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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

74th YEAR, NO. 35 • 4 Sections

Serving the Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

Palos Preserves get campground Officials mark Camp Bullfrog's opening By Jack Murray

Regional News editor

Supplied photo

Cutting the ribbon ceremonially opening the Camp Bullfrog Lake campground last Friday are Cook County Forest Preserves General Supt. Arnold Randall (from left), Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison and Willow Springs Mayor Alan Nowaczyk.

Generations of youngsters who have gone sledding or fishing at Bullfrog Lake forest preserve can return with their kids or grandkids to “rough it” overnight now that the Camp Bullfrog Lake campground is open for camping. Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th District) and the mayor of Willow Springs joined the Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent Arnold Randall for a ribbon-cutting opening celebration of the new campground last Friday. With their backs to the lake, facing a row of newly built cabins available for rental on the high ground above, Mayor Mahoney and Commissioner Morrison, who also lives in Palos Park, both noted the century-long bond between the Palos area and the forest preserves nearly surrounding

their community before they cut the bright orange ribbon with Supt. Randall and Willow Springs’ mayor. Both the village of Palos Park and forest preserve district each marked their 100th anniversary last year. “All good things are wild and free,” Palos Park’s Mayor Mahoney quoted Thoreau in his remarks, pointing out that Palos Park is bounded in three sides by the forest preserves. The new amenities expand the recreational opportunities long afforded by the Palos area, he added. As a Cook County commissioner, Morrison also sits on the board of commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Recently appointed to the seat resigned by Orland Park’s Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman, Morrison, who is also the elected Palos Township Republican committeeman, was introduced by Supt. Randall as the county commissioner whose district contains the most forest preserve land of any other on the county board.

He and Mayor Mahoney congratulated the forest preserve district’s three-year effort, funded by a 2012 bond issue, to provide camping in Cook County. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round camping, group activities and fishing. Its location in the Palos Preserves of southwestern Cook County provides access to some of the district’s most popular destinations, Supt. Randall noted. “We are a 20-minute hike to the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature,” he said, and in close proximity to Maple Lake, Sagawau Environmental Learning Centers, and the Stone House single-track mountain bike trail for campers and mountain bikers. The officials later made the short drive to Maple Lake for another official opening of a newly remodeled Maple Lake Boathouse. It features a concession area, dock, and boat and other watercraft rentals, plus a spot for fishermen to buy bait and tackle. See CAMPGROUND, Page 2

PALOS PARK

LINE 'EM UP!

Annexation of Cog Hill, more tees off Lemont By Dermot Connolly and Michael Gilbert

Palos Park could succeed to Orland Park’s mantle as “World’s Golf Center” if the owners of the Cog Hill, Gleneagles and Mid-Iron golf courses succeed in their joint bid to be annexed by the village. The mayor of Lemont, however, is not willing to give up those vast green spaces without a fight against what he views as a land grab by Palos Park Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves delivered his fighting words before an overflow crowd at the Village Board meeting on Monday, vowing to try to prevent Palos Park from annexing four properties totaling 1,400 acres of unincorporated Cook County land. All was peace and light meanwhile at the Palos Park Village Council meeting a few miles to the east, where Mayor John Mahoney described his relationship with his Lemont counterpart as “cordial.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Stagg and Sandburg, shown last year in a heated moment, will open their 2015 football season on Friday night with Stagg hosting Minooka and Sandburg visiting Naperville North.

Area high school teams open season this weekend By Jeff Vorva

This weekend, thousands of area fans will be heading out to stadiums to watch the start of the 2015 high school football season in Illinois. And they won’t have far to go. Seven of the 10 area schools in the region will host opening games and the other three are not terribly far away. Just four of the 10 games are rematches from the 2014 opening week. Brother Rice hosts Michigan power Brother Rice out of Bloomfield Hills. Last year, the Michigan squad beat the Crusaders 40-34 but that convinced members of the Chicago team that they could play with the big boys and they went on to knock off Loyola, Mt. Carmel and St. Rita to earn a tie for first in the Catholic League Blue. The visitors are ranked 16th in Michigan by the MLive website and had a 33-game winning streak snapped last year in a Division 2 Regional game. Chicago Christian hosts Westmont in Palos Heights. Last year, the Knights opened the season with a 56-34 road setback. Evergreen Park hosts Lake Station (Ind.) and last year the Mustangs held a 14-0 early lead when rain and lightning postponed the game to Saturday and they didn’t miss a beat, completing a 55-13 victory. Shepard hosts Niles North in Palos Heights and hopes to avenge a 49-14 road setback from last year. The other six games will feature teams not as familiar with each other. Sandburg, which opened the past two seasons against Lin-

I T’ S B E T T E R AT

WEEK 1 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FRIDAY Lake Station (Ind.) at Evergreen Park, 7 p.m. Lane at Oak Lawn, 7 p.m. Minooka at Stagg, 7 p.m. Niles North at Shepard, 7 p.m. Richards at Lincoln-Way North, 7:15 p.m. Benet at St. Laurence, 7:30 p.m. Marist vs. Mt. Carmel (at Soldier Field), 7:30 p.m. Sandburg at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m. Westmont at Chicago Christian, 7:30 p.m. Brother Rice (Mich.) at Brother Rice, 2:30 p.m. coln-Way Central, visits Naperville North. North was 2-7 last year but had made it to the playoffs 17 straight years prior to that including a Class 8A state title in 2007. It was North’s first

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Cog Hill, Gleneagles, and the Mid-Iron golf courses and parcels connecting them could be annexed into Palos Park in early 2016, Mayor John Mahoney said Monday.

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“We see each other and speak very often,” Mahoney said after Monday’s council meeting. “In fact, tomorrow morning I believe we have a transportation meeting together with the Southwest Conference of Mayors so we serve on a committee together. We see each other at golf outings too. We have a cordial relationship.” The two should have plenty to discuss at their next tee time. Reaves has been vocal in his opposition against Palos Park’s annexation of four properties in unincorporated Cook County, including Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, a public golf course that was home to the PGA’s Western Open from 1991 to 2006. The other three are the Gleneagles Country Club, Mid-Iron Golf Course and Ludwigs Feed Store Corp. The Mid-Iron Golf Course has not been in operation this year, and Mahoney said the property,

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2 Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Regional News

St. Mary hosts Mediterranean Fest Campground Continued from Page 1

More than 6,500 campers since Memorial Day have already camped at Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest and other campgrounds opened this year by the Cook County Forest Preserves, Randall said. “We’ve had 500 campers so far at Bullfrog Lake,” he added. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle made it a goal to return public camping in the district. “Experiencing the outdoors and connecting with nature no longer has to mean extended travel,” she said. “We are proud to provide access to the many benefits of outdoor activities to families right here in Cook County.” Besides Camp Bullfrog Lake, at 9600 Wolf Road in Willow Springs, additional sites are Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, phase one now open, Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Camp

Palos Park Photo by Michael Gilbert

Palos Heights resident Mary Soder waves while enjoying a camel ride last Saturday at the Mediterranean Festival hosted by St. Mary Orthodox Church, 6330 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights. “It was fabulous,” Soder said of her first camel ride. “Now I don’t need my husband to take me to Egypt.” Palos Heights friends Caden, James, and Jake enjoy their “umpteenth” time down the bubble slide as Frank Salman watches over them in the hot sun. Frank is co-owner of Royalberry Waffle House and Restaurant in Palos Heights, which has instituted evening entertainments, such as Murder Mystery Night and Tribute Nights. Photo by Patricia Bailey

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Aromas of Middle Eastern foods filled the air as people satisfied their hunger at the food court. Many church members volunteered their time to make this a successful event for the church.

Church member Ziad Abudayyeh, of Burbank, rolls a kofta kabob. A menu of kabobs, gyros, shawarma and more were available for fest-goers to sample.

Continued from Page 1 12680 S. Bell Road, could be part of a commercial development in the future. Reaves has said the four properties are part of his village’s comprehensive plan, and annexing them into Palos Park would change the landscape of Lemont. But Mahoney said each of the four property owners want to annex into Palos Park and an agreement could come as soon as early 2016. The Palos Park Village Council is the only public body that needs to approve the agreements, Mahoney said. “Obviously [Reaves] is not very happy with what we are doing, but the property owners have come to Palos Park [seeking annexation],” Mahoney said. “Although Lemont has had a long-held expectation that would be developed in Lemont, there is no legal connection other than their long-held expectation.” Each of the property owners have submitted annexation petitions to the village, Mahoney said. The annexations have been on Palos Park’s radar since 2009. “The next step is negotiating the annexation agreements,” Mahoney said, noting the properties, want to be part of Palos Park’s Lake Michigan water supply system. “We are working steadily, but there is a lot involved. That’s why I’m thinking more early 2016” for annexation approval by the Village Council. The properties of Cog Hill and Gleneagles have a combined six, 18-hole golf courses, Mahoney said. “One of the primary focuses for me is the opportunity to enhance our outdoor recreation amenities,” said Mahoney, who recently joined officials to open Camp Bullfrog lake campground in the Palos Preserves of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Palos Park resident Mike Gaichas told the council Monday he in favor of the annexations, most notably because the prestigious Cog Hill course, in all its Western Open glory, would become part of the village. “It would be quite an asset and feather in the Palos Park cap.”

Lemont girds for battle

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Betty Lillios, of Tinley Park (left), and Irene Giardinay, of Wheaton, are eager to try the spinach pie and tabbouleh salad.

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Ameer Sawaqed, of Bridgeview, doesn’t seem to know whether or not he likes the lemonade his father, Yousef, offered him.

That same night in Lemont, Mayor Reaves told his packed Village Board meeting: “I will do everything in my power to fight this.” He urged Lemonters to contact officials in Palos Park and Cook County to express their own displeasure. “I will do whatever I can to stop this.” Because the properties are ad-

Football

Continued from Page 1

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Pat Hasier, of Worth, recently released from the hospital, went to the service for its special healing rite. While there, she purchased some tabouli salad. St. Mary Orthodox Church celebrated the Akathist Hymn to Our Lady, the Theotokos, prior to the opening of its Mediterranean Festival on Saturday. The church was visited by the wonder-working myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon. After the ceremony, visitors were anointed with the healing oil. Photo by Patricia Bailey

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Saleem Swaiss, of Mokena, takes aim while shooting for a prize in the cork gun game. Carnival-style games were just a few of the activities for youngsters during the three-day fest held last Friday through Sunday.

losing season since 1983. Sandburg made it to the playoffs six straight seasons but fell short in 2014. Stagg, which opened its season with Hillcrest the past two years, switched up and will host Minooka this year. The visiting Indians were a power from 2009-2011 but the past three seasons they have failed to finish with a winning record. Stagg is hoping to avoid its 10th straight losing season. Marist plays Mount Carmel at Soldier Field and it promises to be a tough game for a RedHawks team that missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2007. The Caravan won 12 state titles and last year went a disappointing 5-4 in the regular season and was in danger of missing the regular season but won three postseason games and reached the Class 7A semifinals before bowing to eventual state champ Providence.

Reinberg in Palatine and coming soon Dan Beard in Northbrook. Camp Bullfrog Lake lodging options include two-bedroom (heated and air conditioned) cabins with private bathroom, tent camping, walk-up and drive-up (with electric service) campsites, as well as small rustic cabins. The site offers new restrooms and shower facilities, a small concession area, a common area for field games and special events as well as three picnic pavilions overlooking scenic Bullfrog Lake, a district spokesman said. The county campsites offer optional daily activities and regular special events for campers. This free programming is provided by Forest Preserve staff and varies by site, but includes archery, campfires and nature hikes. Gear rental, Camping 101 and Family Campouts are also available. Visit FPDCC.com/camping for a full list of amenities at each campsite and to make reservations for all opened campsites. Reserva-

tions can also be made by calling 855-YES-CAMP or in-person at Forest Preserves of Cook County Headquarters (536 N. Harlem Avenue in River Forest) between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Also, Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for in-person reservations. The sites are managed by Billy Casper Golf, the longtime manager of the county’s golf courses. Campsites have 24-hour staff and will be monitored with regular patrols by the Forest Preserves Police Department. Camps Sullivan, Bullfrog and Reinberg are open 362 days a year but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Fees vary by season and day, but range from $30 for a weekday tent pad to $200 for a Saturday night stay at a 36-bed bunkhouse (at Camp Sullivan) for Cook County residents. Non-residents will pay $10 more per night. There is also a 50 percent discount for all non-profit organizations.

jacent to Lemont, and completely separate from Palos Park, Reaves and everyone who spoke during public comment agreed that it makes no sense to allow the annexation. Lemont had future development plans for the properties, but Palos Park made the first move, some said. “It is a true misappropriation of what belongs to Lemont. (These properties) have been a part of Lemont forever,” said the mayor. He pointed out that allowing Palos Park to annex the disconnected properties would split his own village. “Can you imagine coming to Route 83 and Main Street, and seeing “Welcome to Lemont, and then welcome to Palos Park, and back to Lemont again? It is ridiculous.” Responding to an audience question, he said the annexation would also break the area into separate ZIP codes Palos Park is surrounded by forest preserve district property, and in order for the annexation to work, the village needs to obtain a piece of Cook County Forest Preserve District property that now separates it from the MidIron driving range, at 126th Street and Bell Road. This would meet the requirement that a municipality be contiguous to property it annexes. According to published reports, Palos Park would provide Lake Michigan water free of charge to a nearby Forest Preserve District police station, and give zoning rights back to the forest preserve district because the village doesn’t want to develop the land. Reaves said the water issue should be “taken off the table,” because it would be much easier for Lemont to provide the water mains needed for access to Lake Michigan water than Palos Park. “If they really want to pay for Lake Michigan water, we can give it to them,” he said. “Because the properties would still be within the boundaries of Lemont school districts, it could have a huge impact on our schools,” said Reaves, answering a question from a Boy Scout in his junior year at Lemont High School. Reaves and others at the meeting said the annexation issue, which has been in discussion since at least 2009, stems from the property owners being “disgruntled” with Lemont, for one reason or another. All the property owners have applied to Palos Park for annexation. “Whatever has upset these individuals, this shouldn’t be allowed,” said the mayor. Asked if the deal could go through without support from Lemont residents, Reaves said,

“unfortunately, we don’t have any official say in the matter.” Officials acknowledged that what Palos Park is trying to do is legal. State Sen. Christine Radogno (R-41st District), the Illinois Senate Minority Leader who lives in Lemont, was at the meeting to hear from residents, and afterward expressed her displeasure with the annexation moves being made by Palos Park and the “wealthy disgruntled landowners.” “This is terrible public policy, to have a community eight miles away making decisions that will affect this community,” Radogno said. It is clear that Palos Park is using the Forest Preserve Board to get around the legislation (against municipalities annexing property not connected to them). If the Forest Preserves of Cook County board approves the deal with Palos Park to take ownership of the piece of forest preserve property, the annexation can go ahead with the approval of the Palos Park Villag Council. The Forest Preserve Board is made up of the same people as the Cook County Board, and because Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th District) lives in Palos Park and supports the annexation, many people expressed resignation about the whole process. However, residents such as Kathy Hendrickson suggested forming a community group to lobby against it, saying residents might have more influence than officials. “That is your right to do,” said Reaves, noting that the next meeting of the Cook county Forest Preserve Board is Sept. 8. Other residents said they will begin attending Palos Park Village Board meetings, which are held at the same time as those in Lemont. “This has been going on for a long time. Follow the money trail,” said Hendrickson. “I’m saying this because I want you to get fired up. I want you all to fight this,” she said, appealing to residents to lobby against the annexation. The Rev. Glenn Bergmark, a resident of Lemont since 1965 and chairman of the Environmental Advisory Commission, described the action being taken by Palos Park as “very selfish and self-centered.” “I’ve seen a lot of annexation attempts over the years, but this is the most egregious.” Ray Lehner, a resident of the Equestrian Estates subdivision, was more direct. Noting that after much deliberation, residents of his subdivision rejected annexation overtures from Palos Park several years ago. He referred to the neighboring community as a “political predatory parasite.”

