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THE REGIONAL NEWS Named best small weekly in Illinois five times by the Illinois Press Association

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

75th Year, NO. 47 • 4 Sections

ORLAND PARK

Pickleball pitched to parks committee

By Dermot Connolly

Photo courtesy Ryan Sparrow

State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35), from left, joined Palos Heights City Council members, Mayor Bob Straz and Recreation Advisory Board member Denise Hyker for the ribbon cutting of the renovated Palos Heights Recreation Center on Saturday. Alderman Jeffrey Key, chairman of the City Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee is at right.

FIT FOR A CELEBRATION Palos Heights cuts ribbon; showcases improved Recreation Center

By Jack Murray

Regional News editor

W

ith pomp and fanfare Saturday, Palos Heights officials cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the city’s renovated recreation center, 6601 W. 127th St. And then the fun and games began.

The Rec. Center opened its new fitness center and gym last August and started selling memberships, but officials pegged mid-November for the official grand opening.

Music started the ceremonies outside the front entrance. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was among tunes played by the Independence Junior High School Band, their school visible just to the south. Sara DeBoer then sang the national anthem. She heads a musical theater program for children called My Time to Shine at the enlarged Rec. Center.

“This is your new recreation center,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Leonard welcomed the large crowd of residents and community leaders gathered outside the new front entrance of the facility.

“Make no small plans,” he quoted Chicago’s famed architect Daniel

Burnham. “Create memorable experiences.” He noted that the Rec. Center could not have been rebuilt without the cooperation of Palos Heights School District 128, which gave up some land to make room for it.

Besides work, “there must be a culture of leisure,” Leonard went on to quote Pope Francis.

In the crowd was Mark Purcell, a former city parks director, who worked for a previous plan to improve the city’s Rec. Center that unlike this one was rejected by voters.

The City Council’s point man for the project, Alderman Jeffrey Key, who chairs its Recreation Committee, said: “It’s finally here.” He was filled with pride the city could complete a project of this magnitude, he added, promising that the city will rebuild Meyers Park, behind the facility. And he credited Director Leonard who took a lead role to revitalize the Rec. Center, “and came up with the vision.”

“A generation from now this building will still be serving our community,” Key continued. “Thank you to every resident who voted for this project.” Palos Heights voters approved a $6.3 million bond See REC CENTER, Page 2

Pickleball will be coming to more parks near you, if an ambassador for the sport gets his way.

Orland Park resident Tom Utterback, ambassador for the Southwest Suburban Pickleball Club, gave a presentation on the sport to the Orland Park Village Board’s Parks and Recreation Committee on Monday.

Pickleball is growing in popularity across the country, Utterback said. He suggested the village could easily create more pickleball courts at minimal cost to accommodate players.

“It’s like ping-pong on steroids,” he said, describing pickleball as a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The game was created in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, a Washington state legislator, and two friends at his home on Bainbridge Island, Wash., according to the USA Pickleball Association, The men wanted to play badminton, but couldn’t find the shuttlecock, so improvised with a Wiffle ball. Legend has it that the sport was named after the founder’s dog, Pickles.

Utterback said the sport first gained popularity in retirement communities, but now 2.5 million people of all ages play in the United States, up from 400,000 a few years ago. “In three years, we are expecting that number to grow to eight million,” he said.

“It’s popular because the rules are simple. You could be playing in a few minutes after learning them,” said Utterback, who is tournament director of the U.S. Open for pickleball. He explained that the balls used still look very much like Wiffle balls, while the paddles look like large ping-pong paddles. The courts measure 20 by 44 feet, about a third of the size of tennis courts, while the

nets are 34 inches high, 2 inches lower than tennis nets because balls don’t bounce as high.

Utterback said that because of the small court size, it would be very easy to stripe existing tennis courts all over the village so they could also be used for pickleball. “You could fit two pickleball courts on one tennis court,” he said. Indoor basketball and volleyball courts could also serve double-duty. This is already being done in the gyms in the newly built addition to the Palos Heights Rec Center.

Trustee Patricia Gira, the Parks and Recreation Committee chair, noted that two tennis courts in each of three local parks have already been striped for pickleball. These include Eagle Ridge Park, 10755 Eagle Ridge Drive; Cachey Park, 8401 Wheeler Drive; and Schussler Park, 14609 Poplar Road.

Utterback suggested doing the same to tennis courts at Centennial Park, and striping the ice skating rink there too, so it could be used during the summer months for pickleball.

“I understand the basketball courts in the Sportsplex are in high demand with leagues, but it would be nice to have time set aside for pickleball at least one evening a week.”

“We have a master plan for improvements at Centennial Park.

That will tell us where any changes will be made,” said Gira.

After the meeting, Gira said a pickleball exhibition held at Taste of Orland during the summer was well-received. “That is where I first met Mr. Utterback. We do want to make space available if people want it. Basketball is very popular in the Sportsplex, so I know what he means when he says time is needed to be set aside for pickleball in the evenings. We can do it, as long as there is a demand for it,” she said.

Palos Lions open a forest of joys at Christmas tree lot

By Jack Murray

Regional News editor The Palos Lions Club’s Christmas tree lot is up and running and ready to help all sorts of people in need from the sale of fresh trees.

The Stagg High School boys soccer team and local police cadets again helped the Lions unload the trees and set up the sales lot on a crisp Sunday morning.

All the greenery now stands in the south parking lot of First Midwest Bank, in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights.

“Just look at this, isn’t this a picture of beauty?” Lion April Schrader enthused after the hard work of unloading about 500 trees was done. “When you see that truck piled high with trees,

and then you see this forest! If it weren’t for these kids, we’d be in serious trouble,” she said of the Stagg team.

Teammates provided the labor to help the aging Lions membership unload a truckload of fresh trees. Their coach Mike Kealy and assistant coach Randy Zolk accompanied the teens to lend a hand. “We do a couple of service projects every year,” Zolk said.

“It’s good for them to get out and help. They’re young.”

The Lions had plenty of doughnuts, coffee and bottles of water to help fuel the volunteers’ work.

Setting up the sales lot is April Schrader’s favorite Lions Club activity, she said. Her husband Roby Schrader is a past president of the Palos Lions Club, who works hard setting up the Christmas tree lot

each year, and Sunday was no exception.

“The saddest part is so many of our members are too old to do this anymore,” April said. “We need more younger members to join.” The Lions, like other community service organizations, have a tougher time recruiting young members nowadays.

Prospective new members are welcome to attend Palos Lions Club dinner meetings held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesdays of the month at Hackney’s, 123rd Street and La Grange Road, Palos Park.

Again this year at the tree lot, it was Lions President Tom Crowhurst, of Palos Park, who orchestrated the big job, busily

Supplied photo

The Palos Lions Club set up their Christmas tree lot Sunday in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Stagg See LIONS TREES, Page 2 High School’s boys soccer team and police cadets from Palos Heights and Palos Park helped them with the big job.

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2 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News

Dist. 230 plans no raise in tax levy fourth year in a row

By Dermot Connolly

Supplied photo

Friends of the Palos Heights Public Library are organizing the annual Christmastime in Palos celebration to be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. Shown are some of the event organizers meeting in the beautifully decorated reading room at the library: Wilfred Cabel, Friends vice president of programs, Loretta Obora, Friends vice president/membership; Marge Damm, Judy Caprio, Library Director Jesse Blazek, Friends Treasurer Karen Valesares and Event Chairman Bill Poore.

Christmastime in Palos at Heights library a local yuletide tradition The 12th annual Christmastime in Palos celebration returns Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Palos Heights Public Library.

The festive holiday event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at the library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The yuletide fete is organized by the Friends of the Palos Heights Library and sponsored by First Midwest Bank.

The event will include lots of

holiday music, with entertainment by the Stagg High School Madrigal Singers at 10:30 a.m. and by the Traverso’s Singers at 11:30 a.m.

Food donated by local businesses will be served in the festively decorated Reading Room.

A holiday sing-along led by invited members of the City Council will be held at 11 a.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet

the children who will also be entertained by face painting, arts and craft projects and by the Spoon Man at 10 a.m.

Additionally, there will be antique, coffee table and Christmas themed books for sale, as well as a silent book auction and a holiday wreath raffle. The event is free and open to all area residents.

Taxpayers in High School District 230 are getting a bit of good news before the holidays--that the board of education is not seeking an increase in the property tax levy this year over last.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the district’s tax levy is unchanged.

Board members last Thursday approved a resolution establishing the estimated amounts necessary to be levied for the year, which reflects a 0 percent increase over the 2015 tax levy. It remains at $107,603,834, and is scheduled to be voted on at the Dec. 22 board meeting.

Superintendent James Gay pointed out that this is the 14th consecutive year that the district has had a balanced budget, and the fourth year in a row that the levy has not been raised either. Five of the past six years, the district has managed to submit budgets that did not require the levy to be raised.

“Sixty percent of school districts in Illinois are running on deficit budgets, so this is quite an accomplishment,” said Gay. Local taxes account for almost 83 percent of the revenue the district received this past fiscal year.

The district has received the status

of recognition, the highest available from the state of Illinois, since 2004. Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency also has awarded the district an AA rating.

Speaking of the tax levy remaining unchanged, board president Rick Nogal said, “I think it is a testament to the hard work of the administration and I thank you for keeping a watchful eye on our tax dollars.”

Referring to the educational opportunities available in the district, and the achievements of students and teacher, board member Tony Serratore said, “this is a testament to what goes on in this building, and all our school buildings. I’m continually amazed at how we can do it without asking for a higher levy.”

While the overall levy will remain the same, several line items have been either raised or lowered compared with last year. The biggest increase is for the money available for working cash purposes, which has been raised from $55,232 last year to $250,000 this year.

“This is our cash reserve. We had kept it rather low, but thought it would be prudent to raise it because of the situation in Springfield,” said John Lavelle, assistant superintendent of business services, referring to the ongoing

lack of a state budget.

The greatest drop seen this year is in the amount requested in the levy for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, $972,000, representing a $12.1 percent reduction over last year, when it was $1,105,980.

Lavelle said the reduction corresponded with a lower interest rate due to the district’s high credit rating.

“Somebody is paying more this year, but thankfully it isn’t us,” he said.

About the budget logjam in Springfield, Gay said it is still unclear what effect the recent election will have on the ability of the Legislature to come to agreement in the coming year.

“There has been some change, The Democrats no longer have a supermajority in the House,” Gay noted. But he pointed out that nothing was accomplished during the veto session held last week, and the stopgap budget passed during the summer ends on Dec. 31. He was planning to attend an Illinois State Board of Education meeting on Friday, where the issue was to be discussed.

“We’re OK because the K-12 education budget that was passed goes through the end of the school year, but that does not include colleges, so they are worried,” he said.

Supplied photos

Palos Lions Club members are ready for the season. Christmas tree sales benefit a long list of charitable organizations, especially those that serve people with visual impairment.

Lions trees

Continued from Page 1

Photos courtesy Ryan Sparrow

Residents listen to remarks by Recreation Director Mike Leonard as part of the grand opening and ribbon cutting program held outside before people enjoyed tours of the new facility.

The Independence Junior High School band play rousing numbers as prelude to the Recreation Center grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Rec center

Continued from Page 1 issue to renovate the old recreation center and build an addition onto it in November 2014.

Mayor Bob Straz called the project “a stop on a journey.” He noted that in 1989, the city bought the old Crab Orchard School to become its recreation center, “and quickly outgrew it.” “And now we have this,” he said. “It’s all for you,” a public improvement “for the quality of life of our town.”

Inside, the 25,000 square-feet addition buzzed with activity after Mayor Straz cut the ribbon at the front entrance. He was joined by State Rep. Fran Hurley, City Council members and Denise Hyker, recreation advisory board member and longtime advocate for a new Rec. Center.

Children and parents played basketball and bounced all kinds of jumbo balls in the spacious first-floor gym. It holds two fullsize basketball courts.

Looking up from the gym floor, the new fitness center filled with treadmills and other cardio machines is on the floor above, as is the 1/12 of a mile walking/running

track. Residents can use it free of charge without memberships.

Walking on a treadmill in the new fitness center overlooking the spacious gym, Frank Schaefer, of Palos Heights, said he has been a member since the beginning in August. “I come here almost every day.” He used to go to a health club in Orland Park, but “this one is closer to home and cheaper,” he said. He works out 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes lifts weights. “I’m not doing too bad for 75,” he said.

A monthly membership for the new fitness center is $17 for senior residents 60 and older, the same for resident full-time students age 24 or younger. Those introductory rates are applicable through Dec. 31. Varied membership rates and types for individuals, families and couples are listed in brochures available at the front desk.

A Black Friday special is also being offered. Purchase a new membership and receive $50 toward a program, excluding trips.

Or upgrade any membership and receive one month free.

The old gym on the first floor has been transformed into the carpeted Orchard Room, named for the old Orchard School. It

connects to a gleaming service kitchen. The room can be rented for banquets, and is booked for a wedding reception in August, Director Leonard said. The space will also accommodate meetings of the Palos Heights Seniors Club.

Visitors munched on popcorn and cupcakes from Doughs Guys Bakery as they sat with family, friends and neighbors in the Orchard Room.

Seated at one of the tables with his wife and friends, longtime resident Ed Beaulieu said: “I just joined [the fitness center]. I do the walking track.” A string quartet played on the stage.

“The city did a wonderful job,” said Tom Stuchly. “It’s a big improvement and helps overall the city,” the veteran real estate sales pro added. He, like Alderman Jerry McGovern (4th Ward), was impressed by the size of, and amenities inside, the nearby kitchen.

A large contingent of Palos Heights Woman’s Club members, including at least two past presidents, gathered in conversation near the front desk. One of them, Sherry TerMaat, said later: “It’s a great facility, great for the community.” She has been a member for two weeks, she said.

multi-tasking and pulled in 15 different directions all at once.

Trees needing placing here, electric cords for lights needed placing there. The four-pronged tree stands had to be arranged all over the lot and trees placed in them. Lion Mike Gabel was working practically nonstop.

Crowhurst arranges for help from Palos Heights and Palos Park police cadets. “We know Tom well; he always donates to the cadets’ food drive and leads the Citizens on Patrol Service (COPS),” said Palos Park cadet Derek Kaczmarczyk, working with his fellow cadet Joe Walters. “This is a good way to give back. Whenever we get a chance to help Tom out we do.”

One of Palos Heights’ finest, Officer Kevin Apostal, a former cadet himself, was back helping out, with police Cadet Bridget Tolan. Apostal had no problem lifting the biggest trees that took two older guys to carry and place upright into a tree stand.

Hundreds of fresh-cut Fraser firs and balsams now stand in what “feels like a forest,” to April Schrader, a Lion for about 10 years since the club began opening membership to women.

The lot is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Trees range in price from $25 or $30 to $150, depending on the size. Wreaths in three different sizes from 2-feet to 4-feet in diameter, costing $20 to $60, are also available.

Orland Park Lions Club members and volunteers meanwhile set up their tree lot Saturday at 142nd Street and La Grange Road. They, too, have plenty of fresh trees and wreaths. The Worth Lions Club also has a tree lot, at 116th and Harlem.

All the money raised goes to Lions Club charitable activities.

The Lighthouse for the Blind is one of many good causes listed on a sign on the Palos Lions’ tree lot sales trailer.

Lion Jack Clifford, a Palos Heights alderman, pointed to the Christmas baskets food program for people in need. Each is filled with a turkey, ham and $75 gift card for groceries. For years,

Palos Lion Jack Clifford, a Palos Heights alderman, shows the wreaths for sale at the tree lot that opens the day after Thanksgiving.

Clifford provided the manpower to help the Palos Lions Candy Day sale.

Last year, the Palos group anticipated putting together at least 50 such baskets. It’s too early to tell how many more will be given this season, in time for Christmas.

It’s the giving that gives a lot of joy to April Schrader, she said.

“People come year after year to buy our trees. They know the proceeds fund good causes like Christmas baskets.”

“The people we give to, they are so happy,” husband Roby said. “It gives a tear to your eye sometime.”

“We Serve,” is the Lions International motto. Longtime Palos Lion Jim Welge summed up why he helps year after year: “It’s important because it allows some little kid sitting in the back of the classroom who can’t see the blackboard get a pair of glasses his parents would not otherwise be able to afford.” Jim’s late father Dick Welge was a longtime Lion, achieving its highest honor, the

Melvin Jones Award.

Lion Gene Adams, of Palos Park, pulled up in a pickup truck hauling a trailer. It was his job to deliver some of the trees purchased by or donated to selected sites across the community, such as the Palos Park Rec. Center.

“And Royalberry restaurant always orders a tree,” he said.

When the heavy lifting was done, President Crowhurst gave a big thank you to the departing soccer team. But the Lions had more to do, pricing the trees and sprucing up the lot for Friday’s grand opening.

“Last year was a great year – we sold out the week before Christmas,” said Lion Herb Schumann, former Cook Country Commissioner and county Republican chairman, whose wife Colleen, Palos Township supervisor, is also a Lion. “So people get in here quickly. These are the freshest trees you’re going to find. People tell stories of how long their trees have lasted – sometime even into February.”

The Regional News

Thursday, November 24, 2016

3

PALOS HEIGHTS

Good deals at Harlem shops on Small Business Saturday Palos Heights merchants on Harlem Avenue are celebrating Small Business Saturday with special discounts and other offers this Saturday, Nov. 26.

Small Business Saturdays falls on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, directly after Black Friday. It encourages people to Shop Local in their own communities, as a counterweight to the Black Friday mayhem at mega malls and big box stores.

Locally in Palos Heights, Camille Krecioch, owner of Camille’s Confections and Type Concepts Inc. on Harlem Avenue, serves as the designated Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday in Palos Heights’ Harlem Avenue Business District.

She has rallied 15 local businesses in the city’s Harlem Avenue Business District. that were eager to participate by offering special promotions this Saturday.

The event has been marketed through social media, as well as signage and decorations displayed in the participating locations and public venues throughout town.

Be sure to visit the businesses offering special discounts/offers.

Participants and their respective offers include Beau Geste Salon & Spa (offering a bonus

Supplied photos

certificate with purchase of gift cards), Bon A Pit (10 percent off food bill), Camille’s Confections (free ½ pound toffee with threepound purchase), Chalet Florist (50 percent Colonial Candles) and Computer Greeks (will pay sales tax on all new and used desktop, laptop and tablet purchases).

Also, Golden Shoes (20 percent off purchase), Joe Daniel’s Pub (10 percent off food bill - dine-in only), Mid Villa Pizza (10 percent off food bill), Mona Lisa (10 percent off regular priced items, 20 percent off with cash/check), Nicks Barbecue (10 percent off food bill), Noral Jewelers (free gift with purchase), Quality Plus (metal photo ornament special), Salon L (retail products - buy 1,

get 1 half off), Simple Taste Mediterranean Cafe ($10 entrees) and Type Concepts Inc. (15 percent off holiday card orders).

