
“With her athleticism and IQ of the game, Carly will be one of the top setters in the conference,” Johnston said. Sophomore Amanda Host also was filled multiple roles for the Cyclones in 2014 — by season’s end she had successfully manned four different positions, including setter. Allison Nash was chosen as the Most Improved Player last year and looks to pick up right where she left off. With a strong vertical jump, Nash will see an increase in her kill and block totals while spending a majority of her time on the right side. Kate Patnett rounds out the returnees. She put in long hours during the offseason to come back quicker and faster and looked stronger than ever in the preseason. Patnett was one of Moraine’s best blockers last year and posted one of its highest hitting percentages. Johnston made big gains in the offseason with several impressive recruits and additions. Newcomer Kaitlyn “Kam” Myles (Queen of Peace) will be the other middle hitter. “Her strong offensive presence in the middle is exactly what the team needs,” Johnston said. “She is strong and her potential has a very high ceiling.” Outside hitter Carly Nowacyzk will be one of the Cyclones’ main offensive weapons. While hitting great shots in the front row is her forte, Nowacyzk is just as strong with her back-row hitting. Her fundamentals will make her a force with which to reckon. Kortney Chase will be another hitter as well as a main passer in serve-receive. Her quickness and great touch on the ball will be extremely valuable, and Johnston also likes her “positive attitude on and off the court. [She] will definitely be a leader of this team in the next year.” The Cyclones kick off their campaign with a home opener against region foe Triton College on Aug. 25, 6 p.m.
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A little of this and little of that
Sometimes it’s difficult to choose a single topic for discussion. This is one of those times. So here are some random thoughts about a few different subjects. • Are the Cubs for real? Well, it depends on the circumstances. Are they as bad as they looked in striking out 18 times against the White Sox on Sunday or when Cole Hamels no-hit them a few weeks ago? Their record indicates they’re obviously not. But what about that record and, more importantly, the 15-wins-in-16-games streak the Sox broke in the finale of the City Series? Are the Cubs truly that good? Again, no. While the streak included an impressive four-game sweep of 2014 World Series winner San Francisco, it also featured the North Siders running roughshod over hapless Milwaukee seven times. The Brewers as currently constituted might have a difficult time winning a series against the Windy City Thunderbolts. However, even longtime Cubs detractors must credit the team for finally acting wisely. For far too many years the Cubs treated their farm system like a clearinghouse — as soon as a new face entered he was sent away, often in exchange for a past-his-prime player with falling-star quality, the kind who might put behinds in the seats but would also make sure the Cubs were left well behind the contenders. The Cubs’ 2015 kids are all right, and so far manager Joe Maddon has pushed the correct buttons more often than not. Of course, remember the lift Dusty Baker’s arrival gave the Cubs in 2003 and 2004? It didn’t last, so Cubs fans are advised to proceed cautiously with their optimism. The biggest thing the Cubs have going for them, though, is Maddon’s face — specifically his snow-white goatee. If you recall, several years ago in this same space a certain columnist noted how each of Chicago’s most recent championship clubs was guided by a head coach or manager who wore a mustache, something Baker and his successor Lou Piniella both failed to do. At that time, I suggested some possible candidates to become the Cubs’ next manager. Maddon must have seen that column and decided to act once he came to Chicago; in fact, he’s taking no chances by growing hair on his chin as well as above his upper lip. So to anyone intent on keeping the Cubs’ 107-year championship dry spell intact, don’t fret about how to handle Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrietta or any other player. Just hold Joe Maddon down, give him a close shave and watch all hope disappear along with the whiskers. • The Bear necessities. New Bears coach John Fox is clean-shaven, so there’s no need to include the words “Super Bowl” in any conversation about the team. But because of that, Fox’s decision to get all Bill Belichick with reporters last week struck a particularly sour note. You see, Belichick has won enough titles to have earned some rights in the let’s-be-a-jerk department, rights he is more than happy to act on. Fox has been to the Super Bowl a couple times, but once there he channeled his inner Bud Grant and left the scene empty-handed. The point is that Fox’s first thing to win is some respect back for a franchise that is 30 years removed from its last championship. But that’s hard to do when neither he nor new general manager Ryan Pace was upfront about receiver Kevin White’s injury, which is likely to sideline the first-round draft choice for all of the 2015 season. When pressed by reporters as to why both he and the organization were deliberately vague about White’s physical condition until late last week, Fox got a bit huffy and informed the media people that the Bears had operated within the parameters set forth by the NFL. They revealed only what they had to, nothing more. When asked by one beat writer why the secrecy was deemed necessary, Fox bristled and said it was the reporter’s job to find out the reason. Are you kidding me? One preseason game into his Chicago coaching tenure and Fox has already grown sensitive? How the heck will he respond in the midst of a losing streak when fans are criticizing everything Fox and his coaches are doing? Time to put on your big-boy pants, John. • Tiger, your time is up Memo to those who write about professional golf: Tiger Woods is no longer legitimate story material. When Woods missed the cut for the PGA Championship, it marked the third major tournament in a row that he had done so. And since his world ranking is now below golf’s version of the infamous Mendoza Line and he’ll turn 40 at the end of the year, Woods shouldn’t be expected to contend for titles. So unless he suddenly manages to be in the hunt for one or some new trollop comes forward to dish on him, Woods isn’t even old news; he’s no news. Let’s focus on the sport’s young guns, which include Jordan Speith, whose 54-under-par cumulative score for the four majors bettered by one stroke Woods’ record for a single calendar year. Speith may not wind up doing everything that Woods once did on the course, but chances are good he won’t duplicate Woods’ off-the-course shenanigans either. And for that, everyone not employed by TMZ or the National Enquirer will be most grateful. • Kane may be disabled Patrick Kane seems eager to follow Tiger Woods’ recipe for career sabotaging While nothing has yet to be proved, the Blackhawks star is alleged to have been involved in a sexual assault. Kane has already skated onto thin ice in a couple of other instances; this latest allegation was enough to convince a game manufacturer to remove his image from the front of its latest product. Screw-ups like this seem to happen almost daily to professional athletes, and all the money in the world can’t repair a damaged reputation. But that doesn’t mean the jocks will stop doing their worst to disprove that theory.
BARTOSH
Hey you experts! We are looking for football forecasters
This is your chance to kick the crown off of Jeff Vorva’s head. In 2014, Vorva was the Football Forecast king with a 68-18 regular-season mark. He capped the second year of selections by also setting the playoff pace with a glossy 44-6 record of accuracy. The third season of Football Forecast, which will follow weekly 10 local high schools and St. Xavier University, kicks off Aug. 27. Among the contests being played that weekend will be Brother Rice versus Brother Rice (Mich.) and Mt. Carmel versus Marist. Any readers interested in joining our roster of pigskin prognosticators should email us at the reporter@comcast.net by Friday with your name, town, phone number and a jpeg photo of yourself.