St. Laurence, which qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2009 last year, had opened the past two seasons with the historic Battle of Burbank against Reavis but this year the Vikings will battle Benet. The up-anddown Redwings have gone 1-8, 11-2, 6-4 and 6-4 the past four seasons. Richards heads to Frankfort to take on Lincoln-Way North, a team that has gone 24-8 the past three seasons. Two weeks ago,

the Lincoln-Way school board voted to close North after the school year so this figures to be an emotional season for the Phoenix as they prepare for their final season. Oak Lawn hosts Lane out of the Chicago Public League. Lane was 4-5 last year. Area teams played four Public League teams in the two weeks of 2014 and won all four games by a combined score of 135-6, including Oak Lawn’s 49-0 rout of Kenwood.

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The Regional News

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Heights zoning body OKs rules for Harlem

College Town comes to campus to Welcome Back Trinity students

By Jack Murray

Regional New editor

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Trinity Christian College senior Tori Grzincic, of Dwight, and campus security officer Bob Brickman explain Move In Day to a group of Trinity students returning to campus to begin a new academic year last Friday. It was also Palos Heights’ third annual Welcome Back event for new students and their families who brought them to move into their dorms on campus.

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Parents Craig and Michele Wilson, from southern California, share a laugh with junior Anna Spotts, of Hamilton, Mich., and senior Jamey Otte, of Sheboygan, Wis., while discussing Hall Council and the purchasing of Move In Day T-shirts.

Carts almost collided as excited incoming students raced down the sidewalk to the dorm with their shopping carts. Rachel Kuipers of Grand Rapids, Mich., scoots down to playfully to allow Sabrina Rodriguz, of Chicago, Tammy Mels, of Tinley Park, and Jake Kempster, of Grand Haven, Mich., to move in to their dorm. Trinity Christian College President Kurt Dykstra (left) begins his first academic year at Trinity’s helm. He is shown with Welcome Back organizer Bob Grossart. See President Dykstra’s first View from Trinity column on Page 4.

Jean Gnap, member of the Palos Heights Business and Economic Advisory Committee that organized Welcome Back for its third year, serves pizza to parents Amy and Ron Eroh, from northeastern Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Amy, chose Trinity because she wanted to study nursing in a Christian environment.

Photo by Kayla Danahy, Trinity Christian College

Photo by Patricia Bailey

Palos Heights’ Welcome Back volunteers included Alderman Jeff Key (from left), Dennis Harms, Trinity’s Director of Business and Corporate Giving, farmers market manager Anne Girzadas, Jean Gnap, Parks and Rec. Director Mike Leonard, Lake Katherine operations manager Gareth Blakesley, Diane’s Place owner Diann Goerg, college President Kurt Dykstra, Bob Grossart, and the library’s Bruce Sullivan and Karen Skocik. Welcome Back treated students and their families to food and snacks and information about area amenities and businesses. Trinity students will receive special discounts at more than 60 participating businesses throughout the school year by showing their ID card. The list is at palosheights.org, select the business tab. Photo by Kayla Danahy, Trinity Christian College

Two more property tax assessment appeal seminars for Palos Township Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak will hold two more property tax assessment appeal seminars for Palos Township taxpayers seeking to appeal their 2015 property tax assessments. Both will start at 6:30 p.m., first on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Palos Township Office, 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills, and on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave., Palos Heights. Palos Township assessments are open for appeal through Sept. 15. The hour-long sessions 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 first local seminar for Palos Township was held Tuesday in Palos Park’s Kaptur center. The seminar includes a presentation by 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. The events are 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 Re-

view located at 118 N. Clark Street-Room 601 in Chicago or at the Bridgeview Office 10200 S. 76th Ave., Room 237, Bridgeview. Taxpayers may also file an appeal online by visiting the Board of Review website: www.cookcountyboardofreview.com. -- Cook County Board of Review

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As signs of life stir inside Doughs Guys in the former Baumann’s bakery storefront on Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights and cruise nights bring classic cars and ice cream lovers to Diane’s Place in the Palos Place building, new rules guiding Harlem’s commercial destiny have passed a first hurdle toward adoption. The Palos Heights Zoning Commission Wednesday last week voted 5-1 after a public hearing to recommend the City Council amend the city zoning code to adopt the proposed Harlem Avenue overlay district regulations governing the future development of the Harlem Avenue corridor. Commissioner Tom Stuchley cast the sole no vote. Zoning commissioners, however, stipulated in their recommendation that the 70 to 30 percent split of retail vs. non-retail commercial uses allowed on each block of the corridor recommended by aldermen be revised to allow a greater percentage of offices, services and other non-retail uses than only 30 percent per block. They declined to specify their own proportion percentage. And they recommended also that the proportion of retail vs. other commercial uses be imposed per building, rather than per block. The changes were made to conform with objections to the lower threshold for non-retail uses made by Commissioner Bill DeLeo, owner of Hillig’s House of Color, and Palos Place developer Michael Coogan, who gave his input in the public comment portion of the public hearing. The zoning body considered the proposed zoning codes contained in the 40-page draft Harlem Avenue Overlay District Regulations. The adoption of its recommended ordinances would guide the commercial future of the Harlem Avenue redevelopment area stretching from the Cal-Sag Channel south to Ishnala Drive (about 128th Street). The draft code’s author, city overlay consultant Douglas J. Hammel, a senior associate at Houseal Lavigne Associates, gave an exhaustive presentation of the overlay district rules to commissioners, as he has done before for members of the City Council at previous committee-of-the-whole sessions. Few affected business owners and other stakeholders notified of the hearing attended, but for Palos Place’s Coogan, Diane’s Place owner Diane Goerg and an attorney seeking a variance to allow the owners of the vacancy-dotted Southwick Commons shopping center at Route 83 and Harlem Avenue to rent to a higher proportion of nonretail service or office tenants. The overlay draft regulations propose rules affecting parking requirements, signage, building dimensions, use of materials, percentages of allowable uses, landscaping, etc. They only briefly mention multi-family housing within the proposed overlay district, however, and do not use the words apartments vs. condos in the text. Zoning does not address terms of ownership, condo vs. rental, Hammel told commissioners when one asked why the rules do not differentiate between the two. Crucial goals aim to buffer neighboring residential areas from the impacts of commercial development on Harlem and allow for new housing development above commercial space along Harlem Avenue that will support commercial uses. The code would also allow the city flexibility from its stringent parking space requirements for businesses. Hammel called Palos Height’ requirement of six spaces per 1,000 square feet of service area “the highest I have ever seen.” The overlay rules also recommend the eventual merging of the city’s separate planning and zoning commissions into a single plan commission. Palos Heights is the only city that has two zoning bodies, he added. A zoning board of appeals would hear routine requests for residential and other variances. Other rules applying to pedestrian and bicycle access aim to make new planned unit developments on Harlem more pedestrian-friendly, with access to mass transit to reduce auto traffic, a plan adopted in most city centers across the country. Public spaces and streetscaping, parks and plazas are also encouraged by the overlay rules, as is café seating.

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OPINION

4 Thursday, August 27, 2015

VIEW FROM TRINITY

The Regional News

Fresh starts and new beginnings By Kurt D. Dykstra With the arrival of shorter days, cooler nights, and the sounds of locusts singing throughout the land, can the start of school be far behind? Odd as it may seem, for those of us in the academic world, this season is our Spring – a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. For my family, this is our first fall at Trinity Christian College and in Palos Heights. To say that we are excited to be a part of these communities does not do justice to what we are feeling. The campus and the community have been incredibly hospitable to us. We are very grateful. On a larger scale, however, let me express to you, the Palos community, how grateful we at Trinity are to call Palos Heights our home. Having our campus right in the middle of this beautiful, established, and bustling community Dykstra is an incredible advantage to us. Already in my short time at Trinity, I have had the great opportunity to meet city, business, and civic leaders and, to a person, they have been outstanding. Between the good work of the Palos Heights Business/ Economic Advisory Committee and the Palos Area Community Advisory Board, the Palos/Trinity cooperative relationship has never been stronger. For example, as our freshmen moved into their residence halls, dozens of Palos area businesses and organizations provided greetings, information, discounts, and food as a way to welcome our students to the community (and, not incidentally, to show their parents the fine place that their sons and daughters will now call home). As I begin my tenure as president at Trinity, I want the Palos community to know that I value Trinity’s relationship with Palos Heights. I hope to see our town/gown relationship become even stronger and more significant in the years to come. Trinity knows that it is a better place because it is located in the Palos community and we trust that Palos feels the same way. With that in mind, please know that we welcome you to campus for things like lectures, concerts, and sporting events. We invite you to dine at the Bootsma Bookstore Café. Wear Trinity “swag” (by the way, the Troll stuffed animal makes an excellent stocking stuffer – you never can start too early!). We want to be your hometown college in this, our college town. Check out www. trnty.edu for regular updates on events that are happening on campus – and put Nov. 6-7 on your calendar as we celebrate the inaugural Fall Fest Weekend (www.trnty.edu/fallfest). Similarly, we at Trinity will support our excellent local businesses and community organizations – and we will encourage our students to do so, too. Trinity’s hope is that Palos is an important part of our students’ Trinity experience. Our students love to volunteer, assist, and intern; please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you seek help. We know that, by working together, both Palos Heights and Trinity prosper! Kurt Dykstra is the president of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.

READERS WRITE Yes, it is dangerous

Dear Editor, Concern not only for bike riders getting doored. Also of greater concern are accidents waiting to occur when you have cars parked along the curb on one side of Lake Katherine Drive, bikers going both ways, car traffic going both ways and people walking all at the same time. The road is not wide enough. IDOT did not anticipate this situation when they made their decision. -- George and Mary Sheeren, Palos Heights

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INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Despite settled law, schools struggle on religion By Charles C. Haynes Although I can't cite a scientific survey to prove it, I have detected a recent upswing in conflicts over religion in public schools. Just as I was beginning to believe that most schools were finally getting religion right, it appears that the trend is in the other direction. Two examples from the past school year — one from each end of the spectrum — will suffice to illustrate the wider problem. Last spring, a Colorado school district was sued by a teacher for multiple, egregious violations of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment — including school-sponsored prayers at school events, distribution of religious literature by district employees, and religious activities endorsed by the school. Two weeks ago, the district settled the case by agreeing to end unconstitutional promotion of religion by school officials. Meanwhile in Nevada, a public charter school barely avoided an expensive lawsuit by apologizing for telling a sixthgrade student that she could not use a Bible verse in her "All About Me" project — an assignment that was supposed to include "an inspirational saying."

School officials agreed to allow the student to re-submit her project — this time with the Bible verse included. What's striking about these conflicts — and others like them across the country — is that far too many school officials are violating settled law. Either they don't know the law or, worse yet, they simply choose to ignore it. For decades now, the U.S. Supreme Court has drawn a clear First Amendment line between "between government speech endorsing religion, which the Establishment Clause forbids, and private speech endorsing religion, which the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses protect," to quote Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's majority opinion in Board of Education v. Mergens (1990). In other words, public school officials are constitutionally required to remain neutral toward religion when carrying out their duties. Students, however, are constitutionally protected to express their faith during the school day — as long as they don't disrupt the school or infringe on the rights of others. This is not — or should not be — a Left-Right issue. For more than two decades, a broad range of religious,

educational and civil liberties groups — including the American Jewish Committee, Christian Legal Society, National School Boards Association, National Association of Evangelicals, National PTA and many others — have endorsed consensus guidelines on the constitutional role of religion in public schools under current law. (Copies of the guidelines can be downloaded from www.religiousfreedomcenter.org). Since August is workshop time in most school districts, here is a modest proposal for school leaders that would save tax dollars, build parental support and uphold the rights of all students: Provide your teachers and administrators with in-service training by non-partisan, qualified experts on how to apply the religious-liberty principles of the First Amendment. After all, why waste money on lawyers and lawsuits that can be much better spent on innovative classroom resources, higher teachers' salaries or new technology? Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and executive director of the Religious Freedom Center. E-mail: chaynes@newseum.org On the Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Twitter: @hayneschaynes

You can weed out lazy people by looking at their yards

can handle rising taxes. I can handle the fact that this summer has been horrible, weather-wise. I can handle drivers who race to get in front my car and then slow down. And, I can even handle Donald Trump. Let’s be honest. Trump is saying it like it is and telling you what the other candidates are afraid to tell us. But, what I can’t handle are neighbors who don’t care for their lawns or maintain their homes. Is it too much to cut the grass? Paint the house? Pick up the garbage? @*#&$(!!! When I was young, we didn’t care for other racial groups, but we did care for our homes. That’s changed. A bad home no longer becomes a racial invective. Race doesn’t matter as much anymore, but some homes are going to pot. The worst thing is to drive by a home that looks like a dump. Is it too much to mow the lawn? Is it too difficult to kill the weeds like yellow dandelions, Dutch clover, ground ivy, chickweed, broadleaf plantain or oxalis or more commonly called three-leaf clovers. Yes. I know my weeds, because I care about how my home looks. It’s like taking a bath with soap because I don’t want to smell. Drive around the neighborhood and

RAY HANANIA some homes look like a dump. And why? Because the homeowners are lazy. It’s not about money. If a breadwinner loses his or her job, I can understand it. But that’s not really the problem. I know people who barely can pay their bills go out and clean up their homes, while people living in expensive 4,000 square foot mansions can’t mow their lawns, can’t scrape off the peeling paint, and can’t pick up the junk on their property? Do you trim the bushes and the trees? Do you paint the house? Clean the trash? Collect bulk items and toss them out, or just lean them against the building. Do you have a beater – an old rusted-out piece of junk car sitting on your driveway dripping oil and looking like a rust petri dish? Or worse, maybe the rusted out piece of junk is parked along the curb in front of someone else’s home? Do you have bikes laying on the lawn

or sidewalks? Toys strewn about? Do you let your garbage can sit out there for days after the garbage man has already driven by? If you care about your property, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The other day I saw a broken garbage can lying on the front lawn of a neighbor’s home. For three days. The grass was nearly a foot tall. And you can see the weeds creeping up on the driveway just to get away from the lawn jungle. It’s disgusting. Trim the trees and branches hanging down at waist level over the sidewalk. I think local governments have the wright to pass laws imposing stiff penalties on homeowners who don’t mow their lawns, and have properties covered in junk. Broken fences. Trash strewn all over. I walk my dog and see these homes all the time. (BTW, I scoop the poop. That’s another problem with some. They don’t.) I wish we could take snapshots with our cell phone cameras and turn them in to the village for a police crackdown. That would be fun to watch on the TV news sometime Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com.