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 to promote small businesses. American Express provides marketing materials to small businesses and offer downloadable advertising that is customer-tailored to each business that provides simple availability for marketing.

American Express encourages participation through Neighborhood Champions, usually a small business owner or chamber of commerce that rallies the other businesses for the good of all involved.

Supplied photo

The village of Orland Park officially welcomes the holiday season this Sunday, with Mayor Dan McLaughlin’s Holiday Festival, from 3 to 5:45 p.m., at the Orland Park Civic Center. The tree lighting will be at 5:45 p.m. next to the Village Hall.

Santa Claus is happy to meet members of the Palos Park Woman’s Club at last year’s Holiday Market at the village Recreation Center. The fun returns Friday, Dec. 2.

Palos Park Holiday Market and tree-lighting next Friday Palos Park will welcome the holiday season next Friday, Dec. 2.

The community is invited to usher in the most wonderful time of year with neighbors, family, and friends at the annual village event that lights the lights on the yuletide.

The Holiday Market will be open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Both levels of the Recreation Center will feature craft and merchandise vendors, beverages, food vendors and plenty of holiday cheer.

Listen to the sounds of the holiday season as you shop for holiday gifts and wait for Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. Shortly after, Santa and Mayor John Mahoney will illuminate the Village Tree.

Visits with Santa Claus are part of the magic at Palos Park’s tree lighting and Following the official tree light- Holiday Market at the village Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. ing, Santa will be available for visits and photos. Outside, attendees can enjoy hayrack rides, provided

by The Center and a warm bonfire.

Santa’s Secret Shop will also be part of the festivities. Organized by the Palos School District 118 Parent Faculty Association, it will let children choose their own special holiday gifts to purchase for family and friends. There will be elves to help kids go through the store and the gifts will be wrapped for a surprise on Christmas morning.

This event has something for everyone. For more information, call 708-671-3760, or visit palospark.org.

Little ballet dancers were part of the entertainment at a previous Palos

— Village of Palos Park Park Holiday Market.

Orland Park welcomes holiday season this Sunday The village of Orland Park rings in the holiday season this Sunday, with Mayor Dan McLaughlin’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting.

Held at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave., the free event includes sleigh rides, face painting, make and take crafts, live entertainment and visits with Santa.

The celebration, from 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., includes live entertainment, sleigh rides, face painting, make-and-take crafts and visits with Santa.

At 5:45 p.m., the crowd will move to the adjacent Village Hall for the mayor’s annual tree lighting.

“We’ve added to the village’s lights displays this year because Orland Park is a shopping and

dining destination and we want people to see what a beautiful community we have --- especially during the holidays,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

The mayor and the Village Board encourage everyone to play, eat and shop in Orland Park this holiday season.

“Orland Park is a holiday destination for people from throughout the region and we invite everyone to visit this holiday season,” said Trustee Kathy Fenton, chair of the village’s Development Services Committee. “We hope that people enjoy the holiday lights as they shop in Orland Park and share a meal at one of the great restaurants in town.”

The 143rd Street Train Station and its adjacent Crescent Park will be decorated and visible from La-

‘Handmade for the Holidays’ open house at Orland museum Holiday wreaths decorated by Orland Park area businesses, groups, schools and organizations will be available for viewing and purchase via silent auction at the “Handmade for the Holidays” open house on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the village of Orland Park history museum, 14415 S. Beacon Ave. This free event will include holiday exhibits, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, viewing and bidding on the decorated wreaths and musical entertainment provided by the Carl Sandburg High School Chamber Singers.

Grange Road and by those traveling by train.

“The train station and Crescent Park will be exciting to see for people coming home on the train and for those passing by,” said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee.

“It will be like pulling into a station in a Norman Rockwell painting with the snow on the ground and the train station and park decorated with beautiful lights.”

“All of the lights will be LED and we are recycling the lighted decorations we used previously at the Village Center,” the mayor said. “The lights that were used on Ravinia Avenue in the past will be set up at Centennial Park for people to see as they drive to the village’s Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink.”

Chgo. Christian team helps those in need

The Chicago Christian High School boys’ basketball program recently served a meal to those in need through the BEDS program at Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills. The boys helped set up for the dinner and served dinner and dessert to approximately 50 people who visited the shelter. The team members were able to serve and interact with the people, and it was a very rewarding experience for all the team members. Pictured are Jack Ellison (Frankfort), from left, Micah Schnyders (New Lenox), Malik Parker (Chicago), Josh Decker (Palos Heights), and Isayas Aris (South Holland).

‘Tis the Season to

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Supplied photo

Community organizations were invited to pick up wreaths this weekend and decorate them in a tasteful and creative fashion for the Orland Park History Museum Foundation’s open house and silent auction on Sunday, Dec. 4.

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Supplied photo

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4 Thursday, November 24, 2016

EDITORIAL

OPINION

The Regional News

Grateful for our community always Thanksgiving reminds us that life is a precious gift. And if we try hard enough even the most downcast among us can summon things to be grateful for.

We at The Regional are grateful to have made it to our 75th anniversary. We celebrated in October with the publication of a special section devoted to the newspaper’s long history in the context of the communities we serve.

But The Regional is a mere part of that greater community, made up of so many civic-minded people who give so much of themselves for the greater good.

To them we want to say we appreciate all you do. Forgive us if space leaves some very deserving people out.

Start with the first responders who fight fires and transport people to the hospital, and the police officers who serve and protect, so often at great personal risk. The ER nurses and doctors who patch people up or admit them to the hospital for further treatment.

To the veterans of the armed forces, we owe a big debt of gratitude to them for helping keep this nation strong and free. We are grateful for the local schools and other organizations like Honor Flight Chicago that celebrate them for their service.

Take the Palos and Orland Park Lions Clubs, which set up their Christmas tree sales lots to raise money for very good causes. The Kiwanis, Sertoma Inc., Palos Heights and Palos Park woman’s clubs and the area League of Women Voters. Some of the former are having difficulty replacing their aging members. We thank the men and women who devote their time to community service.

Go into the churches and see their ministries that help feed, clothe and give joy to the needy, not only during the holidays but throughout the year. The Palos United Methodist Church, Orland Township and Palos Township food pantries and the Palos Park police cadets are all collecting food for the needy. As are many local churches. We are thankful for them, Together We Cope, Operation Blessing and all the others who aid people in need.

For years, The Regional listed brief notices from local charitable organizations about how to help. We call it “Simple Gifts,” taken from the old Shaker hymn. We hope to see more groups email them to Theregional@comcast.net. Send us your good news, to help you help others.

On the cultural front we are grateful for the people who staff or volunteer at our public libraries, the Orland Park History Museum, the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, Lake Katherine, the garden and dahlia clubs, Palos Fine Arts, Palos and Orland historical societies, Palos Restoration Project, the Palos Heights Farmers Market. The Beautification Committee and organizers of Palos Heights’ Classic Car Show. The newly improved Palos Heights Rec. Center.

To our educators, the teachers and others who enlighten and inspire young minds in our area’s fine public and private schools, we also say thanks for the job you do.

And to the merchants and businesspeople in our chambers of commerce, the new Harlem Avenue Association and other organizations. They organize or sponsor fun and interesting local events: Community expos, the half marathon. The tree lightings, Holidays on Harlem and Kris Kringle Market, and Palos Park Holiday Market this week and next.

To you and our loyal readers and advertisers, we are grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

READERS WRITE Hats off to Hanania: Spot on about Trump Dear Editor: Hats off to Ray. His column in the Nov. 17 Regional [Trump won by promising ‘change’] was spot on!

He is one of the few jour-

nalists in America who get it!

This was an election not about red or blue but about right and wrong. America will be a better place when business and manufacturing returns, health care is truly reformed, respect for the INS restored, street narcot-

ics greatly reduced, inner-city education and jobs created, bad trade deals renegotiated, military forces strengthened, not supporting governments who hate us and crushing those who choose to do us harm. Our country was built upon people

who chose to work and accept a handout in only the worst case.

America will be great again!

God bless America!

— Joseph Murzanski, Palos Heights Continued on Page 5

Plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Day has arrived but many of us wonder what there is to be thankful for.

This past year has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Raging storms resulted in more flooding of Midwestern towns. Tornadoes created chaos with many reported injuries and deaths in certain parts of the country.

We have a new president in Donald Trump, who has the major task of trying to unite a country that is a house divided. The major highlight, of course, is the Chicago Cubs, who shattered that 108-year-old drought.

Despite the turmoil and celebrations that occur during a full year, Thanksgiving Day is a constant. This day should be a reprieve from all the noise outside. I can understand that some people don’t feel like celebrating. This new century has been difficult for many Americans. Many of them have lost their jobs at one point. They may have found work since but the majority of them have had to take a pay cut. Another group of Americans have not found full-time work since the Great Recession, settling for working a couple of part-time jobs to try and make ends meet.

No wonder a lot of us feel lost and frustrated today. Many of those manufacturing jobs that were so prevalent in the U.S. have since evaporated.

But for one day, at least, we should set aside those concerns. Thanksgiving Day is a time for a celebration. Perhaps we often don’t think about it that way. The holiday is now in the middle of the ever expanding influence of Halloween and the Christmas shopping season. For some people, that begins tonight. I suggest take a breather from

JOE BOYLE the holiday rush. You have plenty of time to shop, especially if you are off on Friday.

Thanksgiving Day should be an oasis from all those shopping expectations. I guess that’s what I like about Thanksgiving.

It does not come with great expectations. It does not come with bags of candy or with bows and presents. But it does come with a hearty meal that includes the turkey and all the trimmings. The meal is capped off with a pumpkin pie and perhaps an apple pie.

Those desserts would go well with a cup of coffee or even some wine.

To be honest, I can’t recall many specific Thanksgivings that stand out. One Thanksgiving was more significant than the rest. In a previous column I wrote, I mentioned that my free-spirited Uncle Jack arrived with his family on one memorable Thanksgiving in the 1960s. He also brought his pet monkey, Rosie. The monkey later escaped and ran down the street. Uncle Jack and the rest of us ran after Rosie. This little spider monkey was retrieved before going up a tree. That must have been a sight for our neighbors.

With memories like that, Thanksgiving Day is unique. As I grow older, Thanksgiving Days become more special to me.

This is the first time in many years that our family will not be hosting Thanksgiving.

Initially when we began holding the event, coordinating the meal and preparing the turkey resulted in some difficulties. The

greatest task is coordinating everything together so the turkey is done and the side dishes are ready after the guests arrive.

Like everything in life, preparing of the holiday feast improves through repetition.

In our case, it was more like trial and error.

The advantages of serving the meal are that you are at home in your own surroundings. While it is a lot of work, you have the day planned out. The Macy’s Day Parade is on TV and can be heard in the background as we prepare the turkey. Setting the table and later preparing those side dishes comes later.

The guests arrive and it is time to give thanks. And after the meal, the pies and the coffee, the night is set aside for conversation. Those conversations often include lots of laughter. This is sometimes the best part of Thanksgiving. After all the preparation, the time to relax and enjoy the company of others is precious. It’s what Thanksgiving is all about.

Despite what is going on in the world, Thanksgiving Day doesn’t change. This is still a day in which family and friends can come together to dine in what is a great American tradition. And the day should not be taken for granted. I still recall Thanksgiving Days with my mother, father and my Uncle Jack. They are no longer here but those memories of them fill up my Thanksgivings.

This Thanksgiving Day I remember them all. Today I will enjoy the meal and the company that surrounds it. And I might have another piece of apple pie.

Joe Boyle is the editor of The Reporter.

He can be reached at thereporter@comcast. net.

Thanksgiving will be ruthless with politics as a side dish An independent, locally-owned community newspaper published weekly Southwest Regional Publishing 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: (708) 448-4000 Fax: (708) 448-4012 Website: www.theregionalnews.com email: TheRegional@comcast.net Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of those who gave their lives to protect America’s freedom of the press, whenever and however it may be threatened.

It doesn’t look like we can save Thanksgiving from the fall-out of the presidential election.

A recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans conducted by Meyocks Benkstein Associates in Iowa said more than half of the respondents said they expect the presidential elections and politics to be a concern this Thanksgiving.

It’s all about Donald Trump defeating Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 presidential elections. More than in any other election, the post-election animosity has reached record levels. (Clinton supporters were so convinced she would win, they just can’t get over it.)

Nearly 30 percent of survey respondents said politics should be off-limits or will be avoided at their Thanksgiving table. But, 25 percent said they expect the Trump-Clinton election will be on the menu.

This presidential election has split families, torn apart long-standing friendships, created flame wars on social media, and sparked angry and hateful rhetoric that, in some cases, has resulted in physical violence.

It’s one of the most vicious and contentious post-elections I have ever witnessed.

The level of animosity between the two sides is unprecedented.

Families can’t watch TV, go to movies or the stage and theater, or even engage in normal discussions on social media without finding ourselves in the middle of the post-election Trump-Clinton rage.

Fortunately, Thanksgiving is on a Thursday, not on Saturday night when one of my formerly favorite TV shows is on the

RAY HANANIA air. I used to enjoy “Saturday Night Live,” but lately SNL has been consumed in political strife.

Honestly, when I watch Alec Baldwin impersonate Trump, I don’t find it funny at all. It’s vicious and hateful. All I can remember about Baldwin is the time he unleashed a hate-filled, foul-mouthed rage against his daughter in a telephone message back in 2007.

Last week, the choice of 61.2 million Americans for vice president, Mike Pence, was lectured by the lead actor in the Broadway play “Hamilton” at the Richard Rogers Theater in New York.

Most Americans will never see “Hamilton” because the tickets are more expensive than Obamacare. Even if you could pay $1,500 to get a pair, most Americans couldn’t because they don’t have the clout.

“Hamilton” is being enjoyed by the very elitist insiders that most Americans voted against. I’m surprised Pence was in the audience.

And my Facebook Page is a war zone.

The Trump-Clinton war has surpassed the anger, animosity and name calling that usually surrounds a discussion on the Arab-Israeli conflict, which is my normal backyard.

More than 75 people who were my

“Friends” on Facebook “unFriended” me because they didn’t like the fact that I predicted that Trump would easily defeat Clinton. I remember the weeks of ridicule and incredulity I received prior to the election because so many Clinton backers had deluded themselves into believing the biased media assertions that favored Clinton over Trump. And 75 others “Friended” me to take their place.

OK, when you have 4,444 “Friends,” you know they’re not really “friends” at all, but followers, lurkers and people looking for a fight.

Normally, I am always on edge about Thanksgiving because I am Palestinian Arab, as many of you already know, and, my wife and son are Jewish.

We already battle at Thanksgiving dinners over the food, like the salad. My wife Alison always asks my son Aaron to have me pass the “Israeli salad.” I respond hysterically that we don’t have “Israeli salad,” but I would gladly share the “Arab East Jerusalem salad.”

That’s usually when the hummus starts flying over the turkey at our Thanksgiving table.

Don’t even bring up the issue of “immigration.” That would start an even bigger war, especially if you happen to be Native American. After all, immigrants from Europe (called Pilgrims) didn’t hesitate to take this country from their generous Native American hosts, when they could.

Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and political columnist. Email him at rghanania@ gmail.com.

The Regional News

Thursday, November 24, 2016

5

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Charged with DUI

Table cleared at Cooper’s Hawk, man says

Orland Park police charged Maria A. Nudo, 51, of Orland Park, with DUI, improper lane usage and operating a motor vehicle without headlights when required after they curbed her SUV in the 10400 block of West 153rd Street at 12:50 a.m. Nov. 5.

The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Nudo is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 12.

Homer Glen resident Jennifer M. Galbraith, 40, was charged with DUI, using an electronic communications device while driving and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident as police investigated a two-SUV crash near 167th Street and Wolf Road at 11:23 p.m. Nov. 5. According to police, Galbraith was texting while driving and rear-ended another vehicle. Her SUV was towed and impounded, and she is due in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 21.

Justice resident Deadonis M. Robinson, 28, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage after police stopped her car in the 16200 block of South La Grange Road at 4:49 a.m. Nov. 6. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Robinson was given a court date of Dec. 28 in Bridgeview.

Chicago resident Charles R. Gregory, 45, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage after police curbed his car in the 8100 block of West 143rd Street at 1:35 a.m. Nov. 5. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Gregory is set to appear at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center on Dec. 12.

New Lenox resident Alyssa T. Kalker, 24, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and following another vehicle too closely after police curbed her car near 143rd Street and 108th Avenue at 2:45 a.m.

Oct. 29. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Kalker is expected to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 12.

A 41-year-old Hazel Crest man told police that someone took his cell phone, credit cards and driver’s license from his table at Cooper’s Hawk, 15690 S. Harlem, at about 8:45 p.m. Oct. 29. He told police that after eating at the establishment, he walked out to the parking lot but realized that he had left his possessions on the table. When he returned, he discovered they were gone. Both a manager and a waitress said they were not aware of anything being taken from the table.

Convicted burglar charged with theft after chase Chicago resident Shavez Maurice Moody, 21, was charged with felony retail theft after he allegedly stole four garments worth more than $400 from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 7:13 p.m.

Oct. 27. A charge of resisting a peace officer was Supplied photo added after Moody and an alleged accomplice fled Pictured are Palos Heights Fire Protection District President Bernie Kay (from left), Palos Lions Club President Tom in a minivan, police said. Moody was apprehended Crowhurst, fire district Trustees Sheila Corrigan and Bill Storrs and Capt Dave Ritter, the district’s EMS coordinator. near the 14400 block of South John Humphrey Drive after he bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot, according to the police report. Moody, who police said is a convicted burglar, was due at a bond hearing on Oct. 28. The driver of the minivan, who also bailed out, eluded capture, according to police.

Swiped Christmas ornaments on Halloween, police say Linda L. Dealy, 63, of Joliet, was charged with retail theft after she allegedly stole 37 Christmas ornaments worth a total of $450 from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 12:50 p.m. Oct. 31. Store security staff told police that Dealy took ornaments off shelves, as well as off a display tree.

She is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 13.

Palos Lions Club donates to Palos Heights Fire Dist.

Palos Lions Club President Tom Crowhurst presented a check for $500 from the Lions on Nov. 9 to the Palos Heights Fire Protection District.

The donation will be used toward the purchase of automated CPR devices for the district’s paramedic units.

After the fire district demonstrated the CPR devices to the

Lions Club membership last summer, the Lions chose to donate their proceeds from the Palos Heights Classic Car Event toward the purchase of this lifesaving equipment.

The district is looking to fund the remainder of the project through a grant from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The total cost of the

project is $32,000.

Board President Bernie Kay thanked the Palos Lions for their hard work on behalf of the fire district.

Crowhurst and Lion Herb Schumann Jr. previously made a ceremonial check presentation of the donation to Fire Chief Timothy Sarhage at a Palos Heights City Council meeting.

The Palos Park Police Department has released several tips to help people prevent becoming a victim while shopping this holiday season.

