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THE REGIONAL NEWS Named best small weekly in Illinois five times by the Illinois Press Association
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities
75th Year, NO. 1 • 2 Sections
Races crowd primary election ballot By Dermot Connolly The new year 2016 is only a week old, but all the hoopla of the March 15 primary election campaign season is soon to begin. Early voting begins Feb. 4 and will continue through March 14. The presidential election is garnering the most attention now. But by the time Illinoisans go to the polls, the large field of candidates, especially on the Republican side, will likely be winnowed down following the Iowa caucus on Feb. 1, the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 9, and Super Tuesday on March 1, when 12 states go to the polls. Other nomination races will also be
2016
decided on March 15. Dec. 21 was the deadline for candidates to submit their election petitions to be placed on ballots, and while some are being challenged
and may be removed, we at least have a tentative list of who is running for the various offices. The two local congressional races might be interesting. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st), who was first elected in 1993, is running for his 12th term in Congress. He will have three challengers in the primary, if they all survive the objections filed against their candidacy. They are O. Patrick Brutus, Howard Brookins Jr. and Harold Bailey. Brookins is the current 21st Ward alderman in Chicago. Two legal objections seeking to remove him from the ballot are pending against Rush and one against Bailey. Hearings on them will be scheduled this month.
The winner of the Democratic primary in the 1st Congressional District will face either August (O’Neill) Deuser, of Mokena, or Jimmy Lee Tillman II, of Chicago, who are running against each other in the Republican primary. He is the son of former Chicago alderman Dorothy Tillman (famed for her hats). In the 3rd Congressional District, Rep. Dan Lipinski is seeking his sixth term in office. He is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. The only candidate running in the Republican primary is Arthur J. Jones, a Lyons resident with a history of involvement in white supremacy organizations. He has run for the 3rd District seat before, including against
Lipinski in 2012, as well as several other offices. Some area Democratic state senators and representatives are running unopposed in the primary, and will be unopposed again in November because no Republicans have thrown their hats in the ring. These include incumbent 14th District state Sen. Emil Jones III. Also, incumbent state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) of Evergreen Park is running unopposed in the primary, and no Republicans have entered the race. The same can be said for state Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita (D-28th), whose district includes part of Orland Park. See PRIMARY RACES, Page 2
No objection vs. petitions in Palos 118 School board can cancel referendum By Jack Murray
Regional News Editor
Noon Year’s Eve gets jump start to 2016
Photo by Dermot Connolly
A balloon drop at noon culminated the Noon Year’s Eve party for families hosted by the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department last Thursday morning at the Palos Heights Rec Center, 6601 W. 127th St. The festivities saw a record turnout of some 400 celebrants at this third annual early ringing in of the New Year, which marked the end of public events held for the holiday season in Palos Heights. For more scenes from the event, see Page 2.
Orland models drones law on Chicago’s
New rules in village ordinance aim to protect privacy and safety of the public By Dermot Connolly Concerns about safety and privacy have arose with the popularity of drones, causing Orland Park to follow the example of Chicago and adopt an ordinance setting limits on the use of the small, unmanned aircraft in the village. Chicago enacted its own ordinance regulating the use of the remote-controlled devices in November, the first municipality in the United States to do so, and village officials said Orland Park modeled its legislation on that. “We looked at their ordinance, and used it as a model for ours, with some tweaks,” said Mayor
Daniel McLaughlin on Tuesday. “The drones have become more high-tech, and safety and privacy issues have become concerns.” Police Chief Timothy McCarthy had discussed the need for the ordinance at a Public Safety Committee meeting on Dec. 21, prior to the full Village Board approving it Monday. Drones, which are often equipped with cameras, can range in price from under $100 to more than $1,000, depending on their style and sophistication. They were expected to be a popular gift item for Christmas. Village Trustee Daniel Calandriello said on Dec. 21 that it was important to get the ordinance in place as
quickly as possible, to address the safety and security concerns. “What we’re trying to do is protect people’s privacy,” said Chief McCarthy, explaining that many residents have raised concerns about drones possibly flying over their yards and homes, perhaps taking photographs of people inside and outside their houses without their knowledge. “Secondly, we want to prevent property damage or personal injury,” McCarthy said, citing reports nationwide of instances of badly controlled drones falling from the sky, damaging property and scaring people, at the very least. McCarthy noted the Orland Park Police Department has its
own drone, one of the first municipal police departments to use them. But the department’s drone is equipped with a gyroscope, which allows it to remain steady and under control amid high winds, he noted. Operators can easily lose control of some of the less expensive and lighter drones, especially in windy conditions. Among other rules, Orland Park’s new ordinance limits the use of drones to hobby and recreational purposes within the village limits. It is prohibited to use a drone to conduct surveillance. Exceptions are made for those being used in a professional capacity, See DRONES LAW, Page 2
No legal objection appeared to have been filed by this week’s deadline against the petitions forcing Palos School District 118’s planned $6.5 million borrowing onto the ballot as a referendum question in the November election. Chief proponent of the referendum John T. Donovan, of Palos Park, would be notified by certified mail of any objection to the petitions he filed on Dec. 28 at the district’s administration building, 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park. A minimum of 1,654 signatures, or 10 percent, of registered voters residing in the school district are needed to place the district’s working cash bond issue on the 2016 presidential election ballot. Donovan said he filed 2,100 signatures, more than was needed to forestall any legal objection against the referendum petition. Any legal objection to the petition for a referendum had to be filed within a period of five business days from the date that Donovan filed his petition sheets, by state law. That deadline expired by Tuesday. The Cook County Clerk’s office had no record of an objection filed as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the deadline maintained by the school district. A legal objection seeking to void the referendum would have been heard by the county officers electoral board, comprised of the county clerk or an assistant designated by the county clerk (as chairman), state’s attorney or an
assistant state’s attorney designated by the state’s attorney and the circuit court clerk or an assistant designated by the circuit court clerk. Under the old law prior to 2013, a three-member local electoral board made up of school board members — president, secretary, and longest serving member — would have had jurisdiction over such a hearing. The Regional incorrectly cited the old law as the hearing process in a news story last week. Although no legal challenge against the petitions was made, the school board still has until August to decide whether to move forward with placing the question on the November 2016 ballot, district Superintendent Anthony Scarsella, citing the district’s legal counsel, has said. Without a legal objection to the petition for a referendum letting voters decide the bond issue, it will be up to the district’s board of education to decide the next step on how to proceed, Scarsella said on Tuesday. Donovan said he will be keeping an eye on the school board meetings’ agendas to see if and when the borrowing is brought up again for discussion. The school board can legally vote to cancel its bond issue and after a 60-day waiting period vote to again undertake the legal notice and public hearing process to vote a new intent to authorize the issuance of working cash fund bonds. If need be, Donovan said Tuesday he is prepared to undertake a new petition gathering effort to place that bond issue on the ballot in “order to hold the district accountable to voters,” he said.
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2 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News
Happy Noon Year 2016! They ring in at Heights Rec. Center Oak Lawn police photo
Oak Lawn police distributed a photograph of a white-door car, possibly an older model Chevrolet, was seen near in an area where a series of burglaries have taken place in the village.
Oak Lawn sees rise in burglaries in last few months By Dermot Connolly
Oak Lawn police are investigating a number of residential burglaries and attempted residential burglaries that have occurred in this area since October, and are warning residents to take precautions. Division Chief Randy Palmer said the burglaries and attempted burglaries, in which offenders Photos by Dermot Connolly attempt or gain entry to unoccuThe Maniatis family, including Mia, 10 (from left), Bill, Peter, 3, and Jennifer, work on making New Year’s Eve hats and other art projects during the 3rd annual Noon Year’s Eve party for families held last Thursday at the Palos Heights Rec Center, 6601 W. 127th St. Held from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the event pied residences, have generally featured pizza and soft drinks, and New Year’s Eve-themed arts and crafts, as well as a bounce house, games and DJ music leading up to the balloon occurred between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. drop at noon. “Friday is the most common day for the offender or offenders to strike,” said Palmer, adding that the most common time seems to be between 4 and 10 p.m.” He said the incidents have occurred mainly north of 109th Street, and between Cicero and Central avenues. Police also distributed a photograph of a white four-door car, possibly an older model Chevrolet with tinted windows, that Crystal Broccardo was seen circling the area several holds her son, times around the time a burglary Landon, 1, occurred at 8:52 p.m. Dec. 4 in while her other the 10800 block of South Lorel son, Ethan, 3, Avenue. plays on the Although it is not known if the slide attached vehicle was involved in the burto the bounce house. Noon replaced midnight for the countdown to the New Year 2016 at the Noon Year’s Eve Party, organized by the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department.
Monica Espinoza and her daughter, Gabriela, 5, look up from their craft Kiera Baade, 6, celebrates the new year with a hula hoop. project during the festivities.
Primary races Continued from Page 1
In the 19th Senate District, which includes part of Orland Park and numerous other southwestern suburbs, incumbent Democrat Michael E. Hastings is seeking a second term. He is being challenged in the primary by McStephen “Max” Solomon, an attorney from Hazel Crest. Objections have been filed against both of them, but as of now, the winner will have no Republican opposition. Prior to his election, Hastings, an Army veteran, served as vice president of High School District 230. Sen. Bill Cunningham’s 18th District seat is not up for election this year. State Rep. Monique Davis (D-27th) is being challenged on the Democratic ballot by Justin Q. Slaughter. But no Republican candidate has filed for nomination in the district that includes part of Palos Heights. On the other hand, state Rep. Frances Hurley (D-35th), faces no opposition in the primary, but in November, she will go up against
Drones law
Continued from Page 1 such as real estate professionals hired to photograph properties for sale. “We can fly ours over our own events,” said McCarthy, because any outdoor festivals and events are held on village property. “My main concern is flying them over people’s backyards and houses [invading their privacy],” said Trustee Patricia Gira. “I think most of our residents would be concerned about that, and safety issues,” McCarthy responded. The new ordinance also states that drones cannot be operated over anyone without their consent, or over property not owned by someone involved in the operation of the drone. In accordance with FAA regulations, they also cannot be flown higher than 400 feet, and cannot interfere with manned aircraft. When in use, drones must always be within the line of sight of the operator, and their use is limited to daylight hours. The Noon Year Eve festivities culminated in a balloon drop, after which children gathered up as many balloons as they could hold and carry away from They also cannot be flown withthe party. “I think this is the biggest turnout yet,” said Lauren Marino, the program director. “It’s a great way for families to have some time to celebrate in 25 feet of overhead power lines. together on New Year’s Eve, especially if the parents are going out at night and the kids are going to grandma’s.” “We’re not criminalizing their
glary, it is thought that the driver could have seen the victim leaving his residence. Several incidents have occurred while residents were away from home for only a few hours, so police think the residents may have been observed leaving. Anyone with information in reference to these incidents is asked to contact Oak Lawn Police at (708) 422-8292. Residents are also being encouraged to call 911 to report any suspicious activity or people not normally in the area. “I understand people’s concerns when they hear news like this. We just want to keep them informed and let them know that we are investigating. If in doubt, please call the police,” said Palmer. Residents are advised to take precautions when leaving home for any amount of time. These include checking the area for any suspicious vehicles or people nearby who may be casing the area, and putting lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home. More information about crime prevention tips may be obtained by visiting the village’s website at www.oaklawn-il.gov, Crime alerts are listed under the Police Department page.
Victor Horne, the only candidate who filed to run on the Republican ballot. The 35th includes parts of Palos Park, Palos Heights and Orland Park. In the 37th District, which includes part of Orland Park, Republican incumbent state Rep. Margot McDermed is running unopposed for nomination. No Democrat filed for nomination in the 37th. Cook County offices, including state’s attorney, and seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will also be up for nomination on the March 15 primary election ballot. The only statewide Illinois race this year is for state comptroller, to complete the term of Judy Baar Topinka. After she died a year ago December, one month after being elected to her second term in office, Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed Leslie Geissler Munger to fill the position until the election. Munger, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary to retain the seat, will likely face off in the Nov. 8 general election against Susana Mendoza, currently the Chicago city clerk, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
use,” said McCarthy in December. Penalties for people caught violating the ordinance will range from $100 to $750 per offense. Repeat offenders may also have their drones confiscated, pending an administrative hearing.
The Regional News
Thursday, January 7, 2016
3
Heights' friend of veterans starts New Year’s Eve right New Year’s Eve celebrations started early at the McDonald’s at 11050 Southwest Highway, in Palos Hills, where Palos Heights resident Kathy Lovitt hosted a party for regular customers on the morning of Dec. 31. Lovitt and several of the people in attendance dressed up in their best evening wear for the event, adding to the glamor, as she and her daughter Sarah served cake and sparkling juice to everyone who
came in the door. Lovitt has been leading holiday celebrations from Valentine’s Day to Veterans Day, at the restaurant for the past two years, after befriending many of the regular customers, mostly seniors and veterans, who drop in for coffee and breakfast. “She’s a wonderful individual. She always comes around and brings a smile to everyone’s face,” said Bill Kot, of Palos Hills, one of the regulars.
Mayor helps fill baskets for needy
Photo by Kelly White
Worth Mayor Mary Werner (right) was out early before Christmas among the more than 200 volunteers that contributed to putting together and distributing holiday baskets during the Christmas season through the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary Post 991.
Darkness beneath clean-cut image Looking back at 2015, we know about the violence, random shootings, reports of excessive force by police and chaotic weather. But some of the stories from the past year are just bizarre. Veteran actor and comedian Bill Cosby is one example. I heard about Cosby’s alleged indiscretions with women dating back to the 1980s. But you always heard these rumors about celebrities. Sometimes you hear rumors about a person that would not be associated with such behavior. Our Photos by Dermot Connolly first thought is to dismiss these rumors.. Kathy Lovitt serves cake to George Gianakas as his friend George Dalmalis looks on. Cosby was a funny comedian whose star began to shine after appearances on variety shows in the early 1960s. He unique humor was not In jokes. He was funny because he told stories that many people could relate to. The stories were filled with humor based on his childhood growing up in Philadelphia. He subsequently recorded well-received comedy albums and starred in the TV show I Spy and later the first version of the Bill Cosby Show in which he played a physical education teacher. The Bill Cosby Show of the 1980s is what most people remember. He played a doctor raising an affluent African-American family. The show was successful because it did not depend on the typical stereotypes of blacks. The stories were about an American family who happened to be black. The humorous and poignant story lines anyone could relate to. Cosby was viewed as a role model for portraying blacks as more than thugs or junkies. He continued to do standup with frequent appearances on David Letterman. Even when some women went public about Cosby allegedly assaulting them after he gave them drugs, most people did not want to believe it. Many blacks initially went to his defense, implying racism in that some people want to tear down the image of a black American icon. While some reports about Cosby continued, it Kathy Lovitt cuts the New Year’s Eve was not until a comedy routine by emerging comcake for veteran on Dec. 31 at the Sarah and Kathy Lovitt pause for a photo during the celebration. This was ic Hannibal Buress in 2014 began appearing on the first year Sarah was able to attend the event planned by her mother. McDonald’s in Palos Hills. YouTube and went viral. Buress essentially was satirizing the reports surrounding Cosby. Little did he know that it would create a movement. Women who did not know each other began speaking out about being drugged by Cosby and later assaulted. Some of them did not remember the alleged assault but knew something was wrong when they finally awakened. Other women said they remembered being assaulted but they could not physically prevent it due to the drugs. Now Cosby has been charged with criminal sexual assault on Dec. 30 from a woman who worked with
JOE BOYLE the Temple University men’s basketball team and looked at Cosby, who graduated from Temple, as a mentor. Andrea Constand said she was assaulted in 2004 at Cosby’s suburban Philadelphia home. Cosby was charged because time was almost up to arraign him for this particular alleged assault. Cosby has been charged and will have his day in court. You want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt but when close to 60 women have reported similar incidents happening to them by Cosby, what other conclusion can you come up with? One thing is for certain is the career of Cosby, 78, is over. Then we have the strange case of Joe Gliniewicz. This is the police officer from Fox Lake who was revered in the community. The 52-year-old officer called police after he said he saw three suspicious male individuals – two white and one black – and he was going to check on it. Minutes later after hearing gunshots, police found the body of Gliniewicz. Recent reports have indicated that one of the police officers even suggested that it looked like Gliniewicz committed suicide. Another officer on the scene ruled that out immediately, stating there was no way Gliniewicz would commit suicide. Giniewicz was buried with honors as first responders arrived from across the country for the funeral. The man known as “GI Joe” was later found to be looting his voyagers program that taught youngsters about police work. Gliniewicz reportedly knew that a new administrator was aware that he was taking cash from the program. Gliniewicz reportedly staged his own death to make it looked like he was murdered. But the rumors began to start circulating a month after his death. The local police, after a long delay, finally admitted what we all know now. Gliniewicz was far from being a hero. He was also accused of sexual assault and drinking on duty. The case of Cosby and Gliniewicz highlighted a strange year. The lesson here is not to assume anything. The image we see on the surface may be covering up some dark secrets. Joe Boyle is the editor of The Reporter. He can be reached at thereporter@comcast.net.