The Regional News

Thursday, August 27, 2015

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK

Shredding Day near Heights PD

Home burlgary attempt Palos Park police Monday responded to a delayed report of a burglary at a home in the area of 8500 West, 115th South. While the homeowner had been away, a rear, kitchen window screen appears to have been tampered with and pried away. No entry was made to the home and no suspect information is yet developed, police said.

Cheshire Cat smiles spray-painted vandalism

Photos by Patricia Bailey

Three local organizations organized Shredding Day, including a prescription drugs drop-off, Saturday morning near the Palos Heights police station. Above: Jeanine Kustak, 25-year veteran of the Police Department, puts medications into a bin for safe disposal. Jake Haynes, a Lake Katherine volunteer, and Janet Miranda, from the library, also took part, helping people unload boxes or bags of personal papers brought for the shredder. Lake Katherine no longer accepts electronics for recycling, but has a year-round outdoor paper-recycling bin.

A 38-year-old man told Palos Park police that someone spray painted the words “Call me Cheshire,” along with a Cheshire Cat-like smile, on the end of the driveway of his home in the 100 block of Old Creek Road. The victim discovered the ground graffiti at 11:50 a.m. Aug. 8. He gave police the name of a neighbor boy he said might have something to with the crime. Almost exactly 24 hours later, police were informed that a realty company’s lawn sign had been defaced with a painted-on Cheshire Cat smile. The sign was in front of a home just one block away from the scrawling that was discovered the day before.

Nails strewn on driveway

A 65-year-old man told police that

Mailboxes damaged Two mailboxes were knocked down by vandals in the 13800 block of South 88th Avenue at about 7:15 a.m. Aug. 4. The crime was reported by one of the victims, a 72-year-old man. Eight days later, a 66-year-old man told police that a group of 10 to15 teenagers knocked down the mailbox in front of his home in the 14500 block of South Maycliff Drive. The vandals were about 13 to 16 years old, the victim said. One was on a skateboard, three rode bicycles and the others were on foot, the man added.

Parcel stolen off porch

Palos Hills is 10th-safest town in state: website Correspondent

Palos Hills shot up in the rankings. Last year, the website www.onlyinyourstate.com listed the city as the 25th safest and most peaceful place to live in Illinois. One year later and Palos Hills moved up 15 spots to No. 10 in the state. The website based its rankings off the number of violent crimes, property crimes and total crimes per population. “It is an incredible honor for this town to receive that,” Mayor Gerald Bennett said. “Over the years we have continued to drop our crime rate per population. To receive this recognition is something to say about our police department and the job they do, and it says a lot about the residents of our community.” Lake Forest occupied the top spot on the list. Homer Glen at No. 9 was the only other south suburban town to crack the top 10. Palos Hills Police Chief Paul Madigan said his department has spent a great amount of time educating residents both young and old on potential scams and ruse burglaries. Written notice has appeared in the city’s newsletter and on its website and

someone spread about 75-100 short black nails on his driveway in the 11600 block of South Black Forest Lane. He discovered the crime when he came home from work at 7:46 p.m. Aug. 12, the victim said. He said the nails may have been left by a Cal-Sag Trail bicyclist with whom he recently argued.

Charged with DUI Police charged Richard C. Dolan, 64, of Evergreen Park, with DUI, disobeying a traffic signal, improper lane usage, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and failure to wear seatbelts, after they curbed his car in the 13500 block of South La Grange Road at 11:25 p.m. Aug. 7. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Dolan is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Sept. 22. Hickory Hills resident Matthew J. Hartmann, 25, was charged with DUI, speeding, illegal transportation of alcohol and improper lane usage after police stopped his car near 119th Street and La Grange Road at 12:26 a.m. Aug. 9. Police said they confiscated a bottle of Corona beer and a silver flask of an initially unknown kind of liquor. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Hartmann is due in court in Bridgeview on Sept. 22.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK

Carol Marie Miller pulled up at the drop-off site and turned over expired medications.

By Michael Gilbert

verbally at city council meetings. “People prey on the seniors and people prey on kids,” Madigan said. “We focus a lot of attention on those two groups. We spend a lot of time communicating the information we have [on scams] to the community. We try to keep them educated and we’ve got them calling us every time they see something suspicious and that helps us keep the crime down.” Bennett also praised school districts 117 and 118 as well as Stagg High School and Moraine Valley Community College for contributing to the award. He said he sent emails to the administrators of the schools that serve Palos Hills to notify them of the honor. Alderman Mike Lebarre (3rd Ward), who previously served on the North Palos School District 117 Board of Education, suggested the city invite members of the police department and school districts to an upcoming council meeting to be personally recognized. “We have some great schools and we obviously have some great families that do a great job in making this a peaceful city,” Bennett said. “It’s certainly good for this community and people who want to come here later.” As chairman of the city council’s pub-

lic safety committee, Alderman Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) said he was especially proud of the honor. “We have very good residents – that’s our starting point,” Kleefisch said. “We’ve spent some federal grant money on anti-crime programs for the senior citizens and children and those have had an effect. “Palos Hills has a reputation for being a quiet, peaceful and law-abiding community and we cherish that and hope that it’s going to continue. This is special for me, our residents, the police department and everybody that works in public safety.” Alderman Joe Marrotta (4th Ward) credited the work of the police department for helping the city obtain the award and also said the honor could help bring in potential businesses. “I would think this would attract businesses knowing that we have such a low crime rate,” Marrotta said. “It’s a very good thing.” Although the city does not receive a physical award, Madigan said that didn’t stop him from the telling his force the good news. “They don’t get a lot of appreciation so they deserve it,” Madigan said. “It’s a very proud moment.”

A 56-year-old woman talking with neighbors about the recent theft of parcels from porches decided to check on an online purchase she had made and discovered that the item, a box of six solar-powered lawn lights, had apparently been stolen from the front of her home in the 15100 block of South Ginger Creek Lane on July 23. She reported the crime to police two weeks later.

Minivan burglarized Someone entered an unlocked minivan parked in the 17600 block of South Greenfield Court and stole a woman’s personal identification cards. The crime was discovered when a neighbor saw the cards scattered on the road near 167th Street and Steeplechase Parkway at 8:52 a.m. Aug. 12. Police tracked down the victim and alerted her to the crime.

Copper tubing nearly stolen A 71-year-old woman told Orland Park police that an air conditioning unit and its attached copper tubing had been damaged outside her condominium unit near 153rd Street and West Avenue. She discovered the damage at about 7 p.m. Aug. 3 and told police it may have been caused by a recent severe storm. Police assured her the damage was caused by human hands. Despite the damage from the apparent attempted theft, the

unit still functions, police said.

Repeat offender charged with aggravated DUI: police Police charged Jeanine Garmon, 42, of Joliet, with two counts of aggravated DUI, as well as improper lane usage, driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with no rear registration light, after they curbed her car in the 17200 block of South Wolf Road at 11:18 p.m. Aug. 7. Police said that Garmon was intoxicated and admitted smoking cannabis. The DUI charges were made aggravated, police said, after they learned that Garmon’s license had been revoked over a prior DUI conviction and that the incident in Orland Park was the fourth time she had been charged with DUI. Garmon was due at a bond hearing on Aug. 8.

Charged with DUI Tinley Park resident Alyssa J. Orszulak, 29, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident as police investigated a two-vehicle crash near 171st Street and La Grange Road at 4:54 a.m. Aug. 9. Her SUV was towed and impounded, and Orszulak was due in court in Bridgeview yesterday. Police charged Cassandra Green, 40, of Harvey, with DUI after they encountered her behind the wheel of a car in the Shell gas station at 14301 S. Wolf Road at 4:39 a.m. July 27. Police said they were alerted by a motorist who flagged them down to report Green. Her vehicle was towed and impounded, and Green was scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview yesterday.

Charged with retail theft Orland Park resident Robert P. Kissane, 20, was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole a pair of jeans worth $45 from a clothier in Orland Square Mall at 8:41 p.m. Aug. 8. Kissane is expected to appear in court in Bridgeview on Sept. 25.

Heights PD takes home police vs. fire softball cup

Photo courtesy of George Drikos

The Palos Heights Police Department beat Palos Heights firefighters 17-13 in extra innings when they played their annual softball game for the sixth year on Aug. 16. The winner gets a championship cup to display at their

respective agency for the duration of one year, until the next game is played and decided. Family members of players from both agencies gathered for a picnic luncheon after the game.

6 Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Regional News

Trinity women spikers serve up good time at Providence Center The Trinity Christian College women's volleyball team took an afternoon off the court recently and spent time cleaning and playing Bingo with residents at Providence Christian Healthcare & Rehab Center of Palos Heights. Karliegh Krchmery, a marketing major from Merrionette Park, and the Trollsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lone senior, said that the pre-season volunteer works allows the team to have fun and bond while giving back to the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a Christian-based program, we want to get out and do what we can,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, we decided to come here, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a Christian place and seemed like a good fit.â&#x20AC;? The women organized books and movies, washed walls and tables in the kitchen, cleaned the patio for an upcoming barbecue, cleaned wheelchairs, and assisted residents for Bingo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got in some team bonding, too," Krchmery said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a lot of fun, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely do it again.â&#x20AC;? The team has already made plans with Providence Life Enrichment Director Diane Giglio to spend another afternoon volunteering next semester. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They certainly make our job a little easier, with their effort from start to finish,â&#x20AC;? Giglio said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank them for the excellent job they did in cleaning, organizing, and helping us serve our clients. They demonstrate how to be a blessing and share their time with others.â&#x20AC;? Providence is always looking for volunteers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; anyone who is interested can call 597-1000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My girls had a great time serving at Providence,â&#x20AC;? Trinity Volleyball Coach Bill Schepel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it reminded them how blessed they are and the importance of giving back. They were impacted by how grateful the residents were, and as a group, we felt very appreciated by the Providence staff, which I'm sure will lead us back there sometime.â&#x20AC;? -- Providence Center

Supplied photo

Hanna Bresser, a freshman on the Trinity Christian College womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball team, assists a resident to a Bingo game at the Providence Center.

Worth Township trip to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Legacy Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Ballroom dancing at Orland Township

Worth Township offers a trip the see â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Legacy Girlsâ&#x20AC;? tribute to the Andrews Sisters on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Lunch and show will be at Chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chophouse in Schaumburg. Tickets, lunch and coach bus; cost is $62. Registration forms and payments due by Sept. 25. For more information, or to reserve your seat call 371-2900.

Orland Township offers a ballroom dance class for seniors to learn to waltz, tango and more. The fall session 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.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Steve Karlen, director of North American outreach for 40 Days for Life, will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Karlen St. Bernard Church, 13939 W. 143rd St. in Homer Glen. Karlen will recount the pro-life organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spread across the country and around

Ralph P. Fasel Ralph P. Fasel, 83, of Palos Heights, died on Aug. 21. Beloved husband of the late Shirley, nee Wittmayer (2006). Loving father of Martin, Philip (Michele), and Ronald. Cherished grandfather of Justin (Ashley), Zachary, Emily, Nathan, Nolan, and Aidan. Dearest great-grandfather of Island. Dear brother of Marie Radius, Edward, Phyllis Harm, Elliott, Kenneth, David and the late Lorraine Edry, Jeanette Johnson, and Esther Boehm. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. Mr. Fasel was the founder of Fasel & Sons Garden Center in Oak Lawn. He was born in Chicago. Visitation was held Aug. 23 at Colonial Chapel, Orland Park. Funeral service was held Aug. 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Oak Lawn. Interment Bethania Cemetery, Justice. Memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church preferred.

the world, empowering more than 650 million volunteers in hundreds of cities to pray and fast, and stand vigil outside abortion clinics. The campaign is the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history, involving more than 650,000 volunteers in 679 cities in more than over 30 countries.

Christ Lutheran Church family harvest dinner Chef and Home Harvest owner Rich Spizzirri will demonstrate and prepare a farm-fresh organic meal on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 12:30 p.m., at Christ Lutheran

Church, 14700 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park. Family and friends are welcome. The cost is $10 adults, $5children 6-12, free 5 and under. Gluten-free meals are available at no extra charge. Tickets are available in the church office. For more, call 349-0431.

Smith Crossing resident Bernie Nash served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fighter pilot, test pilot and instructor. He stayed on after the war and eventually achieved the rank of Rear Admiral. That would be enough for most people, but Nash continued to push the envelope and helped establish the federal Administration on Aging which administers Medicare and other essential services to older Americans. He served as an executive director for AARP, and secured the establishment of the International Federation on Ageing, which prompted the United Nations to be more responsive to the needs and rights of older adults around the world. This Saturday, August 29, Nash celebrates one more career milestoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the 50th anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program. Nash developed the national program in response to a request from the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity for ideas to help seniors living in impoverished areas. Put into practice in 1965, Nashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brainchild has united thousands of older Americans and children in need of love and mentoring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bernie Nash epitomizes the ideal of living a life of devotion to others,â&#x20AC;? says Kevin McGee, president and CEO of Smith Senior Living, which sponsors Smith Crossing, a continuing care retirement community located in Orland Park, and Smith Village, a CCRC located in Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southside Beverly neighborhood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re honored to have Bernie as a resident of Smith Crossing, and we appreciate his example of working to constantly improve life for older adults.â&#x20AC;? Since the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which first administered the Foster Grandparents Program as part of President Lyndon B. Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;war on povertyâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;was abolished in 1981, the Foster Grandparents Program now is under the aegis of the Corporation for National and Community Service, another federal agency. Today, the Foster Grandparents Program boasts 27,900 participants over age 55. During its most recent annual reporting period, those foster grandparents helped 232,300 children under age 18 living in institutions or whose parents were in prison or serving in the military. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thrill for me is having something I did that was worthwhile,â&#x20AC;? Nash says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great feeling. Early on in the Navy, I learned the tremendous power of people working together. For me this is another example of people working together to help each other.â&#x20AC;? Nash looks forward to serving as a luncheon speaker for the Foster Grandparents Program fundraiser in Washington this coming Thursday, September 10. At 92, he remains very involved in advocating for older adults. Last July, he served as the opening speaker for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also got to shake President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was pretty impressive. I was probably the oldest person there!â&#x20AC;? Nash is no stranger to annual White House conferences on aging, but he says attending the 2015 conference sharpened his awareness of current issues affecting older adults across the nation.

Wayne Bernard Tarka, 73, of Orland Park, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, died on Aug. 18 at lllinois Veterans Home in Manteno. Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Dziuba). Loving brother in law of Ralph (Rosemary) Dziuba and Lattie Hansen. Dear uncle of Richard Dziuba, Daniel Dziuba, Joseph Dziuba, Michael Hansen and Kathy Acamine. Mr. Tarka was born in Chicago. He worked in the steel industry, with many years of service with Castle Metals-Franklin Park. Visitation was held last Friday at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, Palos Hills. A funeral Mass was offered Saturday at St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights.

Smith support groups

Get a free hearing check with us and learn how you can avoid the permanent brain-health consequences of hearing loss.

SERTOMA SPEECH & HEARING CENTERS

Access to Care signup offered at Palos Township

To schedule your screening, call www.sertomacenter.org

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 provides visits to a local primary care doctor in the physi-

Is Your Brain Starving?

$4#+0 6*#6 *'#45 9'..

Research at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging reveals that with only a mild hearing loss you double your risk of dementia. Your brain needs healthy, effective hearing to maintain its overall health.