During the holiday season, shoppers may be so busy that they fail to be aware of their surroundings. Careless or unaware shoppers are easy targets.

Every good police officer is trained to read the environment.

Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about.

For example, when you are in a parking lot, be alert to someone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone or

that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping bags or your purse.

Don’t talk on your cell phone when walking the mall or when headed to your vehicle. Your phone call is a distraction that makes you vulnerable. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.

When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it. Always park your vehicle in a well-lit and well-traveled area. Do not park in a remote, dark area.

Have your keys in your hand when approaching your vehicle.

Be ready to unlock the door and to get in. This way you won’t

have to fumble with your keys or try and find them at the bottom of your purse.

After you have purchased items at the store, place them out of sight. The best place to put items is in the trunk (if you have a trunk).

Do not leave your purse, wallet, phone, GPS or other items in plain view. Even if the vehicle is locked up, you only have to break a window to get the item(s).

Carry only the credit cards that you need and never carry large sums of money.

When you return home after a shopping trip, be sure to have the house keys in your hand and ready to use when you reach the door.

— Palos Park PD

Orland Park police: Drive sober and buckle up this holiday season Holiday shopping safety tips The Orland Park Police Department is joining its counterparts across the country reminding motorists to travel safely this holiday season.

“We are issuing a holiday reminder to everyone — drive sober and buckle up,” said Police Chief Tim McCarthy. “During the holidays, we will have increased patrols looking for drunk drivers as part of the nationwide ‘drive sober or get pulled over’ mobilization. We want to keep our roads safe for holiday travelers.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nationally in 2015, 35,092 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes with 29 percent (10,265) dying in crashes where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration over the

limit of .08.

“The holidays are a great time for getting together with family and friends; however, we strongly caution drivers of all ages to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if they’ve been drinking,” McCarthy said. “Choosing to drink and drive risks your own safety and others and also brings on legal consequences — it’s a very costly mistake.”

Drunk driving offenders often serve jail time, lose their driver’s licenses, are charged higher insurance rates and pay countless unanticipated expenses from attorney’s fees, court costs, car towing and repairs and lost wages with the ultimate cost of drunk driving being a crash that injures or kills.

“If you know you’ll be drink-

ing, plan a safe ride home before the party starts,” McCarthy said.

“Designate a sober driver ahead of time.” Drivers who become intoxicated should not drive for any reason. Call for a taxi, Uber or Lyft or phone a sober family member of friend.

“If you’re celebrating the holidays and someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person drive,” McCarthy said. “Take their keys and drive them home.

What you choose to do can save someone’s life.”

Motorists who see impaired drivers on the road should immediately dial 9-1-1 to notify the police, sharing the model and make of the vehicle, the license plate number and direction of travel, if possible.

— Village of Orland Park

An employee’s car was reported stolen from the rear lot of ManorCare Health Services, 7850 W. College Drive, between midnight and 5:30 a.m. last Thursday.

Car burglarized Items were reported stolen from inside an unlocked car in the 6700 block of Edgewood Road in the overnight hours between Friday and Saturday.

Charged with driving without a license Lindsey M. Forkin, 23, of Midlothian, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, in the 7300 block of West College Drive. She is due in court on Dec. 15.

Charged with driving while license suspended Jeremy D. Kolenda, 38, of Rinkin, Ill., was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:42 p.m. Saturday, in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for expired registration. He is due in court on Dec. 15.

Charged with speeding Abiel Sparkman, 20, of Markham, was charged with speeding following a traffic stop at 8:38 a.m. in the 6400 block of West 127th Street. Police said he was also issued a local ordinance violation for possession of drug paraphernalia after a smoking pipe and marijuana cigar were found in the car. He is due in court on Jan. 10.

READERS WRITE Continued from Page 4

Hanania on Trump win: Refreshing voice of sanity Dear Editor, I was very impressed with insight and accuracy of the column that Ray Hanania wrote on the Trump election. I thought it was excellent. I can only hope that other major news sources could do as well as this. Thanks for your work, Ray. You hit the highlights of the Trump win with such accuracy and clarity that we are just not hearing from the major news sources. Thanks for your voice of sanity, it’s refreshing!

P.S. Please send a copy of your article to the New York Times, you could teach them something!

— Robert Tesauro, Palos Heights

County Beverage Tax will damage economy Dear Editor, A Beverage Tax was passed by the Cook County Board on

Nov. 10 as a key element to fund the Cook County 2017 budget. This new tax would add one penny for every one ounce of a beverage drink, which means an additional $2.88 for a 24-pack of beverage drinks.

I appreciate the fact that many Cook County constituents have paid close attention to Cook County’s 2017 budget process and specifically this tax proposal as hundreds contacted my office to express their opposition to this tax.

Contrary to most public headlines that call it just a “soda tax”; that couldn’t be further from the truth. This massive and expansive tax includes a list of nearly 1,000 individual beverages including fruit juices, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks, enhanced waters, sodas and diet sodas.

This Beverage Tax goes too far by hitting our residents too hard in their pocketbooks, especially Chicago residents, and hurts our local businesses.

I firmly opposed this heavy-handed tax for multiple

any problems.

Cited with leaving unattended fire

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Car stolen

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK A 68-year-old Palos Park man was issued a local ordinance violation ticket after he allegedly left a campfire unattended on his property in the 8500 block of West 119th Place at 10:43 p.m. Nov. 13, police said. A witness who reported the fire told police that the man had lit a fire in a tree stump earlier in the evening, and left it unattended with dry leaves around it, police said. Palos Fire Protection District firefighters extinguished the fire without

Outstanding warrant A 24-year-old Chicago Ridge man was arrested on an outstanding Cook County warrant following a one-car traffic accident at LaGrange Road and Black Walnut Road at 8:28 p.m. Nov. 5, police said. No charges were filed in connection with the accident. He was released on $2,500 bail awaiting a Nov. 28 court date.

Scams abound near Black Friday

Holiday time is fast approaching and crooks, thieves, and cyber criminals of all kinds are prepared more than ever to steal your money, your identity, and reap untold havoc upon you. Black Friday, the date we now know as the busiest shopping day of the year, is a particularly vulnerable time for online and mobile holiday shoppers.

Along with the normal foot trafreasons. First, the tax purposely fic that retailers will be expecting, millions of shoppers will also be singles out a specific private using their desktops, laptops, tabsector industry and is too exlets, and mobile devices to help pansive and creates a revenue stream that goes far beyond the make their shopping a little easier and more convenient. In fact, means it is intended to serve.

Second, there is still too much Black Friday has its very own computer-savvy baby sister known redundant and unnecessary as Cyber Monday, which is that spending and political clout jobs that could be cut from the first Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, touted as the busiest 2017 budget before looking at online shopping day of the year. additional taxes to fix budget shortfalls. Third, this tax will cause further damage to private Click and Receive sector jobs in exchange for Holiday packages are a welprotecting government patroncome and expected part of the age jobs. Fourth, it further holiday experience, but beware places Cook County businesses of emails on your computers and at a competitive disadvantage mobile devices exclaiming that against our neighboring counyou have just received a package ties and the state of Indiana from UPS, FedEx, or the US Post when just a short commute to Office. shop across the border means Be wary of any message that lost customers and lost revenue asks you to fill out a form or for Cook County. provide any personal information.

Once again, Cook County This is a popular scam to steal government is committing itself your identity or to gather enough to another horrible tax policy information to get into your bank that will add more long- term account and empty it out. damage to our local economy.

— Sean M. Morrison, Cook County Commissioner, Text Phishing 17th District One new scam that is sure to

be popular this season are fake text messages that are pretending to alert you that your savings or checking accounts may have been hit with some illegal activity. The text will tell you that you need to call a given phone number immediately to reactivate and “secure” your account. That phone number, set up by criminals, will attempt to capture your home address, Social Security number, and other information.

try to lure you in with promises of winning free gifts including iPads and other coveted electronic devices. Make sure the coupon offers that you’re chasing down are from legitimate sources.

These scams can also show up on social networking sites like Facebook too, so keep an eye out for unsolicited messages and posts that are offering deals that sound too good to be true.

Fake refunds

Coupon alert Cyber-crooks know that you’re looking and they’re more than willing to provide some well-designed scams to rip you off. Online coupons are very popular, but watch out for the too-good-to-betrue coupon offers that will lead you to a malicious website asking you for your credit card information and other personal data.

A lot of these fake offers will

Here’s another one to watch out for: The phony refund. It could look like it’s from a hotel, a chain store, or even a popular online destination like Amazon. It might say something like “wrong transaction” or “click for refund” but the culprits just want you to click the link in order to spill malware all over your computer or mobile device.

— Palos Park PD

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6 Thursday, November 24, 2016

SCHOOLS

The Regional News

Supplied photos

Centennial students perform a patriotic song for their veteran guests at their assembly last held Nov. 10.

Supplied photo

Mighty champions

The Mother McAuley varsity volleyball team celebrated at the end of a parade held in their honor last Thursday after winning the Class 4A championship. The Mighty Macs were escorted by the Evergreen Park police and fire departments as they acknowledged cheers from the faculty, staff, administrators and students who lined up along 99th Street outside the school, 3737 W. 99th St., Chicago. The Macs defeated Minooka to win their 15th state title on Nov. 12.

Supplied photo

Pictured are Olivia Wasilewski and Brynna Siewers, Grand Prize Winners for their game Ship of Treasures; Bella Narciso and Johnny Pempek, Runners Up in the junior category for their game Seastack; and Madeleine Niemiec and Evelyn Dalton, People’s Choice Award for their game Creativity Glue. Their teachers Carrie Martinez and Julie McNamara are in the back row.

Palos 118 students big winners at Chicago’s Toy and Game Fair Three pairs of students from Palos East and West Schools made their parents, teachers, and classmates proud on Saturday when they won major awards in several categories at the annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair’s Young Inventor Challenge.

The event provides an opportunity for children to showcase their own original toy and game inventions to toy and game industry professionals, members of media, and the general public.

Among the many featured prizes for the Grand Prize winners is

a trip to New York City, a toy and game development mentorship with Pressman Toy and Target, and a chance to have their winning game in Target stores throughout the country.

Engineering experience for Jerling girls

Orland District. 135 honors and celebrates local veterans As is tradition in Orland School District 135, Veterans Day was filled with student tributes that honored and thanked local veterans for their service.

Several district schools welcomed veterans and their families into their buildings to join in the celebration.

Meadow Ridge School reached out to alumni, and their assembly honored several former Mountain Lions who went on to serve in the military. Matthew Tybor, who attended Meadow Ridge in the late 1990s, spoke to students about his role in the Army as a medic. Tybor was deployed from 2012-13.

Orland Junior High School held a music assembly with a variety of speakers and visitors. They were visited by 2010 OJH graduate Rebecca Buhs, who now serves as a private first class Army Reserve Air Medic. She will be deployed for nine to 12 months to Kuwait and Syria. Prior to their assembly, Orland Junior High School students Erica Dennie and Doug Grecek laid a wreath at the village of Orland Park’s Veterans Day ceremony to honor their family members who had served in the armed forces.

High Point School heard a talk from Air Force Lt. Col. John Bryk, who also serves as an assistant superintendent for the District. Bryk spoke to students about being a hero in their own life, by helping friends and family and doing their best every day.

Assistant Superintendent Lt. Col. John Bryk poses with Jack Kinsella, Orland School District 135 band director, who is also a veteran.

Rebecca Buhs stands before a sea of Orland Junior High students as her former teacher,. John DiNovo, introduces her.

Century Junior High School held its annual Veterans Day breakfast, and students served a hot meal to the veterans and their families while the band played patriotic music in the background.

Each school prepared musical performances to honor the veterans in attendance. Essays, poems and cards were also shared to show appreciation for their service.

— Orland School District 135

Supplied photo

Jerling Jurnior High School students Sara Elagha, Sophia Jimenez and Mya St. Clair pose with Grace Brown, senior engineering major at the University of Illinois at Chicago, after creating circuits and learning what it takes to be an engineer as part of the Mom, Me & SWE program designed by the Society of Women Engineers program at the university. The program brought girls and their mothers together with other women interested in engineering Erica Dennie and Doug Grecek, Orland Junior High students, participate in the village of Orland Park’s Veterans earlier this month.

Day ceremony, laying a wreath for their veteran family members.

SCHOOL NOTES Southwest Chicago Christian offers free day of preschool Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn, 10110 S. Central Avenue, will host a “Free Day of Preschool” on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 9-11 am. For more information about this event or to register for the day, contact Carol at 636-8550.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Chicago Christian High holds recognition assembly

Supplied photo

Chicago Christian High School recently held its Recognition Assembly to honor students who displayed qualities of Academic Excellence, Christian character, Leadership, Scholarship, Hard Work, and Determination during the third quarter. Teachers from each department recognized students during an assembly at the school. The students were treated to a special lunch to celebrate their efforts. Pictured are (front row from left) Hannah Williams (Blue Island), Jill Vandyk (Tinley Park), Karlee Kuyvenhoven (Orland Park), Alyssa Rumbuc, Christa Janowiak (Orland Park), Bethany Regnerus (Palos Heights), Katlyn DeBlecourt (Mokena), Abby Sytsma (Palos Heights), Inesha Wiseman (Hazel Crest), Angela Cui (Hometown), Faith Tanis (Palos Park), Emma Dykstra (Palos Heights), Shannon Kuiper (Tinley Park), Carly Byrnes (Oak Lawn), Adeline Larson (Palos Heights), Summer Clark (Chicago) and Deanna LaVizzo (Midlothian). Back row from left: Allison Kooiman (Tinley Park), Teddy Kruzich (Evergreen Park), Cyril Nikolovski (Burr Ridge), Tony Reppmann (Evergreen Park), Brian Conley (Country Club Hills), Tommy Moran (Orland Park), John VanderWall (Orland Park), Zach Edgar (Tinley Park), Alex Kruzich (Evergreen Park), Brayden Roberts (Chicago), Charles Woodson Jr. (Dolton), Tahj Crofton (Country Club Hills), Jeffery Smith (Hazel Crest), Carson Lau (Mokena), Nate Rivera (Chicago), Kelly Duh (Crestwood), Elizabeth Czajkowski (Orland Park), and Catherine VanLonkhuzen (Palos Heights).

The Regional News

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Holiday Shoppe opens at McCord Construction will not interfere with the Holiday Shoppe at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center. Its 13th annual holiday shoppe will be open Mondays – Saturdays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Silk scarves, jewelry, fused glass dishes, picture frames, and ornaments of all shapes and sizes are among the handcrafted items that will be featured in this oneof-a-kind shoppe. The shoppe supports local artists as people fnd gifts for family and friends McCord Gallery & Cultural Center is at 9602 W. Creek Road (129th and LaGrange), Palos Park.

For more, call 671-0648 or visit www.mccordgallery.org.

Worth Township assessment appeals The Worth Township Assessor’s Office is now accepting appeals on behalf of the Cook County Board of Review for the assessed value of your home.

This appeal process will run until Tuesday, Dec. 6, for all homeowners in Worth Township. The staff will assist all Worth Township homeowners with filing the 2016 Real Estate Assessed Valuation Complaint and research comparable properties through Dec. 6.

The office is located at 11601 S Pulaski Road in Alsip.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The entrance to the Assessor’s Office is on the west (Pulaski Road) side

COMMUNITY NEWS

of the building and handicapped parking is available. For more, call the township Assessor’s office at 371-2900, ext. 46 or 47.

Holidays on Harlem and Kris Kringle Market The holiday season kicks off in downtown Palos Heights with the second Holidays on Harlem event on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 8 p.m.

The event will include the naming of winners of the annual tree-decorating contest in the Art Park, trolley rides, ice sculptures, s’mores stations and more. Merchants on Harlem and elsewhere in the city will offers a variety of discounts and specials.

New this year, the Holidays on Harlem celebration will also include an outdoor Kris Kringle market. It will take place on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Farmers Market location in the Municipal Parking lot, 12217 S Harlem Ave. Many local vendors will participate in the Market, along with area crafters and artisans. Hot drinks and delicious food items will be available. The Lights on Harlem Avenue will be lit at 6 p.m. Santa will visit, and face painting will be available for children.

Christmastime in Palos The Friends of the Palos Heights Library will hold Christmastime in Palos on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Palos Heights

Thursday, November 24, 2016

7

Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The free holiday event features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s crafts and face painting, music by Stagg High School’s Madrigal Singers, a sing-a-long with Palos Heights city officials, a holiday wreath drawing and silent book auction and snacks and refreshments provided by local businesses.

Special programs for children and adults include Spoon Moon at 10 a.m. and the Traverso Singers at 11:30 a.m.

Fireside Chat with Sheriff Tom Dart Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will be the guest speaker at the Palos-Orland League of Women Voters fireside chat on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., at Lake Katherine’s Eugene G. Simpson Clubhouse, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, in Palos Heights.

The meeting is open to the public and appetizers will be served.

Please RSVP to Charlene at cmotero@comcast.net.

Sheriff Dart oversees about 8,000 inmates in the Cook County Department of Corrections, 500 police officers and a staff of 100.

He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2009 for his innovative solutions to improve the life of inmates in Cook County Jail, including those with mental health issues.

For more information on the Fireside Chat, email Barbara at mspasq@aol.com.

One of the houses on last year’s Christmas Walk.

Photos by Patricia Bailey

Heights Women offer annual Christmas Walk, a yule favorite The Palos Height Woman’s Club’s annual Christmas Walk will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, starting with a full, hot breakfast at the Palos Country Club, 131st Street and Southwest Highway.

Guests can also shop at the holiday boutique with more than 20 vendors. The morning includes a Win-Win Raffle in which all are guaranteed a prize, the popular basket raffle and the sale of homemade cookies in one-half and

one- pound containers.

Starting at 11:30 a.m., the guests will then view several local homes decorated for the holidays.

Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance at Mona Lisa Boutique, 12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights.

This is the club’s main fund raiser with proceeds going to local charities and scholarships to Stagg and Shepard high school students, and a returning woman

scholarship to Moraine Community College.

This year there will include a special raffle with airfare and hotel in Las Vegas as the prize. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25. You do not have to attend the Walk to purchase tickets. Call Barb at 743-2621.

Barbara Campbell Deckinga, the club’s Ways & Means chairman, and her committee are organizing the popular event.

Joan Meyers, a past president of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club, shops at Bev Bronowski sell homemade cookthe vendors’ sale at Palos Country Club during a previous Christmas Walk. ies, an annual favorite.

LIBRARY NOTES Orland Park Library Photo by Patricia Bailey

Park Women send gift of life

The Palos Park Woman’s Club held their third annual blood drive with Heartland Blood Centers on Nov. 15 at the Palos Park Rec Center. Twenty donors gave the gift of life at the event. Mary Ann Parkins (center), the club’s health director, signed in donors and administered refreshments with the help of her committee, Evelyn Fitzgerald and Lillian Courtney. Because eating a meal after giving blood can help donors regain their energy and lost blood cells, Aurelio’s Pizza in Palos Heights gladly donated two pizzas every hour to the cause.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Southwest Suburban WOW The Southwest Suburban widow/widowers social club will meet Friday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Zion Church, 17100 S. 69th Ave. in Tinley Park.