Partnership ensures new Moraine students admission to U of I College of Engineering High school seniors planning to attend Moraine Valley Community College are eligible for guaranteed admission to the prestigious College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-ChamJeff Hunter (from left) shares a laugh with Carol Ryan, Angie Coller and John Szostak during the New Year’s paign through a new Engineering Pathways partnership. celebration. Incoming freshmen must be starting at Moraine Valley in the 2016-17 academic year. The partnership provides an opportunity for students with a genuine interest in any area of the engineering field to earn a degree from a top-ranked program. Students who are accepted into the program must be full-time and are required to complete a pre-determined set of courses within three years while maintaining a 3.3 grade point average at Moraine Valley. Completing the first two years of the engineering curriculum at Moraine Valley will save a student an estimated $17,000 a year in tuition alone (based on 2014-15 tuition and fees). Substantially higher savings are expected when room and board costs are factored in. The Moraine Valley Foundation
Vietnam veteran Tom Miller (left), president of the Worth Library Board, and Palos Park resident Rich Olund, a World War II veteran who was under the command of Gen. George Patton, traded war stories during the New Year’s celebration.
also offers numerous scholarships to its students. “We have worked with the College of Engineering at UIUC to bring world-class engineering education to our district’s students at an affordable cost,” said Panos Hadjimitsos, assistant dean of Science, Business and Computer Technology at Moraine Valley. “All of the classes students are required to take at Moraine Valley are taught by our expert faculty, and we will provide superior support services to ensure the success of qualified participants, including dual advising.” Advisors from both Moraine Valley and the University of Illinois will jointly advise students throughout the program to ensure the requirements are being met before they transfer. Admission to the partnership is competitive to ensure entering students are most likely to succeed. A successful Engineering Pathways participant has mostly A’s and B’s in high school, participates in numerous extracurricular and/or work experience in an engineering-related field, prefers
personal attention, and wants to cut down on cost. The median ACT composite score is 29. “We’re really proud of this program. It provides students with a lot of academic resources and opportunities, including a chance to attend a top five engineering school in the country,” said Joe Waranyuwat, advisor at the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. Women and students who are low-income, first-generation to go to college, from underrepresented ethnic groups, and in the Moraine Valley district are strongly encouraged to apply, although the program is open to any graduating high school senior. Information sessions will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26, and Monday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Building S, Room S117, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Application information and timelines are available on the website at morainevalley. edu/epinfo. — Moraine Valley Community College
4 Thursday, January 7, 2016
EDITOR'S CORNER
OPINION
The Regional News
Let’s share good news together in 2016, people “And I am sure that I never read any memorable news in a newspaper. If we read of one man robbed, or murdered, or killed by accident, or one house burned, or one vessel wrecked, or one steamboat blown up, or one cow run over on the Western Railroad, or one mad dog killed, or one lot of grasshoppers in the winter, — we need never read of another. One is enough. If you are acquainted with the principle, what do you care for a myriad instances and applications? To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea.” — Henry David Thoreau, “Walden; or Life in the Woods”
By Jack Murray
Regional News editor Leafing through Thoreau’s classic contribition to American literature Sunday, this editor laughed out loud coming across the passage above. How apt, how very true; what a keen observation he made. Now how is it that a newspaperman could identify with such a pointedly contemptuous view of the very stuff of journalism? It is because time and again the brainstorming of ideas in the newsroom for serious think pieces or human interest feature stories is rudely interrupted by the instances of mayhem that we in the press call “spot news.” Falling under my own personal category of “sh-t happens,” spot news comes in many forms, but is most often the result of that most simple human of causes — people behaving badly. To be fair, another cause is tragic mishap, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but often doing the wrong thing. Just look at the real life examples that prove Thoreau’s point just from Monday, the day after I read it, in a series of catchy carnival-barker headlines from that online circus source of spot news called The Patch. “Mom catches teacher luring son to her bed/Four New Trier grads die on Wisconsin lake/Coach mixes kids with alcohol, cops say/ Cop kicked in groin” What fun Thoreau would make of all that. Watercooler news, a former reporter who went on to better things called this sort of junk news. They are the serio-comic cautionary tales that reporters pick up from police blotters, fire calls and accident scenes. And it really never ends. If it bleeds, it leads, as we say in the news biz. And no newspaper is immune. Not one of us wants to be scooped by the rest by leaving out the snippets of human weakness that disturb our peace on any given day, week in and week out. We shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, the Lord tells us. An so — on the smaller scale — there will always be crime and death and rumors of both. The more there are people, and streets, and cars, traffic, stores, guns, residences, business, commerce, cash and victims, all the more prospects exist for that spot news Thoreau tells us he could live very well without, thank you very much. And so it is from Orland Park, more populous than either Palos, that pours forth most of the dreck news The Regional must edit and report: Call girl kills high school teacher; homeless man rapes elderly woman who befriended and fed him behind Home Depot; man taking food to animals in forest preserve run down and killed by teen driver on Christmas night are just a few that assaulted our sensibilities in recent years. Others are drunken driver crashes into house on Easter, and bodies of missing men found in Arrowhead lake or frozen pond. It is nearly impossible for any journalist not to grow cynical about the human condition. If something bad can happen, especially around a holy day, it will. We see it time again, year after year. Week in, week out. Nothing can shock me anymore. Spot news, we will always have with us, as the good Lord said of the poor. As long as there are human beings, there will never cease to be strange, weird horrible ways they will devise to harm one another, or contrive themselves to die. Pascal had it just right: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” That brings us back to Thoreau: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation…But it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things,” he advises us in “Walden.” It is a brand new year, only one week into 2016, a fresh start. There will be plenty of important—yes even memorable news — to report in the year ahead. Meantime, people please help us all better enjoy — and survive — it by some simple advice from that sage of the Hill Street precinct, Sgt.Phil Esterhaus: “Let’s be careful out there.” THE THE
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dom of the press, whenever and This newspaper newspaper dedicated This dedicated to to however it may beisthreatened. the memory memory of those who the who gave gave theirlives lives to protect America’s their to protect America’s freefreedom of the press,whenever whenever and dom of the press, and
READERS WRITE ‘Our cup runneth over’ at Holidays on Harlem Dear Editor, What an impressive show of unity from dozens of local merchants involved with the Harlem Avenue Business Association. They banded together to generate customer traffic to the [Palos Heights] Business District throughout December. Generous storeowners contributed to the ‘red sled full of gifts,’ a raffle to build excitement and celebrate the true reason for the season. The coming together of likeminded business people caused a stir much like the jolly man himself on that very special day. While out-of-town, Mary got the call from Diane Goerg, she had won the sled full of gifts. Seems some of Mary’s students from St. Alexander School, the Kennedy girls, were at Diane’s Place enjoying some merriment when they were asked to pick the winning ticket. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year when this sort of thing happens. The excitement began long before with a succession of events on Dec. 4-5, including: horse drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, discounts from restaurants and an array of friendly merchants who welcomed visitors into their well-decorated stores. This city has never looked better during the holidays. It’s a beautiful sight to drive down Harlem Avenue and see all the lights, full parking lots and diners celebrating the season. “I like to shop locally whenever
possible. There are some good places to shop and the people are very nice. I am grateful to all the merchants who gave to fill the big red sled full of gifts and would like to thank them for their generosity,” says Mary. And as her husband, I like Dough Guys Bakery and love Sam Buca’s and Capri. I am especially moved when others take the initiative to bring life into the community. In November John Highland, United Trust Bank offered 600 to decorate the big Adopt-A-Pots. The Beautification Committee chimed in to give support to an array of planned festivities via Diane Goerg and the new merchants association. People do care about bringing excitement into town. There was music and joy in the air in Palos Heights on that night. Our cup truly runneth over. — Ed and Mary Dombrowski, Palos Heights
The right to vote and a free press Dear Editor, On Dec. 28, 2015, after weeks of hard work, we filed almost 260 pages of signatures petitioning for a referendum to allow residents the right to vote on the Palos School District 118 decision to issue new bonds, and thereby increase taxpayer liability, in the amount of $6.5 million. We owe thanks to many people for the success of this effort: Thank you to each of the residents who took the time to meet and sign the
petition, and thank you to the residents, friends, and families who set aside significant amounts of their own personal time in order to help us spread the word to neighbors, field phone calls and emails, and circulate petition sheets, often sacrificing their holiday plans and weekends. This truly was team effort, and I am very humbled and proud to have been a small part of that initiative. A thank you is also owed, however, to The Regional News for covering the issue. Their strong journalism, and the critical role it played in calling attention to the District 118 school board’s actions during the holiday season, is evidence of why the First Amendment and its protections of the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the right to assemble peaceably, is so critical to average Americans like you and me. Governing and taxing bodies, such as Palos District 118, which employ practices that give little time and information for the public to know, understand, study, and respond to the issues that impact them—like the decision to issue bonds and increase debt obligations and tax liability—is tantamount to making decisions in the dark of night. Without The Regional News this issue would NEVER have seen the light of day. The lack of information and transparency on the part of District 118 is why we need a vigilant press and electorate. This is just the tip of the iceberg. — John T. Donovan, Palos Park
Letters policy The Regional News encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Include your address and telephone number for verification purposes. Limit letters to no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters. E-mail letters to: theregional@comcast.net
INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT
The First Amendment is our articles of peace By Charles C. Haynes In 2015, America’s increasingly crowded public square was often filled with hostility, becoming an angry arena where people shout past one another across religious and ideological divides. Incendiary rhetoric and personal attacks are now commonplace in culture war conflicts over everything from refugees and immigration to religious freedom and sexual identity. Any notion of the “common good” gets lost in the crossfire of charge and counter-charge — and, on the fringes, wars of words escalate into outbursts of hate and intolerance. Of course, some degree of incivility is the price of freedom. Free speech in a free society is, by definition, a messy proposition. Each of us — whatever our religion, belief or political philosophy — is guaranteed under the First Amendment the right to express our faith, values and convictions openly and freely without governmental interference. The framers of the First Amendment understood that the only thing worse than a loud, sometimes offensive public square — which was
often the case in 18th century America — is a public square where the government determines what is offensive and what is not. At the same time, the framers worried out loud about the dangers to freedom when people exercised rights without responsibility. James Madison, the primary author of the First Amendment, framed the problem this way: “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks — no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without virtue in the people is a chimerical idea.” In other words, the Constitution is necessary, but not sufficient to ensure freedom. Rights are best protected when citizens debate one another robustly, but civilly — and take responsibility to guard the rights of others, including those with whom they disagree. The letter of the First Amendment guarantees religious freedom by mandating government neutrality among religions and between religion and non-religion and by protecting the right of every individual to follow the dictates of conscience.
But these guarantees require a critical mass of citizens to uphold the spirit of the First Amendment to counter social discrimination, hostile work environments and other forms of discrimination often experienced by religious minorities in daily life. In the United States today, “religious minority” could describe people of any faith — from the Mormon in Mississippi to the Baptist in Utah. And let’s not overlook the social and political discrimination directed at atheists, humanists and others with no religious affiliation — a rapidly growing segment of the American population. We are all members of a religious or ideological minority somewhere in America. How we treat “the other” in places where we are in the majority may well determine how we are treated in places where we are in the minority. Litigation and legislation are sometimes needed to enforce the letter of the First Amendment, but litigation and legislation alone cannot end the social discrimination that chills free speech and limits religious freedom. Only by agreeing, as a matter of civic duty, to engage one another with civility and respect can we ensure a society
committed to upholding the rights protected by the First Amendment. The principles of rights, responsibility and respect that flow from the First Amendment are not — as Catholic theologian and American public philosopher John Courtney Murray reminded us — our “articles of faith.” We each have religious and non-religious convictions that are often matters of conscience more deeply held than our civic commitments. But, as Murray also reminded us, First Amendment principles provide our “articles of peace” — the civic framework and ground rules that enable Americans to live and work together as citizens of one nation of many faiths and beliefs. Can we live with our deepest differences? Resolving in the New Year to reaffirm our articles of peace is a good place to start. Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. E-mail: chaynes@newseum. org Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Twitter: @ hayneschaynes
The Regional News
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Woman calls cops on man prowling outside her home Palos Park police responded to a reported suspicious incident of a man apparently casing an elderly woman’s home Monday night before knocking at her front door, asking what was her address, which was clearly marked on her mailbox at the street. Police were called at about 8:20 p.m. to the 11900 block of Winslow near 84th Avenue to respond to the incident that had taken place only five minutes before. The elderly woman, who lives alone in the house at the end of a long driveway, told police that the man had knocked at her front door and asked if this “was 119- - - ---?” police said. The woman replied “no” and told the man to leave. The strange visit prompted the woman to dial
911 and call police. Officers did an inside check and found all doors windows secure, but a check of the outside of the home found men’s boot type prints in the snow from the driveway of the home walking along the north side of the home to the back of the home and then up to the kitchen, and TV room windows, as if peeping inside, Police Chief Joe Miller said. The homeowner was unsure whether a car was involved, and police had no description of the man. Police said indications are the man was looking to see if the resident was home, alone and who may also be inside. “The man may have been scoping out the elderly woman’s home to break inside or scam her at a later time.” Miller warned.
POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Driver charged with weapon felony Sirdejohzn Kwame Webster, 26, of Oak Forest, was charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon following a traffic stop at 8:09 p.m. Sunday, in the 7100 block of West 131st Street. Police said when it was determined that he was wanted on a Will County arrest warrant and was being searched, he was found to be carrying a loaded handgun. He was also cited driving with one headlight, and possession of drug paraphernalia found in the car. Webster was held for a bond hearing on Monday.
Charged with DUI Michael Ayala, 28, of Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other offenses when he was stopped in the 12800 block of South Harlem Avenue at 10:50 a.m. Friday. Police said he was also cited for driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance, illegal transportation of alcohol, speeding, and failure to signal when required. Rosa M. Chapa, 68, of Tinley Park, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 1:37 a.m. Friday, in the 13300 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for improper lane usage because she was weaving in and out of her lane. She is due in court on Feb. 17. Viktoriya Musharenko, 27, of Tinley Park, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 3:03 a.m. Friday, in the 13100 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also charged with speeding. She is due in court on Feb. 17.
Charged with driving while license suspended Michaela Kevan, 19, of Naperville, was charged
with driving on a suspended license following a random registration check conducted in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue at 2:54 a.m. Saturday. She is due in court on Feb. 17.
Driver charged with aggravated speeding
5
POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Orland man charged with DUI after crash Orland Park resident Paul W. Lopez, 54, was charged with DUI/ drugs, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, driving on the wrong side of the road, disobeying a traffic control light, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, as police investigated a three-vehicle crash in the 9300 block of West 151st Street at 12:05 p.m. Dec. 10. A witness told police that a car driven by Lopez was moving at a high rate of speed, ran a red light at 151st Street and Regent Drive and then crossed into the opposite lane and struck two other vehicles, police said. Lopez and the drivers of the other two vehicles were transported to local hospitals, according to the police report. Lopez admitted to smoking cannabis earlier, police said. A search of his vehicle yielded a “large amount” of cannabis, 11 smoking pipes and a metal grinder, according to the police report. Lopez was given a court date of Jan. 26 in Bridgeview.
Charged with DUI
Bruce Flozak, 25, of Chicago, was charged with Denise Lopez, 23, of Montgomaggravated speeding at 1:14 a.m. Sunday, in the ery, Ill. was charged with DUI, as 12200 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said well as failure to carry her driver’s he was driving 65 mph in a 35 mph zone. He is license while driving, as police due in court on Jan. 25. investigated a minor crash near 147th Street and La Grange Road at 6:24 p.m. Dec. 20. Police said Break-in damage Police are investigating a possible attempted bur- the Lopez’s car rear-ended another glary after a glass door was found damaged in the vehicle at a stoplight. The vehicle 11400 block of Southwest Highway at 11:40 p.m. was towed and impounded, and Sunday. The address is that of the Metra train station. Lopez was given a court date of Jan. 28 in Bridgeview. Police charged Orland Park Charged with cannabis possession resident William J. Murray, 53, Alexis L. Medina, 30, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage with possession of cannabis following a traffic stop and unlawful stopping on a roadat 12:44 a.m. Tuesday, in the 6500 block of West way after they found him behind 127th Street. Police said he was also cited for failure the wheel of a car stopped in the to dim headlights. A clear plastic bag containing roadway in the 9200 block of West marijuana and a rolled marijuana cigarette was 144th Place at 8:05 p.m. Dec. 17, found in the glove compartment, police said. He according to the police report. His vehicle was towed and impoundis due in court on March 2. Tiffenie A. Arguello, 20, of Justice, was charged ed, and Murray is scheduled to with possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia appear in court in Bridgeview on following a traffic stop at 12:04 a.m. Tuesday, in Jan. 28. the 7300 block of West College Drive. Police said she was also cited for having a cracked windshield, Cadillac grille stolen obstructing vision. Two marijuana pipes were found from Kohl’s lot in the vehicle, and loose marijuana was scattered A 29-year-old Chicago woman on the front seat, police said. She is due in court told police that someone stole the on Jan. 25.
grille off the front of her boyfriend’s Cadillac Escalade as it sat parked near Kohl’s, 3 Orland Park Place. She said that she parked the vehicle there at about 7 p.m. Dec. 19. When she returned four hours later after Christmas shopping at Orland Park Place, the grille—valued at $500--was gone. Police said it was uncertain if any nearby security cameras would have recorded the crime.
Man swindled by ‘secret shopper’ scam A 24-year-old Orland Park man told police he fell victim to a “secret shopper” scheme that saw him lose $1,100 to an unknown con artist in Jamaica. He said that he received a letter in the mail on Dec. 11 that included a check for $1,880. He was instructed to deposit the check in his bank account and then withdraw $1,100 and send it by wire to a person in Jamaica, ostensibly to secretly evaluate the effectiveness of Western Union money transfer services. He was led to believe that $350 of the $1,880 would be his to keep. Ten days later, when his bank informed him that the $1,880 check was fraudulent, he contacted police to report the crime.
Business owner cheated by phony ComEd caller A 45-year-old Orland Park man told police that someone claiming to be a ComEd representative swindled him out of $1,250. The victim, who reported the crime at 8:13 p.m. Dec. 21, said that he initially received a call from a man who said that his business was behind on its electric bill payments and that unless he wired them $500 immediately, his electricity would be shut off. The victim complied and then received another call stating that he actually owed $750, and that he should wire that immediately while his $500 was returned. When the victim received a third call from the man claiming to a ComEd representative—this time demanding $1,000—the victim contacted police to report the crime.
Charged with felony retail theft Police charged Ginger M. Bonk,
38, of Dyer, Ind. with felony retail theft after she allegedly stole 17 items worth a total of $339 from a department store on Orland Park Place at 7:09 p.m. Dec. 19. Also charged, but with misdemeanor retail theft, was Bonk’s sister, 44, of Homosassa, Fla., who allegedly stole $103 worth of merchandise from the same store. The sister is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 10. Bonk was due at a bond hearing on Dec. 20. Police charged Cathleen Ann Mazurek-Crachy, 44, of Oak Lawn, with felony retail theft after she allegedly stole $1,020 worth of clothing from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 7:02 p.m. Dec. 18. She was due in bond court on Dec. 19.
Grocery clerk, mom charged with theft Cicero residents Kenny Aguayo, 18, and his mother, 55-year-old Alicia Aguayo, were charged with theft after they allegedly worked together to steal $221 in merchandise and $64 cash from a grocery store in the 9300 block of West 159th Street at 4:40 p.m. Dec. 16. A store security officer said that he saw Kenny, a cashier at the store, allow his mother to pass through the check stand with the merchandise and give her cash from the till. Both mother and son are expected to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 21. Police charged Cathleen Ann Mazurek-Crachy, 44, of Oak Lawn, with felony retail theft after she allegedly stole $1,020 worth of clothing from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 7:02 p.m. Dec. 18. She was due in bond court on Dec. 19.