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Photo by Waldemar Reichert.

Bernie Nash spoke on behalf of veterans during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Smith Crossing.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ten thousand baby boomers every day are turning 65 until 2030 when the next generation starts,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of talk about eliminating Medicare and Social Security benefits, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really expect this to happen.â&#x20AC;? One of several challenges explored at the conference was the use of technology to make living independently more feasible for older adults. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, many seniors donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel comfortable using personal alarm or tracking devices,â&#x20AC;? Nash says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Companies developing these technologies are working harder to make them more user friendly.â&#x20AC;? Other challenges, he says, are for stores and pharmacies to offer home delivery services. Even more important, older adults should engage in prevention efforts including exercise, game playing, and brain fitness activities to avoid mental and physical decline. Nash lives in a duplex-style villa at Smith Crossing with his wife Shirley, a retired property manager and former member of the Illinois Housing Commission. He is active in the community, and both he and his wife make use of the personal alarm system available to all Smith Crossing residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course Shirley and I embrace the credo of AARP to live with dignity and purpose,â&#x20AC;? Nash says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smith Crossing makes that possible for us. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we chose to live here.â&#x20AC;? About Smith Crossing: Smith Crossing is one of only 13 CCRCs in Illinois awarded a five-year accreditation for â&#x20AC;&#x153;exemplary conformanceâ&#x20AC;? to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole accrediting body. Sponsored by Smith Senior Living, a not-forprofit organization serving older adults since 1924, it provides spacious residences and engaging programs for independent living, as well as assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. It also provides short-term rehabilitation services for residents and others requiring assistance after surgery or a medical incident. For more information about Smith Crossing, call 708-326-2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org.

HEALTH BEAT Residents who provide care for older adults with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease or dementia will be able to take advantage of special programs offered by two of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The first meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane (enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street). Leading the open forum discussion will be life enrichment director Dana Mahler and director of social services Amy Majcina. To reserve your place, call 326-2300. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Smith Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory support coordinator will welcome a guest speaker to talk about hospice and palliative care. A hospice specialist will answer questions such as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When is a hospice appropriate?â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctor tell me when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time?â&#x20AC;? Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113th Place, in the Beverly/Morgan Park area of Chicago. To reserve your place, call 773-474-7300. Light refreshments will be served before both meetings end at 7:30 p.m.

*'#4+0) 56#48'& $4#+0

Wayne Tarka

Smith Crossing resident continues his crusade for older Americans

SENIOR NOTES

Multi-Parish Respect Life â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40 Days of Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program

DEATH NOTICES

cianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 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 5310680. 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.

Access to Care enrollment at Orland Twp. Orland Township residents who have a family income less than 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, no health insurance or a deductible of $500 more per person and are ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare Part B (Medicare Part A coverage is acceptable), AllKids, FamilyCare or CountyCare can apply for Access to Care at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave-

nue. An appointment is necessary. The Access to Care program provides visits to an assigned Access to Care doctor for $5, basic lab and x-ray services for $5 per draw or procedure, and prescription medication for $15 (generic), $30 preferred brand and $40 (non-preferred brand). Brand name medications are available only at Walgreens. To make an appointment or for more information, call 403-4222.

Free course on mental illness for families and friends As a 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.

Orland Township residents can borrow med equipment Orland Township Health Services offers a medical equipment loan program to all Orland Township residents. The Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Closet allows residents in need to borrow a variety of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers and shower equipment, for a 60-day period. Equipment is donated by members of the community. To borrow an item or to donate, call 403-4222.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Regional News

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Jane Caliendo memorial 5K walk will benefit Sandburg High aquatics The Jane Caliendo Memorial Foundation will host its inaugural 5K walk on Sunday morning, Sept. 13, at the Orland Park 153rd Street Metra Station. Jane (Schofield) Caliendo was a beloved teacher and coach at Sandburg High School for more than 20 years. She lost a valiant battle with colon cancer in October of 2014. Her husband Jim Caliendo created this foundation to continue the legacy of Jane

and her impact on the lives of student athletes. Jane lived every moment of everyday with optimism, pride and a smile. As a coach, she had high expectations of her students and athletes including: a high quality, dedication and a commitment to continual improvement. The Jane Caliendo Memorial Foundation (JCMF) is a nonprofit foundation that strives to provide the resources to Sandburg High

School aquatics so that more warriors with Jane Caliendo spirit, pride, and purpose can follow her commitment to academics and athletics. Through fund raising events, every donation will be used to support scholarships for college level athletes and the aquatic center in the name of Jane. Registration is available online at www.janeswarriors.com. The cost of the event is $25 prior to the

event or $30 the day of the event. Posters and postcards are distributed throughout all of the Southland. Donations are accepted by Paypal or by mail to Jane Caliendo Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1091, Orland Park, IL 60462. Information about fundraising events can be found at www. janeswarriors.com/events and the JCMF Facebook page. For more, email: JaneCaliendoMemorialFoundation@gmail.com.

Jane Caliendo was a beloved teacher and coach at Sandburg for more than 20 years. File photo

COMMUNITY NOTES Lake Katherine’s annual Monarch Butterfly Festival The annual Monarch Butterfly Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. tol 4:30 p.m. at Lake Katherine Nature Preserve in Palos Heights. The event will feature the butterfly tent, hayrides, children’s games, animal exhibits, arts and crafts fair, educational displays, and food vendors. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available throughout the day, and attendees can build a scarecrow for a $10 donation. Admission is $6 per person. Children 3 and under are free. Visitors can park in the Palos Heights City Hall parking lot and take the free shuttle to Lake Katherine. For more, call 361-1873 or

visit Lakekatherine.org.

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.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Palos Heights Woman’s Club

Supplied photo

Kids wait patiently for Palos South PE Teacher Tim Kahle to make their balloon animals, swords, and other creations at Palos 118’s Back to School picnic for students, families and the community held Monday on the vast green expanse outside Palos South Middle School.

Back to School bells spell Palos 118 picnic By Kerri Treacy

Picnic-goers watch Palos Hills police K-9 officers and their dog Wolf give a demonstration on catching offenders.

Palos School District 118 Palos School District 118 kicked off a new school year on Monday, beginning with a full day of classes in the morning, and concluded with their annual Back to School Family Picnic that evening at Palos South Middle School. The cool summer evening drew an estimated crowd of over 1,000 Palos 118 families, staff and community members to the picnic. District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Scarsella said: “Our school district is so successful because of parental involvement and community support. It was great to see so many people come out to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.” The Palos South Band and Fun, Fun, Fun DJs provided entertainment while kids worked up their appetites dancing, jumping, and participating in hula-hoop, limbo, and sack races. As a special treat, the Palos Hills K-9 Unit provided a demonstration. Picnic-goers also enjoyed face-painting, balloon animals, and other games. Complimentary popcorn,

Supplied photo

Civil War Roundtable The South Suburban Civil

Foresters Camera Club The Foresters Camera Club’s first meeting of its new season starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. The club meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Palos United Methodist Church, 12101 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights. The Foresters invite photographers of all levels to come check out the club. The goal of FCC is to promote the study and enjoyment of photography. For more, visit foresterscameraclub.org.

RECREATION ROUNDUP Heights after-school program

soda, water, and slushies were offered free of charge. Also, local vendors including Hunan Inn, Lions Club, TCBY Yogurt, Lucanos Pizza and Aramark, sold a variety of foods as well. The picnic was a joint effort of the Palos 118 Board of Education, district staff, the Parent Faculty Association, and the Educa-

tional Foundation. Local fire and police departments were also in attendance to show their support. County sheriff’s police assisted with traffic control on 131st Street, halting traffic and helping picnic-goers cross the street during the busy evening commute.

Sierra Club, American Therapeutic Massage will be guests of next Palos Heights Market Members of the Illinois Sierra Club will be guests of the Palos Heights Farmers Market on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Come learn more about current efforts to increase renewable energy and stop carbon pollution in Illinois. Information about an upcoming Clean Energy town hall event, hosted by state Senator Toi Hutchinson (40th) and state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (80th), to be held at Governors State University on Sept. 16 will be available. Membership Information for the Sierra Club will also be available. Email gus.fuguitt@ sierraclub.org or call 312-251-1680 for more information about the town hall meeting and the IL Sierra Club organization. The market also welcomes Dave Debelak, LMT, of American Therapeutic Massage and Recovery, located at 11950 S Harlem Ave, Suite 202-1 in Palos Heights. Dave will have a massage chair at the market to demonstrate his wonderful massages. Dave Debelak, LMT, has been a massage therapist for five years and has owned and operated ATMR for three years. Come find out about the Deep Tissue Massage or Swedish Relaxation Massage offered at the practice. In addition, only quality enhancement products such as Prossage and BioFreeze, as well as aromatherapy oils are used for massage sessions. Additional information about On-Site Corporate Chair Massage (at the office) will be available. More information can be found at www.americantherapeuticmassageandrecovery.com, or by

The first meeting of the Palos Heights Woman's Club 2015-16 Club year will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1. PHWC meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, except for January and April, at the Palos Heights Recreation Department, 6700 W. 127th St. Refreshments are served at 7 p.m., with the meeting starting at 7:30. Pack Leader Academy owner Pam Barnett, founder of PAWWS, which trains service dogs for wounded warriors war veterans, will be the special guest presenter at this first meeting of the new club year. Guests are welcome. For more information about the club, founded in 1938, call Marilyn, membership chairwoman, at 361-4682.

War Roundtable will begin its new program year with speaker Brice Allardice on the election of 1864 at 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Smokey Barque, 20 Kansas 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.

calling 671-8301. Later season fruits and vegetables are coming into the market, such as apples, pears, corn, and early fall squashes. In addition, summer fruits and vegetables continue to be plentiful. Stop by and pick up everything you need for back to school lunches. Other food products available include 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. Make sure to bring your knives and tools to be sharpened onsite, and pick up everything you need for Labor Day parties and picnics at Pampered Chef. LINK, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition

Program and WIC coupons are all accepted at the Palos market. Stop by the City Tent to start the LINK process. While there, pick up this week’s “Recipe of the Week”, along with previous summertime recipes. In addition, all previous recipes can be found at www. WellbeingMD.com, or at www.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 www.palosheights.org, by calling 3611800, join us on Facebook, or email farmersmarket@palosheights.org

SCHOOL NOTES Sandburg Class of ‘70 45th high school reunion Carl Sandburg High School, Class of 1970, celebrating their 45th reunion will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at Palos Country Club followed by a picnic on Saturday. For more information, contact Kathy Lovitt at kllskgml@hotmail.com or 609-0108.

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.

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Park library youth programs

• Story Time Sessions: Good Morning Story Time (2-5 year-olds): Tuesday, Sept. 1-22, 10:15 a.m.; Tiny Tots Story Time (2-3 year-olds): Wednesday, Sept. 2-23, 10 a.m. Enjoy stories, sing songs, create special crafts, and make new

VOTED

friends. Seating is limited. Call the library to register at 708-4481530. • Fruits & Veggies to the Rescue: Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. Superheroes inspire children ages 3 and up to eat their vegetables in this interactive program.

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BUSINESS

8 Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Regional News

Best Bites moves into larger digs in Orland

ive years ago, Joy Metzger opened a store in Palos Park that specialized in all-natural pet food because she wanted the best for her dog and others. In July, she moved Joy's Best Friends Best Bites into new digs at 11323 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park. The new store is twice the size of the original store at 13034 S LaGrange Road and now features a pet treat bakery. "We started out making birthday cakes, mini bundt cakes, cookies and pup cakes," said Metzger. "Our newest bakery item is a six-inch pizza with mozzarella cheese and bacon for dogs." She said it took a while to be certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "My treats will meet the dietary needs of any pet," she said. "I use no sugar, no dyes and no preservatives. I can also make gluten-free and grain-free treats." She said she makes treats for both dogs and cats. "Cats don't eat the same treats as dogs," she said. "I use catnip and the treats are smaller." She said her baked goods are human grade but she can't sell or promote them for people. "A doggie birthday cake may look like a people cake," she said. "But it wouldn't taste the same. For one thing, I don't use sugar." Metzger said the new store stocks all of the previous foods and toys for pets as well as more brands. "I ran out of space for all of the products available," she said. Brands range from Acana to Fussie Cat to Wild Calling and Zignature. The shop also features a do-it-yourself dog wash. She said it resembles a self-serve car wash with a timer and a built-in shampooer and dryer

Best Bites has taken its fancy pet treats and moved from Palos Park’s Mill Creek shopping center to Orland Park.

BOB BONG

COMINGS & GOINGS

Photo by Bob Bong

for the dogs. She said the wash is self-contained so people with more than one dog can wash one and keep the other with them. It also remains a pet-friendly business with her two boxers, Layla and Arnie, acting as the official store greeters. The store also has a donation barrel for the Orland Township Pet Food Pantry. She said business has remained steady despite the move. "About 90 percent of my customers say I'm closer to where they live," said the Orland Park resident, who traded a job as a CPA for a pet-sitting service about 14 years ago and couldn't be happier. She said she now has her brother-in-law working at the store and two part-time employees. Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. "We open earlier on Saturday and Sunday so people can come in and wash their dogs before they get going for the day," she said. For information, call 403-1510, visit the website at joysbestfriendsbestbites.com or check out her Facebook page at Joy's Best Friends Best Bites.