The group meets monthly.

Beverages and snacks are served.

Entertainment is offered most months. The club offers support to widowed persons of all faiths and ages Some activities include restaurant outings, danc-

es, trips, theater, monthly games, discussion, interaction meetings and newcomers get acquainted meetings. For more, call Danell Chmura at 630-728-9368.

Tinley Moraine Genealogists Tinley Moraine Genealogists invite all to hear Kathy O’Leary present Getting the Most Out of Family Search on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m., at Tinley Public Li-

brary, 7851 Timber Drive. Doors open at 6:30.

Familysearch.org is a free genealogical resource that has many features you may not know about such as wiki, digitized books and more. O’Leary has been a reference librarian for more than 30 years. The group’s newsletter editor for 10 years, she has given numerous presentations on beginning genealogy, searching the Internet and researching Canadian Irish records, to name a few.

• Cozy Corner Bedtime Storytime – this Friday, at 7 p.m.

Children ages 4 and older with a parent or caregiver. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal.

• Find Frosty the Snowman – Nov. 26 thru Dec. 31 Help find Frosty before he melts. He is hiding somewhere on the library shelves. Find him and be entered into a drawing to win a winter prize. Frosty will change his location every Monday morning.

• Bright Starts Family Storytime– Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. Children of all ages with a parent or caregiver.

• Discovery Depot! – Nov. 26, from 1-4 p.m. Children grades K-8 stop in and discover or create something new each week at Discovery Depot maker-space station.

• Photoshop Basics – Nov. 30 at 11:30 a.m. Adults will see a demonstration of image editing and tools used.

• Pinterest Palooza – Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Adults come craft with us! Jump into the holiday season by creating a pine cone tree decoration using terra cotta pots, paint and more. Please note this program is for ages 18 and older.

• Managing Digital Photos with Google Photos – Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Adults will learn to manage your photos with Google Photos.

For more information, visit orlandparklibrary.org. The library is at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Ph. 428-5205.

Palos Heights Library upcoming programs

Night of poetry at Palos Park library

Photo by Patricia Bailey

The Palos Park Woman’s Club partnered with the Palos Park Park Library to bring local author Vijay K. Chopra to last Thursday night’s poetry readings presentation at the library. Chopra shared personal and insightful poems from his book, “The Colors of Leaves.” A donation was made to the ALS Foundation on his behalf in memory of his first wife. Shown are woman’s club President Lucy Crocilla (from left), author Vijay Chopra, library Adult Program Coordinator Rene Leyva, and PPWC Arts Chair Janice Marco-Bottger.

• Christmas in Williamsburg– Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg is a magical place during the Christmas season.

Candles shine in the windows and the houses are decorated with wreaths, swags of fruit, dried flowers and other natural decorations.

Join Nancy McCully as she takes a look at the beautiful decorations, discusses Williamsburg’s role as the colonial capital of Virginia, and demonstrates how you can make your own Williamsburg style decorations.

• 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.

Heights library youth programs • Pokemon & Shopkins Show & Tell Night - Pokemon fans can get together once a month to trade cards, show off your favorites and possibly win a new pack to add to your collection on Monday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. No registration is

needed.

• Art a la Carte: Dinosaur Painting - Tuesday, Nov. 29, 4 p.m., 8 years up. Kids will create their own dinosaur painting with guidance from an art instructor.

Minimum of 10 required, 20 max.

All supplies provided.

• After School Club - Students in grades 1-3 are welcome to visit the library’s After School Club on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m.

Registration is advised.

All programs are free and open to everyone at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.palosheightslibrary.org, call 448-1473, or stop by the Youth Services desk.

HEALTH & FITNESS

8 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News

Holiday open house and tours at Mercy Circle Share the spirit on Sunday, Dec. 4

Mercy Circle, a continuing care retirement community located at 3659 W. 99th St. in Chicago, will host the second of two open house events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4.

These events provide an opPhoto by Patricia Bailey portunity to meet Mercy Circle staff members and tour the retirement community, which opened in Military veterans, family and friends gathered in the Palos Park Rec Center and were treated to a luncheon served 2013. Holiday refreshments will by the Palos Park Woman’s Club and Garden Guild, both of which provided desserts, after Palos Park’s Veterans be served and complimentary Day ceremony on Nov. 11. The meal was catered by Jack and Pat’s in Chicago Ridge. parking is available by entering the lot from 99th Street.

“We are so excited to invite our neighbors to the Mercy Circle open house this holiday season,” says Frances Lachowicz, executive director of the senior living center. “We are proud of our community and the quality services we provide.”

“I am very passionate about working with seniors,” says Se-

Vets treated to lunch

nior Living Adviser Marge Everett says, “When they tell me their life stories, I learn what’s important to them. My role is to help older adults plan for their future, which is a very fulfilling responsibility.”

Welcoming older adults from all walks of life, Mercy Circle is a continuing care retirement community on the southwest side of Chicago near the Village of Evergreen Park. The not-for-profit has a no-entrance-fee policy and a five-star CMS rating. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest, it is the only faith-based retirement community in the area.

Mercy Circle offers spacious apartments for independent living residents, along with generous amenities, enrichment programs and services including a dining program. In addition to engagement programs and services de-

Marge Everett, senior living advisor

signed especially for each setting, Mercy Circle also provides healthcare and services for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care residents.

For more information or to schedule a private appointment, call (773) 253-3600.

HEALTH BEAT Orland Township Immunization Clinic

Supplied photo

Shepard High School junior Jimmy Mundo is shown Students belonging to Leo Club serve dinner at the with his grandmother Sharon Mundo, of Palos Heights, Moonlight Harvest Senior Citizen Dance at Shepard at Shepard’s Moonlight Harvest Senior Citizen Dance.

High School.

Seniors enjoy Moonlight Harvest Dance at Shepard Although the Teddy Lee Orchestra had finished for the evening, the Shepard High School students and their guests were not ready to go home.

Instead, they asked the band to play some line music. The students, members of Leo Club, wanted to teach the senior citizens a few things.

“After the band finished, the

kids got the band to play some line dance songs – ‘Cha Cha Slide’ and ‘Wobble,’” said faculty co-sponsor Jennifer Spellman. “All the kids were dancing, and then one of our students grabs the hand of a senior to show him how to do the dance.”

It was a great close to a wonderful night.

“We had more student volun-

teers than ever,” Spellman said of the Moonlight Harvest Senior Citizen Dance, an annual event at Shepard for more than a decade.

The event featured a catered dinner, dancing, raffles, and bingo.

Leo Club, the high school affiliate of Lions Clubs International, sponsors the Moonlight Harvest Dance.

Smith Crossing executive director: greatest holiday gift for older and younger adults—doing fun things together Many older adults have accumulated an abundance of cherished mementos and possessions, leaving family members stumped for holiday gift ideas. “Smith Crossing residents and their families are typical in this respect,” said Frank Guajardo, executive director of the life plan community at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park.

“Our residents really don’t want for much in the way of material things. When family members ask them for gift ideas, they often say, ‘How about going somewhere or having lunch together?’”

Many families have made a tradition of dining at Macy’s Walnut Room on State Street downtown or going to see the Nutcracker ballet at Auditorium Theatre downtown, Guajardo said. “And there are plenty of holiday-related activities right here in Orland Park and surrounding communities. Just look at any local community calendar.”

Much like the Village of Orland Park website, which highlights local activities, Smith Crossing produces its own monthly calendars listing a variety events and programs for residents in its three lifestyle settings—independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. Activities include: field trips to local attractions, a bus tour of Christmas lights and holiday decorations at area homes and businesses, holiday concerts, movie screenings, food demos, live entertainment, horticulture workshops, craft workshops, lectures and language classes.

Family members and friends are welcomed to join residents for many activities.

For sharing meals with family, the Smith Crossing Bistro offers a variety of hearty lunch selections, and the main dining room features dinners prepared by an executive chef.

“Sharing a delicious meal is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays,” Guajardo said. Many residents and their families enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at Smith Crossing as well.

Observing holiday traditions

Photo by Waldemar Reichert

Smith Crossing executive director Frank Guajardo suggests special ways to enjoy the holidays with older adults.

together is another great gift for older adults, said Guajardo. Some of our residents bake several varieties of holiday cookies in their apartment kitchens. Time spent baking is a gift that keeps on giving, because the bakers often share their cookies with family members and friends.

“For older adults, enjoying the holidays is not about receiving presents,” says Amie Swim, resident services director at Smith Crossing. “It’s more about enjoying the season. For some older adults, this might include an exciting outing to a downtown Chicago destination, but for others it can involve something simple, like putting up holiday decorations, watching the snow fall, listening to holiday music and sharing some hot cocoa. It’s really more about sharing special moments.”

Guajardo and Swim offer the following tips for younger generations wanting to make the most of holidays with older adults: Think more in terms of sharing time than giving presents. Some older adults are extremely fit and others the same age are not, so activities can range from taking a walk on a snowy day to sharing a quiet meal.

When planning outings, consider an older adult’s mobility and endurance. For those who struggle with balance, strive to

avoid climbing many stairs and extensive walking.

Encourage practical footwear and the use of walking aids.

Take along necessary medications and bottled water.

For those who may tire easily, consider planning holiday gatherings earlier in the day, or designate someone to drive your family member or senior friend home.

Try involving older adults and younger generations in fun and easy tasks, such as passing out presents, stirring cookie dough or setting tables. Be flexible and employ a sense of humor if things don’t go exactly as planned.

For adults challenged with memory loss, consider planning a quiet dinner with just immediate family members. Or set aside a room as a quiet respite from noisy children and loud festivities.

“The holidays yield richer and more rewarding experiences when older and younger generations come together,” Guajardo said. “For 92 years, Smith Senior Living, our sponsor, has supported families in sharing fun times—both during the holidays and throughout the year.”

About Smith Crossing

Smith Crossing is one of only 10 life plan communities in Illinois awarded a five-year accreditation for “exemplary conformance” to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the industry’s sole accrediting body.

Sponsored by Smith Senior Living, a not-for-profit organization serving older adults since 1924, it provides spacious residences and engaging programs for independent living, as well as assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care.

It also provides short-term rehabilitation services for residents and others requiring assistance after surgery or a medical incident.

For more information about Smith Crossing, call 708-326-2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org.

Orland Township will host its monthly immunization clinic on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Flu shots will also be available on this day.

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 (not applicable to those with Medicaid). An up-todate 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, Meningococcal B, MMR, IPV, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Tdap and Varicella.

Adult vaccines that are available include HPV, Pneumococcal, Hep A, Tuberculosis, Hep B, Tdap, IPV, Meningococcal, Meningococcal B, Hep A-Hep B, MMR,Varicella and Shingles.

For additional clinic dates and adult immunization prices, visit www.orlandtownship.org.

to attend a memory support group at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane (enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street), will hold an open forum discussion led by its life enrichment director Dana Mahler and social services director Amy Majcina. Light refreshments will be served before the meeting ends at 7:30 p.m.

To reserve a seat, call 708-3262300 or email to familyandfreinds@smithcrossing.org.

Wellness Program for Orland Twp. residents

Residents in need of medical services may purchase a discounted Wellness Program voucher at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Avenue, 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 percent. The services include allergy and immunology ($75), adult and children’s physicals ($40 and $35), podiatry screenings ($30 and $25-senior), dermatology consultation ($120), dental screenings ($15), dental examinations and cleanings ($50), dental examinations, cleanings and x-rays ($100), physical therapy ($45) vision examinations ($45) and chiropractic examinations ($45).

Health screenings at Residents may choose a particPalos Township ipating doctor from the Wellness Palos Township is sponsoring Program doctors’ list, which can be health screenings on Tuesday, Dec. found at www.orlandtownship.org, 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Palos and once the voucher is purchased, Township Health Service, 10802 an appointment can be scheduled S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. directly with the doctor’s office.

Vitamin D screening is $25, For more on the Wellness ProThyroid screening is $15, Healthy gram, call (708) 403-4222.

Heart screening is $60 and includes CBC, blood chemistry, coronary risk profile, blood oxygen and Hearing screenings at Orland Township more (an $800 value).

Testing is open to residents and South Suburban Hearing Health non-residents. Checks and credit Center will be at Orland Township, cards are accepted. Cash must be 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., to conduct exact. Call 598-2441 to schedule free hearing screenings on the first an appointment.

Wednesday of the month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Orland Hearing Aid Center, Smith Crossing support 12910 S. LaGrange Road, will group for caregivers of also be conducting free hearing people with dementia screenings at the township on the Smith Crossing, a life plan third Tuesday of the month from community, is inviting residents 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in or near Orland Park who are An appointment is necessary; caregivers of older adults with call 403-4222.

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

Free CPR classes at Orland Township Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., is hosting free CPR classes for both seniors and adults ages 16-54.

The classes are led by instructors from the Orland Fire Protection District and certificates will be distributed upon completion.

Additional classes, including health care provider CPR, which includes certification, are also held monthly at the fire department’s Station 3. Dates and times may be found at www.orlandfire.org.

Learn the required skills and gain the confidence to take charge in a medical emergency; it may help save the life of a spouse, family member or friend. Registration is required, so call 403-4222 to reserve a seat.

Meningococcal disease vaccine at Orland Twp. Orland Township is now offering meningococcal B vaccine for serogroup B at monthly immunization clinics. The new meningococcal B vaccine is available free of charge to eligible children 18 and under. This new vaccine is offered in addition to the meningococcal for protection against serogroups A, C, W and Y. Meningococcal B vaccine is intended for children 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B including: People at risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak; Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed Anyone with a rare immune system condition called “persistent complement component deficiency” Anyone taking a drug called eculizumab (also called Soliris®) Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of N. meningitides These vaccines may also be given to anyone 16 through 23 years old to provide short-term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease; 16 through 18 years are the preferred ages for vaccination.

For best protection, more than one dose of a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine is needed. The same vaccine must be used for all doses. Ask your health care provider about the number and timing of doses.

For more information on meningococcal b vaccine, call 403-4222.

SENIOR NOTES Orland Fire Dist. annual senior luncheon The Orland Fire Protection District will hold its annual senior luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the district’s administrative building, at 9790 W. 151st St. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets cost $10 each; proceeds will help support the district’s senior education services. Guests will learn about the district and its services and meet other senior living in the district.

To attend, call Joan Pickens at the administration building at 3490074 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Worth Township senior holiday luncheon The Worth Township senior luncheon will be held Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 11:30 to 2 p.m., at Worth Township, 11601 S. Pulaski

Road in Alsip.

Cost is $15, registration required. Lunch from Country House Restaurant includes chicken limone, Italian sausage with peppers onions, double-baked mashed potatoes, Door County salad, rolls and butter, water/soda, dessert).

Entertainment by the Madrigal Singers from Evergreen Park High School. An optional $10 grab bag exchange will also be held (unisex gifts preferred).

Register and pay by Dec. 6 (no refunds). Call 708-371-2900, ext. 28.

Answers

Sudoku

Puzzle on Page 11

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BUSINESS

The Regional News

COMINGS & GOINGS

Put Thanksgiving lessons to work in your financial plans Photo by Bob Bong

Red Robin opens in Chicago Ridge

Greco’s reopens in Willow Springs The Oct. 28 fire that destroyed the Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs also knocked out its neighbor, Greco’s of Willow Springs.

The Italian restaurant at 8850 Archer Ave. was saved from the flames by firefighters, but it lost all of its food when electricity and gas was shut off because of the fire at the Willowbrook.

In addition to restocking its pantry, the restaurant had to sanitize its walls, ceilings and carpets.

With the help of a business restoration company, Greco’s reopened its doors to the public Saturday night.

The restaurant thanked its customers on its Facebook page: “Again, we would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words. We are so grateful to be doing what we love and to have made so many wonderful friends through the years.”

For information, call the restaurant at 708-839-0333.

Arcade, trampoline park open in Orland Park Gizmos Fun Factory opened earlier this month in an outlot at Orland Square Mall in Orland

BOB BONG Park.

The 47,000-square-foot arcade opened Nov. 4 and is sharing space with Carson’s Furniture Gallery and Charter Fitness at 66 Orland Square Drive in the far southeast parking lot of the shopping mall.

The arcade features laser tag, go karts, zip lines, bumper cars, climbing walls and games all under one roof.

Prices start at $22.99 for a wristband that is good for four hours of unlimited play on everything except laser tag during the week.

Gizmos is open from 4-10 p.m.

Monday to Thursday, from 4-11 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call 708-9498948 or visit the website at www. gizmosfunfactory.com.

Two doors down from Gizmos is Sky Zone Trampoline Park, which opened late last month in the same building in Orland Park.

The 30,000-square-foot allwalled trampoline center features a Main Court for free jumping, a Foam Zone with jumping into a foam pit, Ultimate Dodgeball courts and Sky Slam basketball courts.

The Orland location opened Oct. 26 and is the company’s fifth in Illinois with a sixth planned.

A Sky Zone park opened earlier this year in Joliet.

All ages are welcome, but trampolines can be dangerous so a Sky Zone liability waiver is required for each jumper (those under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian).

Parents are not allowed to jump in the same square as children.

Prices start at $16 for a 60-minute activity pass. Sky socks are required and are available for $3.

Hours are from 4-8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, from 3-10 p.m.

Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call 708-9662399 or visit www.skyzone.com/ orlandpark.

Popeyes coming to Mokena A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is under construction and now hiring in Mokena.

The Atlanta-based restaurant chain is famous for its Cajun-style cooking and chicken.

The new location will be at 19814 S. LaGrange Road in the Mokena Towne Square shopping center. It most recently was a short-lived Dixie Chicken joint and was a longtime home of a KFC/A&W combo restaurant.

The owner, a franchisee who operates three other Popeyes and other restaurant brands, is expected to spend about $500,000 remodeling the building.

Applications may be submitted to www.snagajob.com.

The new Popeyes will be the chain’s 10th in the south suburbs.

La Senza now open in Orland Park A new Canadian-based lingerie shop is now open at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

La Senza opened last week on upper level Macy’s wing near Express and Sephora.

The store is a cousin of Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works, which are all part of L Brands Inc. The Orland Park location is only the fourth La Senza store in the United States. One opened earlier this year at Southlake Mall in Hobart, Ind. Both malls are owned and operated by Simon Property Group.

The store opened Nov. 16 and has the same hours as the mall.

Marcus opens restaurant in Orland Park Marcus has finally opened its Reel Sizzle diner at its Orland Park cinema at 16350 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The Reel Sizzle features diner fare such as burgers and chicken tenders as well as milk shakes.

Customers can take their food and drinks into the show with them.