Charged with using cell phone/driving Police charged Nahum Flores, 20, of Sauk Village, with using an electronic communications device while driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving on a suspended license as they investigated a two-vehicle crash near 159th Street and La Grange Road at 12:05 a.m. Dec. 20. His car was towed and impounded, and Flores was due in court in Bridgeview yesterday.
Forest Preserves picnic grove reservations begin this week Permits available online and in person
The New Year is here, and many people are already planning their gatherings and special events for 2016. With 283 picnic groves, many with shelters, the Forest Preserves of Cook County offers numerous great locations for special events of all sizes. In addition to groves, the Forest Preserves also offers rentals for indoor event facilities, athletic fields and more. Online and in-person permit sales for 2016 began at 8 a.m. Monday. Picnic permits are required for groups of 25 or more. In addition to saving time by purchasing permits online, visitors can view information such as site availability, grove maps and the various fees associated with
grove rentals by visiting fpdcc. com/permits. People can also apply for permits in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters, located at 536 N. Harlem in River Forest. Those planning to apply for permits in person must have a valid state identification card or driver’s license. Accepted payment methods are cash, check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Purchasers should begin completing their permit application immediately upon arrival to expedite wait time, and have two or three additional locations in mind in case the first choice is not available. Large events with an estimated attendance of 1,000 or more can submit their applications via email at fpdcc.rvp@cookcountyil.gov, USPS mail or in person. Applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Indoor room rental reservations
for 2016 will also be accepted via email only at pavilion.rentals@ cookcountyil.gov. Events that include routes, such as walks or runs, are required to submit the proposed route with the application. Reservations for athletic fields will be accepted on Feb. 1, in person only at Forest Preserves General Headquarters beginning at 8 a.m. Additional details will be sent out at a later date. In 2015, more than 8,600 permits were sold for picnics and special events, with nearly 10 percent sold on opening day. Top Supplied photo sites for picnics and special events Palos Township Supervisor Colleen Schumann (from left), Clerk Jane Nolan and Assessor Robert E. Maloney are include Dan Ryan, Busse Woods pictured. and Schiller Woods. For questions or assistance with online permit purchases, contact Forest Preserves permits staff by calling (800) 870-3666, option No. 2, or visit fpdcc.com. — Forest Preserve District of Cook County
MWRD president says agency is providing for cleaner environment Maryiana Spyropoulos, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, said that the agency has made a major effort to improve the district’s water environment and to serve as leaders in providing healthy alternatives. Spyropoulos made her comments as a guest speaker during a recent appearance before the City Club of Chicago. “Over the last year, we have made excellent strides in improving district finances, upgrading water treatment, addressing stormwater management and initiating resource recovery projects, and we are delighted to share our progress,” said Spyropoulos. Spyropoulos’ speech touched on MWRD’s history, beginning with the reversal of the Chicago River, followed by a century of growth, including the latest MWRD project, theThornton Composite Reservoir, which she said is the largest of its kind in the world and will prevent flooding and pollution in area waterways. The president invited all participants and the
Maryiana Spyropoulos, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, is joined by Jay Doherty (left), president of the City Club of Chicago, and former Gov. Pat Quinn. Spyropoulos was the guest speaker at a recent City Club of Chicago luncheon.
public to tour the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Tours can be arranged by calling (312) 751-6633 to schedule a tour.
Palos Township receives TOI education award for 10th time
Palos Tonwhsip Supervisor Colleen Schumann, Clerk Jane Nolan, Assessor Robert E. Maloney, Trustees Brent Woods, and Sharon Brannigan of Palos Township were among some 1,000 township officials who participated in the annual Education Conference, sponsored by the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI), and held at the Crown Plaza in Springfield. They were recognized for the award the township received for Professional Development in Public Service. Townships earn a plaque/plate for 70 or more hours of education earned over the last year. This is the tenth time the township has received this award with 169 hours completed by township officials. Palos Township recorded the most educational hours in the state for the fourth time. Congratulations to our very informed and hard working Palos Township officials. The 108-year-old Township official of Illinois is comprised of nearly 11,000 officials from 1, 431 townships throughout Illinois. TOI’s ongoing mission is to
help townships improve delivery of services and streamline the oldest form of local government in North America. TOI strives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of township officials by offering continuing education programs throughout the year in all regions of the state. The many relevant sessions of-
fered at the 2015 Conference will help Illinois Township officials carry out their responsibilities; the best way to keep pace with changes in government and their responsibilities to constituents is to participate in conferences such as the one sponsored by the Township officials of Illinois. — Palos Township
6 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News
HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE
Calcium supplements and absorption
DEATH NOTICES Russel W. Bettenhausen Jr.
Russel W. “Russ” Bettenhausen, age 74, of Orland Park, died on Dec. 28. Loving brother of Helen Waughtel, Roscoe (Eileen) Bettenhausen, Claudette Q: I’d recently read an article that was pretty (Owen) Bosard, Larry (Vera) Bettenhausen and the much saying that calcium supplements were useless late Ben (Pam) Bettenhausen. Cherished uncle of and that they didn’t really do anything since you’re Gus and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and probably not absorbing them. What do you think? great-nephews. I guess I’m looking for reassurance. Mr. Bettenhausen was born in Joliet. He was a A: There is always going to be someone out retired Arborist at Tree Service. Visitation was held there trying to say that supplements are a waste Jan. 1 and 2 until time of funeral service at The PassHealthFoods.com of time. That being said, there is a lot of differStone Church, in Orland Park. Interment private ence between different calcium supplements and absorb calcium (calcium is notoriously difficult for at Tinley Park Memorial Cemetery, Tinley Park. formulations, which can make a big difference in the body to absorb and utilize correctly). Another how it’s used and absorbed by the body- not all supplement I really love that’s great for the bones Doris Hesik supplements are created equal. Doris Hesik, 76, of Palos Heights, passed away is vitamin K2, it works as a traffic guard in the First, I’d like to say that it’s unlikely that the body- directing calcium to the bones and away from with her loved ones near on Dec. 28. Daughter body can absorb more than 500mg of calcium at the arteries and soft tissues, helping to prevent and of the late Cecilia Carter (nee Izral) and Michael Carter. Beloved sister to the late Richard (Charlotte), a time, so while everyone might want to just take reverse arteriosclerosis. the late George (Clem), and twin sister of the late one pill for their daily needs of calcium, it’s not The best calcium supplement I’d recommend Dorothy Tallon (Michael). Adoring wife of 60 years really in your best interest. Also, it’s important is Jarrow’s Bone Up, it has the most bone co-factors to William L. Hesik. Mother to Deborah Robak to think of your daily calcium consumption from foods. If a person is eating two to three servings compared to any other supplement including 1000mg (former late husband Gary), Barbara Gabriello (Clark, of dairy products a day, they might not need to of vitamin D3, as well as vitamin K2, magnesium, former husband Frank Vaughan), and the late Caryn take the entire recommended dosage of 1,000mg boron, and a host of other bone building supplements. Hesik (former late husband Richard Zygadlo, love Carolyn Johnson is one of life Elmer Hartford). Grandmother to Roxanne of calcium. of the knowledgeable Robak, Kelly Vaughan, Alixx Lanik (Mitch, nee Calcium is the most well known supplement for associates at Pass Zygadlo), and Billy Hesik. Great-grandmother to the bones, and for good reason- calcium is key to Health Foods at 7228 building new bone. When it comes to supplements W. College Drive. Feel however, calcium is not the end of the story. free to stop by the store for There are a number of other important nutrients more information or advice. that can aid in calcium absorption and in helping the body to use the calcium correctly. In fact, a www.passhealthfoods.com This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, Orland Twp. monthly person may be doing themselves a disservice by prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice immunization clinic taking calcium by itself. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals or products. Any health related information in this Orland Township will host its monthly immufor bone health next to calcium. It helps the body article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate nization clinic this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 to absorb calcium and prevents the calcification of responsibility for your choices and their effect on a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. tissues in the body. It literally helps calcium to your health are yours and before applying any ther- and Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., go into the bones. Vitamin D is also crucial for apy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. protecting the bones and for helping the body to consult your health care provider. Free vaccines are available to township children 18 and under. Some eligibility restrictions apply. Non-residential children who meet the eligibility guidelines are welcome. For children residing outside of the township’s boundaries, a $20 administration fee per vaccine will be charged (does not apply to those with Medicaid/All Kids). An up-to-date shot record is mandatory to receive any vaccine, and children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children’s vaccines that are available include DTaP, DTaP-Hep B-IPV, DTaP-IPV-Hib, DTaP-IPV, Hep A, Hep B, Hep B-Hib, HPV, Meningococcal, MMR, IPV, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Tdap and Varicella. Adult vaccines that are available include HPV, Pneumococcal, Hep A, Tuberculosis, Hep B, Tdap, IPV, Meningococcal, Hep A-Hep B, MMR, Typhoid, Varicella and Shingles. For more clinic dates and adult immunization prices, visit www.orlandtwp.org.
CAROLYN JOHNSON
Elijiah, Madelynn, Oliver, and another on its way. Sister in law and Aunt to many, friend and confidant to all who knew her. Visitation was held Sunday. Funeral Monday, from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home to St. Alexander Church for Mass. Interment was held at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.
Frank Janik
Frank Janik age 96; beloved husband of the late Edna nee Winterfeld; loving father of Susan (Dale) Gordon and Kenneth (late Lola) Janik; dearest grandfather of Christopher (Amber) and Sarah Gordon, Lora (Lou) Klozik, Julia (Brian) Przyzycki and Michael (Shannon) Janik; great grandfather of Zachary, Savannah, Alexander, Abigail, Tyler, Hannah, Audree and Sarah; preceded in death by sisters Julia, Anne, Rose, Agnes and Helen. Former member of Palos Heights Evangelical Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers memorials to Church appreciated. Visitation Friday, Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. time of funeral service at Palos Heights Evangelical Lutheran Church, 125th St. and Harlem Ave. Interment Bethania Cemetery Arrangements by Kosary Funeral Home
HEALTH BEAT
PICK OF THE LITTER
Orland Wellness adds dermatology services Orland Township has added a new service to its popular Wellness Program, dermatology consultations for a discounted price of $120, provided by Dr. Robert Signore of Tinley Park. Dr. Signore treats patients with acne, warts, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, moles, hyperhidrosis and many other skin conditions. His office also provides ultraviolet-B (UVB) phototherapy for psoriasis. Dr. Signore has been practicing in Tinley Park since 1992 and his office is located at 17730 S. Oak Park Ave. Residents in need of medical services may purchase a discounted Wellness Program voucher at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., during office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proof of residency is required. The Wellness Program offers services at a discount of up to 50%. The services include adult and children’s physicals ($40 and $35), podiatry screenings ($30 and $25-senior), dental screenings ($15), dental examinations and cleanings ($50), dental examinations, cleanings and x-rays ($100), nutrition consultations ($40), vision examinations ($45) and chiropractic examinations ($45). Residents may choose a participating doctor from the Wellness Program doctors list, which can be found at www.orlandtownship.org, and once the voucher is purchased, an appointment is scheduled directly with the doctor’s office. For more information, call 403-4222.
Free CPR classes at Orland Township Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Avenue, will give free CPR classes for both seniors and adults ages 16-54 on the following days: Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. (seniors) and Thursday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. (adults), Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. (seniors), Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, at 1 p.m. (seniors) and Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. (adults) The classes are led by instructors from the Orland Fire Protection District; certificates will be distributed upon completion. Additional classes, including health care provider CPR, which includes certification, are also held monthly at the fire department’s Station 3. Dates and times may be found at www.orlandfire.org. Registration is required, so call 403-4222 to reserve your seat.
PLOWS offers caregiver support A support group for caregivers caring for someone with dementia will meet at the PLOWS Council on Aging office, 7808 College Drive in Palos Heights, for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. Respite may be available. Call 361-0219.
Supplied photo
Meet one of our technicians, Alesha. Congratulations are in order for her recently announced engagement to Jacob Malizio, of Oak Forest.
Here we go for another year Coming to a close on another year and starting a new trip around the sun. On my last day of work of each year, I am always wondering what the last case will be. I talked to a surgeon friend the other day and he told me that the first case he ever did was a gangrenous gall bladder. As fate would have it, on his last workday of his long illustrious career, just two weeks ago now, he performed the same surgery. My last case of this year pretty much summed up my whole year of practice, and in a way reflects part of my whole career. Gail is a young girl of small means, perhaps 30 years old. I’ve known here since she was no bigger than a grasshopper. She has had her Sam since she found him as a baby 14 years ago and in the past few days he had been pretty ill. Our radiographs showed that he was very constipated, past obstipation. We performed a number of enemas and gave enough oral osmotics to float a boat with minimal success. After a couple of days of treatment, he passed some stool and our thought that there may be something else going inside was confirmed. We could now palpate something besides all the stool that shouldn’t be there. On the initial exam I was suspicious of something else and had mentioned an ultrasound at my referral specialist, but that was a no- go from the start. Late on the second day I made the late-afternoon call to her. I told of my suspicion that there was something else going on inside, and whether I was wrong or right about that, her little guy needed an exploratory. We had made no significant progress with the obstruction and the last thing we wanted to do was to go in and do a fecotomy (new medical term), but it came down to an exploratory or euthanasia. I could barely understand her as we talked on the phone late that afternoon. She was listening to the options presented to her and was sobbing. We ended the conversation with the understanding that early the next morning we would do the exploratory. Later as we were preparing to close up the clinic for the night someone told me that Gail and her dad were here to talk. We had Sam out on the exam table and I explained the situation to Gail and her dad. She was crying and holding on to Sam. I said that there was a chance we could remove the growth and give him a chance. I did say that if we got in there and found
JOHN FLEMING
DVM • PrairieStateVet.com a hopeless situation that it would be only fair to Sam to not let him wake up and said she needed to let me know that was ok before we started. It was an emotional moment. I put my arm around her and tried to comfort her best I could. About that time her dad who had been listening to all of this spoke up and said, “Well Doc, how much money are we talking about here?” I didn’t respond at first. I just stared at Sam and could feel myself shaking my head inside. Your daughter’s crying in pain here and the first thing you want to know is if the cost is worth the chance of saving her pet’s life. I can see you calculating the odds here. If it’s a quick open ‘em up and then euthanize him for cheap vs. opening him up, finding a resectable tumor and running up the tab. H’mm what are the odds? Yep, just the same 35-yearold story of my life. After a short while I muttered something like “well …we’ll see.” I knew without any more discussion how this thing was going to go. I knew I would come in that next morning on my day off and operate on that pet come hell or high water. If it turned out bad, it would turn out bad. If we could save the little guy, we would do so, and do what we could for the child and figure the rest out later. It doesn’t take long as an in-the-trenches general practitioner to learn that you will never be able to do all the diagnostics you want or need to do and that almost every decision affecting many a pet’s life will be predicated on the cost. It really is tough emotionally (I was going to say it really sucks) and it’s a really sad (I was going to say a crappy) part of our profession. Hold on, here we go at it for another year. Providence has at all times been my only dependence, for all other resources seem to have failed us. — George Washington.
SENIOR NOTES Palos Heights Senior Club membership period open New members age 55 and over may join the Palos Heights Senior Club at its meetings during January and February. Members must have a Palos Heights address, including unincorporated areas. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Moraine Valley Community Church, 6300 W. 127th St. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The first meeting is Jan. 13. Dues are $20 a year. The club offers speakers, entertainment and day trips. Transportation to club
meetings at the church is provided by the Palos Heights Recreation Department. Cost is $4 roundtrip. For more information, call Edna at 448-7948.
Orland Township Myrtle Beach trip Orland Township offers seniors an early-spring trip to Myrtle Beach and Charleston, S.C. Tickets are on sale now for this bus tour, a weeklong trip. Transportation will leave at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, and will return on Saturday, April 9. Tickets are $585 for double occupancy and
add an additional $180 for single occupancy. Cost includes motorcoach transportation, six nights lodging including four consecutive nights in the Myrtle Beach area, 10 meals (six breakfasts and four dinners), three evening shows: Legends in Concert, Carolina Opry, and Alabama Theatre’s ‘One the Show.’ This trip also includes a guided tour of Charleston, a visit to Broadway at the Beach, and admission to the Brookgreen Gardens. Tickets are at the township office, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Call 403-4222 for more information.
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Regional News
SCHOOL NOTES Chicago Christian High School will host an Open House on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 6:45 p.m., at the school, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave. in Palos Heights. Chicago Christian High School is part of the Southwest Chicago Christian School Association, serving Christian families since 1900. Its vision is to be a Christ-centered learning community intent on restoring God’s world. The Open House will provide an opportunity to meet the faculty and coaches and attend a variety of sectionals covering topics such as the school’s STEM programs (the only Project Lead the Way STEM courses in the area), tuition assistance and co-curriculars. Everyone is welcome; no need to register. For more, contact Wilma Persenaire at 388-7656 or visit www.swchristian.org/admissions.
Moraine Valley spring registration Moraine Valley Community College registration is underway for the spring 2016 semester, which starts Jan. 19 with on-campus credit classes. Off-campus credit classes and on-campus continuing education classes begin Jan. 25 while off-campus continuing education classes start Feb. 1. Moraine Valley offers classes for those interested in transferring to four-year colleges or universities by earning associate’s degrees in Arts, Fine Arts or Science. Students also can choose from several career programs offered at the college including Allied Health and Nursing, Business and Computer Sciences, Industrial Technology, and Public Service. The college also offers noncredit programs, courses, workshops, and seminars. Some of the college’s courses are offered in different formats to accommodate student needs, making it easy for people to fit college classes into their life. These flexible learning options include evening, off-campus, one-day-a-week, online, weekend, and short-term classes. A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2016 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $116 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.
Online and Internet hybrid learning at Moraine Valley Moraine Valley Community College’s online and Internet hybrid courses offer a learn-from-home option. More than 350 classes are offered during the 2016 spring semester. Online classes are taught primarily over the Internet, while Internet hybrid courses are taught through a combination of classroom and Web-based instruction. Both allow for students to attend all or part of their class via the Internet with the ability to access the instructor, classmates and course materials. Access to a Web-equipped computer is required. Some of the online and Web-assisted classes this spring include Arabic, General Sociology, Introduction to Philosophy, Music Appreciation, Beginning Algebra, Western Civilization I and II, Medical Terminology, Composition I and II, and Introductory Microbiology, among others. A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2016 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $116 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.