Moraine offers pharmacy tech training To meet the demand for certified pharmacy technicians, Moraine Valley Community College offers a Pharmacy Technician Review Program with classes starting Sept. 1. Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties in retail, hospital or business pharmacy settings. The 13-week class will be offered on the main campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills, on Tuesdays from 6 to 10 p.m., starting Sept. 1, or Mondays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m., starting Sept. 4. The cost to attend is $1,200. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects pharmacy technician employment is expected to increase 20 percent by 2020. The

Bureau also suggests pharmacy technicians with formal education or training, previous work experience and national certification will be sought after to meet these demands. The average salary for pharmacy technicians in the Chicago area is $36,000. Moraine Valley’s review program provides a review of pharmacy principles and procedures to prepare entry level pharmacy technicians to take the PCTE – National Pharmacy Technicians Exam. Course content includes review of various disease states, basic physiology, pharmacy law, ethics, mathematics, and the fundamentals of technician training. The courses will introduce students to various settings in pharmacy practice, including the community, hospital, managed care, mail order, and long-term care. Information on qualifying for the

pharmacy certification examination also will be provided. Concurrent registration in Pharmacy Mathematics is recommended but not required. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and no felony convictions of any kind. In addition, applicants for the PTCE exam must not have had any drug-related or pharmacy-related convictions, including misdemeanors. Many employers will reimburse the cost of the exams. For more, call MVCC at 9745735 or email ccce@morainevalley.edu. To register online, go to morainevalley.edu, click on Register Now, then click Register and Pay for Noncredit Classes, and enter the keyword pharmacy. – Moraine Valley Community College

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Regional News does not attempt to correct errors made by that office. Orland Park Kirstein Joe to Cartus Fin Corp, 10520 Deer Chase Ave, $459,000; Cartus Fin Corp to David Omran, 10520 Deer Chase Ave, $459,000; Quinn Robert to Patel Balvant, 11202 Poplar Creek Ln, $510,000; Globiene Eugenija to Lleshanaku Edira, 8837 Fairway Dr, $138,000; Kwiatkowski Thomas E Tr to Quinn Sean T, 11846 Old Spanish Rd, $263,000; Feinstein Joel M to Johnson Janice R, 14503 Ravinia Ave, Unit #14, $130,000; Yatka Robert J to Korosa Mark, 9208 140th St, Unit #303, $80,000; Cole Arnold Henry to Malone Ryan M, 15301 Nicole Ct, $268,500; Pittos Nectarios to Judge Colleen Marie, 9305 141st Pl, Unit #301, $165,000; Daley Robert J Tr to Kadela James L Tr, 14209 Creekcrossing Dr, $425,000; Chudzik Eric V to Curran Roger A, 16616 Grants Trl, $211,500; Oconnor Kevin Tr to Neary Patrick W, 10682 Golf Rd, $289,000; Kesmat LLC to Putz John, 9219 Hartwood Ct, Unit #1001, $155,000; Remijas Geraldine M Tr to Laporta John Tr, 17612 Sean Dr, $325,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Pravda Celia, 8909 E Huguelet Pl, $223,500; Musial Piotr Tr to Mcnellis Alea, 17731 Bernard Dr, Unit #2B, $136,000; Jandacek Earl S Tr to Kielczewski Michal, 8901 Palos Springs Dr, $330,000; Gintautas Sigitas to HP IL LLC, 9322 140th St, $275,000; Mcgrath Jayne C to Dulevicius

Arvydas, 9174 Greencastle Ln, $181,000; Caldwell Jason to Mroz Jerome, 8650 144th Pl, $256,000; Mulbarger Clifford S Tr to Fotuna Mark, 14417 Irving Ave, $313,000; Libby Frank T Tr to Petcu Iulian, 13802 88th Ave, $270,000; Klimowski Marek to Skupien Boguslaw, 11744 Juaniata Dr, $380,000. Palos Heights Siriann Thomas D to Garcia Linda L, 13257 Oak Hills Pky, Unit #132571DR, $157,000; Siriann William T to Garcia Linda L, 13257 Oak Hills Pky, Unit #132571DR, $157,000; Smedberg Kenneth Tr to Duffy Harold Tr, 7805 Golf Dr, Unit #7805, $270,000;

Dauber Brian J to Piscitelli Michael, 12402 S 72nd Ct, $437,500; Prospero Manuel T to Abuhasna Aysha, 116 Augusta Dr, $425,000; Paetow Julia to Kelly Mary, 7698 Arquilla Dr, Unit #76981AA, $182,000. Palos Park Triezenberg Nancy E to Bilevicius Antanas, 6 Brook Ln, $227,000; Buividas Thomas A Tr to Henning Lawrence James Tr, 18 Ramsgate St, $360,000; Doornbos Robert Jr Tr to Countrywide Bk Tr, 13055 Terrace Ct, Unit #B2L5, $160,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to North Orleans Holdings LLC, 2 S Black Walnut Trl, $350,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Aug. 24) RATES

APR POINTS

30-year fixed

4.000

4.035

15-year fixed

3.250

3.305

30-year fixed Jumbo

3.750

3.795

United Trust Bank (as of Aug. 24) RATES

APR POINTS

30-year fixed

3.875

3.896

15-year fixed

3.125

3.161

10-year fixed

2.875

2.927

Prospect Federal (as of Aug. 24) RATES

APR POINTS

30-year fixed

4.000

4.047

.25

20-year fixed

3.750

3.814

.25

15-year fixed

3.250

3.314

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Service King acquires Riverdale Body Shop Texas-based Service King Collision Repair Centers last week announced the acquisition of Riverdale Body Shop's eight southland repair facilities. Officials from Service King and Riverdale Body Shop mutually agreed upon terms of the deal on Aug. 14, with the acquisition effective immediately. Through the partnership, Service King substantially bolsters its premium auto repair service in the Chicago market, now offering at 22 locations across the area. It also moves Indiana for the first time as two of Riverdale's sites are in the Hoosier State.

An area of rapid growth for Service King in 2015, the Riverdale acquisition marks Service King’s third expansion in the Chicago market since March. Service King now officially operates 251 locations in 22 states. All locations provide free estimates, on-site rental assistance and a written lifetime warranty. Riverdale Body Shop was founded in the south suburbs in 1970. Its locations include Alsip, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Chicago Heights, Highland, Ind., Schererville, Ind., and the Chatham and Roseland communities in Chicago. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

No real secret to investment success

any people look for the “secrets” to investment success. Is it timing the market just right? Is it finding those hot stocks or getting in on the “ground floor” of the next big thing? Actually, these types of moves have little relevance to the vast majority of investors — even the most successful ones. So let’s take a look at some steps you can take that can be effective in helping you work toward your financial goals. • It’s time in the market…not market timing. Some investors think they can succeed at “market timing” — buying when the price is low and selling when the price is high. And this would indeed be a good strategy if they could predict highs and lows. No one can accurately forecast these peaks and valleys, though. So, instead of ducking in and out of the market in a vain attempt to catch the highs and lows, simply stay invested. The more time you spend in the market, the lesser the impact you’re likely to feel from short-term price swings. And if you’re always invested, you’ll always be in a position to benefit from the next market rally. • It’s “buy and hold” — not “buy and sell.” Even if you aren’t trying to time the market, you may be tempted to buy and sell frequently as you look for new and better opportunities. Yet, this constant buying and selling can be costly. Frequent trading, with all the additions and subtractions from your portfolio, can make it hard for you to follow a consistent, unified investment strategy. You’re better off purchasing quality investments and holding them for the long term, until either your needs change or the investments themselves no longer possess the same attributes they did when you purchased them. • It’s building a strong foundation — not getting in on the “ground floor.” Many people regret not being one of the initial investors of a company that has done spectacularly well. But most new companies don’t achieve anywhere near that level of success. So, instead of looking for the next big thing on the “ground floor,” try

JIM VAN HOWE

Edward Jones Investments

FINANCIAL FOCUS to build a strong “foundation” consisting of a mix of quality investments suitable for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. This type of investing may not sound glamorous, but a strong foundation is better equipped than a possibly shaky ground floor to withstand the shifting winds of market forces. • It’s cool-headed thinking – not chasing “hot stocks” — If you browse the internet or watch one of the investment shows on cable television, you are bound to read or hear about “hot” stocks. But by the time the news reaches you, these stocks may already be cooling off. Even more importantly, they might not be right for your needs in the first place. Instead of chasing after hot stocks, which, by their nature, carry a strong emotional component (namely, the desire for quick, big gains), try to coolly and dispassionately analyze your situation to determine which investments are really most appropriate for your goals. There really aren’t any shortcuts to reaching your desired financial destination. But by taking the slow and steady path, you can work toward getting there. 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 361-3400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

The Regional News

Thursday, August 27, 2015

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1

File photo from Aug. 25, 2005

10 Years Ago This Week Artist creates canvas for the library: An oil painting titled “A Book is a Bridge Between You and the World” now hangs in the Palos Heights Public Library (left). The portrait of the young girl is a donation from portrait artist June Anhalt, of Palos Park. Above: Anhalt king on a second painting of Emily Parran, the Orland Park teen who posed for the painting that the artist and her husband donated to the Palos Heights Public Library earlier this year.

Monday Night Football regular until 1983 7 Gobbled, as a turkey 10 Site with a “Buy It Now” option 14 Mecca’s peninsula 15 In the bath 16 “__ Rock” 17 Hires a new crew for 18 Styled after 19 Shot up 20 Confounded British illumination? 23 Jamaican genre 24 Walkway material 25 Meter or liter 29 Med. plan option 31 “Twin Peaks”co-creator David 34 White House maiden name between Pierce and Welch 37 Dr. J hairstyle 39 Lone Ranger and Tonto, e.g. 40 Confounded British posies? 43 First __ 44 Horner’s find 45 Have a strong desire (for) 46 Things to fulfill 48 It’s on the streets 50 Flanders river 51 Vinegar vessel 53 Dangerous snake 56 Confounded British residences? 62 Actor Bean of “Game of Thrones” 63 Aegean __ 64 Give one’s word 65 Stock options, e.g. 66 WWII intel agcy. 67 Look through partially open curtains, say 68 Round components 69 Vague degree 70 Flowed in circles

Down

40 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Aug. 28, 1975

The Oak Hills restaurant operated by the Tivoli restaurant owners is located on the grounds of Oak Hills country club [in Palos Heights] and occupies the former clubhouse. The Tivoli first opened its doors in 1947 in Chicago Heights, then Tivoli II opened in Country Club Hills. Now the Tivoli III will be part of the new site of Oak Hills Country Club Village, an exclusive community of luxury residences built by Burnside Construction. The village will be surrounded by a full-length nine-hole golf course and a new clubhouse will be built on 131st Street and 76th Avenue. The village will feature an Olympic-size swimming pool, and tennis courts. Adjoining the clubhouse will be the new home of the Oak Hills restaurant. The house specialties are thick broiled steaks and a full seafood bill of fare.

1 2

Prep for a marathon, with “up” N.L. Cy Young Award winner three years after Dwight 3 Nordic language 4 “Voice of Israel” author 5 Rory McIlroy’s milieu 6 Big name in vision correction 7 Like an excited puppy’s tail 8 Takes to task 9 Web business 10 San Francisco-to-Teaneck interstate 11 Round servers 12 Iowa State city 13 Swerve from a course 21 “I’ll pass” 22 Clumsy sort 25 Citified 26 “Cross my heart” 27 “Bless my soul!” 28 Howe’er 30 Molten rock 32 Bend

33 Car wash employee, at times 35 Excites 36 Wire thickness unit 38 “Kidnapped” author’s monogram 41 Most eccentric 42 Manner 47 Round components 49 Cloth remnant 52 HP competitor 54 Configure 55 Prepared for a shot 56 Texture 57 “I don’t mind eels / Except as meals / And the way they feels” poet 58 Previously driven, say 59 TomKat’s daughter 60 Lake at one end of the Niagara River 61 Final email step 62 Place for a pedi

(Answers on page 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. (Answers on page 2)

IMPRESSIONS

Against my better judgement, I am ready for some football! JEFF VORVA

never learn. This is the time of year I get geeked up for football. Really geeked up. We are just a day away from the 2015 area high school season. In seasons past, this was the time of year that I couldn’t wait for things to start. And it’s not just because of the football itself. I enjoy seeing and sniffing the thick smoke from the grills as some parents or teachers are making brats or burgers for the concession stands. It’s cool to smell the fresh-cut grass although with the new artificial turf at many stadiums, that pleasure is waning. I like hearing the bands even though some of them can hit a few sour notes now and again. Hearing the bellowing of crazed firstyear assistant and sophomore coaches who treat the sport as if their mother’s life depends on it always amuses me the first week. Sooner or later, they mellow out – a little. Seeing old and familiar faces on the sidelines is always a treat. Some guys have been following their teams forever and they still have the passion to do it another season. And then there is that final huddle before the game starts. Whether a team is a state championship contender or a sub-.500 team, that huddle features a bunch of dudes screaming until their lungs give way. They are pumped up and ready to go into a season in which they have no idea what’s going to happen in the next nine weeks. That moment is golden. And then the game starts. For me, that’s when reality hits. Penalties. Fumbles. Bad football. And I stand there thinking “I got all

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Light poles with Arcola football players on them in that football crazy town helped columnist Jeff Vorva get excited about the 2015 high school season even though he vowed he wouldn’t.

geeked up for THIS?” And I vow that next year, I won’t get so amped up. But I never learn. One year, I remember making a long trip to about five or six different towns in order to get special preseason football sections so that I could be up on as many teams as possible. I even made the trip to Palos Heights to pick up the Reporter/Regional’s section even though I didn’t know at the time that I would be someday be working here. With the exception of a 10-year gap in which I covered the Cubs, I have covered a bunch of season openers. A few were classic games. Many others were dogs. Two years ago, when I took over as editor of the Reporter, a part of my job was to go out and cover two games on a Friday night as a photographer. Wow! I got to experience two openers in one night! I hit the jackpot. But I never learn. The first night of football in 2013 was so bad with rain and lighting that eventually most of the area games were postponed. I drove to Burbank, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, back to Oak Lawn back to

Burbank waiting for a game to start and couldn’t find one. Long after I got home, I found out that Oak Lawn High School indeed got its game going hours before the scheduled kickoff and played deep into the night. That was a lousy weekend and last year, the weather played some games with the games as well. Usually the play gets crisper and better in the third or fourth week. Then the storylines start kicking into gear. That’s when I should be getting excited. But I never learn. So it’s 2015. I have been covering sports since 1977. After all of these years, I finally vowed not to get excited for this season. During the summer, when the teams were playing 7-on-7 games, I mostly ignored it. I took a mild interest when the schedules came out, but that was about it. Then this month, it started to hit me. Lincoln-Way North is closing and two of our teams – Richards and Sandburg – will face the Phoenix in non-conference games in the first two weeks. I started talking to people about Marist playing Mt. Carmel on Friday at Soldier Field. That game should be pretty cool. Uh, oh. My interest was getting bigger. There is one of the best programs in the history of Michigan football named Brother Rice and that team is coming to Chicago on Saturday to play our Brother Rice. And then, just to mess with me, fate took over. After dropping my son, T.J. off to college, we made a side trip through a small town called Arcola and it is football crazy. A bunch of the light poles had drawings of the Arcola players and we passed the high school field and a youth game was going on. I heard the whistles of the refs, the roar of the crowd and the clunk of pads hitting pads. That hooked me. So no matter if there is a tornado Friday night or 200 yards of penalties in the first quarter of a game I am at, I am geeked up for the season. I never learn.

WHEREIZIT?

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Ahhhh, yer mudda wears army boots. Or combat boots. We had a lot of folks who got the reference to the old insult. By the way, we saw an interesting message board debating what that phrase actually means. Some thought it meant your family was poor and mom had to go out and work. Some thought it meant dear ol’ ma was like a drill sergeant. Still others thought it meant that your mother was a lesbian. Whatever the true meaning of it is, we had plenty of winners. Palos Heights Crystine Busch deserves a military salute for being the first with the correct answer. Others who marched to victory were Evergreen Park’s Jan Merchantz, Jim Long and Bernie Mysliwiec, Chicago Ridge’s Dan and Kathy Higgins, Worth’s E.J. Oahueke, Theresa and George Rebersky and Celeste Cameron, Palos Hills’ Joe Marrotta, Palos Heights’ Jim Cap, Oak Lawn’s Matt Vari, Christine O’Grady, and Steve Rosenbaum and the Friday Night Ladies From the O-Towns and Their Birthday Boy From the Burbs. Incorrect answers were bowling shoes, comfortable or sensible shoes and slippers. This week, we change things up. This is not a WHATIZIT, but a WHEREIZIT. The clue for the photo above is that it might look like it’s in Rome, but it’s not in Rome. So, WHEREIZIT? Send those guesses by Monday night to: thereporter@comcast.net

10 Thursday, August 27, 2015

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LIFESTYLE

The Regional News

Find bargains galore this weekend at Children's Farm rummage sale The Children’s Farm at The Center will host its annual rummage sale this Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., each day across from The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. The sale takes place in the spacious indoor riding arena, bigger than a barn, filled with a huge assortment of house wares, hardware, toys, craft items, clothes, jewelry, books, and electronic equipment, plus on the drive and lawn where furniture, sporting goods, and gardening supplies are displayed. Rummage Sale coordinator Mark Walker describes The Center rummage sale as an old-fashioned department store, set up by more than 50 volunteers who work hard for 10 days before the sale, unloading cars, sorting boxes and bags of donated items, marking sizes, pricing items, and creating the department store feeling Walker describes. Adjacent to the rummage sale, the Palos Heights Kiwanis Club will sell hot dogs, pop, and coffee as a benefit for The Center. For more, call The Center at 361-3650 or visit www.thecenterpalos.org.