It’s the first of many planned improvements at the Orland Park location.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

FASHION CHAT

A luxurious base for your holiday-wear As baffled as I feel at the need to acknowledge it, the holidays are here. Thanksgiving is already this week, and as the retail stores so diligently remind us, Christmas and New Year’s are just around the corner. As we take time to prepare our festivities, travels, and gifts, we also become happily burdened by the task of planning our most stylish celebration ensembles. To start with the basics, let us chat about the perfect undergarments.

Who is better to chat with than the expert European sophisticates behind Moi Soli.

During the recent tour of Latino Fashion Week in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to model a dress by this luxury ready-to-wear lingerie and nightwear concept. A friend of mine with whom I have modeled numerous times, Beba Georgieva, has joined forces with Daina Kaleja to develop Moi Soli.

Years of experience in the fashion industry in conjunction with their business educations make the two well equipped in this effort to expose high-quality European brands to the Chicago-area marketplace.

Designed and handmade entirely in Europe, the Moi Soli customer is guaranteed a singular creation with personal embellishments and craftsmanship. When we think about our celebration looks, the perfect pop of lace at the neckline, the most graceful legwear, or the elegant whisper

9

FINANCIAL FOCUS

A Sky Zone trampoline park is now open at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is now open at Chicago Ridge Mall.

The Colorado-based restaurant officially opened Monday at the north end of the mall near the Sears store.

To help celebrate the grand opening, Red Robin will donate all sales of its signature Freckled Lemonade, through Nov. 27, to its national charity partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer.

The gourmet hamburger chain offers more than two dozen kinds of burgers with 100 different toppings. It also offers free refills on its steak fries. The menu also offers a variety of salads, entrees, soups and wraps.

The Chicago Ridge location will be open the same hours as the mall.

The new restaurant will be the chain’s second Southland location.

A Red Robin opened a few years ago in Orland Park.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

CAROLINE FOREMAN of a silk bodice carry the look to the chicest fruition.

Moi Soli presents that European aesthetic of lingerie-inspired fashions for day and eveningwear as well. Through the use of fabrics such as lace, silk, and chiffon, the style is sleek yet cheeky in creatively crafted looks that are appropriate for everything from a gala, cocktail party, simple evening out, or even beachwear.

The garments are handmade in Latvia by the designer Amoralle.

Beba said, “We are also working on acquiring more brands as we continue to grow, but we are still a baby company as we just had our launch last year at Latino Fashion Week.” The duo also specializes in private events. Beba described, “We cater to the need of the sophisticated woman. There’s no need to go to the stores when you can have Moi Soli bring the sass to your next Girls Night In. It’s perfect for wedding showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties with a shopping event, and so many more personalized ideas.”

Beba was born and raised in

Bulgaria. Since the age of 15, she has harnessed an obsession with fashion, which influenced her to model and network within the Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami industries. Her dynamic role as Marketing Director at a Chicago law firm has granted Beba the opportunity to learn how to maintain the online presence of a company and manage its events.

She puts these skills to further use for Moi Soli.

Born and raised in Latvia, Daina has also been passionate about fashion and art since young age.

After working as a hair stylist and model for several years, Daina attained a degree in business from DePaul University. Her current position involves the handling of customer relations, organizing corporate events, and social media coverage. This experience and passion has similarly transformed into the Moi Soli concept.

Undergarments are the foundation of a perfectly executed look, so look no further than our locally accessible European luxury at Moi Soli. Since fashion graces us with the chance to look as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside, the basics are key. Then you will see the wonderful task of planning your holiday wardrobes come together seamlessly.

Caroline Foreman is a fashion model, writer and critic.

Thanksgiving is almost here. Over the years, this holiday has taken on a variety of meanings, most of them centered on family, caring and sharing. You can carry these same values past Thanksgiving into your daily life — and you can certainly incorporate them into your financial strategies for taking care of your loved ones.

So, here are a few suggestions: • Protect your family. If something were to happen to you, could your family pay the mortgage? Could your children still afford to go to college someday? To protect your family’s current lifestyle and long-term goals, you may well need to maintain adequate life and disability insurance. Your employer may offer these types of protection as employee benefits, but the coverage might be insufficient for your needs.

Consequently, you might need to supplement your employer-paid insurance with additional policies.

• Invest in your children. If you have young children, and you’d like to see them go to college someday, you may want to start putting money away toward that goal. You can save and invest for college in a variety of ways, but one popular method is through a 529 plan, which offers high contribution limits and potential tax advantages. Plus, a 529 plan gives you significant control and flexibility: — if you establish a plan for one child, but he or she decides not to go to college, you can name another child as the recipient.

• Be generous. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make meaningful financial gifts to your family.

For example, if you have grown children, consider helping them fund their IRAs. You can’t contribute directly to a child’s IRA, but you can write checks to your children for that purpose — though, of course, they are then free to do whatever they want with the money. It’s not always easy for a young person to “max out” on an IRA, which has an annual contribution limit of $5,500 for workers under 50, so any help you can give your children in this area

Jim Van Howe Edward Jones

should be greatly appreciated.

• Safeguard your own financial independence.

Almost certainly, one of the most undesirable outcomes you can imagine is to become financially dependent on your grown children. Even if you save and invest diligently throughout your working years, you could still be vulnerable to financial dependency if you need an extensive period of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. These costs can be enormous, and Medicare typically pays only a small percentage, and usually for just a limited time. To protect your financial freedom, you should explore ways of addressing long-term care costs. A financial professional can explain those alternatives that may be appropriate for your situation.

• Communicate your wishes to your family. At some point in your life, you will need to draw up your estate plans, which could include a will, a living trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive and other documents. To be fair to your children and other family members, and to avoid hurt feelings, you should clearly communicate your plans and your wishes while you are still around.

Thanksgiving means more than turkey and football.

And if you can successfully apply the lessons of this holiday to your financial plans, both you and your family will have reason to be thankful.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Mega Millions ticket worth $1 mil. sold in Palos Heights If you bought a Mega Millions ticket in Palos Heights recently, you may want to check it right away! A Palos Heights store sold a $1 million winning ticket for Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven, 11900 S. Harlem Ave., and matched the first five numbers – 31 - 32 49 - 55 - 58 – (15) – to win $1

million in last Friday’s drawing.

The Illinois Lottery urges the lucky winner to immediately sign the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place until they visit one of the Lottery’s five Prize Centers in Chicago, Des Plaines, Rockford, Springfield or Fairview Heights. Winners have one year from the original drawing date to claim their prize.

7-Eleven will receive a bonus

of $10,000, or one percent of the prize amount, for selling a winning ticket. More than 49,000 players in Illinois won prizes ranging from $1 to $500 in this Mega Millions drawing. The Mega Millions drawings take place Tuesday and Friday nights at 10:00 p.m.

For more information, visit illinoislottery.com.

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

Orland Park First Midwest Bk Tr to Maravilla Stanislav C, 7960 Sequoia Ct, $290,000; Lordis George to Swanson Ralph G, 15506 Orlan Brook Dr, Unit #250, $125,000; Escamilla Jose L to Murphy Damara F, 7839 Sequoia Ct, $275,000; Sabre Investments LLC to Settle Jared C, 7801 143rd St, $290,000; Dzieginski Eugene A to Rose Aaron, 15631 Frances Ln, $315,000; Farrell Christopher M to Hourani Feras, 8700 Butterfield Ln, $367,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Marth Enterprises Inc, 11249 167th St, $475,000; Drabeck John T to Hunt Lisa M, 8531 Fir St, $266,500; Blackmon Michael to Velasco Evelyn, 15721 Old Orchard Ct, Unit #157212N, $148,000; US Bank Tr to Almassad Malek M, 144 Silo Ridge North, $595,500; Shin Edward S Tr to Abdelmajid Muhannad, 8007 Trafalgar Ct, $425,000; Grannan Christina to White Sean, 15249 Catalina Dr, Unit #152492, $111,000; Dathe Walter C Tr to Harling Sandra L, 15639 Garden View Ct, Unit #21A, $119,000; Glynn Brenda K to Carlson John C, 8706 Powers Ct, $285,000; Stukus Joanne C Tr to Buikema Cara A, 11258 Lakefield Dr, $234,000; Sink Brian E to Heiser Paige M, 9024 W 140th St, Unit #90243C, $95,000; Walter Sylvia to Gittings Tanya, 17631 Ryan Ln, $290,000; Moore Timothy J to Kovarik Christopher L, 17625 Allison Ln, $325,000; Beaver Dorothy Tr to Gentile Silvana, 15229 Catalina Dr, Unit #G2C, $93,000;

Schonauer Thomas A to Velarde Norma A, 15405 Sunflower Ct, $277,500; Miller Mary C Trust to Lovitt David W Sr, 8842 W 140th St, Unit #2B, $119,000; Satterly Joel to Agostino Mark A, 15241 Heather Ct, $287,000; Smolenski Kurt to Medalis Jason, 15235 Huntington Ct, $200,000; Mann Michael N to Zmysly Aimee Gdn, 14202 Selva Ln, $465,000; Rounds-Kos Joanne Tr to Omeara Margaret, 8334 140th St, $147,000; Mcgeever Martin J to Miller Nicholas W, 15451 Treetop Dr, Unit #2N, $104,000; Madonia Joseph M Tr to Fiore Stephen A, 15530 Plum Tree Dr, $236,000; Karsens Mary A to Clark Brad G, 14212 S Ashford Ct, $433,000; Drew William M to Drew Julie M, 9347 Waterford Ln, Unit D, $145,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Layton Nicholas, 15330 S La Grange Rd, Unit #14764B1S, $84,500 Gamino Nicholas A to Valentin Ruth R, 14763 Montgomery Dr, $170,000; Judicial Sales Corp to JB Real Estate Fund LLC Series 7505,

7505 Tiffany Dr, Unit #2D, $70,000.

Palos Heights Klecka Marilyn Tr to Mcglynn Linda R Tr, 13438 Westview Dr, Unit #13438, $290,000; Coffey Joan M Tr to Phillips Suzanne, 7701 Oak Ridge Ct, Unit #77012B, $177,000; Mance Steven C to Osullivan Cornelius J III, 12831 S Oak Park Ave, $284,000; First Midwest Bk to Tomaszewski Jan M, 53 E Parliament Dr, Unit #140, $156,000; Jackfert Paula J Tr to Dziadkowiec Janina, 7641 W 123rd Pl, $340,000; Banco Popular North Amer to Najjar Raed R, 12641 S 76th Ave, $390,000; Post Peter M Jr to Coffey Cynthia, 12648 S Central Ave, $235,000.

Palos Park Thomas Cheryl to Harms Glenn R, 27 Commons Dr, $250,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Jones Rginald, 11820 Brookside Dr, Unit #1039, $247,500; Reed Lillian to Qandeel Nevin, 10650 Wildwood Trl, $437,000; Chernak Thomas R to Velasquez Hernan M, 49 Birchwood Dr, $435,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of November 21)

30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.160 0 3.250 3.305 0 4.250 4.295 0

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

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.146 0 3.375 3.411 0 3.250 3.303 0

30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.047 .25 3.750 3.814 .25 3.250 3.314 .25

United Trust Bank (as of November 21)

Prospect Federal (as of November 21)

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

10 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Multi-Parish Respect Life series The Multi Parish Respect Life Ministries Knowledge and Prayer series will close its fifth year of programming with a special Holy Hour for Life, Marriage and Family at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at St. Bernard’s Parish, 13030 W. 143rd.

St., in Homer Glen.

Part of the program will be a special showing of the new short film “Sing a Little Louder.” This sobering, yet hopeful film, is a wake-up call to all to be pro-active against the forces arrayed against families, marriage, life and faith.

Film suitable for teens and up. Join for fellowship after the program.

This program is sponsored by the Multi Parish Respect Life Ministries from St. Bernard’ & Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen and Our Lady of the Woods, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Michael in Orland Park.

Christmas Cantata at Wayside Chapel

Supplied photo

Final Father Stanley Rudcki Heritage Concert

The final Father Stanley R. Rudcki Heritage Christmas ConThe Center Singers will perform “All Is Well” at both vespers services this Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the Wayside Chapel at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. All are welcome cert conducted by Patrick Mooney will be given Sunday, Dec. 4, at to join the celebration with this telling of the Christmas story. For more, call 361-3650.

3 p.m., at St. Alexander Church, 7025 W. 126th St., Palos Heights.

Organizer Paul Knez said this will be the final concert because the concert fund established by Father Stan’s family after his death in 2013 has been exhausted.

Donations to Elim will double on upcoming #GivingTuesday On #GivingTuesday, Elim Christian Services is asking you and your neighbors to help. When you support Elim on this national day of giving you will double the impact, because the Coleman Foundation has generously offered to match online donations to Elim on #GivingTuesday.

If you wish to join the #GivingTuesday phenomenon and bless hundreds of children and adults served by Elim, you can visit www.elimcs.org or call 708293-6529 – and when you do so between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 29, you will make double the difference

in the lives of individuals with disabilities this holiday season.

“We are praying for an outpouring of support from Elim’s partners and the community,” shares Dan Vander Plaats, Director of Advancement. “Elim is a tremendous cause with an amazing mission and life-changing impact. We invite folks to engage in the Elim community and get a sense of the love, acceptance, and values that are lived out each day at Elim. We hope to connect thousands more people to Elim’s community this year, and help each one understand the value and importance of our neighbors who live with

disabilities.” #GivingTuesday is an annual global day of giving that occurs on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to kick off the Christmas season. This annual day of giving has become the single largest day of philanthropy worldwide, in just a few short years.

Learn more about Elim and #GivingTuesday on Elims’ website (www.elimcs.org) or by contacting Laura Schnyders at 2936509 or by email at lschnyders@ elimcs.org.

— Elim Christian Services

Do it Yourself ‘Messiah’ at Peace Memorial Church Peace Memorial Church, 10300 W. 131st St. in Palos Park, will hold a Do It Yourself ‘Messiah’ at 2 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 11.

Professional musicians and soloists will provide the accompaniment, and Robert Mohr will direct.

The audience is the chorus, but people may attend and listen only.

Scores will be available for sale at $10 each, cash please.

Part I , traditionally called the Christmas section, and the Hallelujah Chorus will be performed, and will take about an hour.

Call 448-7833 or email pkueltzo@pmcucc.org to register; no ticket required. A free-will offering will be received.

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The Regional News

Thursday, November 24, 2016

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

50 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Nov. 24, 1966

The Board of education is asking the voters of District 230 to approve a bond referendum on Dec. 3 for the construction of additions to both Sandburg and Stagg high schools. The architects’ sketch shows the areas to be added to the Stagg school if the building program receives voters’ approval. Space would be allocated for more classrooms, science labs, a swimming pool, and expansion of the library [and more]. This would bring total capacity of the school to about 1,900 students.

11

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Halloween costume part 5 640 acres: Abbr.

9 Longtime employee 14 Death Valley’s is the lowest in North Amer.

15 Mammoth feature 16 China’s Zhou __ 17 “Dirty Jobs” host Mike 18 County Kerry’s isle 19 Deep chasm 20 *Manhattan site of Strawberry Fields 23 “So long” 24 Young horse 25 One from Nairobi 27 Ultimate conclusion 30 Made of oak, e.g.

32 Small swallow 33 Pumps or clogs 35 Thin piece of change 38 __ out a living 39 *Prepare for printing 42 Guy’s partner 43 Bank (on) 45 Glue in a hobbyist’s kit 46 “Let me think ... “ 47 Utter madness 50 Michelangelo masterpieces 52 Tallied, with “up” 54 Group after boomers 55 “How relaxing!”

56 Process for selecting theatrical performers, and a hint to the first word of the answers to starred clues 62 Bit of luck 64 Place for koi 65 Prefix with distant 66 Italian ball game 67 Woodworking tool 68 Put on a pouty face 69 Filled (in), as a comic strip 70 Frog’s kiddie-lit friend 71 Yard event

Down 1 Bygone Ford division, for short 2 Sunburn soother 3 Stitched up 4 Complain 5 Furtive 6 Comforter to get comfy in 7 Car sticker abbr.

8 Swedish furniture chain 9 Didn’t hold water 10 Having five sharps, musically 11 *Untrustworthy, as a business 12 Course that’s good for one’s GPA 13 Ascended 21 Barnyard perch 22 MGM rival 26 Homer’s nice neighbor 27 Password creator 28 High-speed highway 29 *Word processor error

finder 30 Teary-eyed 31 Bone, in Italian 34 Oil gp. with 12 member nations 36 Papa’s partner 37 Stately shade trees 40 Paid out 41 Making, as a knot 44 Big laugh 48 Did some smooching 49 Aquafresh tube letters 51 Overabundance 52 Talmud expert 53 Brother of Moses 54 Tokyo shopping district 57 Petty quarrel 58 Chore list heading 59 Greenish-blue 60 Temporary calm 61 Similar to 63 Unreturnable serve (Answers on Page 8)

SUDOKU

20 Years Ago This Week

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 Nov. 28, 1996

No one knows yet what will replace Rizza Buick in Palos Heights. Sometime early next year Joe Rizza Buick on the northeast corner of Harlem Avenue and College Drive will pull out of Palos Heights and move to Orland Park, taking with it the sales tax revenues of $200,000 to $250,000 the city has enjoyed lately from the sale of automobiles there.

(Answers on Page 8)

Photo by Joe Boyle

WHATIZIT? This clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Fab image.

Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net.

We had several readers who knew last week’s Whatizit photo quiz.

The correct answer is the Tree Nursery near the entrance of Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St., Oak Lawn. The garden, which is at the northwest corner of the school along 99th Street, is under the supervision of the Village of Oak Lawn, the Oak Lawn Park District and School District 123.

Answering correctly were Kathy and Dan Higgins, of Chicago Ridge. Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum also knew it was the Tree Nursery. Oak Lawn residents Jane Foley and Jan Schaller also had the right answers.

10 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Nov. 23, 2006

McCord gift shop benefits the arts: Jeanette Wood, treasurer of the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center foundation (left), and artist Mary Fran Basso, of Palos Park, look over the handmade rooster for sale at the Holiday Gift Shoppe being held at the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road (129th and La Grange Road) in Palos Park. A large selection of rare and unique gifts created by artisans throughout the Midwest is available in all price ranges at the annual holiday boutique. Choices include jewelry, painted glass, note cards, ornaments, pottery, sculpture, paintings, prints and folk art.

Call 708-448-4000!

The Regional News

12 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News

Palos Park Recreation Center 8901 West 123rd Street

Supplied photos

Lake Katherine Operations Manager Gareth Blakesley enjoys time amid nature at Lake Katherine.

Give up the Internet for Thanksgiving and take a walk in nature instead

By Charlotte Ward

Lake Katherine Nature Center Thanksgiving may be upon us, but it seems post-election divisions still dog the nation.

You only have to log on to Facebook to see jubilant and dismayed voters coming to blows over the political future of the country.