Spring classes at MVCC Tinley Park campus Need a shorter commute for classes at Moraine Valley Community College? The college is offering more than 40 classes, beginning Jan. 25 and later,
at its Southwest Education Center (SWEC), 17900 S. 94th Ave. in Tinley Park. Some credit classes include Composition I and I, Art Appreciation, Principles of Macroeconomics, Calculus I/Analytic Geometry, Introduction to Psychology, Medical Terminology, General Sociology, Introduction to Earth Science, and Music Appreciation. There are also several noncredit classes offered at SWEC including 50 Plus Computer Basics, 50 Plus Computer Basics Continued, Medicare Workshop, Belly Dancing I, Tai Chi I/Qi Gong I, Yoga I and II, Food Service Sanitation, Decoration Secrets, Illinois Concealed Carry, “Reel” Classic Films, Fit for Life, Motivation for Life, Positive Thinking for Life, Conversational Italian Beginning and Continued, Conversational Spanish Beginning and Continued, and Intro to Mindful Meditation. A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2016 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $116 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.
League of Women Voters: Mental health services, now what? The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area will host a forum on mental health services in the south suburbs this Saturday morning at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. Coffee at 9:30 a.m., meeting at 10. The Tinley Park Mental Health Center was ordered closed in 2012, with no real plan in place to replace its services. Now local agencies and police departments are struggling to meet the needs of people facing mental health issues, many of whom are incarcerated in Cook County Jail, requiring treatment. Speakers this Saturday will include Marianne Bithos from NAMI, Orland Park police Lt. Joe Mitchell, Elizabeth Murphy from Grand Prairie Services and Jean Xoubi, executive director of Metropolitan Services. The League is a nonpartisan
Central Dispatch, a consolidated 9-1-1 center which dispatches police, fire, and medical units in Palos Heights, this presentation will show seniors how best to use this life-saving service. Coffee and doughnuts will be served; stay for a meet-and-greet with Police Deputy Chief Czajkowski and Fire Chief Sarhage after the program. • Microsoft Word: Basics – Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. Create and edit a document with Microsoft Word. Explore basic formatting tools such as underlining text and changing page alignment during this hands-on class in our Technology Lap. Space is limited; please register for this course. • FAFSA: How to Become More Eligible – Thursday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to become more eligible for financial aid when applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in this seminar presented by CPA Gerald Knight. • The following clubs meet weekly at the Palos Heights Public Library: Needle Club – Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Scrabble Club – Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Mah Jongg – Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. Contact the library to register for these programs at 448-1473 or visit the Library’s website at www.palosheightslibrary.org. The library is at 12501 S. 71st Ave.
organization, whose meetings are always open to the public.
Utility bill seminar at Palos Township Palos Township will host a seminar with guest speaker Erica Holt of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Palos Township, 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills. Residents can bring their gas, electric and phone bills and have one-on-one consultations with CUB experts, learning how to trim these bills by an average of $200 a year. To help make homes more efficient other information will be offered about rebates, loans and other programs offered by government and utility companies. The township will provide a free mini breakfast, compliments of Trustee Sharon Brannigan and local stores.
CLUB ACTIVITIES Widowed group
The Southwest Suburban Widow or Widowers group will meet at 7 p.m. this Friday at Zion LuWeekend classes theran Church, 17100 S. 70th Ave. at Moraine Valley Entertainment and refreshments Looking for classes that don’t interfere with a will follow a short monthly meethectic weekly schedule? Moraine Valley Community ing. All denominations welcome. College offers weekend classes during the spring 2016 semester. Classes are available to suit an Woodworkers club seeks individual student’s needs, including: more participants * Fridays only — Human Anatomy and PhysiolThe next meeting of the Hickogy I and II, General Biology I, Introductory Microbiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Chemistry ory Hills Woodworkers will take (University Oriented) I and II, Speech Fundamentals, place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Oak View ComIntroduction to American Music, Environmental munity Center, 4625 W. 110th Science I, Microsoft Publisher, Physical Science, St., Oak Lawn. Astronomy-Cosmos, Introduction to Marine BiolMeetings are held the second ogy, Adobe Photoshop, Introduction to Body/Mind Thursday of each month. WoodFitness, Life-Span Developmental Psychology * Friday/Saturday/Sunday — Principles of Macro-Economics, Principles of Micro-Economics, Western Civilization I, American History I and II, Phlebotomy-Health Care Providers, A Healthy Lifestyle and You, First Aid, American National Government, Introduction to Psychology, Life-Span Developmental Psychology, General Sociology * Friday/Saturday — Pharmacology and Disease Process II, Job Skills for Competitive Advantage, Cargo Security * Saturdays only — Basic Ornamental Welding, Art Appreciation, Design I: Layout, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Automotive Technology, Chemistry (University Oriented) I, Baking/Pastry I, General Biology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Speech Fundamentals, Medical Terminology, Personal Computer Basics, Microsoft Office I, American Literature I, PHP Programming I and II, Intermediate Algebra, General Education Mathematics, Intro to Computer Aided Drafting, Music Appreciation, Environmental Science I, MS PowerPoint and Presentations, World Religions, Life-Span Developmental Psychology, Film Appreciation * Saturday/Sunday — Hazardous Materials Awareness * Sunday — Intermediate Algebra, General Education Mathematics, Basic Arc/Gas Welding I and II A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2016 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $116 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.
LIBRARY NOTES The Palos Heights Public Library wishes patrons a Happy 2016! The library offers an extensive slate of fun and educational programing for its patrons and guests during 2016. Residents can look for the bi-monthly newsletter in their mailbox, at the library, and online for the best information about library happenings. • What Do I Do With These Scarves? – Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. This workshop will demonstrate various types of and ways to wear scarves. There will be actual scarf tying instruction and handouts. Attendees are encouraged to bring a square and oblong scarf to the program. • Lunch Bunch Book Discussion – Monday, Jan. 11 at noon, discuss the 2010 memoir by poet, musician, and Chicago native Patti Smith, “Just Kids,” winner of the National Book Award. Bring a sack lunch; coffee, tea, and a dessert treat will be provided. • Introduction to Computers – Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. Learn the basic elements of using computers including clicking vs. double-clicking, scrolling, icons, programs, minimizing and maximizing, and more, during this hands-on course in our Technology Lab. Space is limited; please register for this course. • 9-1-1 Awareness for Seniors – Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. - Sponsored by Southwest
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COMMUNITY NOTES
Chicago Christian High School Open House
Heights library coming programs
Thursday, January 7, 2016
workers are being sought to share their knowledge with other woodworkers at these meetings. Guest
speakers, demonstrations, show and tell, raffles and refreshments will be provided at the meetings.
Answers
Sudoku
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Puzzle on Page 9
BUSINESS
8 Thursday, January 7, 2016
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Are you prepared for financial disasters? “Be prepared” is the Scout motto, and it’s also pretty good advice for anyone seeking to guard against various disasters – including financial ones. Here are some events that can have serious financial consequences, along with suggestions on preparing yourself: • Loss of employment – If you were to lose your job, your family might have to struggle financially to make it until you’re employed again. To protect against this potential threat, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses. That’s a lot of money, of course, so it will be challenging to build such a fund – but try to contribute something each month to a liquid, low-risk account. Without such an emergency fund, you might be forced to cash out your 401(k) or other retirement plan to pay for your living expenses during your period of unemployment. • Loss of health – If you were ill or injured, you might be out of work for weeks or months. Your employer may offer you some type of disability insurance as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient. So you may also want to purchase an individual plan to cover as much of your after-tax income as possible. You’ll have the flexibility to create a policy that is tailored to your needs, budget and overall financial goals. However, policies vary widely in cost and benefits, so you’ll want to shop around for the coverage that best meets your needs. • Loss of life – Death may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, if you were to pass away, it would be emotionally devastating to your loved ones – but it could also be financially catastrophic. Would your family still be able to pay the mortgage? Could your surviving spouse afford to send your kids to college? Without life insurance, your death could leave your family without the ability to cover financial obligations. The exact amount you require depends on a variety of factors, such as your family’s expenses, size of family, savings
COMINGS & GOINGS
The Regional News
BUSINESS NOTES
Real estate broker classes at Moraine
Enter the real estate market by learning to sell homes or get licensed to open a business at the Real Estate Training Center at Moraine Valley Community College. Broker and managing broker classes begin in the spring 2016 semester. The Broker Pre-License Topics course provides instruction in real estate fundamentals. Topics include license law; real property; agency basics; seller and buyer relationships and counseling; local, state and federal laws affecting real estate; brokerage; Edward Jones Investments marketing and advertising; market needs over time, and so on. Generally speaking, analysis and appraisal; financing; you can choose between two broad categories of contracts; independent contractor insurance: term and permanent. Term insurance, as the name suggests, is designed for a specific number of years and only provides a death benefit. Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, because, in addition to the death benefit, it offers a savings component. A financial professional can help guide you through your options to determine which one is appropriate for your needs. • Loss of property – If you own a home, you already have homeowners insurance, but it doesn’t hurt to periodically check your policy to make sure Municipality leaders and busiit’s kept up with any improvements or additions ness owners are encouraged to you’ve made to your house or other property. If attend the Economic Development you’re under-covered, and had to pay out-of-pocket Workshop Series at Moraine Valfor some major damage, you might be forced to dip ley Community College. into your long-term investments. And while you’re The five-week program will be making sure your property is covered, you might each Saturday in January, from also want to consider adding “umbrella” coverage, 8 a.m. to noon, in the Moraine which can provide extra protection to you in case Business and Conference Center someone is injured at your home, or even at an (Building M). The first workevent at which you may be in charge, such as a shop is free, and each subsequent Scout meeting. workshop is $149. Breakfast is With luck, you can avoid all the threats to your included. financial security and that of your family. But you The series kicks off with “Why can’t count on always being lucky – so you need to an Economic Development Stratake “financial disaster preparedness” measures soon. tegic Plan: A Community’s BlueJim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward print for Growth” this Saturday, Jones in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. Jan. 9. Learn about the elements of an effective economic devel127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. opment program, how it fits into a sustainable community plan and the strategic planning tools available. “Implementing the Strategic Economic Development Plan Using Elected Officials, Staff and Volunteers” will be Satur-
JIM VAN HOWE
and employee status; occupational disciplines; and business planning. The 13-week course is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 26.The cost is $665. The next course is Broker Applied Principles/Interactive, which covers role play, and situational and case study examples. Topics include listing presentation, buyer representation, agency disclosure, purchase agreements, handling offers, market analysis, fair housing, antitrust, and inspection/repair issues. This three-week course is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning May 5. The cost is $133. Licensed real estate agents looking to open their own business after working with a managing
broker for a year can enroll in the required managing broker courses to get certified. The Managing Broker Pre-License Topics covers licensing, operations, handling of money, recruiting, brokerage support, transaction supervision, marketing and advertising, dispute resolution, company policies, disclosure issues, and industry issues. This five-week course is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 1. The cost is $266. For additional information, call 974-5735. Register in person at the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room 125, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, by calling (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711) or online at morainevalley.edu.
Economic development workshop series offered at Moraine Valley day, Jan. 16. Topics covered are implementing the strategic plan using existing community resources such as websites, social media and geographic information systems, and managing the plan using existing staff and volunteers to target new markets. On Saturday, Jan. 23, the workshop will be “Economic Gardening: Developing a Sustainable Business Retention and Expansion Plan for Existing Employers.” This workshop helps participants understand how to structure an effective business retention and expansion program, sometimes referred to as “economic gardening,” and how it relates to attraction, workforce development, small business development, and other economic development activities. The final workshop, “Marketing and Attraction Programs,” will be Saturday, Jan. 30. Gain insight about attracting primary employers and jobs, developing small
business and entrepreneurs, retail development, attraction strategies, and tools for determining which industries should be encouraged to grow or be recruited. Chris Manheim, president of Manheim Solutions Inc., will be the presenter. For 25 years, he has managed economic development organizations, and his firm conducts community economic development, foodshed and workforce studies across the country. His practice focuses on linking economic development, education and business efforts to grow local economies. Register at mvccevents. eventbrite.com. For more information or questions, contact John Neff, director of client solutions in the Corporate, Community and Continuing Education department at Moraine Valley, at neffj9@morainevalley.edu or call 974-5534. — 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.
Photo by Bob Bong
Toro de Fuego, located in Frankfort, closed its doors.
Racetrack closes in Crete Balmoral Park racetrack held its final harness race last month and the historic Crete strip is unlikely to host horse racing again as it has no racing dates for 2016 from the Illinois Racing Board. Balmoral is the latest racetrack to close in the Chicago area. Maywood Park, another harness racing track, closed its doors in October. It also has no racing dates for 2016. Sportsman Park in Cicero closed a few years ago after a failed attempt to turn the storied course into an auto racing track. For now, if you want to play the ponies live, bettors will have to enjoy harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney and thoroughbred racing at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights. Horse race wagering is also offered at any of the off-track parlors including Trackside at Salerno’s in Hodgkins, Crestwood OTB, Trackside at Iron Horse in Lockport, Trackside at Sam’s in Orland Hills and Stoney Point Grill in Mokena. Balmoral opened in 1926 as Lincoln Fields and hosted a number of significant races over the years. Once a thoroughbred-only track, Balmoral started holding harness races in the late 1960s and lost its thoroughbred dates in the 1980s. The track had been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the last year.
Craft store closes in Orland Brady’s Craft-World closed earlier this year after a lengthy closing sale and attempts by its owner to sell the business at 15643 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park. The owner decided to retire after 25 years, according to a message on the store’s Facebook page. Cookie store closes in Orland Cookies by Design, a franchised designer cookie bakery at 15172 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, also closed earlier this year after a long run.
Toro de Fuego closes in Frankfort Tommy Nevin’s has called it quits again at 9680 Lincolnway Lane in Frankfort. A year ago, the Tommy Nevin’s Group pulled the plug on its Irish-themed pub next to the Frankfort Police Station. The group, which operates a chain of pubs as Tommy Nevin’s in Naperville and Evanston, Nevin’s
BOB BONG Brewing Co. in Plainfield, Muldoon’s in Wheaton, Pete Miller’s in Wheeling and the Kerry Piper in Willowbrook, announced it would rebrand the Frankfort location as its first Toro de Fuego Cantina. The Mexican-themed restaurant opened in May. Toro de Fuego closed in mid-November. A message on its Facebook page dated Nov. 15 says simply the cantina is closed and thanks for your business. A sign taped to the front door says that due to unforeseen circumstances Toro de Fuego is permanently closed.
New laws for 2016 Women who are breastfeeding should have an easier time finding privacy while flying this year. A new state law requires airports that have more than 1 million enplanements to provide a privacy area for women to breastfeed by Jan. 1, 2017. The area must include a chair and an electrical outlet and be outside of a public restroom. Smaller airports must comply with the new rules whenever they expand, renovate or build new terminals. Another new law requires state agencies to review their rules, administrative regulations and permit processes for small businesses to make them less unreasonable, burdensome, duplicative or onerous. There’s also a new law that requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to create and maintain a website to help anyone wishing to start a business in Illinois or to relocate a business in the state. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com. You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com and www.southlandsavvy.blogspot. com
Orland Park Synergy Prop Holdings LLC to DDI Prop LLC, 9225 144th Pl, $175,000; Pilarczyk Holly to Difiore Robert L, 15259 Catalina Dr, Unit #152593, $85,000; Marek Jeffrey A to Baro Julie, 15527 Wherry Ln, Unit #56D, $162,000; Rosenberger William M to Danihel Francis J, 7309 154th St, Unit #437309, $129,500; Doyle John P to Galace Emmanuel, 10530 W Emerald Ave, $450,000; Mokrzycki Elizabeth A to Bonert Barara, 9052 W 144th Pl, Unit #1C, $148,000; Crnkovich Nancy to Lesak Robert L, 8412 Golfview Dr, $385,000; Carr Samantha R Coghill to Odonnell James, 13655 82nd Ave, $499,000; Maggio Louann to Chileen Louise, 9206 Wherry Ln, Unit #76C, $158,000; Carey James D to Messina Joseph R, 8610 170th Pl, $175,000; Jennings Marian to Jennings Brendan P, 10228 Hibiscus Dr, $175,000; Levitt Alda Campisi Extr to Velasco Rodolfo, 9410 166th Ct, Unit #9410, $190,000; Strasser Michael G to Fogarty Gillian, 10140 Huntington Ct, $169,000; ATG Trust Co Tr to Goldsmith Michael J, 14548 Golf Rd, $410,000; Byrnes Roger R to Beeler Leslie L, 14212 Creekcrossing Dr, $352,000; Deutsch Bk Trust Co to Akers David M Tr, 9840 W 153rd St, Unit #98401NW, $57,000; Doyle John A Tr to Weber Nicholas J, 15665 Wild Rose Ln, Unit #11, $153,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to JPT Assoc LLC, 1100 Ravinia Pl, $202,500; Ruzic Gary A Tr to Wsol Sharon E, 15612 Catalina Ct, $259,000; Hineman Michael J Tr to Benda Steven E, 16809 Cardinal Dr, $312,000; Hartman Neil to Fellers Michael R, 15641 Peachtree Dr, $338,500; Konaszewski Linda to Llera Carmen N, 7306 Evergreen Dr, Unit #5G2A, $119,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Guzior
Randall J, 14508 Highland Ave, $226,000; Sokol Ronald P Tr to Pilny Frank J, 15214 74th Ave, Unit #58, $139,500; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Mehyar Mohammad, 8620 W 143rd Pl, $225,000. Palos Heights Groebe Thomas J Tr to Hill Wanda J, 12046 Flambeau Dr, $250,000; Post Richard M to Hawkins Cameron, 39 Raleigh Ct, Unit #150, $125,000; Hal Geurt Van to Karlic Ronald B, 7802 Arquilla Dr, Unit #7802,
$269,500; Atkin John to Hinker Joseph William, 5957 W 127th St, $250,000; Kelly Mary to Hauchicksun Caryl K, 7698 Arquilla Dr, Unit #76981B, $177,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Ogrodny Maria, 6350 Carol Ln, $290,000. Palos Park First Midwest Bk Trust to Yelland Frank Jr, 12744 Deerwood Dr, $362,500; Kerley John to Drinkwater Michael, 8301 W 123rd St, $342,000; Murphy Stephen to Niemiera John, 13215 S 86th Ave, $303,500.
Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Jan. 4) 30-year fixed
RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.160 0
15-year fixed
3.375
3.470
0
30-year fixed Jumbo
4.250
4.295
0
United Trust Bank (as of Jan. 4) 30-year fixed
RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.021 0
15-year fixed
3.375
3.411
0
10-year fixed
3.250
3.303
0
Prospect Federal (as of Jan. 4) 30-year fixed
RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.047 .25
20-year fixed
3.750
3.814
.25
15-year fixed
3.375
3.438
.25
All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.