Supplied photos

Pat Burger, a volunteer at The Center, helps set up the riding arena full of bargains at the rummage sale coming this Friday and Saturday at The Children’s Farm in Palos Park.

Mark Walker unloads a car of used donated rummage for the big annual sale.

Karen Jeffrey ponders a marionette for sale among the finds to be found at the rummage sale.

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Mayor's Cup golf outing will benefit Orland Nature Center The Orland Park Mayor’s Cup Golf Outing to benefit the Orland Park Nature Center will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park. The golf outing begins at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and a continental breakfast. The shotgun start will be at 9:30 a.m. and there will be a barbeque lunch on the course. Cocktails will be served from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are limited to 144 golfers on a first come, first serve basis. Golf and dinner tickets are $130 per person and include 18 holes of golf, one-half cart, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, cocktails, dinner and door prizes. Golf only tickets are $100 per person and will include 18 holes of golf, ½ cart, continental breakfast, and lunch on the course. Dinner only tickets are $50 and include cocktails, dinner and door prizes. Several new chances and games for prizes are added. Sponsorships are available. The newest addition to the Open Lands of Orland Park, the Orland Park Nature Center will be located at 13951 South LaGrange Road. When completed, the center will include an outdoor gathering area, bird watching stations, butterfly gardens, bike access and small group indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. Registration for the Mayor’s Cup is available online at https://www. orlandpark.il.us/FormCenter/General-Forms-5/Mayors-Cup-GolfOuting-2015-77, at Recreation Administration at 14600 S. Ravinia Ave. and at the village’s Sportsplex, at 11351 W. 159th St. For more information, call 4037275. – Village of Orland Park

The Regional News • The Reporter

SPORTS Thursday, 27,2015 2015 Thursday,August March 5,

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Southwest • Section 2, Page 1

A tough test right out of the gate No. 1 Marian first up for SXU football team

By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor The biggest NAIA football game in the nation to kick off the 2015 season is in our own backyard. St. Xavier University, ranked fourth in the NAIA coaches’ preseason poll, hosts No. 1 Marian University out of Indianapolis at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Bruce R. Deaton Field. The game can be heard on WXAV (88.3 FM). Cougars coach Mike Feminis, whose 2011 club won a national title and who has guided four other SXU squads to Final Four appearances, doesn’t put a lot of stock in preseason rankings but is convinced the Knights are the real deal.

“Marian deserves its No. 1 ranking [because] it was a national runner-up last year,” Feminis said. “And they are returning everybody — they have all 11 starters back on defense and eight of 11 on offense. [So] they are certainly deserving of their ranking. “We’ll find out if we are deserving of our ranking right away. We have nine of 11 returning on offense, but we have to retool a little on defense. But I like the guys who have come in and what I’ve seen from the younger guys.” These two teams knocked heads last year in Indianapolis and SXU came up with a convincing 6538 victory over the Knights in Week 1. Marian split its first four contests before embarking on a run that resulted in eight consecu-

tive triumphs and a berth opposite Southern Oregon in the NAIA title game in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Knights fell short, 55-31, but have become an annual contender. The same holds true for the Cougars, who fell to Southern Oregon in a semifinal matchup, 62-37. SXU hosted a semifinal for the first time in school history. Quarterback Hayden Northern is back to lead Marian after throwing for 2,939 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago. With Northern guiding it, the Knights’ offense averaged 33.9 points and 409.6 yards per game in 2014, but it must do without tailback Tevin Lake, a four-year regular who rushed for 1,385 yards and 17 TDs in his final campaign. Marian’s defense surrendered

an average of 20.5 points and 304.8 yards. SXU will test the Knights’ prevention corps with an attack that features many of the same people who allowed the Cougars to average 38.1 points and 456.8 yards per contest. Opponents averaged 27.8 points and 398.3 yards against SXU’s defense in 2014. Back to trigger the Cougars’ offense is junior quarterback John Rhode, who passed for 3,609 yards and 31 touchdowns. Sophomore tailback Mike Ivlow ran for 10 Photo by Jeff Vorva scores and a team-high 519 yards, St. Xavier University football coach Mike Feminis oversees a recent practice. but four other SXU players rushed His Cougars, ranked fourth nationally in the NAIA preseason poll, host top-ranked Marian University in Saturday’s season-opener. for at least 220 yards.

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

It’s another year and another dream Mighty Macs gear up for next title chase By Anthony Nasella For the many years Jen DeJarld has coached volleyball at Mother McAuley, a trip to the state finals almost seems like a given. While such an expectation would be unreasonable for most schools in most sports, the Mighty Macs have been a steady presence on the volleyball season’s final day over the years, most recently when the 2013 team won the Class 4A championship in thrilling fashion over Benet Academy. Last season, however, McAuley and Benet were denied a rematch in the 2014 finals because of a head-scratching decision by the Illinois High School Association to realign the state tournament. Both schools were instead placed in the same supersectional, where the Redwings gained revenge by dropping the Macs in three sets. Benet went on to capture a state title of its own last November. But DeJarld has retooled her 2015 squad, and with seven players back in the fold everyone is once again thinking big. “Our team motto this year is: reload, refresh and rebound,” DeJarld said. “We reloaded our program with a lot of really talented kids. I think that people will actually accept us being maybe a step slower this year, but I think they’ll be really surprised by the

level of talent we have coming in.” Of the seven returnees, setter Jane DeJarld and middle blocker Kayla Caffey come in with the most varsity experience. DeJarld and defensive specialist Emily Mayer both made noise on the national-club scene over the summer, which creates even more anticipation around McAuley. “Jane has been watching state championships for 17 years now, so she knows what it’s about,” Coach DeJarld said. “Yet she’s hungry to get her own because she wasn’t on the varsity team in 2013. She was on the JV team, so she’s very eager to win this year. “And the club team that Jane and Emily were on finished fifth in the nation, so they’re both coming off a very successful and exciting season. We’re hoping that success on the national level will have a positive impact.” Among the other players about whom DeJarld is excited, sophomore outside hitter Charley Niego and junior right-side/outside hitter Katie O’Connell are definitely making waves. “Charley and Katie have exploded onto the scene this year and have become two really powerful hitters,” DeJarld said. “They will both be, I think, nice surprises. Strong ball control is our greatest asset and we have some very powerful swingers all around.”

Those individuals will get plenty of chances to prove their worth in a schedule filled with difficult matches. That includes a realigned Girls Catholic Athletic Conference featuring strong programs like Wheaton-St. Francis and Rosary, plus a third trip to Louisville for one of the nation’s most challenging tournaments. “The new teams have definitely made our conference a lot tougher and created more parity,” she said. “[And] the tournament in Louisville will definitely give us some challenges early on. But in order to be the best, you have to play and beat the best teams.” The Macs have emotionally rebounded from the disappointing end to last season, but DeJarld admitted it is still being used as a catalyst. That’s important since another tournament realignment won’t take place for three more years. “The girls are carrying that memory a little bit,” DeJarld said. “This year, though, we’re prepared for the reality of it. And since there’s nothing we can do it about — crying and complaining won’t help — we simply prepare for the state tournament with tougher matches. “A lot of teams have been put in compromising situations, but (Continued on page 3)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mother McAuley players, shown celebrating a sectional victory over Sandburg in 2014, are seeking a bigger accomplishment this fall as they take aim at the program’s second Class 4A championship in three years.

WEEKLY FOOTBALL FORECAST

Welcome to the third year of the famous Football Forecast! We offered a chance for some new blood to join our band of merry misfits but no one took us up on that. So we have the same six chuckleheads battling it out in 2015, Vorva, the Reporter editor, is the defending regular-season king and postseason MVP. Sports editor Ken Karrson was the inaugural king in 2013. Former Reporter editor Jason Maholy was the first postseason MVP in 2013. Sports writer Anthony Nasella, faithful reader Wally Findysz and former Reporter reporter Bob Rakow vow they want to earn some recognition this year. So let the games begin:

Lake Station (Ind.) at Evergreen Park Lane at Oak Lawn Minooka at Stagg Niles North at Shepard Richards at LW North Benet at St. Laurence Marist vs Mt. Carmel at Soldier Field Sandburg at Naperville North Westmont at Chicago Christian Brother Rice (Mich.) at Brother Rice Marian (Ind.) at St. Xavier University

Ken Karrson Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Chicago Christian BR-Chicago SXU

Jeff Vorva Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Niles North LW North Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Westmont BR-Michigan Marian

Anthony Nasella Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Stagg Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Chicago Christian BR-Chicago SXU

Jason Maholy Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Shepard Richards Benet Marist Naperville N. Westmont BR-Chicago SXU

Wally Findysz Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Minooka Niles North Richards Benet Mt. Carmel Naperville N. Westmont BR-Mich SXU

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2 Section 2

Thursday, August 27, 2015

In Jordan ruling, court didn’t make mis-steak

Grocery chains are used to selling what could rather graphically be described as dead animals. They’re a little less accustomed to becoming dead meat themselves. But for lack of a more sophisticated term, that’s what Safeway Corp., one-time operator of Dominick’s Foods in the Chicagoland area, became last week in a federal court. Making it so was a jury, which sided with Michael Jordan in his lawsuit against Dominick’s, a now-defunct business. Parent company Safeway Corp., though, is still going and it is from that organization Jordan will draw the $8.9 million in damages he was awarded for unlawful use of his image. The case stemmed from a 2009 advertisement appearing in a special issue of Sports Illustrated that commemorated the former Chicago Bull’s induction into the NBA Hall of Fame. Ostensibly meant to congratulate Jordan, the ad might have gone unnoticed had it not been for a few seemingly minor details. One was the presence of No. 23 and a silhouette of a basketball player, which obviously represented Jordan. Just in case there was still some confusion, the words “Michael Jordan … you are a cut above” were also featured. Since Dominick’s didn’t have any sort of formal agreement with Jordan, it was probably tip-toeing pretty close to the line of acceptability even with those elements. But then the grocery chain’s marketers pushed it over the cliff. Included as well was a coupon for $2 off on Rancher’s Reserve steaks, which Dominick’s carried at the time. Suddenly, Dominick’s was looking to drum up additional business by tying its promotion to Jordan, who already had a stake in some steakhouses. Uh-oh, bad move. Had the coupon been linked to, say, Bobby Hansen or Luc Longley or some other nondescript character on any of the Bulls championship squads, there’s likely no fuss. Guys like that don’t normally warrant much attention and are probably appreciative when anyone at all notices. Of course, it would have been silly to run an ad saying, “Jack Haley … nice job warming the bench,” but you get the general idea. Everyone wanted a piece of Jordan, but he didn’t let everyone have a piece. Although it may have seemed otherwise when he was in his heyday and popped up regularly in every media form hawking an array of products, Jordan in reality was fairly selective about who he did business with — and as he told the jury, he was the one with the final say regarding any use of his name or likeness. So it’s evident Dominick’s goofed in a big, $8.9 million way. But while the jury’s decision wasn’t incorrect, it has met with more than a few detractors. Why the commotion? Part of it involves the amount of money. While $8.9 million would be a life-changing figure for the vast majority of Americans, it supposedly doesn’t even equal what Jordan earns per corporate deal. But that’s difficult for most of us to wrap our heads around, so we just look at it as a sign of pure greed on Jordan’s part, especially when the actual guilty party no longer exists. Yes, Safeway is around, but Dominick’s isn’t, which is the only thing most casual observers typically consider. To them, Jordan is a vulture trying to pick meat — steak perhaps? — off a bare carcass. But do one’s rights work disproportionately to his or her wealth? In other words, just because someone doesn’t need the additional money, should he or she be prohibited from pursuing damages when the situation calls for it? Jordan supposedly is going to donate the money he was awarded to charity. That’s certainly an admirable gesture, but it’s not a requirement for receiving the payout. Other critics contend that Jordan was given a financial windfall despite the fact he suffered no real damages. Dominick’s didn’t do anything to tarnish his image — heck, Jordan’s done more of that himself with his divorce and alleged gambling addiction — so why should it have been found guilty of wrongdoing? Again, we get back to individual rights, and Jordan has the right — the obligation really — to not allow others to profit from his notoriety unless he chooses to let them through a business agreement. And that brings us back to the $2 coupon, which truly was the smoking gun here. For those of you who believe Jordan is being ridiculous, I want you to consider Michael Buffer. If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, think of boxing and other high-profile sporting events. At many of those has been a tuxedoed announcer who is known for uttering a five-word sentence, the last word of which is dramatically drawn out when Buffer says it and rhymes with “humble,” which he most definitely is not. Buffer actually managed to get his famous phrase copyrighted — much like Miami Heat general manager Pat Riley once did with the term “three-peat” — and is quick to sue anyone who uses it without his permission. To date, he reportedly has made tens of millions of dollars either by shouting it himself or hunting down anyone else who made the mistake of doing so in a public setting. Some will label Buffer nuts; I say he’s brilliant for having the foresight to do what he did. The Jordan verdict, in a way, falls into a similar category. But for those who still are bothered by the decision, remember one thing: We created the monster. As I pointed out here a few weeks ago, celebrities take whatever leash we give them. The public fawned over Jordan almost from the get-go and it’s never stopped — evidently a couple of the jurors were eager to have their picture taken with Jordan after the verdict was rendered. Yes, he’s highly skilled but so are a lot of guys who have played NBA basketball. He, however, was the one who was virtually deified and we helped make it possible for him to amass his fortune — if we don’t buy lots and lots of what he’s selling, old MJ doesn’t command the kind of mind-numbing corporate paydays he apparently still enjoys. And, as someone astutely pointed out, Jordan in court was merely exhibiting the same kind of tenacity he always did on the court: win by whatever means necessary. That mindset isn’t quite so endearing when it involves legalities, I guess. So the next time you shop at a Safeway-owned store and balk at the prices, don’t blame the folks working there, even if they ultimately get rewarded an hourly rate well above what they should. Go to the real source of discontent. Under those conditions, it won’t be as easy to be like — or even just to like — Mike.

BARTOSH

The Regional News - The Reporter

SXU SPORTS SUMMARY

Cougars open with split decision

Opening day ended better than it began. St. Xavier University’s first trip onto the volleyball court in 2015 did not produce the desired result. In fact, the outcome was downright painful as the Cougars fought through five sets before suffering a threepoint loss to Lourdes (Ohio) University in the deciding game. But after falling to that 25-27, 25-16, 2729, 25-23, 15-12 defeat in its season-opener at Robert Morris University’s Eagles Invitational on Saturday, SXU rebounded to take down the University of St. Francis (Ind.) 18-25, 26-24, 25-13, 17-25, 15-8 in a later encounter that same day. Senior middle blocker Heidi Gregerson, senior right-side hitter Meghan Falsey and redshirt freshman setter Courtney Joyce were SXU’s headliners. Gregerson and Falsey were forces along the net as they registered 53 total kills between them over the two matches. Falsey complemented her 26 kills with seven total blocks, two of which were solo efforts. Joyce, a Mother McAuley alumnus and Western Illinois University transfer, sparked the Cougars’ floor game with 90 assists. Along with those Joyce contributed 15 kills, 29 digs and four service aces in her SXU debut. Gregerson registered 15 of her kills versus Lourdes while Falsey,

junior middle blocker Melanie Miller and sophomore outside hitter Syndey McPhillips each put down 11. In addition, McPhillips had 15 digs, one more than Joyce, who also distributed 46 of her assists. Falsey (15 kills, four block assists, four aces), McPhillips (14 kills, match-high 17 digs) and Joyce (44 assists, 15 digs) paced the Cougars in their victory. SXU and Trinity Christian College will serve as co-hosts of a tournament this weekend.