But with Thanksgiving reminding us all to be grateful, this is the perfect time to log off and enjoy quality time with loved ones walking in nature.

“In this day and age it is increasingly important to disconnect from all the information that bombards us all the time,” says Lake Katherine’s Operations Manager Gareth Blakesley. “Taking a stroll

in a natural area is one of the best ways to release stress. Being in nature lowers cortisol (a stress hormone), allows us to refocus, and has even been proven to improve cognitive ability.”

Numerous studies have proven that time spent in nature can promote feelings of wellbeing and reduce stress and anger. Walking is also a great way to burn off the extra calories from over-eating – something all are prone to on Turkey Day. “Walking around the lake at Lake Katherine takes about 20 minutes,” adds Blakesley. “I encourage people to leave their phone at home (or put it in airplane mode) and concentrate on 20 minutes away from the information highway. Relax in nature

and enjoy meaningful connections with the people you are most thankful for.”

Holiday Merchants, Food Vendors & Holiday Drinks by Francesca’s Community Tree Decorating Contest Bon Fire, Holiday Music, Hayrack Rides courtesy of The Center & Visits with Santa

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CAREER & BUSINESS Trinity Christian College names VP of Advancement Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that Rick Va n D y k e n , Class of ’83, has been named Vice President of Advancement.

He will serve as a member of the President’s Council and Rick VanDyken oversee the Office of Advancement.

VanDyken most recently served as general manager of Global Green Products in Palos Heights. Previously, he served with the college from 1997-2014 as vice president for development and executive associate to the president.

“Rick’s ability to develop friendships for the college and invite those friends to support the good work being done here is precisely what we need,” said Trinity Christian College President Kurt D. Dykstra, J.D. “He has a long and significant involvement with Trinity: student, parent of students, supporter, senior employee, neighbor, and vice president.”

VanDyken said, “I’m thrilled to be coming back ‘home’ to Trinity, and I look forward to working with the community here in Palos Heights and beyond to support the vital, important mission of the College.”

He and wife Sue ’83 also spent six years in Jos, Nigeria, with Christian Reformed World Missions and eight years at Rehoboth Christian School among the Navajo people. VanDyken has a B.S. in Business Management from Trinity Christian College and an M.A. in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

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SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Vorva,Sports SportsEditor Editor••sports@regionalpublishing.com sports@regionalpublishing.com KenJeff Karrson,

Thursday, November 2016 Thursday, March 24, 5, 2015

STATE CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS: SACRED HEART-GRIFFIN 28, ST. LAURENCE 16

Southwest • Section 2, Page 1 1 Southwest • Section 2, Page

Refs’ call was awful but team lost the game

I

in the works.

But on fourth-and-two, quarterback Romello Washington was stopped for a loss and the Cyclones took the ball and momentum back with five minutes left in the third.

“I called the plays and I’ll take the blame,” Vikings coach Harold

t’s going to be a miserable Thanksgiving weekend for people close to Fenwick’s football program.

Instead of the anticipation of heading to Champaign or staying at home in front of the TV to watch the Friars play East St. Louis in the Class 7A state championship game on Saturday, the crushed players, coaches and fans have to swallow the acid pill that Plainfield North is going instead, thanks in part to what could be the worst officials’ call in state history.

It was a call that prompted a seven-paraMaking the graph, 306-word response Extra Point and apology from the Illinois High School Association’s new boss, Craig Anderson.

It was a call that has Fenwick insiders and IHSA haters seething.

It was a call that, to be honest, if I were a Fenwick parent of a football player on Saturday, would have caused me to turn a number of shades of purple and utter a number of bad words before my head exploded into a million pieces.

It was a call that altered the game and momentum greatly and shouldn’t have been made.

But let’s be clear. It did not cause the Friars to lose the game.

To quickly set the scene, Fenwick had a 10-7 lead with fourth down in the closing seconds of the game, held at Triton College.

Fenwick also had a 10-7 lead after the horn sounded while the ball was in quarterback Jacob Keller’s mitts. Keller heaved the ball away in celebration and the team and fans celebrated what they thought was a state semifinal victory — but there was yellow on the field. The Friars were flagged for an intentional grounding penalty.

The rules from the mighty hand of the National Federation of High Schools say that in a case like this, the game does not result in an untimed extra down. The refs conferred — reportedly for five minutes and without a rulebook visible — and came up with the decision that there would be an extra untimed down. With the penalty, the ball was placed on the Friars’ 5-yard line and Plainfield used that opportunity to kick a game-tying field goal.

The game went into overtime and Fenwick scored a touchdown and booted an extra point.

Plainfield scored a touchdown and was successful on a two-point conversion run by Dillion McCarthy, and it was the North fans celebrating an 18-17 win while the Friar fans were stunned and upset.

The IHSA apologized later in the evening, but the game result still stands. Fenwick took the matter to court, but as of this paper’s deadline there were no results.

Trump-like hatred spewed on the Internet Saturday night. One guy tweeted it was “absolute robbery.’’

Another said “officials screwed Fenwick.’’

Another expanded that thought with “The least

See VIKINGS, Page 4

See VORVA, Page 4

JEFF VORVA

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence receiver Alex Saunders walks off the field Saturday while Sacred Heart-Griffin fans and players celebrate a 28-16 victory over the Vikings.

Not in THIS house Vikings’ comeback bid falls short against Cyclones

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Cyclone Stadium is aesthetically one of the nicest places to visit for football fans.

It was built in 2012 in an area surrounded by trees and nice scenery.

The stands on both sides are new and spacious. The field has turf. The concession stand is huge and has a large TV so that customers waiting for their popcorn or hot dogs can keep an eye on the action.

But for opponents of Sacred Heart-Griffin, it is an ugly house of horrors and teams wearing the white jerseys leave there feeling lousy.

The Cyclones have not lost to an Illinois team there yet (they did, however, drop a 40-17 decision to Indianapolis Cathedral on Sept. 28, 2012) and it didn’t happen Saturday, either.

St. Laurence had a few “wait… maybe…’’ moments but dropped a 28-16 game in the Illinois High School Association Class 6A state semifinals. It’s the second time in a row the Vikings (9-4) lost in the

Photos by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence’s Jimmy Burnette reacts after Sacred Heart-Griffin scores a thirdquarter touchdown to go up two scores Saturday in Springfield.

semis. In 2015, they were beaten at home by Nazareth, 34-0, in a blizzard.

This time, it was sunny but windy and cold in the state capitol but the early part of the game the Vikings found themselves down 21-0. The special teams gave up an 87-yard kickoff touchdown return to Spencer Redd on the first play of the

game to set the tone.

The Vikings, seeded 12th in the lower bracket, came back from deficits against fifth-seeded Richards, fourth-seeded Crete-Monee and top-seeded Lemont to register playoff victories and when they clawed back and trimmed the deficit to 2114 and had the ball on the Cyclones 8, it looked like comeback No. 4 was

St. Laurence coach Harold Blackmon speaks from the heart after his team’s defeat in the Class 6A state semifinals.

SSC stays at 14, so Stagg and R-B are staying put

By Frank Gogola Correspondent

There’s no place but home for Stagg and Riverside-Brookfield.

The schools will remain in their respective conferences for the near future as the South Suburban Conference superintendents voted unanimously during their Nov. 16 meeting not to expand the conference.

“The majority of the feeling was that we have a good conference as it is,” said James Dunlap, president of the SSC board of superintendents and Evergreen Park superintendent. “Adding schools at this time could change that dynamic. We feel that the conference works really well.

“Not saying that adding those particular schools would have created any issues or conflicts. But sometimes you don’t change a good thing.”

Dunlap said one prevailing feeling among SSC schools and districts was the freedom in a 14-team conference to schedule non-conference football games. A 16team conference would reduce non-conference games from three to two and lessen a school’s ability to schedule a similar-size program or a school that gives it a better chance to become playoff eligible.

“If you add schools, then now we’re forced to play those particular schools,” Dunlap said. “That may not be what’s in our best interest all the time.”

The eight superintendents, one for each district among SSC schools, spent 10 minutes discussing whether to expand the conference at their Nov. 16 meeting, according to Dunlap. He said they didn’t once mention Stagg or R-B, the only schools that petitioned the SSC to join, at the meeting.

The discussion and vote were regarding

Local stars primed to be named Athlete of Year

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Aaron FitzPatrick

After a vote by the South Suburban Conference officials to stay at 14 teams, athletes such as Stagg swimmer Lauren Johnson, who will be a senior next year, will not be switching conferences in 2017-18.

whether the SSC should expand, not necessarily if Stagg or R-B would be good fits in the conference.

See SSC, Page 4

The best of the best is coming the next three weeks.

Starting with the Dec. 1 issue of the Reporter/Regional, we will roll out the first group of our fall sports Athletes of the Year with stories on the top area athletes in boys golf, girls golf, boys soccer and girls tennis.

On Dec. 8, we announce the top athletes in boys and girls cross country and girls swimming.

Finally, on Dec. 15, we profile the best in girls volleyball and football.

Aside from stories on those top athletes, we will list state qualifiers and all-conference teams for those sports each week as well.

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2

Section 2 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

Richards 2nd, CC 3rd in Bolton Classic Queen of Peace’s Shimko eclipses 1,000-point mark

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

As host Richards reeled off three wins to advance to the title game of the Bobby Bolton Classic, four different players scored in double figures — and all were seniors.

Saturday, the Bulldogs fell in the championship to Thornton, 50-39, but the silver lining was in the performances of their younger players.

Junior point guard Jada Clayton came off the bench to lead Richards (3-1) with 15 points. Junior forward Lesly Villarreal didn’t see the court until the fourth quarter, yet managed eight points on four-of-four shooting.

Freshman swingman Halle Idowu scored six and, with Clayton, helped settle the offense.

“Early on, we didn’t handle their pressure very well — I didn’t think it would bother us as much as it did,” Richards coach Jeff Kortz said. “They got up, we got down, and we couldn’t pull ourselves up. But our young guards got after it a little bit.”

Clayton, a 5-foot-3 dynamo, was happy for the opportunity.

Her three free throws in the final 3:09 of the first quarter accounted for the Bulldogs’ only points of the period as they slipped behind 13-3. She had three more points and Idowu four as Richards trimmed its deficit to 19-14 at the half. And though Thornton (4-0) pulled away in the second half behind Maya Robinson (15 points) and Brea Blackwell (11), Clayton’s seven points and ability to find Villarreal for easy buckets nearly halved what had been a 21-point deficit with five minutes to play.

“I feel like I just stepped up and proved myself,” Clayton said.

After committing eight turnovers in the first quarter, Richards took better care of the ball the rest of the way, finishing with 24.

“Being a fast point guard, that’s a big thing for me,” Clayton said. “Getting through people is my biggest strength.

“I definitely learned a lot from our seniors. I feel like that’s where I get my game from — Stepanie Eklund, Jailyn Wilks, Shannon Meegan — definitely.”

Thornton won the Bolton title for the first time coach Erin Wright’s six seasons at the helm. The Wildcats’ 4-0 start is their best “in at least 10 years,” she said.

Taylor Ivory had five points and a team-high five rebounds for Richards.

She also had 10 points in Richards’ second-round win over T.F. South.

Wilkes led Richards with 13 points and Davianna Jones added 12 in its opening win over Chicago Christian.

Meegan led the Bulldogs in scoring in their next two wins, with 11 and 12 points, respectively.

“Four games in four days, some people were just beat,” Kortz said. “But we came out 3-1. I thought we played very well in two games, and in the two other games we found some things we

Photos by Jeff Vorva

From left, Chicago Christian’s Janay Turner and Jill Van Dyke and Richards’ Lesly Villarreal eye a rebounding opportunity during a first-round game at the Bobby Bolton Classic.

Chicago Christian sophomore Janay Turner gets helped up from a teammate and an opponent during a first-round loss to Richards in the Bobby Bolton Classic.

need to work on — and we will.

“This is a good group. They play very hard and they practice very hard.”

Chicago Christian 38, Kankakee 29: Lexi van Ryn had 15 points, Janay Turner eight and Ciara Randle El five as the Knights (3-1) captured the thirdplace game.

Oak Lawn 64, Thornwood 42: Madelyn McGrath’s 27 points paced the Spartans (2-3) in the fifth-place game.

Milestones, wins for Pride Queen of Peace opened the season on Nov. 15 with a 65-37 victory over Oak Lawn and senior guard Kara Shimko

Richards freshman Halle Idowu goes up for an inside shot in her first varsity game against Chicago Christian on Nov. 16.

became the third player in Pride history to eclipse the 1,000-point mark.

The Pride kept on winning the rest of the week with four victories in the Beecher Tournament to reach the title game, which was scheduled for Tuesday.

Through five games, Shimko is

averaging 17 points per game, teammate Ashley Lynch is averaging 10 rebounds per game and Jovanna Martinucci lead with 30 assists and 28 steals.

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGE SPORTS

TCC volleyball team heading to NCCAA nationals

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Trinity Christian College’s women’s volleyball team is heading to the NCCAA National Championships in Kissimmee, Fla., on Dec. 1-3 after winning the North Central Region title with a 2513 25-18, 25-10 win over Lincoln Christian University on Saturday.

Christa Veenstra racked up eight kills and seven blockes. Danielle Ooverman and Kacie Stoll each added seven kills.

Cross country: The Trolls’ cross country teams were represented by Ashley Jourdan and Cody Velthuizen at the NAIA National Championships at the North Farm Cross Country Course in Elsah, Illinois and Ashley Jourdan, making her third national meet appearance, finished in 73rd place of the 334 runners. She crossed the finish line with a time of 18 minutes, 32.44 seconds.

Also in his third national appearance, Cody Velthuizen posted his best time of the season with a 25.55.1. He finished in 87th place of 332 runners to record his highest finish at the national meet.

St. Xavier University Women’s cross country: Junior Ellie Willging (Freeport/UIC/Freeport) broke her own school record by 16 seconds and turned in a lifetime-best 5K time of 17:32 en route to finishing 10th overall and claiming NAIA All-American honors Saturday in leading SXU to a

17th place team finish at the 2016 NAIA Cross Country National Championships at the North Farm Course in Elsah.

Willging, senior Nicole Maier (Burbank/Olivet Nazarene/Reavis), senior Courtney Correa (Homer Glen/ Lockport Township) and junior Sierra Downey (Stickney/Morton College/ Morton West) were also all named 2016 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes for being at least junior academic status with a 3.50 or higher cumulative gradepoint average.

Men’s cross country: Junior Abel Hernandez (Alsip/Shepard) finished 60th overall out of the 331 runners at the NAIA National meet in Elsah.

Hernandez finished the 8K course in 25:42. It is the third time in the last four years that he has competed at the national meet after redshirting in 2014.

He placed 23rd overall nationally (25:10) last season and 164th (26:25) as a freshman back 2013.

Football: Senior Stephen Simms (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso) earned first team recognition as both a wide receiver and return specialist to highlight the football team when the Mid-States Football Association released its 2016 MSFA AllMidwest League Team selections.

Simms was one of five Cougars to earn a spot on the first team joining junior offensive lineman Justin Hunter (Crest Hill/Joliet Catholic), senior offensive lineman Sean Jones (Crown Point, Ind./ Crown Point), senior defensive lineman

Alex Hamilton (Channahon/Minooka) and senior defensive back Matt Johnson (Rockford/Boylan Catholic SXU had two players named to this year’s All-MSFA Midwest League Second Team in freshman running back Jamarri Watson (Oak Park/Oak Park-River Forest) and sophomore linebacker Omar Salazar (Plainfield/Plainfield East). The three Cougars awarded honorable mention accolades were senior wide receiver Dan Ladd (Chicago/St. Rita), sophomore defensive back Tim Walsh (Evergreen Park/Loras College/Evergreen Park) and redshirt freshman Josh Hettiger (Oak Lawn/Richards).

Men’s basketball: Behind gamebests of 23 points and 12 rebounds by freshman guard Jack Brody (Lockport/ UIndy/Providence Catholic), the No. 22 ranked men’s basketball team won its second straight game with an 84-68 win over Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Indiana UniversitySouth Bend Saturday afternoon at the Shannon Center.

Sophomore guard Jacob Strong (Koontz Lake, Ind./John Glenn) added 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting.

Women’s basketball: Using a 23-3 scoring run over second quarter to pull away, the No. 6 ranked women’s basketball team picked up another convincing win Saturday afternoon taking down Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Indiana University-South Bend 85-63.

The Cougars (5-0 overall/2-0 CCAC) held a block party in setting a single game record with 15 blocked shots in the contest led by a career-best six from junior forward Brittany Collins (Des Plaines/Maine West). Junior guard Kara Krolicki (Mokena/Lincoln-Way East) and freshman guard Maddie Welter (Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove) led the SXU scoring effort with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

Moraine Valley

Men’s basketball: Jason Roland (Oak Forest) kept the Cyclones alive by tipping in a bucket to go into overtime Sunday against Bryant and Stratton College.

Ultimately, turnovers got the better of Moraine Valley in a 96-92 loss.

Roland finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tommy Demogerontas (Sandburg) had 21 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Jaelon Wilson (Shepard) scored 20 points while Nick Sims (Stagg) had 15 points and nine assists.

Women’s basketball: Despite losing key starter Erin Drynan (Mother McAuley) to injury in the first seven minutes of the game, the Cyclones were able to take down Olive-Harvey College 72-45 on Nov. 15. Michelle Borgen (Andrew) scored 34 points. Argo alum Sharnita Breeze added 11.

Two days later, Borgen scored a career-high 40 in a 107-30 win over Harper. She played just 27 minutes.

— Sports editor Jeff Vorva contributed to this report

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

Shooters take 2nd at R-B The Southside Shooters seventh grade team won three games on Saturday, and played for the Championship for the Riverside Brookfield Shootout but the Shooters came up short and finished in second place to the Lemont Athletic Club, 3227.

The Shooters players are Matt Strama, Vinie Rizzo, Julius Lujuano, AJ Egan, Semaj Dinwiddie, Devin Giles, Sean O’Brien, Will Lammel, Dylan Hult, Jack Forlenza and Owen Oltstott.

PBO registration open Registration for the 2017 Palos baseball season open.

This is a way to take advantage of early-bird prices and signup. PBO offers an in-house program with the opportunity to play additional part-time travel baseball.

Visit the PBO website for more details.

— We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, November 24, 2016 Section 2

3

WEEKLY FOOTBALL FORECAST Nasella and Findyz have every right to blubber about the the injustice of Fenwick losing to Plainfield North, but the rest of the guys are just fine with it. Vorva overtook regular-season King Maholy and has a one-game lead while Boyle is three back. This is our final week for the postseason MVP award and the eight state title games will determine the champ of these chumps. The tiebreaker is the point spread of the Loyola-Maine South game without going over. In case Maine South wins, the picker with the smallest point spread for Loyola will get the nod. We’ll be back in this spot next week with the final results.