The Regional News
Thursday, January 7, 2016
PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Waned 6 “Boyhood” actor Ethan 11 Taking a personal day, say 14 Emancipation Proclamation subject 15 Tale of Achilles and Agamemnon 16 Bro 17 Computer user’s combination 19 Green prefix 20 Gallery display 21 Pinnacle 22 Accustoms (to) 24 Wan 26 Pen points 29 They may be run at bars 30 What potatoes and needles both have 31 AT&T, briefly 33 Nebraska tribe
71 Dr. of rap 72 Pine (for) 73 Modern surgical tool
34 Biblical beast 36 Waikiki’s island File photo from Jan. 5, 2006
38 Aegean island 39 Computer user’s combination
10 Years Ago This Week
43 14-time NBA All-Star Duncan
What’s in the mix for 2006 in Palos-Orland? The future of the Palos Heights municipal swimming pool will be known 44 Washing machine filler in 2006. The City Council approved hiring an aquatic consultant to inspect the 34-year-old pool, which showed signs of aging last summer. The report is due soon. Alderman Jean Gnap said the evaluation is something that 45 Anthem contraction the city must do in order to know what problems the pool has before it opens this summer. 46 Indian princess
48 Rainbow maker 50 Leave out 54 Have __: be connected 55 Boy with a dragon, in a Disney classic 56 Wine region near San Francisco 57 Part of USSR 60 Louis XVI, for one 62 Resistance measure 63 “Game of Thrones” airer 64 Computer user’s combination 68 Spot for a Bluetooth headset 69 United Arab Emirates city 70 Cat-__-tails
28 Big bunch 32 “Give me a break!” 35 NBC show with skits
Down 1 Get away from it all 2 DVD alternative 3 War movie scene 4 Actress Gabor 5 Bit of progress 6 Many a Woodstock attendee 7 In the style of 8 Ill. neighbor 9 Prince William’s wife 10 Genesis garden 11 Like Verdi’s most famous works 12 Subject of the 2010 film “The Social Network” 13 Follows dental advice 18 “Please continue” 23 __-Aztecan: language family 25 Actor Morales 27 Dagwood’s wife
37 Suffix with glob 39 Place for cocktails and music 40 Hardly a picky eater? 41 50+ org. 42 Waffle maker 43 Vandalized 47 Pasta suffix 49 Muscle injury 51 New Zealand natives 52 Samsung Galaxy competitor 53 Mess (with), as a lock 58 Whirlpool 59 T, on a test 61 Fan mail recipient 65 Lawyer’s gp. 66 Long-snouted fish 67 “CSI” evidence
(Answers on page 7)
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.
File photo from Jan. 5, 2006
10 Years Ago This Week A multipurpose arts center is planned for the building that formerly housed the Orland Park Public Library. The building, located in a residential neighborhood the 14700 block of Park Lane, has been vacant since the summer of 2004. A new 95,000-square-foot neo-Prairie-style library opened that September in the 14900 block of Ravinia Avenue [the present library]. Plans for the former library building include a community drop-in center, a dance studio and perhaps a television studio and theater.
(Answers on page 7)
Photo by Joe Boyle Supplied photo
Foresters Camera Club members are shown at their banquet held last May.
Foresters Camera Club shares 2015 highlights By Bob Dietz Foresters Camera Club (FCC) had another banner year in 2015. FCC for the third year in a row has been elevated to the top level of inter-club competition in all five categories of the Chicago Area Camera Club Association (CACCA), which encompasses 38 clubs in Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana. FCC has finally entered the ranks of the elite in photography. For example, in the coveted large color competition the top three out of four images where taken by FCC members in April this year. Out of the 16 images in print competition every month the FCC continuously receives four to seven honors. That is a remarkable feat and one to be especially proud of. The club membership continues to grow with the support of local newspapers. Many thanks to them for showcasing FCC photographs
throughout the years. Additionally, FCC members continued to share their images with the public in numerous galleries throughout the Chicagoland metropolitan area. In January, FCC member Steve Zasadny took Best of Show at the Bloomingdale Park District annual juried Photography Show. In August, FCC member Bob Dietz took Best of Show in the PAS membership show at Gallery Seven in Joliet. In October, the FCC membership was on display at the Park District of Tinley Park and the Vogt Visual Art Center (Gallery). Members also donated many images to the Palos Heights Merchant’s Association to fill the empty windows of failed businesses throughout the community. FCC continued to offer funfilled photo adventures throughout the year which included trips to many lighthouses in Lower Michigan, the Illinois Railway Museum, the Save Our America Raptors
(SOARS), the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, the Renaissance Fair, many of the Lake Katherine events, car shows in Morris, Palos Heights and Tinley Park, the Morton Arboretum Christmas Lights display, the Brookfield Zoo Lights, and countless trips to the areas many forest preserves. Their annual year-end Awards Banquet in mid-May was held at Little Joe’s Famous Pizza in Tinley Park where the club gathered for the photographic category award winners, print of the year awards, and the most coveted of all, the annual FCC (MVP) Trophy Award voted on by the membership through a secret ballot which was awarded to Bob Dietz. This year the club voted to add a Novice category for new members attending FCC to help improve their skills and share knowledge with them regarding their submitted images by having the judges score and then critique them with
the goal of improving their images. The FCC continued to provide excellent speakers in the field of photography who shared their knowledge in a range of topics including tips for out in the field all the way to post-processing in the digital darkroom. Kelly Johnson, FCC Past President, has continued to open the FCC to the public by updating and maintaining the clubs website www.ForestersCameraClub. org which includes all of the FCC’s events, meetings, competition results, honors, upcoming field trips and photography-related articles. The FCC would like to extend an open invitation to the public to stop in to one of their meetings and come see what a photography club is all about. If your interest lies in the field of photography make sure to visit the FCC on Jan. 19. Bob Dietz is the FCC Vice President.
WHATIZIT? Several of our readers celebrated the New Year and still managed to find time to answer the Whatizit quiz photo correctly. Perhaps the clue ---Learning ridge – may have been too revealing. The correct answer was the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford, which has been a staple in the community for years. The library offers a variety of programs for adults, young children and students. Of course, we probably don’t have to tell Chicago Ridge residents Dan and Kathy Higgins, who pointed out that in the photo were the lights found alongside the library outer wall. Chicago Ridge resident Dana Oswald also answered correctly. Jerry Buroff, also of Chicago Ridge, knew it was the library. Evergreen Park resident John Schikora also knew it was the front of the library. Celeste Cameron, of Worth, also had the right answer. This week’s Whatizit is another neighborhood fixture. The clue to the above photo is: Patriotic fun. Send your guesses by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net.
10 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News
Families can ‘Meet Marist’ on day before entrance exam Marist High School will hold an interactive event this Friday, preceding the entrance exam on Saturday. The school will hold a “Meet Marist” event on Friday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event offers an abbreviated look at the school, but still includes all the highlights of the campus. The program begins with a presentation followed by an interactive tour that features student life at Marist. Prospective families can enjoy a personal and informative evening with faculty, coaches, students, and administrators. Enter at the main office at the west end of the building. The entrance exam for current eighth grade students will take place this Saturday. Students should arrive at 8 a.m. and enter through the gym doors, located on the east end of the school. There is a $25 test fee, however pre-registration is not needed. Students should bring two No. 2 pencils and are asked not to bring a calculator. The approximate dis-
missal time is 12:15pm. In order to be considered a candidate for 2016-2017 admission at Marist, prospective students must test at Marist High School. Marist High School administers the HSPT Entrance Exam and study guides for this exam may be purchased at local bookstores. For more information, contact Alex Brown, Director of Admissions, at 773-881-5330. Celebrating more than 50 years of excellence, Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, is a Catholic, college-prep, co-ed institution committed to making Jesus known and loved while preparing Supplied photo students for higher education and Families of prospective students are invited to learn about the advantage of co-education and Marist’s commitment to progressive education at Meet life. Marist this Friday. The following day, Saturday, Jan. 9, Marist will hold the entrance exam for all eighth grade students at 8 a.m. For additional information, — Marist High School call the admissions office at 773-881-5330.
Moraine Valley Fine & Performing Arts Center lists upcoming calendar Jan. 11-Feb. 6
Nina Jordan Art Exhibition “Homes for Under $50,000” Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery The Gallery is open 9 a.m.4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and during most performances Reception: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2:30-4 p.m.; Artist talk at 3 p.m. Nina Jordan’s large-scale reduction woodcut portraits of houses that cost less than $50,000 examine the current economic landscape of the United States in the wake of the mortgage crisis.
Jan. 11-Feb. 6
Krista Wortendyke Art Exhibition “Killing Season” Fine and Performing Arts Center Atrium The Atrium is open anytime the college is open Reception: Saturday, Jan. 23, 1 to 3p.m., Artist talk 2 p.m. Wortendyke examines violence in the urban environment through her evocative photographic installation charting the multitude of homicides that took place in Chicago from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2010.
Jan. 24
An Afternoon with Switchback 2 and 5:30 p.m. John and Angeline Oremus Theater Table Seating: $25 general public/$20 seniors, students Theater Seating: $20 general public/$15 seniors, students Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack of the award-winning duo Switchback have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music around the world for 20 years. The concert features a mix of original and traditional Irish music and Americana tunes.
Jan. 30
“Hooking Up with The Second City” Tickets going fast! 7:30 p.m. Dorothy Menker Theater Tickets: $25 general public/$20 seniors, students The show makes mirth out of missed connections, girls?’?night-out adventures and the crazy things we do for love. This gaspingly funny revue is a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between.
Jan. 31
Douglass Bratt Faculty Percussion Recital 3 p.m. John and Angeline Oremus Theater
Feb. 6
Thodos Dance Chicago 7:30 p.m. Dorothy Menker Theater Tickets: $25 general public/$20 seniors, students Thodos Dance Chicago presents an exhilarating evening of dance. Leading the program is the critically celebrated story-ballet, “A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller and
Anne Sullivan,” named one of the Top 10 Dances of 2013 by the “Chicago Sun-Times.” The second act features works from its vibrant repertoire showcasing the company’s award-winning style.
Feb. 9-March 9
Stephen Reber Art Exhibition “Thought Models and Mental Habitats” Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery The Gallery is open 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and during most performances Reception: Thursday, Feb. 11, 2:30-4 p.m., Artist talk at 3 p.m. Reber’s structures built from prefabricated and common building materials paired with found objects, explore 20th century design tropes through an American vernacular to raise questions concerning ownership, social stratification and economy.
Feb. 13
The All-Star Blues Bash Featuring Bobby Rush, Joe Louis Walker, Wayne Baker Brooks, and Shawn Holt 7:30 p.m. Dorothy Menker Theater Tickets: $40 general public/$35 seniors, students The best blues artists in the world give a high dose of southern-style soul blues, house-rocking blues, contemporary blues, and genuine Chicago blues all rolled up into one awesome blues show that will be stuck in your memory forever. Bobby Rush headlines the All-Star Blues Bash bringing his Billboard R&B and Blues chart topping hits to highlight the Bash. Joining the bash as co-headliner is Joe Louis Walker, who is without a doubt one of the most exciting and innovative artists gracing contemporary blues. Kicking things off is Chicago’s very own and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Wayne Baker Brooks, bringing his distinctive contemporary style of Chicago Blues with a fully formed new vision that updates the sound of the blues without falling into the same tired blues-rock clichés. Joining this all-star lineup is rising blues star Shawn Holt, son of blues legend Magic Slim.
Feb. 26-March 6
“The Playboy of the Western World” By John Millington Synge Directed by Dan Scott Fridays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays, 3 p.m. John and Angeline Oremus Theater Tickets: $12 general public/$10 seniors, students A stranger with a secret walks into a pub on the wild western coast of Ireland. As his story unfolds, the people of the nearby village are drawn into his tale in this hilarious masterpiece, written by Ireland’s first great modern playwright. For tickets or more information on performances, contact the Box Office at (708) 974-5500, or visit morainevalley.edu/FPAC.
The Regional News • The Reporter
SPORTS
Driving in Pontiac Shepard wrestlers’ tourney win has Astros thinking big. Page 2
Carmody of errors Sandburg alum finds new home after his former college dropped volleyball. Page 4 Southwest• •Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest
Thursday, 2016 Thursday, January March 5,7,2015
Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com KenVorva, Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com
Tennis standout Bette Sacks has the
SPIRIT OF 76 Palos Heights resident fired up after being shut out in Florida By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
When Palos Heights’ Bette Sacks competed in a national tournament in Boca Raton, Fla., in November, she came up empty at the United States Tennis Association Women’s Intersectional Event.
Bette Sacks, 76, hopes that by the time summer rolls around, she will be an improved tennis player.
She had no wins at the singles level. She had no wins at the doubles level. And, after one grueling match, her gas was empty. That’s not acceptable for her. This is a woman who years ago was good enough to face International Tennis Hall of Fame member Dodo Cheney in a match. This is a woman who was one round away from facing legend Billie Jean King in a tournament. Sacks turned 76 on Thanksgiving week and she is not thinking of giving up the sport she has played for more than 40 years. It’s just the opposite. The downfall gave her even more spirit at 76 to dedicate herself to the sport. Her cloudy results in the Sunshine State are firing her up for a better showing in 2016 in the 75-80 age division. “It made me much more determined,” Sacks said. “I went out and got three coaches. I’m working on my stamina. I have to do more than just show up to these tournaments. I have to be ready to go the long haul and I need better conditioning.’’
‘
She said she played more than three hours in heat close to triple digits during one double match in Florida and noticed that her stamina wasn’t where she liked it to be. She is working with Oak Lawn
If I didn’t keep on playing tennis at my age, well, what would I be doing? Sitting around?
’
Racquet Club pros Saddam Kadihm and Grace Rimkunas plus Wimbledon of Palos Heights owner Kathy Wacnik. Sacks admitted the competition in Boca Raton was great. “I was overmatched – some of these players had their coaches travel with them,” she said. “One of the ladies had 60-plus gold balls, meaning she won 60 national tournaments. She had 50 silver balls for second place in those tournaments. Some played international tennis. One lady played at Wimbledon twice and the U.S. Open when she was younger. “It was tough competition but I thought I played well. If you are still playing at that age, you have to be pretty good.’’ Sacks started playing the sport more than 40 years ago. Back then it was rare to see an African-American woman competing in tennis but she broke down a few barriers. See SACKS, Page 4
Photo by Jeff Vorva
HOLIDAY HOOPS TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Brother Rice wraps 2015 with championship trophy By Jeff Vorva and Anthony Nasella Southwest Regional Publishing
The 2015 portion of the 2015-16 boys basketball season ended in odd fashion for many teams in the state. Weather-related issues, power outages and some close games in holiday tournaments made the final week of 2015 exciting and area teams were a part of the fun. What will 2016 bring? If the end of 2015 is any indication, it won’t be boring. Here are highlights from the area – and around the state – from holiday tournaments:
We are the champions
Brother Rice won the 16-team Luther North Tournament with a 49-37 victory over Maine East on Dec. 30. Mike Shepski was the tournament MVP but John Ryan and Josh Niego did the heavy lifting in the title
game as both had 14 points. The Crusaders also beat Steinmetz, Robeson and Jones en route to the title game. Marist won its own tournament Dec. 23 but went 1-2 in the 16-team Centralia Tournament. Oddly, the tournament did not host a seventh-place game so Marist and Alton finished in the seventh-eighth slots. None of the RedHawks made the All-Tournament team but Chamar Hawkins led the tournament in 3-point shooting with 60 percent.
It’s Déjà vu all over again
When Chicago Christian dropped its first game of the Romeoville Holiday Tournament to Lemont on Dec. 26, the Knights were able to rebound in its final three games – defeating Lincoln-Way East, Oak Forest and See BOYS BASKETBALL, Page 3
Brother Rice’s Mike Shepski was named tournament MVP at Luther North.
File photo by Jeff Vorva
DAVIS LEAVES LOYOLA TO COACH NORTHWESTERN WOMEN
Palos Heights resident shocks men’s volleyball world
By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
Could Shane Davis win national volleyball championships in both men’s and women’s volleyball? He begins that quest now. One week before his team was set to open the season to try for a national championship three-peat, Loyola University’s Davis shocked the world of men’s volleyball by resigning from that post to become the head coach of Northwestern’s women’s team. Davis, a Palos Heights resident, was announced as the Wildcats’ new coach on Dec. 28 and Loyola’s men’s team opened the 2016 campaign Sunday
with A four-set home loss against the University of California Santa Barbara. During a 12-year career at the helm of the Loyola University men’s volleyball program, Davis helped mold the team into a national power. He helped bring a national presence to the Midwest and in 2014, the Ramblers hosted the national championships. They won national titles in 2014 and 2015. He has a career mark of 26588 and was a Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Coach of the Year four times. “After 18 wonderful years at Loyola, both as a student-athlete and head coach, I am ready to begin a new chapter,” said Davis. “I am humbled and
honored for this opportunity to lead the Wildcats volleyball program. Northwestern is a world-class institution with an extremely proud and supportive athletic department in Davis the city I have called home for more than half my life. My family is rooted in Chicago and I am thrilled to remain here while leading an outstanding team to great heights. “The potential of this team is incredible and I can’t wait to get to work.’’ His new boss can’t wait, either. “Shane Davis is unquestionably one of the top coaches in the nation, in any
sport, and we are thrilled to welcome him… to the Northwestern family,” said Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips. “His remarkable record of success on the court speaks for itself, and his commitment to the development of his studentathletes outside competition is profound. He is the perfect fit to deliver a world-class experience academically, socially and athletically to our young women, and lead our program into the future in the best volleyball conference in the country.” Under 16-year coach Keyor Chan, the Wildcats went 236-261 with a pair of 20-win seasons in 2005 and 2010. The Wildcats finished 14-17 in 2015.
Since taking over the Ramblers in 2004, Davis has coached 12 All-Americans including former Marist star and Palos Heights native Joe Smalzer. Loyola assistant coach Mark Hulse will take over for the Ramblers. “I would like to say thank you to Coach Davis for everything that he has done for our men’s volleyball program,” said Loyola Athletic Directors Steve Watson. “As both a student-athlete and our head coach, Shane always represented Loyola with class and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on a new challenge. He leaves his alma mater as a two-time national champion and will always have a special place as part of the Loyola family.”