ALUMNI GAME

The Cougars baseball and softball programs will host a coed alumni 12-inch, slow-pitch softball game on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Richard R. Ferrell Field. The inaugural contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. and be part of the university’s homecoming weekend. Food and beverages will be provided for all alumni and their family members in attendance. Those individuals interested in attending or participating should contact either baseball coach Rocco Mossuto at (773) 298-3103 or mossuto@sxu.edu, or softball coach Myra Minuskin at (773) 298-3100 or minuskin@sxu.edu. Walk-ups are welcome the day of the event.

MORAINE ATHLETICS WRAP

Cyclones golfer holding fo(u)rth By Maura Vizza Sure, winning is always the goal, but fourth place was satisfying to Moraine Valley College golfers in their 2015 debut. The Cyclones were part of a 10-team field at the Aldeen Golf Course in Rockford, a group that included fellow Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference member Waubonsee College. Moraine wound up 20 strokes ahead of the Chiefs behind the leadership of Dave Karwoski, whose 18-hole score of 78 on a blustery day was good for fifth place among 50 individuals. Other Cyclones scorers in the Aldeen Preview were Scott Borden (81), John Orowick (82) and Matt Contey (83). Aldeen Golf Course will also be the site of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Tournament in October. “I’m happy with our first tournament on a tough day — it was windy the whole time,” Moraine coach Bob Freudenthal said. “But it was a good day. Now I’m looking forward to the season even more. “If this were the regional tournament, we would’ve gone to nationals based on who in our region competed today.” Contey is a returning all-region performer for the Cyclones, who captured the ISCC title last fall. Individually, Contey advanced to the NJCAA tourney and carded scores in the 70s on three of the four days. His highest total was a third-round 80. Karwoski earned all-conference honors in 2014 and Orowick, Borden and John Nagle also bring experience with them. Nagle is considered Moraine’s most improved player while Orowick is

Submitted photo

Maggie Hacker unloads a shot during Moraine Valley College’s season-opening match against Joliet Junior College. Hacker had a goal and assist in the Cyclones’ 5-0 win last Thursday.

its biggest hitter. Newcomers expected to play roles for the Cyclones include Steve Andreano, Conner Liloe and Stagg graduate Robert Stark, a former high school football player and an imposing figure on the links. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Freudenthal, who’s in his 25th season. “We have the potential to do well, but they need to step up. We have the talent to compete at conference and regionals, especially with the returners. “All I ask for is a respectable season.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER

After warming up with an exhibition rout of Madison College, the Cyclones began their regular season in similarly impressive fashion last Thursday as they blanked Joliet Junior College 5-0. That was the same score by which Moraine upended Madison. Marbella Rodriguez, who had a hat trick in the preseason match, notched an unassisted goal before the 20-minute mark. She later assisted on one of Ewelina Kmin’s pair of tallies. Maggie Hacker (goal, assist) and Alex Abed (goal) also chipped in for the Cyclones, who controlled the flow of the contest and were finished scoring shortly after halftime.

Submitted photo

Moraine Valley College’s Marbella Rodriguez leaves her feet while in pursuit of the ball last Thursday vs. Joliet Junior College.

SOFTBALL

Break out the cleats and mitts and head to the softball diamond to have a shot at becoming a Cyclone. The team is holding tryouts on four different days: Monday, Sept. 7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 16. All try-

outs will commence at 4:30 p.m. on the field behind Building “P” on the main campus. All full-time Moraine students are eligible to attend. For more information, contact coach Natalie Wigginton at 2571892 or natalie.wigginton@morainevalley.edu.

Preparing for No. 1

Photos by Jeff Vorva

(Above) St. Xavier University’s John Glover turns the corner and makes some progress on a carry during a recent practice.

Casual Italian Dining

Cheering On The

BROTHER RICE CRUSADERS! Have an Awesome Season 12231 S. HARLEM AVENUE • PALOS HEIGHTS • (708) 361-1226

(Left) Matt Johnson leaps to make an interception during a recent St. Xavier University football practice. Johnson and the rest of the Cougars defense will have their hands full against No. 1-ranked Marian University in Saturday’s season-opening clash.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, August 27, 2015 Section 2

TRINITY SPORTS REPORT

Trolls women handily beat first two soccer opponents

By Amy Strong Two matches does not a season make, but there’s no ignoring the value of a good start. That’s how Trinity Christian College’s women’s soccer team ushered in its latest campaign. The Trolls outscored Dordt and Waldorf colleges by a combined 6-1 count last weekend to hit the ground running in 2015. Amazingly, Trinity was outshot 9-1 by Dordt during the first half of Friday’s clash but entered intermission locked in a scoreless tie. Nine minutes into the second half the Trolls stole a Defenders throw-in and eventually tallied as Deidre Bia set up freshman Jessica Bianchi’s marker. An insurance goal came with just 17 seconds remaining as Cassidy Bosselaar scored off a Bianchi assist. Trinity netminder Liz Schutte finished with nine saves as Dordt held a 16-7 shot advantage for the day. *** The next day brought more success in Iowa as the Trolls downed Waldorf 4-1. This time they struck immediately as Tarryn South and Jessica Owen both found the back of the net within the first three minutes, the latter doing so after receiving a pass from Bia. Although it didn’t score again prior to the break, Trinity held a massive 20-3 edge in shots taken. Then at the outset of the second half Bianchi tallied off an Owen assist to increase the Trolls’ margin to 3-0. Waldorf, which was outshot 33-5

overall, shaved its deficit to two midway through the half, but Amy Tadla’s goal with five minutes left restored Trinity’s three-goal lead. Schutte was credited with three saves in the triumph. Fifteen current players were on the 2014 roster, including seven starters. Key returnees include junior midfielder/ foward Kayla Diemer, junior defender/ forward Samantha Burgess and senior midfielder Adriana Puente. Bianchi and freshman defender Elly Brummel head up the list of 10 newcomers. The Trolls, who are being coached by Jon Lenarz for the 14th year and coming off an 11-7-2 season, return to action Friday when they host Clarke College.

MEN’S SOCCER

Jose Dominguez’s ninth coaching campaign didn’t get underway in the manner he hoped as the Trolls got tagged with a pair of setbacks in the opening week. Dordt pinned a 2-1 loss on Trinity while Walrdorf rolled to a 6-1 victory. The Trolls are not yet operating at full strength due to some injuries and eligibility issues, but they still hung tough against the Defenders last Friday. Trinity converted its lone shot of the first half into a goal as freshman Javier Contreras made the most of a pass from Richie Carrillo in the 33rd minute. That slim lead stayed in place until five minutes of the second half had elapsed. That’s when Dordt pulled even, and it continued to pressure the Trolls by unleashing a total of 14 shots on goal.

Volleyball preview (Continued from page 1)

it is what it is.” Still loving what she does, DeJarld said she is looking forward to the season and whatever it brings. “I’m very excited about coaching this team,” she said. “It’s refreshing to get new faces that are bringing some real experience at a young age.”

MOTHER MCAULEY 2014 Record: 36-4. Head coach: Jen DeJarld.

• Who’s gone: Ryann DeJarld, (Notre Dame), Kelsey Clark (George Washington), Kennedy Arundel (Connecticut), Carla Cahill (Costal Carolina), Amber Casey (University of St. Francis), Maggie Scanlon. • Who’s back: Jane DeJarld, S, Sr.; Kayla Caffey, MH, Sr.; Emily Mayer, DS, Sr.; Erin Nagy, DS, Sr.; Abby O’Brien, OH, Jr.; Katie O’Connell, RS/OH, Jr.; Emma Reilly, DS, Jr. • Who’s new: Paige Pappas, OH/RS, Jr.; Mary Kate Boland, MH, Jr.; Bridget Burke, MH, Jr.; Evie Gorman, OH, Sr.; Kaitlyn Johnson, RS, Sr.; Amanda Horn, MH, So.; Charley Niego, OH, So.; Ashley Maher, DS, Jr. • Outlook: Having to replace almost an entire lineup of talented players from a supersectional qualifier would be a tall order for any program, but Mighty Macs coach Jen DeJarld has made a career of weathering transitional storms by utilizing fresh talent to rapidly rebuild championship-caliber clubs. To be sure, this year’s McAuley squad possesses plenty of ability. Most of the seven seniors returning for 2015 were part of the 2013 squad that won the Class 4A championship, so DeJarld will be counting on that core to guide the ship until the newcomers become fully immersed in McAuley’s championship culture. • Coach’s comment: “The seven returners will lead their teammates in the same way as last year’s team: with a strong work ethic. Our goals every year are the same: win conference [and] win state — that never changes. These kids have all experienced what it feels like to go downstate and win a championship as either freshmen or sophomores, so that’s definitely ingrained in their heads. …They want to leave their mark within our program by having another successful season.” — DeJarld.

SANDBURG 2014 Record: 32-6. Head coach: David Vales.

• Who’s gone: Sami Knight (Southern Illinois-Edwardsville), Julia Borschel (North Carolina-Ashville), Leah Lane. • Who’s back: Gillian Thanasouras, OH, Sr.; Morgan Kmak, L, Sr.; Caroline Stefanon, MH, Sr. • Who’s new: Anna Jonynas, OH, Jr.; Madison Hart, MH, So. • Outlook: The Eagles’ superb 2014 campaign ended with a hardfought, three-set loss to Mother McAuley in a sectional final, but they’re gearing up for another deep tournament run this fall. Thanasouras, whom coach David Vales calls Sandburg’s best all-around player, will supply experience and leadership. Stefanon will support Thanasouras in the kills department while Kmak anchors the defense and floor game with a steady flow of digs and passes. Newcomer Hart is already getting tested by teammate Stefanon in practice every day, so she’ll be prepared for whatever awaits her. Jonynas is listed at 5-9 but jumps out of the gym and should give the Eagles a big weapon along the net. The Lyons Township Quad, Wheaton Classic and Plainfield Invitational will test Sandburg’s mettle. • Coach’s comment: “The girls are trying to figure out their own identity, and the early tournament [at Lyons] will help in [that regard]. We have starters back from last year who have been there and we’re counting on them to guide the young players. “Gillian stays on the court, fires everyone up and gets everyone to play [while] Morgan is a focused player who leads by example. We’re looking to stay competitive and win the SWSC Blue [again]. We lost a lot of experience with seven seniors graduating, but I consider the practices last year preparation for this year’s seniors in making them ready to continue the tradition of excellence.” — Vales

MARIST 2014 Record: 28-9. Head coach: Julie Popp-Hopkins.

• Who’s gone: Lizzie Zaleski (Valparaiso), Colleen Reilly (Wofford). • Who’s back: Cameron Enright, OH, Sr.; Ann Marie Stifter, MH, Sr.; Emily Graff, OH, Sr.; Allyssa Rizzo, DS/L, Sr.; Haley Belcik, DS/L, Sr.; Margaret Murphy, DS/L, Sr.; Madeline Dunterman, Jr.; Grace Green, So. • Who’s new: Molly Murrihy, S, So., S. • Outlook: Third-year coach Julie Popp Hopkins returns a solid group of players from last season’s regional-champion squad that will look to contend for the East Suburban Catholic Conference title and advance deep into the state tournament. Both Stifter and Enright (315 kills, 310 digs, 47 aces) are three-year varsity starters and were All-ESCC selections in 2014. Hopkins said Stifter has taken her game to the next level by developing greater power, court awareness and scoring ability. Enright was named the outstanding player at the Nike Tournament of Champions and is a threat from the service line, on defense, in the backcourt and with her shot-making ability. Graf

five saves. Contreras, a forward, is one of the Trolls’ more heralded newcomers along with junior defenders Osvaldo Castanon and Santana Caicedo. Top returnees among the dozen who were part of a 5-11-1 season in 2014 are junior forward Mauricio Salgado, senior defender Armando Villanueva, junior midfielder Rey Bahena and senior midfielder Fernando Avalos. Huntington University visits Trinity today.

VOLLEYBALL

Hampering the locals as well was the loss of a defender to a red card, which left Trinity shorthanded over the final 30 minutes. Still, the Defenders didn’t produce the deciding marker until the 70th minute. Trolls goalies Gabe Fennema and Noah Miller made six saves between them as Dordt held a hefty 19-shot advantage on Trinity. *** The Trolls also drew first blood versus Waldorf, but Jose Zepulveda’s penaltykick goal in the 13th minute was all they could muster on Saturday. The Warriors were up 2-1 at halftime and then blew the match open with four more scores when play resumed. Three of those occurred in a stretch of just four minutes. Waldorf ended the day with a 24-16 edge in shots. Trinity keeper Mark Hall recorded

Fresh off a National Christian College Athletic Association championship season that included 38 wins, the Trolls didn’t enjoy a particularly auspicious debut as they triumphed only once in four outings at last weekend’s Grace College Invitational in Winona Lake, Ind. Trinity’s victory came in its initial match as it held off Point Park, a Pennsylvania program that received votes in the NAIA preseason poll, 27-25, 25-22, 25-21. Freshman Kacie Stoll and senior Karleigh Krchmery put down 14 and nine kills, respectively, for the Trolls, who totaled 35 as a team, 13 more than Point Park. Michelle Busscher had 16 digs to pace Trinity in that category while Stoll added 11. Tourney host Grace outlasted the Trolls 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-13 in Friday’s second match, doing so in part because of a massive 50-27 advantage in kills.

(261 kills, 90 blocks) was all-tournament at the Nike event and sets herself apart with an explosive arm swing while Rizzo is solid on both defense and serve-receive and demonstrates strong leadership skills. The key regular-season matches will be against Glenbard West, Wheaton-St. Francis, Mother McAuley, Notre Dame Academy of Kentucky and Benet Academy. • Coach’s comment: “I’m extremely excited heading into the 2015 season. This year we have a core group of returning seniors that bring with them leadership and experience [to go] along with some great newcomers. Our serve-receive and defense are key elements that will set us apart from other teams. Adding to that our strong blocking presence and solid offense, we will have a great balance within our team. This year I feel we have the experience and heart that will keep us running all season.” — Popp-Hopkins

SHEPARD 2014 Record: 30-7. Head coach: Dan Grunauer.