Last week: Postseason: Regular season: Loyola vs. Maine South Plainfield North vs. East St. Louis Prairie Ridge vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin Vernon Hills vs. Peoria Johnsburg vs. Rochester Immaculate Conception vs.Carlinville Deer Creek Mackinaw vs. Maroa Forsyth Forreston vs. Decatur St. Theresa

Jeff Vorva 9-1 27-13 71-20 Loyola by 8 ESL SHG Peoria Rochester IC DCM Forreston

Joe Boyle 7-3 24-16 70-21 Loyola by 10 ESL SHG Peoria Johnsburg IC MF DST

Anthony Nasella 3-7 16-24 56-35 Loyola by 10 PFN SHG Peoria Rochester Carlinville DCM Forreston

AREA SPORTS ROUNDUP

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Top tackler

File photo by Jeff Vorva

Kendall Coyne, a much-decorated hockey player from Palos Heights, was the top female athlete at the Globies in Boston.

for a season in Pioneer history.

He has 288 career tackles, which is seventh on the all-time Grinnell list.

Slager was named to the All-Midwest Conference Football Team’s second team.

XC stars perform for Team Illinois Sandburg’s Martin Skucas and Marist’s Maryclare Leonard were named to Team Illinois and ran Saturday in the Mideast Cross Country Championships at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering, Ohio. Teams were picked by a group of coaches from a pool of seniors from the state.

Skukas took 33rd place with a time of 16 minutes, 44 seconds and Team Illinois finished fourth.

Leonard finished 41st with a time of 19:50 and Team Illinois finished second to Michigan in the meet.

Shepski to Bemidji

Ryan Slager, a sophomore Grinnell College linebacker from Orland Park who attended Stagg, led the nation among Division III college players with 15.4 tackles per game. His 154 tackles was third highest

Wally Findysz 7-3 22-18 67-24 Loyola by 9 ESL SHG Peoria Rochester IC MF Forreston

Bob Rakow 6-4 18-22 63-28 Loyola by 13 ESL SHG Peoria Rochester IC MF DST

McAuley diver Kelly enjoys a big leap in state finish

Coyne has a stranglehold on Boston award David Ortiz.

David Price.

Tom Brady.

Kendall Coyne.

Kendall Coyne?

Yes, the Palos Heights native and Sandburg graduate was in pretty good company on Nov. 14 as she – and those other guys – was among the winners at the second Boston Globe Globies Award Ceremony.

Ortiz, the retiring Red Sox slugger, won several awards including Athlete of the Year.

Coyne, who played hockey for Northeastern University, was named Best Female Athlete. She was also nominated for Top College Athlete but that award went to Harvard hockey star Jimmy Vesey.

Coyne, a silver-medal Olympian, was nominated in both categories after a season that ended with the Huskies’ first trip to the NCAA tournament. The 2016 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner (the women’s equivalent of a Heisman Trophy) for the top player in Division I women’s hockey, Coyne led the nation in goals (50), goals per game (1.35), points per game (2.27), shorthanded goals (5) and hat tricks (5) in 2015-16. She was named a first team AHCA All-American, the All-New England Player of the Year, and the Cammi Granato Award winner for WHEA Player of the Year.

Jason Maholy 7-3 26-14 75-16 Loyola by 16 ESL PR Peoria Johnsburg IC DCM DST

Brother Rice senior guard Mike Shepski signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at Bemidji State. He was one of four signees for this season’s recruiting class.

“We are very excited and thankful to

Submitted photo

Ryan Slager, a Stagg graduate, led the nation in Division III tackling this season.

be bringing in these four talented players to Beaver basketball,” BSU men’s head coach Mike Boschee said in a news release. “They all have different strengths that will add a great deal to the players we already have in the program. They all have shown a strong work ethic and discipline it takes to be successful for the years ahead. It’s a great day for Beaver basketball.”

Shepski, who resides in Lockport, nailed 77 3-point baskets and averaged 16 points per game last season.

Mother McAuley diver Eva Kelly finished 48th in the state last year as a freshman.

It didn’t take her long to make it to the top 10.

Kelly finished STATEMENT ninth in the IlliGAMES nois High School Association State Swimming and Diving meet Saturday at Evanston High School.

She had a score of 395.55.

In the first round, Kelly scored a 183.80, good for 13th place, narrowly making the 17-diver cut. In the semifinals, her score was 305.10, which launched her into sixth place and guaranteed her a spot in Saturday’s championship round.

Stagg’s Claire Van Dame

qualified for the semifinals with a 174.50 but was knocked out of the finals with a 17th-place score of 269.95.

Sandburg’s Marilyn Sedlak took 31st with a 162.

Stagg freshman Tina Juronis made her state debut and finished 22nd in the 200 individual medley with a 2:09.20 and later finished 20th in the 100 breaststroke event with a 1:06.07.

Junior Lauren Johnson claimed 32nd in the 100 free with a :54.10.

Megan Vallance closed her high school career with a 34thplace finish in the 50 free with a :24.66.

Sandburg junior Isabelle Wrobel took 39th in the 500 free with a 5:16.53.

In the athletes with disabilities competition, Sandburg’s Rachael Apter took third in the 200 free (2:39), the 50 free (:33.33) and 100 free (1:13.71).

Butler to UIU Brenden Butler, a baseball standout at Oak Lawn Community High School, officially committed to Upper Iowa University, a Division II school.

Correction In last week’s paper, there was a list of area state champions and Richards’ boys basketball title from 2007-08 was inadvertently omitted. Richards was the first Class 4A champion as the Illinois High School Association expanded from two to four classes that season.

Supplied photo

Mother McAuley’s Eva Kelly jumped up 39 spots in the state diving event from her freshman to her sophomore seasons.

HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING

Quinn starts out mighty and wins OL tournament

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Evergreen Park bowler Shaun Quinn went up against some of the top south suburban high school bowlers Saturday and made a statement right away by firing a 263 to take an early firstplace lead in the fifth Oak Lawn Tournament at Palos Lanes.

Then he became a target.

Five games later, he was still on the top of the mountain as his 1,414 total was good for the individual championship while Sandburg (6,342) won the 14team meet thanks in part to a second-place finish from Tommy Hayes (1,355) and a thirdplace showing from Cameron Crowe (1,329), The left-handed Quinn finished 15th in the state last season, so he is no stranger to earning success against the big boys.

“He doesn’t concern himself with scores,” EP coach Ron Pula said. “He focuses on the shots he needs to make for good results.

Shaun knows who the other good bowlers are and what they are capable of scoring. He has learned to focus on his game and trust I his ability and fundamentals. He knows that as long as he executes properly, he will finish well and his scores will not only come, but they will be reflective of his effort.’’

Richards took second with a 5,658, Evergreen Park was fourth with a 5,503, Oak Lawn sixth with a 5,507, Shepard 10th with a 5,233 and Stagg claimed 11th with a 5,044.

Everybody’s Favorite Featured On

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Other area bowlers in the top 20 were Shepard’s Trevor Lorek (fourth, 1,314), Richards’ Matt LaBonte (sixth, 1,266), Sandburg’s AJ Santos (eighth, 1,255), Richards’ Max Simik (10th, 1,245), Sandburg’s Alex Zylo (11th, 1,230), Oak Lawn’s Mike Rollberg (13th, 1221), Oak Lawn’s John McLawhorn (15th, 1,210), Stagg’s Sean Murray (18th, 1,188), Sandburg’s Brandon Goeringer (19th, 1,173) and Shepard’s Jordan Noftz (20th, 1,170).

Oak Forest won the freshmansophomore tournament with a 5,491. Sandburg’s Marc Moll was the top area finisher with a fifth-place showing with a 1,085.

Evergreen Park’s Pat Doyle and Aidan Doogan finished sixth and seventh respectively.

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4

Section 2 Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from St. Laurence’s cold day in Springfield

Who is that masked man? It’s St. Laurence’s Alec Freeman, trying to stay warm on the sideline during Saturday’s state semifinal game in Springfield.

A couple of fans bundled up for the big game Saturday in Springfield.

Levy Hamer hauls down St. Laurence’s first touchdown of the day in the Vikings’ 28-16 Class 6A semifinal loss to Sacred-Heart Griffin on Saturday.

Alex Saunders makes a late-game grab for St. Laurence.

A lot of yellow food could be found among the St. Laurence student section as some fans dressed as bananas and one wore a cheesehead hat.

Photos by Jeff Vorva The base of the Sacred Heart-Griffin scoreboard shows the team’s state championships. The Cyclones hope to add to that Saturday when they face Prairie Ridge in the Class 6A title game on Saturday.

St. Laurence

Continued from Page 1 Blackmon said. “I did not have my best game. I could have done more for these guys. I thought about kicking a field goal and I’m kicking myself for that.

“I take chances. I’ve taken chances

all season and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. That’s just the nature of what I am. I felt like the play that we ran worked before and we didn’t use it for a couple of plays and I thought it would work this time.’’

“We didn’t get the yards we needed,” a dejected Washington said.

The Cyclones (who are 13-0 and

SSC

Continued from Page 1 Dunlap estimated the superintendents discussed expanding the conference for a total of one hour over the past two years in their four official meetings per year. They spoke with SSC principals, athletics directors and coaches outside of the meetings.

“This was not an isolated discussion,” Dunlap said. “It’s been a group effort with us truly representing our districts at the table.”

Stagg had petitioned to join in the fall of 2015 while R-B petitioned to join this past fall. Dunlap said either school could re-petition the SSC to join in the future, but he said the vote locked in a 14-school conference for the 2017-18 school year.

If the superintendents voted ‘Yes’ to expand the conference, Dunlap said they would’ve discussed and voted on Stagg and R-B later in the meeting that day.

Officials from Stagg and R-B didn’t respond to multiple emails requests by press time seeking comment on if they will re-petition the SSC in the future or look to join another conference before the 2017-18 school year.

Stagg, at the moment, will remain in the SouthWest Suburban Conference, which means a second season of 13 football teams in one mega conference. This season, there was a SWSC team

racked up the program’s 600th career win) went on a 79-yard drive capped by a 53-yard Tim Brennieisn-to-Vince Mounce connection that two St. Laurence defenders appeared to have a bead on.

“I made a bad break by a half a yard or two…that’s football,” said defensive back Jimmy Burnette.

Washington threw for 273 yards in-

needing to find a non-conference game in the middle of conference play each week. HomewoodFlossmoor and Bradley-Bourbonnais both went undefeated but H-F was the conference champion since it went 7-0 to B-B’s 6-0.

“To best serve its students, Stagg High School regularly explores available options for its cocurricular programs,” Carla Erdey, District 230 Director of Communications said in a statement before the vote. “The school’s goal is to always seek the best opportunities for students.”

Riverside-Brookfield hoped the move to the SSC would help solve issues related to travel and competition. SSC schools would be closer than teams in the Metro Suburban Conference that are spread out between Elgin, Aurora and Palos Heights, which forced R-B student-athletes to leave during classes to get games in. SSC schools offer similar sports to R-B, unlike the MSC, which includes private and parochial schools with small enrollments that couldn’t offer freshman or JV teams or certain sports.

“We know that [the SSC schools are] competitive, which will help us continue to grow as an athletic program,” R-B principal Kristin Smetana said before the vote. “Because they’re larger, public schools, they also have a variety of levels and have almost the exact same sports that we offer as well, so that will give our students more opportunities to compete.”

cluding a 65-yard scoring strike to Levi Hamer. Fayezon Smart had 19 carries for 40 yards and a 9-yard TD run. The Vikings scored two points late in the game when Springfield took an intentional safety.

Springfield faces Prairie Ridge (also 13-0) in the state championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

Vorva

Continued from Page 1 you could have done was take Fenwick to dinner first before you screwed them.’’

On the website of prep football guru Edgy Tim, one poster suggested Plainfield “voluntarily relinquish the so-called victory.’’

Keller didn’t care for the IHSA’s apology as he tweeted: “Your sincerest apologies mean nothing. My boys WORKED for 5 months just to have everything we worked for taken away.’’

And he hashtagged it #IHSASUCKS But in reality, a lot more than a terrible call cost the Friars their victory.

If Keller takes a knee instead of heaving the ball, his boys would be going to Champaign.

If the offense could have mustered more than 10 points, this wouldn’t be an issue.

If the coaches decided to go for two points right away in the overtime, and were successful, the game would have played on with Plainfield having a lot more pressure on its offense.

And most important, if the defense, which had played spectacularly all day, could have stopped the final touchdown and dug deep one more time on the conversion, I would be using this space to write about something else.

And if the coaches dissect the film, they will find a missed block here or a mistake there that

St. Laurence will get to think about another tough loss deep into the postseason.

“I love being the playoffs and I love being in the semifinals but in some aspects, losing like this is more painful than finishing 4-5,” the coach said.

“You are right there. All you have to do is win a football game. This is the second year we’ve come up short.”

could have led to a bigger point spread in the closing seconds of the game.

Yeah, I feel sorry for the kids and the way this went down, but there were hundreds of factors that led to this loss. The untimed down was just the most controversial and noticeable.

Anderson tried his best to explain the IHSA’s position and had empathy the Friar faithful.

“I understand that it will be difficult to find a silver lining in this particular situation, but I do hope that Fenwick takes pride in all they accomplished today and this season,’’ he wrote.

“There is no doubt that the crew assigned to officiate this contest by the IHSA should have known this rule and they were forthcoming about the error in conversations after the game.

The crew also understands that there will be an assessment of their performance and consequences from the IHSA as a result of this error.

“We will continue to be proactive in our efforts to educate our officials, while also working with our membership and Board of Directors, of which Fenwick Principal Peter Groom is a valued member, to evaluate IHSA by-laws and policy related to officiating.”

There will continue to be cussin’ and discussion about this game for a while and it is all unfortunate. But to lay all the blame on the IHSA for not reversing the decision and the refs for making a bonehead call is not right.

5

Section 2 Thursday, November 24, 2016

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.SIE KHALIL Defendants 12 CH 39434 10619 SOUTH TOD DRIVE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 10, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 22, 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 10619 SOUTH TOD DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-113-006-0000. The real estate is improved with a red brick split level single family home; two car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. 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: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 12339. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. 12339 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 39434 TJSC#: 36-12989 I707762

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2007-4, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-4 Plaintiff, -v.REMEDIOS BADAR, VICTOR M. BADAR, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE FOREST RIDGE AT WESTGATE VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 14 CH 015661 128 AUGUSTA 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 September 12, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 14, 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 128 AUGUSTA DRIVE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-214-013. 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. 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 14-14-01003.

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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-14-01003 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 015661 TJSC#: 36-11368 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.

I706896

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, -v.MANAL KANAAN, MALIK KANAAN, LORENZ APPLIANCE, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., DISCOVER BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 002926 8841 W. 100TH PLACE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 17, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 13, 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 8841 W. 100TH PLACE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-10-401-079-0000. 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 14-15-02450.

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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-02450 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 002926 TJSC#: 36-13043 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.

I707650

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34

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Cell: 708.228.7912

Operated by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC.

laurie.mead@cbexchange.com For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR HOLDERS OF BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7 Plaintiff, -v.JAMAL RASIM JABER A/K/A JAMAL R. JABER, RANA MOHMED JABER, SILO RIDGE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, SILO RIDGE MASTER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, ALLEGIANCE COMMUNITY BANK Defendants 09 CH 007527 25 PRAIRIE LANE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 25, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 13, 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 25 PRAIRIE LANE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-07-304-036. The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�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 14-09-03147.

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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-09-03147 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 09 CH 007527 TJSC#: 36-13017 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.

I707652

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM MEYERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DOROTHY E. MEYERS, KATHRYN JENIG, LAURA ABED, ROBERT MEYERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PETER MEYERS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR DOROTHY E. MEYERS (DECEASED) Defendants 16 CH 002938 11317 S. WESTWOOD DRIVE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 12, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 2017, 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 11317 S. WESTWOOD DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-24-108-020-0000. 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 14-1601937. 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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-16-01937 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 002938 TJSC#: 36-11371 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.

I708209

“10 in the Park�

NEW as of 7/7/11

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE?

CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination.� Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

Donate Your Real Estate...

You don’t have to donate a kidney to save a life. ‡ :H ZLOO DFFHSW DQ\ W\SH RI SURSHUW\ ‡ WD[ GHGXFWLEOH ‡ 0DWFKLQJ'RQRUV FRP LV D & QRQSURILW RUJDQL]DWLRQ

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Call us at 1.800.385.0422 Or donate on line at:

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, November 24, 2016 Section 2

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Asphalt Paving

South Suburban law firm seeking full time

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED

C&C

Asphalt Paving Inc.

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.

Complete Residential & Commercial Service

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 Help Wanted

PART TIME PRESSMAN 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 Wanted

SNOWBLOWERS,

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

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

Painting

425-0410

MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

arichards@regionalpublishing.com For Sale

Full length ranch mink coat

Have items for sale? List them in the classifieds!

Cleaning Services

K&K PAINTING Commercial - Residential Interior - Exterior Bonded & Insured Gutter Cleaning Keith

708-239-0161

Advertise your business in the service directory Call today 448-4002

GEORGE’S GEORGE’S

PLUMBING & SEWER

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs • • • • • •

Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

Snowblower Repair

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Reasonable Rates

Call: (815) 450-0004 Tree Service

Ken’s Tree Service Removal & Trimming of Trees & Bushes Stump Removal Fully Insured 773-600-6443

For Sale Huge Hummel collection Many pieces are retired

Remodeling

Will not separate Call 312-315-9813

Plumbing & Sewer

Will fix at your house

Excellent condition Call 708-692-5001

Best offer

FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices

PLEASE E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS:

12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000

Stan’s Hauling

Removal of all unwanted items.

From homes, offices, storage areas, garages, apartments, condos, etc.

7 days 773-206-9309 www.stanscleanout.com

Your Complete Paving Contractor

WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential

Clean-out Services

Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1982

(708)

6

FATHER & DAUGHTERS REMODELING Not affiliated with Ron Kafka & Father & Sons

AUTUMN Special 1/3 OFF • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Rec Rooms • Attics • Flooring

• General Repairs • Garage Repairs • Decks • Windows • Doors

• Porches • Dormers • Roofs • Concrete • Tuckpointing

• Siding • Soffit Fascia • Gutters • Electrical • Plumbing

FREE Architectural Drawings and Permit with Room Addition Purchase Free Estimates Guaranteed Work Full Insured

708-795-6940

Senior Discount Veteran Discount Licensed & Bonded

/DDSÃ&#x;OFÃ&#x;AÃ&#x;CHILDÃ&#x;BECOMINGÃ&#x;AÃ&#x;TOPÃ&#x;FASHIONÃ&#x;DESIGNER Ã&#x; Ã&#x;INÃ&#x;

/DDSÃ&#x;OFÃ&#x;AÃ&#x;CHILDÃ&#x;BEINGÃ&#x;DIAGNOSEDÃ&#x;WITHÃ&#x;AUTISM Ã&#x; Ã&#x;INÃ&#x;

Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.