2
Section 2 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News - The Reporter
With my Hall of Fame vote ending soon, here are this year’s picks
I
will not turn this into a whine-fest but time on my lifetime Hall of Fame vote is running out. A few months ago, the powers that be in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America decided that lifetime members who have not covered baseball in 10 years will no longer vote for the Hall of Fame. It was an honor and privilege that I enjoyed having since 2008. At first I was hacked off. Once during the baseball winter meetings, a baseball executive, referring to another executive, said “He can kiss my red rosy ass!” That was off the record. Anyway, since I still have a couple of votes left, I was tempted to return this year’s ballot with a red-marker-scrawled message that featured many of those words – including red and rosy. I thought of writing in votes for people like my son and daughter. I
JEFF VORVA
Making the Extra Point
thought of wasting my votes on dudes who have no shot of even making the ballot next year. But I care too much about sanctity of the vote to do something like that. My biggest problem with this bonehead decision is that in the next four or five-plus years, a mountain of players from the years that I covered the sport will be eligible. But I won’t have a say in it. Oh well. It’s out of my hands. I enjoyed it while I had it and still have a couple of ballots to go before they slam the door in my face.
This year, I voted for the same gang who have whiffed but picked up significant votes in recent years – Jeff Bagwell, Edgar Martinez, Mike Piazza, Curt Schilling, Lee Smith and Larry Walker. Since we can vote up to 10, I added newcomers Ken Griffey Jr. and Trevor Hoffman to the list.
In previous years, I only voted once for a guy who had no shot – a waste vote, if you will. I voted for Mark Grace simply because I felt he deserved votes and maybe deserved a shot at making a ballot the following year. He isn’t Hall of Fame material, but having the most hits in one decade should count for at least a vote. This year, since my voting tenure is closing fast, I am relaxing my self-mandated rule of not voting for someone I haven’t selected in the past. I’ve heard more and more compelling evidence for Alan Trammell over the years and this year, I finally put the checkmark in his box. Next year I will take a closer look at Tim Raines and see if I want to change my mind on him, too.
Eye-opening movie
I saw the film “Concussion” dur-
ing the holidays and I didn’t know it would be a mystery. Throughout the film I wondered who stole actor Albert Brooks’ hair. But on a serious note, the movie graphically opened a lot of eyes on how bad these football collisions can hurt people in the long run. Even high school hits may pay off some bad dividends in later years. I don’t have any answers to how this is all going to play out. I felt horrible about what happens to football players on the way to the car, but once I got into the car, I couldn’t wait to turn on the Notre Dame-Ohio State game to find out the score. At times, as a trash-talking joke, I would yell at the TV when a player from a team I don’t like has the ball “Make him cough up some blood!” After watching “Concussion” I may put that joke on the shelf.
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Shepard hopes Pontiac ride leads to more success
By Phil Arvia Correspondent
Over the 10 years Scott Richardson has spent building the Shepard wrestling program, he’s seen growth. The Astros’ wrestling room, a balcony space tucked above Shepard’s main gym, has been transformed, with three fullsize mats, padded walls, 50 feet of pull-up bars and a stereo system. The team has won four conference titles, the last in 2012. Four of his wrestlers have qualified for state competition, and in 2009 Mike Grice became the Astros’ first state placer since 1997 when he finished sixth at 135 pounds. But this season’s Astros have become something special to Richardson, who coached at Coal City and his alma mater, Providence — where he was twice a state placer and a member of a state champion squad — before taking over Shepard’s program. “Out of my 10 years here, I may be enjoying myself most with this team,” Richardson said. “I don’t know if it’s the most talented team I’ve had, I don’t know if it’s the hardestworking, but at the end of the day, they’re all good kids. “They’re here. And they want to get better.” They’re already pretty good. On Dec. 12, the Astros won the 18-team Pontiac Invitational. That may be a first in the school’s four decades of wrestling. “I don’t think we’ve ever won an invitational before,” Richardson said. “I could be wrong, but not in the last 20 years, for sure.” The Astros won at Pontiac on the strength of placers in 10 weight classes. Tyler Karas, a sophomore, won the 113-pound title. Second-place finishers were juniors T.J. Quinlan (138) and Robert Muhammad (195). Finishing third were sophomore Ameen Aqel (106), freshman Casey Roberts (120), senior Kenny Brown (220) and junior Martell Beasley (heavyweight). Finishing sixth were
Supplied photo
Shepard’s wrestling team is looking for a big finish to the season after the Astros won the Pontiac Invitational in December.
senior Christian DeLeon (126) and juniors Mylyk Mitchell (152) and Dwayne Dawkins (160). “It was our first year at the tournament,” Richardson said. “It’s not one of the heavy-hitter tournaments, but there were some quality teams and some really good individuals as well. “We’re a young team — I can wrestle a lineup with a freshman, three sophomores and six juniors — and we’re a little inexperienced at the variety level. But these are hard-working, committed kids.” With 25 freshmen out for this year’s squad — up from nine a year ago — Richardson expects the momentum to grow. But for now he’s content to enjoy the growth of wrestlers such as Quinlan, a sectional qualifier a
year ago. “He’s really starting to come into his own,” Richardson said. “He’s mentally tougher, more physical — he’s starting to put together what it takes to become a complete wrestler.” The third-year varsity wrestler took a 13-2 mark into the Christmas break. Though he’s hoping for a state berth, he’s working just as hard to improve his less-experienced teammates. “We have a lot of strong wrestlers who were here last year and grew up with the team,” he said. “We keep pushing the younger guys, making them want to be successful as a team. And they want to work hard — they don’t like losing.” Karas is one such wrestler. Another sectional quali-
fier a year ago, Richardson said Karas “is still trying to find his was a little bit.” The win at Pontiac should help. “That’s going to be a big confidence-builder for him,” Richardson said. “For anybody who was around high school wrestling 20 years ago, he reminds me of Providence’s Luke Pascale (third at 103 pounds in 1989 and fourth at 112 in ’90). They’re both kind of wormy — very hard to wrestle. You get discouraged wrestling them because of their flexibility. They have an awkwardness to them.” Karas’ offseason may have helped his confidence as much as Pontiac. “I feel like I’m stronger and quicker,” he said. “I did offseason wrestling the whole year.
I feel like I’m really prepared, like I improved a whole lot.” He feels the same way about the team as a whole. “The commitment of the kids is a strength,” he said. “We don’t skip practice because it’s too hard. We stay out of trouble. We make grades. “We’re like a brotherhood, pretty much.” That bond is established, Richardson said, by strong senior leadership. Phil Quinlan, no relation to T.J., is a 170-pounder who Richardson cites as a tone-setter. “We don’t care who the guy is we’re up against,” Phil Quinlan said. “We’re just going to go out and wrestle tough for six minutes.” The lone freshman to crack the lineup thus far, Roberts comes to wrestling off an 8-1
FOCUS ON WINTER SPORTS
EP freshman impresses at Brother Rice bowling tourney By Anthony Nasella Correspondent
When Evergreen Park freshman Zach McCormick was rolling his best game of the day at the recent Brother Rice Winter Finale at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn, he and his team were crossing with St. Laurence and Matt Corona, who was matching McCormick strike for strike. By the time the game was done, McCormick and Corona both finished with a 278, which tied them for the high game of the day. Mixed in with Shaun Quinn’s fifth-best 1,266 series, the Mustangs finished fifth at the 25team meet with 5,523 total pins. “That was a very exciting match because they were neck-in-neck,” Evergreen Park coach Ron Pula said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win the meet, but we definitely had some good performances and solid efforts from the guys.” McCormick is averaging 179 and has bowled in a Saturday youth league at Arena for several years and con-
verted to a two-handed style about a year ago. McCormick has also competed and earned gold qualification in competitions that are organized by local PBA bowler Diandra Asbaty, who has been doing joint workshops for years with top PBA pro and two-handed bowler Jason Belmonte. “Zach has a good future ahead of him in bowling,” Pula said. “We’re waiting for him to grow into some power, but he brings a lot to the team. He works on his game, and it’s paying off in big dividends.’’ EP senior Jacob Ottenfeld, who averages 196, finished in the top 25 in total series with a 1,110 and high game of 233 in the Brother Rice event. “Jacob has been the captain the past two years,” Pula said. “He came over from Marist and has been a very stable and steady bowler for us. He’s going to Ambrose University that has a great bowling program. I’ll be sad to see him go.’’ Quinn who rolled his 1,266 series on the strength of a 252, 235, and 222,
is a junior who Pula said is very happy to have coming back next year as a significant building block to the program. “Shaun is probably my most gifted bowler at this point, without a doubt,” Pula said. “We pretty much built the program around him as a freshman. He came into the program with a 200 average. He shot a 300 in conference two years ago. “He’s been an at-large bowler in the state tournament the past two years. He’s an explosive left-handed bowler. When he’s on, he destroys the pocket. He has a lot going for him. It will be nice have him back and be able to build with him and Zach.”
Other big scores
Oak Lawn Finished third at the Brother Rice event with 5,932 pins, St. Laurence finished fourth 5,915, and Marist placed 12th with 4,915 pins. Oak Lawn had four 1,000-plus series and St. Laurence had two. Niles Notre Dame won the meet with 6,062 pins.
Oak Lawn’s Mike Rollberg rolled a 256 for the sixth highest score. Oak Lawn’s Jon McLawhorn scored the third highest series of the day with 1,298 and the tenth highest game with a 241. He added games of 227, 217, 212 and 202. Manny Sanchez of St. Laurence rolled a fourth-best 1,283 series on the strength of a 237, 217, and a 215. Corona’s 1,258 was good for sixth place, and Dan Kirby of Oak Lawn posted the eight-best series of 1,235 with a 238 and 221 as his best individual efforts.
Postseason already?
The first winter sports postseason action is just around the corner as boys bowling regionals begin Jan. 16. St. Laurence, Brother Rice, Marist, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Richards are at the Brooks Regional at Skyway Bowl in Chicago. Sandburg, Chicago Christian, Shepard and Stagg are at the Andrew Regional at Orland Bowl in Orland Park.
season while starting as the center on the freshman football team. So far, he seems to be cut from the same cloth as his older teammates. “He’s going to be a good one,” Richardson said. “I think he gets it. He’s a tough little guy — doesn’t say much, not flashy, just a tough-nosed kid.” Tough-nosed and not flashy could be mottos for the entire Astros team. Leaning against a wall in the wrestling room, Phil Quinlan acknowledged the relatively low profile of the wrestling program in his school “We’re up here, kind of invisible,” he said. “But we don’t care about that stuff. We’re just up here working hard. “Everyone is very humble. No one comes in here with an ego. We’re just extremely hard workers.”
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS
Power softball registration starts Sunday Registration for the 2016 Palos Power in-house girls softball season will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palos Heights Recreation Department gym located at 6601 W. 127th St. Registration fees include uniform, jersey, shorts, socks, visor, team and individual picture. Bitty Ball Division is $150 per player and all other age groups divisions are $240 per player There is an additional $25 volunteer fee per family which may be refunded if volunteer service is completed and approved by the Power board. For more information, email info@ palospowersoftball.com. We welcome submissions from the community at sports@regionalpublishing. com
BASKETBALL
The Regional News - The Reporter
Thursday, January 7, 2016 Section 2
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AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg St. Laurence
Stagg’s Darek Liput and his teammates host District 230 rival Sandburg, tonight, Thursday, at 6:15 p.m. as the nightcap of a doubleheader with the girls teams, who play at 4:30 p.m. to kick things off. Photo by Jeff Vorva
W-L 11-4 12-2 5-9 13-3 5-8 7-7 5-7 2-10 8-4 4-9
Streak Next W4 at Seton, Fri., hosts Marian Catholic, Sat., hosts Lake View, Tue. W3 hosts Walther Christian, Sat., at Stagg, Tue. L2 hosts Lemont, Fri.; hosts Oak Forest , Tue.; L2 hosts Harlan, Fri. W3 at Oak Forest, Fri.; hosts Hillcrest, Tue. L3 at T.F. North, Fri.; hosts Tinley Park, Tue. L1 at Stagg, Thur. L2 at Hillcrest, Fri.; hosts Bremen, Tue. W1 hosts Sandburg, Thur., hosts Chicago Christian, Tue. L2 at St. Rita, Sat.; hosts DePaul Prep, Tue.
* Records through Sunday, Jan. 3
GIRLS Chicago Christian 4-10 L1 Evergreen Park 9-8 W1 Marist 12-6 W1 Mother McAuley 8-6 L1 Oak Lawn 6-13 W1 Queen of Peace 11-6 L1 Richards 8-2 W6 Sandburg 9-9 W2 Shepard 0-15 L15 Stagg 1-13 L11
hosts Oak Lawn, Sat. at Lemont, Fri.; at Oak Forest, Tue. at Marian Central, Sat.; at Carmel, Wed. hosts Providence, Thur.; at St. Ignatius, Tue. hosts Oak Forest, Fri.; at Chicago Christian, Sat.; at Hillcrest, Tue. at Resurrection, Thur., at Shepard, Fri. hosts T.F. North, Thur.; at De La Salle, Sat.; at Tinley Park, Tue. at Stagg, Thur.; hosts Joliet Central, Tue. hosts Hillcrest, Thur.; hosts Q of Peace, Sat.; at Bremen, Tue. hosts Sandburg, Thur.; at LWE, Sat.; at H-F, Tue.
* Records through Sunday, Jan. 3
FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL
Richards’ fourth-quarter grit brings home only area championship trophy
By Jeff Vorva and Anthony Nasella Southwest Regional Publishing
From Phoenix, Arizona to the Ag School a few miles away, area girls basketball teams got plenty of work in during the holiday tournament season to close out 2015. Some teams made statements. Some teams found some things they need to fix. One team — Mother McAuley — flirted with a 100-point game. The teams will continue to hone their skills in the coming weeks as postseason action approaches in February. Here are some highlights from the holidays:
We are the champions
Richards is the only girls team to bring home a first-place trophy when it went undefeated in four games en route to winning the Chicago Agricultural Science Christmas Tournament. Sydni Tears and Takesha Powell were named the tournament MVPs for the Bulldogs (8-2), who beat Evergreen Park and Thornridge by four, Lindblom by two and Chicago Hope Academy by four to capture the championship. Tears averaged 15 points and six rebounds over the four games, and Powell tallied 11 points and four rebounds per contest. Richards never led by more and three points after third quarter in all of its games, thus needing strong finishes down the stretch to come away victors. “I’m very proud of the team,” Richards head coach Jeff Kortz said. “In recent years, we might not have won all the close games and cost us a chance at the title. A lot of girls are growing up and settling into some roles and continue to get better every day. We had a few days off to mend some bumps and bruises.”
RedHawks break even
Marist went 4-4 at two tournaments but the RedHawks arguably played against the toughest competition among area schools. The RedHawks faced national competition and went 2-2 in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona Dec. 18-22 and then came home and finished 2-2 for seventh place in the 16-team Montini Tournament Dec. 26-30. One of the losses in Lombard was a 59-44 setback to Benet, a team the RedHawks will host Jan. 30 in an East Suburban Catholic contest.
Score fest
Not only did Mother McAuely prevail in a wild 99-93 overtime win over Reavis on Dec. 26 at the Lincoln-Way East Medieval Classic, the Mighty Macs and Rams combined to put on a scoring clinic that those in attendance will not forget for many years to come.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Richards’ Takesha Powell won co-MVP honors with teammate Sydni Tears at the Ag School Tournament.
According to the Illinois High School Association, the 192 points in the game tied for fifth on the all-time state list. Centralia’s 112-89 victory over Mt. Vernon in 1992 was tops with 201 points and Fenwick’s 99-97 win over Marist on Dec. 8, 2012 ranks second. McAuley coach Ashley Luke Clanton won forget the ramble with the Rams anytime soon. “It was not the easiest game to coach,” Clanton said. “During the game you don’t realize you’re scoring so much, but we felt like we were getting scored on in every possession. Thankfully we were matching what Reavis was doing, but it was frustrating.” Caitlyn Jendacek scored 30 points and Tara O’Malley added 23 for the Mighty Macs (8-6), who had to contend with not only Reavis sharpshooter Kelly Lo Russo (36 points) but also Nata-
lie Dudek (23 points).
Still some work to do
Queen of Peace has come a long way in two years, but the Pride’s showing at the RiversideBrookfield Tournament showed the team needs some fine-tuning before attacking the Class 3A postseason in February. The Pride (11-6) went 2-3 in the tourney and lost to Glenbard East, Glenbard West and York. They notched an OT win over South Shore and blew out Oak Lawn by 30. “We’re very much looking forward to the second half of the season,” coach George Shimko said. “I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished so far by winning 11 games. We’ve come a long way from 2013 (two wins), and we’re haven’t come close to reaching our ceiling yet.’’
Boys Basketball Continued from Page 1
Argo to capture the consolation championship. Ironically, Chicago Christian (12-2) followed the same pattern at the Richards Thanksgiving tournament after dropping its opening game against Marist and then winning the next three in the consolation bracket. Head coach Kevin Pittman is remaining hopeful that his Knights will be able to break that cycle in the critical win-or-gohome IHSA postseason in a few months. “We just don’t seem to fare well in that first game,” Pittman said. “We didn’t have our usual routine before the Lemont game and were pretty lifeless on both sides of the ball — so I’m looking forward to getting the kids back into a normal routine.”
Glass half full Photo by Jeff Vorva
Stagg and Josh Strama stumbled a little losing two straight games at York, but recovered to beat Providence to finish the tournament on a high note. Strama had 23 points in the win over the Celtics.
Despite Richards going 1-3 at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Tournament, coach Jevon Mamon is optimistic that the quality of teams that his Bulldogs competed against will work in their favor in the state tournament. Richards opened the tournament with
At R-B, Jovanna Martinucci averaged almost 14 points per game, scoring 20 against Oak Lawn and 14 against South Shore. Kara Shimko averaged almost 10 points a contest, while Ashley Murphy contributed a pair of double-digit scoring efforts.
Subway Classic pairings set
Marist and Mother McAuley are playing in the Subway Classic Jan. 16 at Willowbrook High School. The two-day event, which was sponsored by McDonald’s for more than two decades, features Mother McAuley facing Downers Grove North at 11 a.m. and Marist takes on New Trier at 5 p.m. Two main-event games will take place on Jan. 18 when Joliet Catholic battles Montini at 6:30 p.m. and Homewood-Flossmoor challenges Benet at 8 p.m.
a win over Hope Academy but dropped a 31-point loss to Stevenson and a 29-point setback against Rockford Auburn before finishing the tournament with a 16-point defeat to DePaul College Prep. A bright spot for the Bulldogs (7-7) was the play of Jaylan Catledge, who named to the all-tournament team after averaging 19.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the four game and registering three consecutive double-double performances. He poured in game-high 29 points against Stevenson. “The quality of competition we played against is going to help us in conference and in the state tournament down the road, without question,” Mamon said. “We would have liked to have had more success, but those games definitely opened our eyes to what we need to work on and become better.”