• Who’s gone: Briana Haugh, Jessica Ferguson, Chasz Wells. • Who’s back: Caroline Graham, S, Sr.; Kendall Yerkes, OH, Sr.; Abbey Graham, L, Sr.; Amanda Carberry, MH/RS, Sr.; Abby Newsome, OH, Sr.; Jenny Kempczynski, S/DS, Sr.; Heather Banis, L, Sr. • Who’s new: Sarah Kiwan, MH, Sr. • Outlook: With only three players graduated and seven returning from last season’s historic 30-win team that made a perfect run through the South Suburban Conference Red, hope is springing eternal for the Astros. Among the 2015 goals is earning the program’s first regional title since 1992. Shepard’s three biggest assets are Yerkes (350 kills, 196 digs, 49 service aces, 10 solo blocks), Abbey Graham (202 kills, 276 digs, 74 aces, 10 solo blocks) and Caroline Graham (836 assists, 196 digs, 41 aces), but the overall work ethic is making Dan Grunauer one happy and stress-free coach. Tournaments at Plainfield North, Rich East and Oak Lawn will help the Astros become battle-tested as will matches against Chicago Christian, Stagg and Lyons Township, the latter of which beat Shepard in three close encounters last season. During the summer the Astros notched triumphs over Sandburg and Lincoln-Way East, a pair of firsts for Shepard volleyball. • Coach’s comment: “We are definitely optimistic about the season. This is just a phenomenal group of kids who work ridiculously hard and it’s reflected in our seniors, who have accepted the juniors into our culture. I’m very blessed because it’s fun to sit back and watch the seniors take the initiative and teach it to the juniors; I haven’t had to coach much on that level because they’ve beaten me to the punch. How incredible and important it is to see kids take such ownership. “We didn’t get blown out in our three meetings last year against Lyons; we were right there, so we’re looking forward to the challenge of facing them again. I can’t lie and say that winning a regional title and ending that long streak isn’t a focal point. The girls gave, and continue to give, all they have. Now, you can see how hard they’ve worked in the offseason with how we’ve played in the summer. “To beat the teams we beat this summer and get recognition from a great coach like [Sandburg’s] Dave Vales, it was great moment for the team and how far we’ve come in the past five years. But we have more ground to take.” — Grunauer

STAGG 2014 Record: 19-17. Head coach: Deanna Storino.

• Who’s gone: Lexi Mantas (Kent State), Ari Mantas, Allison Stefan, Amanda Collins, Katie Dwyer. • Who’s back: Maddie Duffner, S, So.; Jess Ochenkowski, DS, Sr.; Nia Pappas, MH, Sr.; Beca Lungu, MH, Sr.; Hayley Gartner, RS, Sr.; Heather Fane, OH, Sr.. • Who’s new: Anna Djikas, MH, So.; Jessi Glow, OH, Jr.; Cara Mahoney, S, Jr.; Kelly Roach, RS, Jr.; Olivia Waight, MH, Jr.; Alyssa Migler, DS, Jr.; Meg Polk, DS, Jr. • Outlook: Despite graduating some very talented performers from last year’s squad, the Chargers look to improve on what they did in 2014. Duffner, who heads up the group of veterans, is already distinguishing herself among her peers according to coach Deanna Storino. Also turning heads in terms of leadership has been Pappas. Meanwhile, Storino will look for newcomer Djikas to continue providing the big swing and blocking skills she has already demonstrated. In a schedule loaded with tough matches and that includes tournament appearances at Rich East and the Asics Challenge, Stagg has plenty of opportunities to compete, improve and excel. • Coach’s comment: “We definitely believe we’re more than capable of realizing the goals we’ve set. The tournaments we’re competing in will be challenging, but we’re always looking to advance to the gold bracket at each one. “Maddie Duffner is one of the best setters Stagg has had and is an awesome, disciplined player; she works really hard and needs no setter help. She is a well-rounded person with a good head on her shoulders. Nia Pappas has also stepped up her game a lot and stepped into a leadership role. Her teammates call her the team mom because she takes charge and sets a good example for the other kids. Jessi Glow is [an] extremely consistent hitter and a leader on the floor while Anna Dijkas has also been doing good things in camp and at practice. “We have the chance to be a strong team. If we keep working hard, we’ll be in good shape.” — Storino

Stoll (18 kills), Krchmery (seven kills, 11 digs), Busscher (21 digs) and Tori Mantel (19) were the Trolls’ key figures in defeat. *** Saturday featured Trinity suffering a pair of three-set losses. Doling them out were Indiana University-East (25-18, 25-16, 25-21) and Indiana UniversityKokomo (25-21, 25-12, 25-21). Twenty-one hitting errors dogged the Trolls in the opener as those offset 21 kills. By contrast, IU-East racked up 39 kills while posting a .295 attack percentage. Krchmery (six kills, eight digs), Cailey DeJong (six kills) and Busscher (eight digs) were Trinity’s individual notables. IU-Kokomo also got the better of the Trolls at the net (41 kills to 30). Krchmery (10 kills) and Mantel (24 assists, nine digs) topped Trinity. Bill Schepel is coaching the Trolls for the ninth season. Krchmery, a senior defensive specialist/libero, and sophomore middle hitter Danielle Oeverman lead a cast of six veterans while right-side hitter Stoll and fellow freshman Kortney Pollema, a defensive specialist, headline a group of 10 rookies. Trinity co-hosts a tournament with St. Xavier University this weekend. *** Men’s and women’s cross country begin competition Sept. 4 at the University of St. Francis, the men’s golf team starts its season that same weekend at Olivet Nazarene and women’s golf kicks off its inaugural season Sept. 11 at Bethel College.

QUEEN OF PEACE 2014 Record: 11-18. Head coach: Karen Van Assen.

• Who’s gone: Sydney Schergen, Kaitlyn Myles, Abby Bennett, Mary Keenan, Bethany Kingsley, Kylie McGivney. • Who’s back: Colleen Corbett, S, Sr.; Bridgett Hannon, RS, Sr.; Sam Stirn, MH, Sr.; Morgan Smith, OH, Sr.; Ciarra Juggan, DS, Sr.; Katie O’Leary, OH, Sr.; Jordan Jakubowski, MH, Sr. • Who’s new: Patsy Fox, S, Jr.; Haley Doyle, MH, Jr.; Maddie Fogarty, DS, Jr.; Erica Gens, DS, Sr.; Amanda Baran, OH, Sr.; Katlyn Carrington, MH, Sr.; Lauren Stevens, DS, Sr. • Outlook: The Pride have a new head coach for 2015, but she’s a familiar face to area volleyball fans. Former Mt. Assisi boss Karen Van Assen takes over at Queen of Peace, which has a senior-laden roster. Seven of 11 upperclassmen played as juniors on the Pride’s 2014 team that won a Class 3A regional title. With such an experienced group on hand, Van Assen’s goals are to have Peace repeat as Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Blue champion and make a deep postseason run. Corbett has been on the Pride varsity since her freshman season, Hannon made great strides during summer play and Baran, a 6-foot outside hitter, has created excitement within the program with her potential. • Coach’s comment: “We are senior-heavy, and that experience should help us when we get to our tournaments [at St. Viator, Oswego East and Maine West]. That experience will [also] prove helpful for us [as we seek] to win conference. “We did well in the summer league. The girls really looked to Colleen Corbett for leadership. Sam Stirn has a goal of 70 kills, but she should easily double that. We’re excited with what we have on varsity and on our other levels. I have my coaching staff back too. “I’m looking forward to having a positive impact and helping to bring the program back to its former glory.” — Van Assen

OAK LAWN 2014 Record: 17-15. Head coach: Dennis McNamara.

• Who’s gone: Simona Tomczak, Brianna Markusic, Alyssa Radiocic, Ashley Labuda. • Who’s back: Sam Lesiak, MH, Sr.; Alli Yacko, OH, So.; Rebecca Suarez, S, Sr.; Sam Foley, RS, Sr.; Jessica Gavras, L, Sr.; Camryn Landingham, Jr. • Who’s new: Amanda Bulow, So.; Michelle Labuda, Jr.; Colleen Murray, Jr. • Outlook: Six Spartans return from a year ago to form the foundation for 2015. Oak Lawn won eight South Suburban Conference Red matches while finishing second in the standings and should be a factor again, especially if some of the newcomers assimilate quickly. Veteran coach Dennis McNamara, who sports a 249-162 career record over 14 seasons, will be counting on Yacko (148 kills, 151 digs, 48 aces, 33 blocks), Lesiak (112 kills, 69 blocks, 12 digs), Suarez (651 assists, 98 digs, 35 blocks, 20 kills, 19 aces), Foley (67 kills, 43 blocks, 21 digs, 12 assists), Gavras (155 digs, 21 aces) and Landingham (35 digs, 21 aces) as his mainstays. Some of Oak Lawn’s key matches will come against De LaSalle, Shepard, Lemont and TF South as well as in the two-day Spartan Classic. • Coach’s comment: “The strength of this year’s team will be our ability to pass and play defense, and I am hoping that will keep us in a lot of games. Five of our six starters saw significant time last season and I am hoping that experience, along with [input from] some new faces, will give us the ability to contend for the conference title as well as advance deep into the state playoffs.” — McNamara

RICHARDS 2014 RECORD: 14-16. Head coach: Ray Van Syckle.

• Who’s gone: Dana Wujcik, Lexie Badon, Halee Barker. • Who’s back: Kelly Lind, OH, Sr.; Sara Kiziak, MH, Sr.; Nicole Hansen, L/DS, Sr. • Who’s new: Abby Fletcher, OH/L, So.; Lisa Costa, S, Jr.; Amber Ryan, OH/RS, Jr.; Sarah Murczek, OH, Fr. • Outlook: Members of last year’s South Suburban Conference Red-champion sophomore squad are joining a solid group of seniors to push for a varsity title in 2015, which would be an improvement over last year’s 7-6 league showing. Second-year coach Ray Van Syckle is confident that his younger talent will be able to turn some heads, but Lind, Kisziak and Hansen are around to provide the necessary senior leadership and savvy. If the veterans and newcomers can mesh without much trouble, the Bulldogs could enjoy a strong season. • Coach’s comment: “Barring the always-present threat of injuries, this group should be fun to watch. The girls have a great passion for the game to go along with the talent, so we’ll see how we put things together. Either way it’s going to be a fun ride” — Van Syckle

EVERGREEN PARK 2014 Record: 15-16. Head coach: Carrie Berry.

• Who’s gone: Nicole Larkin, Maggie Kehoe, Vivica Price. • Who’s back: Emma Przeslicke, OH, Sr.; Maddie Vojacek, MH, Sr.; Gabby Lasinek, MH/OH, Sr.; Sydney Cerrantano, S, Jr. • Who’s new: Abby Butler, MH, So. • Outlook: Despite losing Kehoe and Price to transfers, Mustangs coach Carrie Berry is optimistic with her team’s remaining players and (Continued on page 4)

4 Section 2

Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Volleyball preview (Continued from page 3)

the prospects for a winning season and regional championship. Berry refers to Przeslicke and Vojacek her dynamic duo. A four-year starter who led Evergreen Park in kills last season, Przeslicke demonstrates versatility in that she can pass, set and attack. Vojacek’s athleticism and work ethic magnifies her reputation as an all-around player. Cerrantano paced the Mustangs in assists in 2014 while Lasinek will be playing full time, again in her natural middle position after covering the outside for portiond of last season. Berry calls Butler one of the strongest girls in the program. • Coach’s comments: “This team has great senior leadership. These seniors are focused and have been working hard the past three years. They are eager for a winning season. “We also had our best summer league season. They are fun to watch. Our strengths are our offense, setting and serving; our weaknesses are ball control on serve-receive.” — Berry

CHICAGO CHRISTIAN 2014 Record: 30-9. Head coach: Chrissy Gust.

• Who’s gone: Leah Kamp (Calvin), Anna Kamp (Calvin), Samantha Kubik (College of St. Rose, Albany) Melanie Belstra (Trinity), Stephanie Kuiper (Dordt), Barbara Arrington, Victoria Skala. • Who’s back: Abby Leo, DS, Jr.; Emily Vilender, S, Jr.; Aaryana Moore, OH/RH, Jr.

• Who’s new: Abigail Joritz, S/RH, Jr.; Julia Conrad, DS/L, Jr.; Alyssa Rumbuc, RH, Jr.; Alyssa Van Kuiken, MH, Jr.; Kaelyn Daniel, OH/RS, So.; Danielle Tyson, MH, So.; Lauren Jelderks, DS, Jr.; Madelyn Cruz, OH, Jr. • Outlook: A year ago the Knights put together an incredible 24-match winning streak on their way to a conference co-championship and berth in the Class 3A Illiana Christian Sectional final, accomplishments that made coach Chrissy Gust’s debut season a success. Chicago Christian will look to make more waves in 2015, though duplicating last season’s success will be a greater challenge with seven players from that 30win team having graduated. However, Gust remains confident in her three returnees and the eight rookies who’ll join them. Vilender is the team captain and viewed as the Knights’ steadiest performer, but Gust is counting on the youngsters to make a positive impression and take advantage of the opportunities presented them. • Coach’s comment: “One of the great things is that our team this year will [also] be our team next year, yet we don’t want to just look forward to next year. We know what we have in Emily, Abby and Aaryana, and we have some very talented newcomers who are experiencing their first year of varsity. And with so many new players, it will allow me to rein the program in and incorporate my own style of coaching and how I believe the program should be. “Having eight seniors last season in my first year, I just kind of kept [doing] what the girls were used to. This year, it will be much different. The girls are very coachable and very excited to learn and grow. Being young will have its challenges, but I believe the girls will be up to the challenge.” — Gust

Community Sports News MCAULEY’S DRIVER SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT

Briana Driver, who graduated from Mother McAuley this spring, has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and track careers at the University of Illinois. Driver won the Class 3A long-jump title in May with a leap of 19 feet, 7 inches at Charleston. Earlier in the season, she went 20-1 1/2 at Thornton’s Carol Urich Invitational. That jump ranked as the best prep effort nationwide at the time. In addition to her championship, Driver took eighth in the state 100-meter dash and was a member of two top-six relay contingents. She joined Alexandria Bryant, Rachel Funches and Evelyn Gorman to place fourth in the 800-relay and then teamed with Bryant, Ashley Bryja and Stacey Manahan to produce a sixth in the 1,600-relay. Those finishes enabled the Mighty Macs to lock up the No. 10 position in the team standings with 22 points.

STAMPEDE HAVE ROSTER SPOTS AVAILABLE

The Palos Stampede Baseball 14U team has a few roster spots still available for the 2016 season. Players with pitching or catching experience are especially needed. The Stampede will play a competitive schedule comprised largely of local tournaments and opposition. One tourney will take place in Milwaukee. Winter workouts begin in early January and a primary goal is to get players prepared for their high school seasons. Players must be 14 years of age as May 1, 2016. For more information or to schedule a private tryout, contact Dan Szykowny at 906-7148 or dannyszy@yahoo.com.

HILLS HAWKS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP

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The Palos Hills Hawks 16U softball team beat the New Lenox All-Stars 8-3 to claim the NSA Land of Lincoln Rec State Championships title in Kankakee. That victory, which came after the Hawks had fallen behind 2-0 in the first inning, followed one over Portage in the semifinals and a 3-0 showing in pool play. Comprising the Hawks’ roster were Kathy Hawkins, Abby Minervini, Marissa Bedolla, Alexa Minervini, Kassie Kawka, Morgan Moran, Urte Barauskas, Colleen Curtin, Carly Uhlir, Kayla Wetzig, Olivia Poholik and Genae Grobowski. Sam Janc, Ron Moran, Paul Wetzig and Bill Popp were the team’s coaches.

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 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.

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