We forgot our uniforms
Memphis’s Raleigh-Egypt competed in the Centralia Tournament but the players left their uniforms at home. They had to play in Centralia JV uniforms.
Close shaves
St. Laurence’s trip to the York Tournament featured four nailbiters but only one victory.
The Vikings dropped the opener, 53-52 to Downers Grove South, nipped Elk Grove 55-54, lost to Sandburg 54-51 and finished with a 58-54 loss to St. Ignatius.
Burn the film
Neither coach is probably going to want to watch the video from the first half of the Sandburg-St. Patrick game in the consolation semifinals of the York Tournament on Dec. 30. Sandburg led 11-4 at halftime after shooting 4 for 17 from the floor while the Shamrocks shot 1 for 21. St. Pat recovered in the second half and pulled off the 34-31 win.
Stagg-ered
Stagg went into the York Tournament with plenty of steam after beating Joliet West and Joliet Central. The Chargers opened the York tourney with a win over Waubonsie but then had their seven-game win streak snapped when they dropped games to Naperville North and Lake Forest before recovering for a 59-47 win over Providence. Meanwhile in Pontiac, where the tournament was delayed a couple of times because of power outages, one of the teams Stagg beat, Joliet West, made it to the final four after stunning Benet, 59-53, on Dec. 30.
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Section 2 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News - The Reporter
THE NEXT LEVEL
FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER
A rarity: Fire to open season at Toyota Park
Carmody’s new home — Pepperdine — is nothing to sneeze at By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
Former Sandburg volleyball star Tom Carmody worked his way up in the college ranks at the University of Pacific and in his junior year in 2014, he was voted the National Blocker of the Year by sportswriters and sports information directors. In 2015, Carmody did not put down a single kill or record a single block. The 6-foot-9 Carmody was a man without a team when the University of Pacific axed the volleyball program after 22 years. Rather than transfer, he decided to finish his education and earn his engineering degree with hopes of continuing his education and volleyball career this season. Carmody is back in the game and is now on the perennial national-power Pepperdine roster. “We hope Carmody will round himself back into volleyball shape since he hasn’t played in a year and a half,” Pepperdine coach Marv Dunphy said. “As the season goes on, we will look for him to carry a big load.” Carmody got a chance to show his new coach a few things over the weekend. In two exhibition matches against Saskatchewan in the CanAm Challenge, Carmody racked up 12 kills and assisted on five blocks. He collected 144 blocks in 2014, which was second in the nation. He also had 1.92 kills per set and hit .326 on the season. He
set the Pacific school record in the rally scoring era with 15 blocks during a five-set loss to Cal State Northridge. He said he has a 12foot-6 touch on an approach and estimates he has touched 11-10 on a straight vertical jump.
By Jeff Vorva Sport Editor
For the first time since 2007, the Chicago Fire will open its season at home. The Fire will open the 2016 MLS regular season at Toyota Park on Sunday, March 6 against New York City FC (1 p.m. and will be shown on CSN Chicago). Chicago will host its home opener in the first weekend of MLS play for just the third time in club history. The last time the Fire played in Chicago to open their season was April 7, 2007 - a 1-0 win against the New England Revolution. The Fire drew the Revolution 1-1 in their only other season-opening home game on April 13, 2003. Fans can guarantee their seats for the Fire’s home opener by purchasing a Holiday Package at www.chicago-fire. com or by securing a 2016 season ticket package. Singlegame ticket information will be released at a later date. Chicago Fire Pregame Live will return on CSN Chicago and starts at 12:30 p.m. for the home opener. The remainder of the Fire’s regular season schedule as well is TV and ticket information will be released in the near future. The Fire is 9-4-5 all-time in home openers.
Fifer set for another big season
Lewis men’s volleyball setter Scott Fifer was named a preseason all-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association team member and the Sandburg graduate opened the season on fire. Fifer, a senior who helped lead the Flyers to second place in the nation in NCAA Division I play last year, had 44 assists and eight digs in a 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 2522 victory over the University of California Santa Barbara Saturday in Romeoville. Lewis earned a preseason ranking of eighth in the nation and UCSB was ninth. On Sunday, the California power knocked off two-time defending national champion Loyola in Chicago. Fifer was named a captain for the 2016 campaign.
Not Weishar’s bed-andbutter
Before Notre Dame’s Fiesta Bowl game against Ohio State, some of the Irish football players headed to IKEA in Tempe, Arizona, to help underprivileged kids make their new beds in a Save A Family program. Former Marist star Nic Weishar told WNDU-TV he needs a little work on his skills.
Four Red Stars head to national camp
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University
Sandburg graduate Tom Carmody found a new home at Pepperdine after his former school, the University of Pacific, dropped men’s volleyball after the 2014 season.
“I’d say sub-par,” the redshirt freshman tight end said. “I think I need to re-evaluate my bed making skills but we’re having a lot of fun out here.” After spending last year as a redshirt working on his game, Weishar played in 12 games and missed one because of a concussion. At the beginning of the season, he
was thought of as a tight end who had better catching skills than blocking skills and some thought he would get the ball thrown to him in red zone situations. It turned out he did a lot more of the dirty work of blocking than catching the ball as he had three nabs for 19 yards with the longest being an 8-yard catch.
FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY
No. 1 Cougars’ streak on the line against St. Francis By Jeff Vorva and Anthony Nasella
Southwest Regional Publishing St. Xavier’s women’s basketball team, which won its 400th game as a program last week, was hoping to set a school record of opening the season with 18 straight wins against Judson on Tuesday and the No. 1 NAIA Division II team in the nation will butt heads with another streaking team on Saturday. The Cougars will face No. 10 University of St. Francis on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Joliet in a CCAC battle. The Saints were tied for 10th at the end of December and could be ranked higher by Saturday. Through Sunday, the Saints were 13-1 and their only loss was a 73-61 loss to nationally-ranked NCAA Division II Lewis University on Dec. 9. The Saints swept a three-game Florida trip which included an 88-57 win over St. Thomas and USF connected on 16 3-pointers. The Cougars are also wary of the Saints’ defense, which gives up 58 points per game. “It’s hard to score against a whole lineup full of good defensive players,” SXU coach Bob Hallberg said. “But St. Francis will be the first of many tests coming up for us in a very deep and talented conference. We have some tests coming up.” SXU is 7-0 in conference play and leads the CCAC North Division. USF is 5-0 and leads the South Division. This will be the only regular-season meeting between the two teams although they could meet in the conference tournament in late February. If the Cougars get by the Saints, St. Ambrose (9-5 through Sunday), Purdue Calumet (12-3), Cardinal Stritch (12-3) and Olivet
SAINTS ALIVE Comparing the St. Xavier University and University of St. Francis women’s basketball teams heading into Saturday’s showdown in Joliet:
Record* Ranking** Scoring offense Scoring defense Differential
SXU USF 17-0 13-1 1st T10th 84.8 75.8 58.2 58.6 +26.6 +17.2
* — through Sunday ** — through December
Nazarene (12-3) are the next four teams on the schedule who would love a chance at knocking off the top team in the nation. Last week, the Cougars won three easy victories -- Grace College 96-50 on Dec. 28, Goshen College 82-69 on Dec. 29 and Roosevelt University 79-55 Saturday to improve their record to 17-0 – tying the school record set by the 2009-10 team. “We’ve been putting away teams early,” Hallberg said. “Our shooting guards are really on a roll, and we’re continuing to get big contributions from our post play -- 22 points and 13 rebounds a game. And everybody is sharing the ball well and not getting caught up in individual goals.” In the win over Grace College, all 11 players on the roster scored at least three points. The win also was the 400th win for the program and for Hallberg, who has coached the women’s program for 16 seasons. Sophomore guard Kara Krolicki led all scorers with 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field, including five three-pointers. St. Xavier opened the game with a 17-0 run and never looked back. Senior center Caitlin McMahon
tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double effort of the season. The Cougars shot 56 percent (35-for-63) from the field, including 45 percent (9-for20) from three-point range and had 18 team steals. Krolicki tied her career-high scoring mark with 31 points on the final day of the SXU Holiday Classic against Grace College. She was named to the Classic’s all-tournament team. Junior forward Sarah Vozel added 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists. McMahon contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. St. Xavier also set a new program record by hitting all 15 of its free throw attempts in the win. Krolicki led all scorers with 27 points for the Cougars on 10for-16 shooting and seven threepointers against Roosevelt. St. Xavier committed just seven turnovers and a season-best 60 rebounds with 15 alone from Vozel. Brittany Collins finished with 12 points and five rebounds, and Sydney Prasse added 11 points and four assists. Mikayla Leyden posted 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Caitlyn McMahon added 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Krolicki (Mokena/LincolnWay East) was also named the school’s TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Mover of the Month for December. In addition, sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien/Hinsdale South) from the Cougar men’s basketball team and sophomore Abel Hernandez (Alsip/Shepard) from the SXU men’s indoor track & field team were both named honorable mention selections. Krolicki averaged 21.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game over the month and shot
50 percent (52-for-104) from the field and 52 percent (31-for60) from beyond the three-point arc. Krolicki also was named the CCAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 21.
Oh, my Goshen ... Motuzis scores 35
Scoring 35 points and pulling down seven rebounds, sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien/Hinsdale South) was a force for the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team in a big 99-83 victory over Goshen College (Ind.) Dec. 30 at the Shannon Center. The Cougars (8-6 overall) were on fire offensively throughout the game hitting 60 percent (39-for-65) of their shots from the floor, including a 63 percent (10-for-16) clip from three-point range. The win helps close out a successful month for SXU winning five of its six games and averaging 80.0 points a game over the stretch. Motuzis shot 12-for-19 on the day en route to his scoring surge, including five of six on three-point attempts. Four other Cougars scored in double figures as well Wednesday with sophomore guard Quinn Niego (Chicago/Brother Rice) adding 16 points to go along with eight rebounds and career-high-tying six assists. Junior point guard Kyle Huppe (Edgerton, Kan./Gardner Edgerton) chipped in 12 points, five assists and four rebounds towards the victory, while senior forward Mitch Uratchko (Streator/ Mid-State Tech/Sauk Valley CC/ Streator) and senior guard Stanley Moore (Rockton/Sauk Valley CC/Rockton-Hononegah) had 10 points apiece.
Four Chicago Red Stars are hoping to earn spots on the national team. U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis named 26 players for the first training camp of 2016, which will lead into the first match of the year against the Republic of Ireland on Jan. 23 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego (2 p.m. PT, FS1). Twenty-four of the 26 players were with the USA during the final stretch of the Women’s World Cup Victory Tour in December, including Red Stars players Christen Press, Alyssa Naeher, Danielle Colaprico and Julie Johnston. The U.S. team will begin training at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, California, on Jan. 5 and train through Jan. 21 when the squad will head south to prepare for its final game before the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship begins on Feb. 10 in Texas. “This camp begins the next chapter of this program,” said Ellis. “We’ll have just over two weeks together to begin to build cohesion and integrate the younger players into our processes, and then we will regroup for Olympic qualifying. The leadership and experience of our returning World Cup players will give us a solid starting point on which to build, and we are looking forward to the next challenge.” Ellis will name 18 players to suit up against Ireland and will name the roster for Olympic qualifying following that match.
FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN
Trolls enjoy a a merry time vs. Marygrove
The Trinity Christian College men’s basketball team snapped a six-game losing streak with a 99-91 overtime victory over Marygrove College on Dec. 29 but then fell to Roosevelt University on Saturday. After the score was tied at 82 in regulation against Marygrove, Trinity took over the lead in the overtime period and did not give it up for the eventual win. Trinity was led by Jordan Perry with 31 points. Myles Birgans had 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Nari Garrett added 10 points, nine boards, and five blocks. Caleb Jonkman was in double-figure scoring with 12 points while Ryan Tubbs and Trey Johnson each had five assists. Coming off a victory earlier in the week, the team could not make it two in a row as it fell 70-64 to Roosevelt to fall to 5-8 overall and 0-6 in the CCAC. The free throw line was a factor in the game as Trinity scored eight points from the stripe and Roosevelt scored 17. Perry had 18 points and six rebounds. Caleb Jonkman also scored 18 points, with 16 of them coming from beyond the arc. Trey Johnson was the high rebounder with eight and Christian Cantu led the team in assists with six.
Women’s team still winless
The final day of 2015 ended with the same result as the rest of the first semester for the Trolls as they struggled to get in the win column. This latest defeat was a non-conference loss at Rochester College, 78-46 to fall to 0-14. Olivia Schipper led the scoring with 14 points and she had five rebounds. Celina Wanta had nine points, four rebounds, and five steals. Katie Moran and Allie Paluchniak each added eight points. Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports
Sacks
Continued from Page 1 Over the years, she was able to meet Jim Courier, Chris Evert and Patrick McEnroe. She once had lunch in Chicago with Venus and Serena Williams and their father, Richard. She is the aunt of former Morgan Park Academy star Jerricka Boone, who won two Illinois High School Association state titles and is a junior on the University of Illinois Tennis team. In her spare time, the Mississippi-born Sacks and Chicago native volunteers at the Lake Katherine Nature Center, near her home. She said she competes in two national tournaments a year but plays or practices almost every day. “It keeps me youthful,” Sacks said. “It keeps me limber. I can still do a split. If I didn’t keep on playing tennis at my age, well, what would I be doing? Sitting around? I’ve loved sports all my life and if you don’t continue it, you lose it.’’
Palos Heights’ Bette Sacks has met Billie Jean King (left photo) and Chris Evert during her long tennis career.
Submitted photos
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Section 2 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News - The Reporter
For Sale
For Sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FM2 Plaintiff, -v.DARLENE M. MANOS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, COLONIAL HEIGHTS, TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 005376 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-24-300-053-0000. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-04679. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-15-04679 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 005376 TJSC#: 35-17855 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I679051
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION STONEGATE MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.JACQUELINE VIDINICH Defendants 14 CH 20611 10616 SOUTH KOLMAR AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 3, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 4, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10616 SOUTH KOLMAR AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-15-124-016-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $205,275.56. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F14120053. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F14120053 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 14 CH 20611 TJSC#: 35-16504 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
For Sale
For Sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, vs. ZILVINAS PADELEVICIUS; COMMERCIAL CREDIT GROUP INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON - RECORD CLAIMANTS; INDIAN ROCK TRAIL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Defendants, 15 CH 7938 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 16440 South 118th Place, Orland Park, IL 60467. P.I.N. 27-19-303-017-0000. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 15-004863 NOS INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I680807
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING. LLC; Plaintiff, vs. RYSZARD SICIARZ; SCENIC TREE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF RYSZARD SICIARZ, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 14 CH 19611 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-11-302-003-1238. Commonly known as 8429 West 101st Terrace Avenue, Unit 103, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W14-2876. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I680810
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,, AS TRUSTEE UNDER POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF MAY 1, 2007 MASTR ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2007-HE1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-HE1 Plaintiff, -v.JOHN R. MEYER, MARY M. MEYER Defendants 15 CH 010300 15118 HUNTINGTON COURT ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 30, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 10, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 15118 HUNTINGTON COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-16-108-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-03689. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-15-03689 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 010300 TJSC#: 35-14749 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I680723
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division. JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association Plaintiff, vs. Ibrahim Aitiakouchene; Naima Aitiakouchene; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants, Case # 13CH960 Sheriff’s # 150498 F12120294 CHOH Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on February 17th, 2016, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 5131 West 90th Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 P.I.N: 24-04-217-011-0000 Improvements: This property consists of a Single Family Home. Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale. If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale may be entitled at most only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the mortgagee’s attorney, or the court appointed selling officer. Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments. Premise will NOT be open for inspection. Firm Information: Plaintiff’s Attorney ANSELMO, LINDBERG OLIVER LLC Anthony Porto 1771 W. DIEHL., Ste 120 Naperville, IL 60566-7228 foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 fax 630-428-4620 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
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“10 in the Park� NEW as of 7/7/11 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.MOIRA K. TWITTY, JONATHAN TWITTY, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. Defendants 14 CH 020697 9243 DUNMORE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 4, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 8, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 9243 DUNMORE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-34-309-016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-23346. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-14-23346 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 020697 TJSC#: 35-16682 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I680338
Lovely 4 bdrm LOCATION, split level with basement on 3/4 Premium north Orland acre the home sitesite within scenic Park. Large pond view from famwindows andluxuricovered ily room, patio.master Three Bedrooms, ous suite. Finished 2 sub 1/2basement. baths. Updated kitchen, Value floors. price at hardwood $399,900 $329,000
LOCATION!
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For Sale
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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. ANNA T. PERRUSO; ORLAN-BROOK CONDOMINIUM OWNER’S ASSOCIATION; RONALD L. BIESBOER; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ANNA T. PERRUSO IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANT Defendants, 15 CH 1314 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-14-302-018-1063 & 27-14-302-018-1163. Commonly known as 15733 Orlan Brook Drive, Unit 63, Orland Park, IL 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 - W15-0135. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I680108
DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2004-3 Plaintiff, -v.LARRY PATIENT, SHERRI L. PATIENT, CASEY TOOL AND LOCK TECHNOLOGY, INC., PROFIT SHARING PLAN F/B/O ELLERY E. CASEY, WESTGATE VALLEY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE CORP. Defendants 10 CH 044691 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-401016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-28028. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-28028 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 044691 TJSC#: 35-15966 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I679529
GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS... CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY! (708) 448-4000
6
Section 2 Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Regional News - The Reporter
Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time. 20-30 hours per week. Day shift. Please email resumes to
Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at
708-448-4000 Help Wanted
South Suburban law firm seeking full time
LITIGATION SECRETARY
with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys. Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing systems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.
Please email resumes to: ffrazier@odelsonsterk.com
Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative. The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential
PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 • Fax: 708-448-4160
arichards@regionalpublishing.com For Sale
Wanted
COUCH AND CHAIR
WANTED TO BUY:
Call Diane
708 479-6979
Blinds
ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED
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Help Wanted
Help Wanted
PART TIME PRESSMAN
WALKING CANES AND CANE STAND
(708) 598-7351 LEAVE MESSAGE
SNOWBLOWERS,
small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles. Reasonably priced or free. Call (815) 450-0004
Cleaning Services
Plumbing & Sewer
GGEORGE’S EORG E’S
Blinds And Designs By Nicolette
PLUMBING & SEWER
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Designs • Drapes • Flooring We Repair & Clean Blinds
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• • • • • •
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Nurse’s Assistant
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Lots of Patience & Trustworthy
3550 W. 95th St., (Suite B), Evergreen Park, Illinois 60805
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Cleaning Services
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Excellent References. Rates Vary Please call Mary anytime
at 708.439.6238
Leave a message & number
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Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems
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GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS... CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY! (708) 448-4000
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, January 7, 2016
VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN (NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.)
STARTING THIS WEEK:
``SICARIO’’: Star Emily Blunt and director Denis Villeneuve (``Prisoners’’) promise to be strong factors in this film-award season for their work on this intense melodrama, casting Blunt as an FBI agent trying to dismantle a drug cartel along the U.S.-Mexico border. Ultimately, she’s not sure who to trust, including the supposed ally played by Benicio Del Toro (who walked very similar ground with his Oscar-winning role in ``Traffic’’). Josh Brolin, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal (``The Walking Dead’’) and Jeffrey Donovan (``Burn Notice’’) also stars, and the striking cinematography is by Roger Deakins (``Skyfall’’). DVD extras: four ``making-of’’ documentaries. *** (R: AS, P, GV) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) ``THE WALK’’: Director Robert Zemeckis (``Forrest Gump,’’ ``Cast Away’’) applies his knack for combining very human drama with epic adventure to the true story of Philippe Petit, who famously set out to walk a wire between the towers of New York’s World Trade Center in 1974. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is effective — and, perhaps most importantly, agile — as Petit, and even if the first half of the film feels like a by-the-numbers set-up for the second, the re-creation of the actual walk is dazzling ... and absolutely not for anyone with vertigo. Ben Kingsley is typically fine as Petit’s mentor. DVD extra: ``making-of’’ documentary. *** (PG: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS
``TRUE DETECTIVE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON’’: While the first round of the HBO mystery series was an out of-the-park hit that generated raves, many critics felt it hit a sophomore slump with its second stanza that offered a new cast and a new premise. Still, it’s hard to argue with the caliber of the actors, as Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams play law enforcers whose paths cross with that of a corrupt businessman (Vince Vaughn, who previously worked with McAdams on much different turf in ``Wedding Crashers’’). Taylor Kitsch, Kelly Reilly (``Flight’’), Michael Irby, Abigail Spencer (``Rectify’’), David Morse and Rick Springfield also appear. DVD extras: three ``making-of’’ documentaries; audio commentary by cast and crew members. *** (Not rated: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) ``CAPTIVE’’: Excellent, highly interdependent work by David Oyewolo (``Selma’’) and Kate Mara (``House of Cards’’) keeps this true drama compelling and gripping. A fugitive holds an addiction-plagued young mother and recent widow hostage, and she takes cues from Rick Warren’s best seller ``The Purpose Driven Life’’ in dealing with her captor and trying to survive her ordeal. While Oyewolo also has shown his excellence in such projects as the one-man story ``Nightingale,’’ this is a major step forward for Mara; Mimi Rogers and Kevin J. O’Connor also appear, but the focus remains solidly on the impressive leads. DVD extras: ``makingof’’ documentary; interview with Warren. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on On Demand) ``THE VISIT’’: With the huge success he had with ``The Sixth Sense,’’ filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan painted himself into a corner, having prompted audiences to expect a giant ``Gotcha!’’ surprise
from his subsequent thrillers. Even if he doesn’t deliver at that level with this melodrama, he still maintains a consistently eerie feel to the tale of two youngsters (played by Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould) who are unsettled by the grandparents (Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie) they meet during a trip to the elders’ farm. After the youngsters discover some things they shouldn’t have, their survival is in doubt. Kathryn Hahn also stars. DVD extras: ``making-of’’ documentary; ``Becca’s Photos.’’ *** (PG-13: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) ``JOE DIRT 2: BEAUTIFUL LOSER’’: It took some time, but David Spade’s ne’er-do-well character finally returned in this comedy — originally made for the streaming service Crackle — that’s both a sequel and a prequel. Made by Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions in Louisiana, where the first ``Dirt’’ largely was set, the new tale transports Joe back to his past via a tornado and challenges him to get back to his future. Fred Wolf, who cowrote the first ``Joe Dirt’’ with Spade, did the same for this tale (which he also directed). Christopher Walken, Brittany Daniel, Dennis Miller and Adam Beach also reprise their original roles, with Mark McGrath and Spade’s ``Rules of Engagement’’ co-star Patrick Warburton as new characters. ** (Not rated: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
COMING SOON:
``HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2’’ (Jan. 12): Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler) tries to appeal to the more monstrous side of his half-human grandson in this animated sequel. (PG: AS) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS THIS WEEK Wayne Dyer dinner
The work and teachings of Wayne Dyer will be the topic of Emerson Hill Night this Sunday, following a 5:30 p.m. dinner at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. Center Mindfulness leaders Dan and Sharon Morley will talk about the life and work of the late Dr. Wayne dyer, spiritual teacher and author who passed away last August. Dr. Dyer taught about love and compassion, forgiveness and peace, emotional contentment and self-improvement, meditation and mindfulness, the power of intention, and much more. The Morleys have been long-time followers of Wayne Dyer’s teachings and will share their insights and tales of their personal meeting with this world-renowned spiritual leader. Dinner costs $20 per person and requires advance reservations. Call The Center at 361-3650.
Center Cinema
“The Big Lebowski “ will be shown this Friday, at 6 p.m., as part of the monthly Center Cinema series at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. “The big Lebowski” stars Jeff Bridges as stoner supreme The Dude in this comic romp involving mistaken identity, kidnapping, and bowling. A discussion follows the movie. Free popcorn is served. No fee is charged but pre-registration is necessary. Call The Center at 361-3650.
Children and Teen Art Classes
New six-week sessions of Children’s Art Classes will begin this Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at the Log Cabin Art Center, a part of The Center at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Teen Pottery classes begin Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for six weeks. Art instructor Heather Young teaches the children to use a variety of artistic media and techniques, including drawing, painting, papermaking, papiermâché, printmaking, pottery, and more. Children are divided into two grade-level groups: K- 3rd grade meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the 4th-8th graders from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The natural areas of The Center’s farm and woods provide subject matter, inspiration and sometimes the raw materials for the classes. Heather Young also teaches the teen potters, who learn to hand build clay pieces and throw pots on the wheels. The classes combine the worlds of art and nature, and are kept small to encourage individual self-expression. Class fees of $80 for children’s art classes and $85 for teen pottery cover all supplies for each six-week session. Advance registration is required. Call The Center at 361-3650.
Art Classes begin at Log Cabin Center
New six-week classes of pottery, calligraphy, basketry, woodcarving, pastel painting, silver jewelry, and weaving begin the week of Jan. 11, at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Monday classes include Pastel Painting with Susan Flanagan at 9 a.m., Calligraphy with Marge Boyd
Southwest • Section 2, Page 7
at 1 p.m., and Silver Jewelry with Dan Snyder at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., Dave Sanders teaches Silver Jewelry for Stones in which students learn to set stones polished on the lapidary wheels into sterling settings. On Wednesday mornings Nettie Botts teaches Weaving at 9:30 a.m. Thursday classes Include Woodcarving with Keith Miller at 9:00 a.m., Basketmaking with Lois Shive at 9:30 a.m., and Basketmaking with Jane Dwyer at 6:30 p.m. On both Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Karen Stasky teaches a Stone Pottery class. Advance registration is required for all classes at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts. For more, call The Center at 361-3650 or check the website: www.thecenterpalos.org.
The Bridge Teen Center programs
DIY Crochet Animal - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Jan 12, and 19, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, students will learn how to make their own adorable crochet animal. Acoustic Guitar - 5 to 6 p.m. today (Thursday) will teach students the basics of the acoustic guitar. DIY Starbucks Drinks - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. today, students will learn how to make their favorite coffee drinks. Behind the Heart and Kayla Bailey - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 8, a Skeeball tournament with live music from punk band Behind the Heart and singer/ songwriter Kayla Bailey. Free food samples will be provided by Wooden Paddle Pizza. These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.
UPCOMING Valentine Cabaret tickets
Tickets are on sale for the Feb. 14 Valentine Night Cabaret Dinner at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, in Palos Park. Professional Cabaret singer Claudia Hommel returns with her musicians, to provide her latest repertoire of songs from Paris and her sometimes zany antics as she introduces bits of French culture. The evening begins with a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Michael and served at tables around the cabaret stage by Lodge Manager Don Shannon and his smiling wait staff beginning at 5:30 p.m. The dinner-show cost is $50 per person. Call 361-3650 for ticket reservations.
Knitting retreat
A daylong knitting retreat will be hosted on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Knitting instructor Georgann Ring invites folks for a fun and relaxing day of creativity. Participants can bring their own projects-in-progress and also knitted items for show and tell. All knitting and crochet skill levels are welcome. The cost per participant is $50, which includes lunch, leadership, and instruction. Advance registration is required by Tuesday, Jan. 26. For more, call The Center at 361-3650.
“The Big Short” is based on the book by Michael Lewis.
‘The Big Short’ is anything but on story and vision “The Big Short” is not your standard Hollywood film about the world of Wall Street. It’s a satirical and comedic look at the 2008 financial meltdown that most didn’t see coming. This is a film about the few outcasts who saw it coming. The film is based on the book of the same name by Michael Lewis and it shows how a few hedge fund managers and day traders made millions knowing the market’s decline would cause a collapse of bonds contrived from sub-prime mortgages. The financial facts sound dry, complicated and tedious, but what if they were told by a pop star, a bad boy chef, and a super-model in a hot tub. They don’t sound so boring anymore, do they? Well, in this film they use celebrities to simply explain financial terms to help the viewer understand what they are talking about. Director and co-writer Adam McKay (“Anchorman,” “Talladega Nights,” and “Step Brothers”) takes this in a direction most films don’t go. Most movies are pretty straight forward in that the actors on screen talk to each other and that’s that. Here, the on screen talent talks to you as well. It sounds strange and you don’t want movies to do this, but it works here. This is arguably the most transparent film about a real live event ever created. Most films about history tend to stretch the truth and distort the reality of the story. McKay does this as well but he’s generous enough to tell us when the film is becoming Hollywood magic. Somehow, Ryan Gosling starring straight into the camera and telling you this scene that seems too fake to be real is actually real somehow works. The film is even transparent enough to tell you when it’s faking a scene. What other film is going to tell you what
TONY PINTO actually happened while showing you a different way of it happening? Not any this writer has actually seen. Luckily for McKay, all these gimmicks work. With three semi-interlocking stories being told, there is enough going on to where a straight forward approach would have been needed in telling this story if the gimmicks failed. Three interlocking stories can be confusing, but for some reason it seems to work just like everything else. Storyline one focuses on Michael Burry (Christian Bale), a trained physician with very minimal social skills whose analytical genius and number-crunching ability found him running a very successful hedge fund. Storylines two and three are very closely intermingled and based on same underlying gamble. Also starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and a bunch of other people you haven’t heard of, it’s one big expertly acted ensemble cast. At its core, this is a movie about income inequality and how big business always seems to come out on top. It can be seen as ironic that big rich Hollywood is criticizing big business, but they’re mostly right here. This is one film you may be skeptical about, but once you see it you’ll understand the greatness that is “The Big Short.” Tony Pinto’s grade: A+
OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t work at cross purposes with faithful fans. Errors in the petty details can throw you for a loop in the first half of the week. Double check information gathered from a phone call and wait to sign contracts. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Push ahead using people power. Your connections and supporters can give you the knowledge to make your dreams a reality in the week ahead. Set goals for the future and gather information so you make wise choices. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the beginning of the week it may be difficult to nail appointments to an exact time or to get an accurate appraisal of details. People may be evasive about confidential matters. Avoid heated confrontations. CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the week ahead you may need to back down. Those in close connection may be more interested in achieving their ambitions than playing romantic games with you. Don’t avoid or delay finishing im-
portant tasks. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make prudent choices with your finances and possessions in the week to come. Put the quarter in the bank account instead of in the gumball machine. Your phone may ring off the hook and you may receive some sound advice. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pamper yourself and make peace. Spend a few dollars on something that makes your job easier or revamp your banking routines in the week ahead. A simple phone call can put things back on track with a family member. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Focusing on unrealistic goals or imagined slights could waste time and energy. Your partner or significant other has the right idea. Instead of taking the lead and fighting shadows, try being a follower in the week ahead. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your creative juices may flow like the Mississippi in the week ahead. Spend as much time as possible with projects or hobbies that gives you a chance to express inspiring ideas and offer a deep sense of satisfaction.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Buy higher octane gasoline for your car if you hear the engine knocking. But when your personal energies flag you might need more than extra calories. Search for inspirational and encouraging guidance this week. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put the pedal down on your passion. Ambition could be your middle name in the upcoming week. You are capable of accomplishing anything and have the wisdom and good judgment to make shrewd decisions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You could be more than willing to fight for what you want as the week begins. What you really want is unspoken and may be a hidden passion. Give yourself a few extra days to sort out your feelings before acting. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t be a slave to tradition but don’t throw out traditions without having something to replace them. Embracing novel ideas and progressive philosophies can lead to prosperity and efficiency in the week ahead.
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Southwest • Section 2, Page 8
The Center book luncheon will feature local author Jean Gnap Local author Jean Gnap will discuss and sign her new book at a luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from noon to 2 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. A former board member of The Center, Gnap will return there to talk about her new children’s book, “The Puppy Who Wanted to be a Boy.” The book is the story of a Labrador retriever puppy who would rather grow up to be a boy than a dog. “Maybe if I eat pizza I’ll grow up to be a boy,” the pup thinks. Despite his wishes, of course he does grow up to be a dog. However, he is trained to become a special dog—a service dog for a Wounded Warrior. The story was inspired by Gnap’s late friend Lou Elsner, a supporter of the Palos Heights-based PAWWS (Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS) charitable group whose founder, Pam Barnett, trains service dogs to help combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. One of its dogs was named Lou Palos in honor of Mr. Elsner. Gnap’s message is “Accept who you are, but be Supplied photo the best that you can be.” Palos Heights’ Jean Gnap tells the story of her children’s book published last fall at a luncheon to be held at The Gnap was honored as a Senior Citizen of the Center on Tuesday. Year for her years of community service last year
by U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski. The luncheon on Tuesday costs $20 per person and requires advance reservations. For more information, interested persons should call The Center at 361-3650.
WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN
Easy hors d’oeuvres to make for guests at your next big party By Wolfgang Puck One of my favorite ways to entertain is with an hors d’oeuvre party. So many other food lovers feel the same way. I would have a hard time finding anyone who doesn’t love a celebration at which delicious bites of food are displayed on one or more buffet tables or passed around, to be enjoyed with wine, beer, cocktails, a homemade punch or even soft drinks. It’s one of the easiest ways to show your friends a good time. Some of the best-planned hors-d’oeuvre parties are those that feature a variety of different foods. I like to offer an assortment of different main ingredients, including seafood, meats, poultry, vegetables, cheeses, breads and fresh fruit. I look to cook them in different ways, too, offering some bites that are baked, others griddled, maybe a few deep-fried items, plus some uncooked foods such as vegetable crudites to enjoy with a selection of dips. You don’t even have to cook everything. Cold cuts, cheeses, vegetables, breads or crackers, and even good-quality precooked jumbo shrimp from the seafood counter or smoked salmon from the deli department need only to be displayed artfully on a platter. Still other items are easy to assemble in advance, requiring only simple, last-minute cooking, in waves, as guests arrive. I’d like to share two such dishes: bitesized grilled cheese on brioche and bacon-wrapped, Parmesanstuffed dates. Grilled cheese sandwiches have enjoyed an amazing comeback in recent years, due in part to the ever-growing popularity of Italian-style panini. These crispy sandwiches are usually cooked in an electric panini maker or on double-sided hinged grill, but you can also make them easily with
an electric or stovetop griddle. I call for an egg-and-butter-rich brioche loaf, which you can find in good-quality bakeries and some supermarkets; but you could substitute challah or another rich loaf, or any good-quality bread you like. Likewise, feel free to use another good melting cheese in place of the fontina or Gruyere. What transforms my recipe into horsd’oeuvres is simply the way you cut the sandwiches after cooking. Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates have long been a popular party food. But even these dates enjoy a new vogue, thanks to the availability of artisan-quality smoked bacon and imported Parmesan cheese. The great thing about both these recipes is their make-ahead potential. You can assemble the sandwiches and the dates up to several hours in advance, ready
to cook in batches after guests start arriving, so they’ll always be ready to serve at their best with little fuss from you, the host. BITE-SIZED GRILLED CHEESE ON BRIOCHE Makes 16 to 24 mini sandwiches • 8 thick slices brioche • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded fontina or Gruyere cheese Preheat a panini maker or a double-sided indoor grill; or preheat a stovetop or electric griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices on a
work surface and spread the top of each slice with a small amount of mayonnaise. Turn over half the slices and spread each with a little butter. Top with the cheese. Butter the remaining slices of bread and place over the cheese, mayonnaise side up. Place as many sandwiches as will fit comfortably side by side in the panini maker or indoor grill, or on the griddle. Close the machine and grill until the cheese has melted and the bread is nicely browned and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes total; or cook on the griddle, pressing down gently with a spatula to compact the sandwiches and turning once until both sides are nicely browned and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with any remaining sandwiches. With a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into quarters; or cut into halves and cut each half crosswise
into 3 finger-sized pieces. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately. BACON-WRAPPED, PARMESAN-STUFFED DATES Makes 18 dates • 18 large dates, preferably Medjool, slit lengthwise and pitted • 18 pieces good-quality Parmesan cheese, preferably ParmigianoReggiano, each about 1 by 1/4 inch (2.5 by 0.6 cm) • 6 slices nitrite-free bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 F (230 C). Insert a piece of Parmesan into each date. Then, wrap each date with a piece of bacon, securing it with a wooden toothpick. Arrange the dates 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in a shallow baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Then, using tongs, turn the dates over. Continue baking until the bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes longer. With the tongs, transfer the dates to paper towels to drain, carefully patting them dry with more paper towels. Serve immediately.
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Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates are perfect grab-and-go appetizers for party guests.
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