No babbling by 12 months.

No words by 16 months.

To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Programs at The Center

• An Evening Of Restorative Yoga - Sunday Nov. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Yoga instructor Valerie Lindstrom invites will facilitate an evening of gentle yoga, aromatherapy, a longer relaxation period called a Yoga Nidra, brief forehead massages, and more. Newcomers to yoga are welcome. Participants are asked to bring a blanket, pillow or bolster. The fee is $20, which Valarie donates to The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. Call 708-361-3650 • Womantalk! - Tuesday Nov. 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Womantalk! is a nurturing and supportive discussion group, focusing on the month’s in Sarah Ban Breathnach’s “Simple Abundance” book, or any other inspirational resources that attendees would like to bring to share. The focus is on learning to live authentically, joyfully, simply, gracefully, and gratefully. There is no fee, but participants are asked to call to confirm attendance. The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. Call 708-361-3650

Supplied photo

Log Cabin gifts workshop

The Log Cabin for the Arts at The Center in Palos Park will hold a rustic ornaments and gift wrapping workshop on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Instructor Mimi Deuser invites potential students to bring a friend or come alone and make new friends for a Friday night in the log cabin art studio with the fireplace going. Participants will learn to create a variety of ornaments using natural fibers, up-cycled materials, and items from the garden. Gift wrapping ideas using natural items will be discussed as well. The workshop fee is $16 plus $5 materials fee. Shown is a rustic ornament from a previous Center art class. The Log Cabin Center for the Arts is at 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. Call 361-3650

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:

“HELL OR HIGH WATER’’: Two brothers portrayed by Chris Pine and Ben Foster feel they have no choice but to commit robbery in this violent, well-played melodrama. They’re staging the crimes in what they perceive as a way to make amends for their troubled family history, but naturally, they only buy more problems for themselves ... especially when it comes to the veteran Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges, in a role ideally suited to him) who’s on their trail, hoping a successful resolution to the chase will delay the retirement that’s nearing for him. Katy Mixon (“American Housewife’’), Kevin Rankin and veteran character actor Buck Taylor also appear in the tale written by actor Taylor Sheridan (“Sons of Anarchy’’). *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MECHANIC: RESURRECTION’’: Jason Statham’s incarnation of the character Charles Bronson originated four decades earlier gets another workout in this by-the-numbers sequel that does offer some good scenery and stunt pieces. Though he’s gotten out of the assassin-for-hire game, Arthur Bishop (Statham) is blackmailed into planning three kills by an old acquaintance (Sam Hazeldine) who kidnaps Bishop’s latest love interest (Jessica Alba), threatening to kill her if the murders aren’t carried out. Of course, the villain also has Bishop’s own death in mind. Tommy Lee Jones and Michelle Yeoh also star, but the film is less about acting and much more about various things blow-

ing up as loudly and colorfully as possible. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “WAR DOGS’’: “The Hangover’’ director Todd Phillips adds a dose of modern history to the frat humor with this seriocomic true story, based on a Rolling Stone article. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller (“Whiplash’’) play opportunists who see a chance to cash in by marketing weapons to American military forces during the Iraq War — something that actually was possible for the average citizen who had above-average business savvy — and they end up risking life and limb to deliver the goods personally. Bradley Cooper (also a producer of the film) shows up in the cast for Phillips again, though not in a particularly major role; Eddie Jemison and Kevin Pollak also appear. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MASTERPIECE: POLDARK SEASON 2’’: The reboot of one of the PBS anthology series’ classic dramas begins its sophomore round with Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) shouldering the blame for a fatal shipwreck. To that end, he’s accused of having caused the tragedy purposely — and deemed a murderer by some, prompting a trial that doesn’t look good for him, given the hostile stance of witnesses and the judge toward him. Eleanor Tomlinson, Kyle Soller and Beatie Edney also return here, and Gabriella Wilde (“Endless Love’’) joins the cast. Those who get the set right away can take an early look at the concluding episode, which will be televised Nov. 27. *** (Not rated: AS, V) “CHICKEN PEOPLE’’: The title is literal, but not in the way you might think, in the case of this documentary about those who strive for perfection in raising chickens. Director Nicole Lucas Haimes’ film focuses on three people who give it their all on the competition circuit, following

them through various contests to the one that’s deemed the ultimate, the Ohio National Poultry Show. The cable channel CMT was among the production entities involved in the project. *** (Not rated: P) (Also on On Demand) “AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: TESLA’’: The name Tesla may suggest a rock band these days, but in the case of this recently televised episode of the PBS anthology series, it’s a reference to scientist Nikola Tesla — whose work with electric current in the late 1800s and early 1900s foretold such developments as radio, radar and robotics. Though he worked with Thomas Edison and gave ideas to entrepreneur George Westinghouse, he was cut out of royalties that would have made him richer. Still, his fame gained him such celebrated friends as Mark Twain and John Jacob Astor ... and following his death, no less a body than the U.S. Supreme Court granted him the professional credit he desired in life. *** (Not rated)

COMING SOON:

“ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE’’ (Nov. 29): Jennifer Saunders (also the writer here) and Joanna Lumley reprise their television roles as the high-living Edina and Patsy.

(R: AS, P) “DON’T BREATHE’’ (Nov. 29): Three young thieves make the mistake of choosing a supposedly helpless man’s house to rob; Stephen Lang and Jane Levy star. (R: AS, P, GV) “PETE’S DRAGON’’ (Nov. 29): A live-action version — with “dragon’’ computer graphics — of the Disney classic retells the tale of an orphan (Oakes Fegley) and his fire-breathing friend. (PG: P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Spread your wings. Cultivate new friendships and widen your circle of acquaintances in the week to come. A close companion or significant other may sweep you off your feet with a brilliant business idea.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You can become your own better business bureau. You may be inspired to offer the extra services that people need and want. A friend may help you accomplish one of your most important goals in the week ahead.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Use your head and solutions will jump out at you. Small gifts or kindnesses shared with loved ones might raise your self-esteem and confidence levels. Your focus will shift from group dynamics to family as the week progresses.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): There is no end to friends. Those who are in close connection might be tired of humdrum routine. Be the best possible friend to your significant other in the week ahead

and consider ways to break the monotony.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): New friends, ideas, and viewpoints could inspire you in the week to come. Singles would be wise to steer clear of pursuing new love interests unless looking for a shortlived romance. Strangers might offer helpful financial advice.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stay cool, calm, and collected.

Avoid overreacting if a significant other seems too attractive to a new friend. Peace and harmony could be marred by misunderstandings that can be easily avoided in the week ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may meet a variety of people from all walks of life during the work week ahead. When you are at home, however, you may prefer to mingle with those who are more familiar and reliable even if they are less exciting.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t put your money where your mouth is. New people in your immediate environment may seem exciting and tweak your interest this week, but financial ventures and romantic notions could swiftly

be squashed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Think new and improved.

Make a resolution to find ways to enhance your creative projects by using the latest technology.

Scratching the itch to do something different might lead to a step forward this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You stave off boredom by going overboard. A backlog of boundless enthusiasm can be put to good use in sports, games, or travel as this week unfolds. Come out on the top of the heap in healthy competitions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The harder you pull on the oars, the further you will row your boat and make your dreams come true. Someone close could keep a steady hand on the rudder while you merrily float through the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Focus on financial finesse and friendliness. Employing modern techniques and scientific methods can help you make money. Something trendy or quaint might tempt you to loosen the purse strings in the week to come.

White Sox organist Lori Moreland will entertain at a luncheon at The Center.

Supplied photo

The Center offers a musical luncheon with Sox organist A luncheon called An Afternoon of Music with Lori Moreland will be held Tuesday Nov. 29, from noon to 2 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park.

Lori Moreland is the organist

for the Chicago White Sox and Indiana Pacers. She is also the organist and a musician at The Center.

Lori will play some standards on the piano, including songs to bring on Christmas cheer, as well

as some sing-alongs and a few surprises.

Luncheons cost $22 and reservations must be made in advance by calling The Center at 708-361-3650

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

In the know: Share secrets of the sea with a classic oyster appetizer • 1 tablespoon Pernod, or other anise-flavored liqueur • 16 fresh raw oysters, shucked, flat top shells removed, oysters loosened from but left in the curved bottom shells • 1/4 to 1/3 cup (60 to 85 mL) panko or other coarse dry breadcrumbs • Individual leaves of celery, for garnish

By Wolfgang Puck We’re entering the busiest entertaining time of the year, with holiday parties coming on in quick succession. And many home cooks are looking for an easy, all-purpose appetizer that feels extra-special and yet doesn’t demand too much in terms of shopping for special ingredients, extra time in the kitchen or expert cooking skills.

I’d like to suggest an elegant dish that has stood the test of time; something proven to delight your guests, featuring an easy-to-find yet out-of-the-ordinary main ingredient: oysters.

I love oysters. Plump, moist and briny, with a bright taste of the sea, they’re a wonderful complement to the sparkling wine that makes a perfect start to so many holiday parties. The shellfish are at their peak of season right now, being hauled from icy ocean waters. You can find them fresh in many well-stocked seafood shops and supermarkets with full-service seafood departments, where they’ll be happy — with some advance notice — to shuck them for you, leaving them in their cupshaped lower half shells, ready to cart home carefully and keep refrigerated on a bed of ice.

Many people love oysters fresh and raw, touched with a squeeze of lemon, cocktail sauce or a “mignonette” of minced shallots, freshly ground black pepper and vinegar. For a convenient and extra-special presentation, however, I sometimes like to serve them quickly cooked in their halfshells, topped with a rich spinach sauce and crispy breadcrumbs in a famous preparation known as Oysters Rockefeller.

Named to honor John D. Rockefeller, then the world’s wealthiest man, the dish was created in 1889 at the classic French-Creole Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans. You can still find it heading the menu there today, though its popularity has spread far and wide to anyplace where elegant, old-fashioned dining is prized.

Of course, endless variations on the original have evolved, while Antoine’s keeps their version a well-guarded secret. That secrecy only adds to the recipe’s appeal.

Of course, I don’t mind sharing the secrets behind my own interpretation. I like to saute the spinach for the topping along with some green onions, fresh tarragon and the light, anise-flavored, feath-

Dreamstime.com

Topping the oysters with Japanesestyle panko breadcrumbs produces an extra-crunchy crust.

ery fronds from a fennel bulb. For the sauce that binds the mixture, I start with classic bechamel, or white sauce, and then enrich it with egg yolks and cheese to make a Mornay sauce, which I season with cayenne and nutmeg. For the brief baking, I complement the topping with Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, which produce an extra-crunchy crust.

For an appetizer sure to impress and delight your guests, the work is surprisingly easy. And you can prep the topping well in advance, ready to assemble and bake just before guests arrive.

Here’s to a holiday season ahead filled with a wealth of joy!

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER Serves 4 • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 2 cups (500 mL) whole milk, heated to a bare simmer • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 large pinch cayenne pepper • Freshly grated nutmeg • 3 green onions, chopped • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped feathery fronds of fennel bulb • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon • 4 cups (1 L) packed fresh baby spinach leaves • 2 large cage-free egg yolks • 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed coarsely shredded Gruyere cheese or Parmesan or white cheddar cheese, about 2 ounces (60 g), plus extra for topping • Pinches of sugar or drops of honey

Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in the flour.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking almost constantly. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne and nutmeg.

Simmer, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes, to make a bechamel sauce.

Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green onions, chopped fennel fronds and tarragon. Saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach, sprinkle with salt and cook just until wilted, turning with tongs, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a sieve to drain.

To transform the bechamel into a rich Mornay sauce, put the yolks in a small bowl and, while whisking the bechamel very briskly, gradually add the yolks.

Whisk in the cheese until smoothly blended.

With a flexible spatula, press down firmly on the cooked spinach, turning it several times, to press out excess liquid. Turn the spinach out onto a cutting board and chop finely. Transfer to a clean bowl and stir in the Mornay sauce, a few pinches of sugar or drops of honey, and the Pernod.

Position a rack at the top of the oven and preheat the oven to 500 F (260 C). Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with a 1/4-inch (6-mm) layer of kosher salt. Nestle the oysters in their bottom shells in the salt. Spread a generous spoonful of the Mornayspinach topping over each oyster, covering it completely. Sprinkle evenly with more cheese, then with panko.

Bake the oysters until the topping is bubbling hot and wellbrowned, 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, spread a 1/4-inch (6-mm) layer of kosher salt on a platter or on 4 large deep plates. Arrange the oysters in the salt. Garnish each oyster with a celery leaf.

Serve immediately.

8 Section 2

Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Regional News • The Reporter

Smith Senior Living: advice for chasing away the winter blues With the Farmer’s Almanac’s dire predictions for this winter’s weather, we should be more mindful of how snow, cold and darkness pose challenges for just about anyone residing in the upper Midwest. And for many older adults, increased isolation adds to the challenge of keeping a sunny disposition, according to Kevin McGee, CEO and president of Smith Senior Living, a not-forprofit organization that sponsors Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and Smith Crossing in Orland Park.

“Walking on ice and snow also can be treacherous for older adults.

Driving after the sun goes down is not a good idea and makes many seniors less likely to venture out.” said McGee. “Seniors often become more isolated during winter, and too much time alone can lead to depression. Getting through the holidays can be especially challenging for older adults who have lost spouses or who live far away from younger family members.”

Fortunately, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests helpful strategies for dealing with the psychological challenges of winter. Nowhere is NIH’s advice applied more easily than at the two life plan communities, Smith Village and Smith Crossing.

Spending time with other people is a top recommendation offered by NIH. Isolation is rarely a problem in the Smith communities because residents dine together and can enjoy plenty of on-site activities, said Frank Guajardo, executive director for Smith Crossing, home to

300 older adults. “For those with family members living far away, living here provides an added support system of professional staff and friendly neighbors who share similar interests”.

Adults choosing to age in place can benefit from daytime activities at senior centers and with friends, NIH advised. If driving is a problem, older adults are encouraged to invite people to their homes for lunch. Order from a restaurant that delivers if cooking is a bother.

Calling, texting, skyping and emailing friends and relatives discourages isolation. Conversing with family and friends also serves to break up self-defeating negative thoughts, the NIH advised. For Smith communities, the miSmith team provides technology support services and educational programs so residents easily can use their smartphones and computers to keep in touch.

Smith communities offer plenty of intergenerational contact with school and youth groups who perform at onsite holiday concerts and who volunteer throughout the year.

Staying active and continuing with favorite activities is another NIH recommendation.

Many Smith Village and Smith Crossing residents volunteer in onsite stores, meet regularly to play card games, attend on-site movies, and take field trips by bus. Onsite fitness centers with trained specialists make it easy for residents to stay in shape and maintain a regular exercise regimen, which also helps elevate mood.

Approximately 10 percent of

Smith Crossing residents Jean Dudley, left, Joan DePaulo, Gloria Chyrchel and John Dudley gather weekly to play pinochle, which helps chase away the winter blues.

Americans living in the northern latitudes suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. NIH suggests “light therapy,” something as simple as spending a half-hour before noon each day in a brightly lit place.

Both Smith communities were designed with plenty of skylights and tall windows, McGee said.

They provide natural light so residents spend plenty time in brightly lit areas without going outside.

“It can help to just spend time relaxing near a sunny window each day,” said Marti Jatis, executive director for Smith Village, which is home to 292 older adults.

“By making such a simple decision to be near the sunlight every day, most people gradually begin to feel a difference. They may notice they’re not as sluggish or irritable in winter.”

Many people cope with winter blues by eating lots of carbohydrates and junk food, which can make matters worse. Eating properly is another NIH recommendation. Smith communities offer healthy meals prepared by an executive chef as well as the services of a staff dietitian.

To avoid the seasonal sadness, NIH and Smith Senior Living offer the following tips: Stay social and avoid isolation regardless of the weather. As much as possible, stick to your normal routine. If necessary, replace afterdinner activities with morning or midday activities to avoid traveling at night.

Stay active. Take an exercise class. Wear practical footwear and take advantage of walking in long hallways in buildings like Smith communities. Also, check out an

NOVEMBER: LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Non-smokers: Be aware Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease

By Maggie McCracken We often conflate lung cancer with cigarettes. Yet, a solid 20% of people who die from lung cancer never smoke a day in their lives. While it’s true that smoking is strongly correlated with lung cancer, it’s not the only lifestyle variable that can predict your chances of developing this oftenfatal disease.

At home & work

Radon gas may be less frequently talked about than cigarette smoking, but exposure to it is a clear predictor of lung cancer. According to Angela Tin, vice president of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association, any home in any part of the United States could be affected by radon gas pollution.

“Radon is the result of radioactive decay of uranium,” she says.

“The radioactive gas enters our homes and can result in DNA damage, thereby causing lung cancer.”

Any home is susceptible to radon gas pollution, which is why it’s important to test for it. You can do some simple at-home tests to figure out whether there is any cause for concern. If you’re uneasy about completing the test yourself, you can bring in a certified professional to do the test.

Occupational hazards such as exposure to asbestos and time spent in mines and industrial plants can also cause lung cancer.

Cancer.org recommends limiting your exposure to these substances, if possible. If you work around asbestos, your best bet is to wear a respirator, as paper dust masks don’t filter out asbestos fibers, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

It’s in the air

Air pollution is another known perpetuator of lung cancer, says Cancer.org.

Everything from nearby combustion sources to mobile transportation vehicles—including standard compact cars—can pollute the air around us, increasing our chances of developing lung cancer.

If you live in polluted areas, Tin says, you should be on particularly close watch for signs and symptoms, including a cough that doesn't go away, chest pain, hoarseness, wheezing, and feeling tired and weak.

Reduce your risk

It may seem like, apart from smoking, many of the risk factors for developing lung cancer are unavoidable.

While you may not be able to change the nature of your job, move out of the city where you live, or sell your home simply because of a radon problem, you can take steps to create a cleaner, safer environment for yourself and your family.

First, evaluate the danger level of radon levels in and around your home. The American Lung Association provides information on how to find a professional, or it can provide you with a kit to perform the test yourself.

“We operate a radon and lung cancer hotline and provide radon test kits,” Tin says.

Help make the world a safer and cleaner place—and reduce pollution—by adopting more en-

vironmentally friendly practices in your day-to-day life, Tin says.

Taking public transportation can dramatically decrease the amount of environmental toxins generated per capita. So can choosing cleaner consumer products, such as allnatural cleaners and detergents.

It’s also a huge bonus if you can

support the use of clean energy sources such as wind and solar power.

“Provide a better indoor heath environment by reducing chemical usage, using green building materials and avoiding the use of combustion sources like fireplaces,” she says.

Smith Village residents Marilyn Stone, left, Elaine Spencer, Pat Roach and Mary Linehan enjoy dining together on a regular basis, helping to keep the winter blues at bay.

entire store even if you only are shopping for one item. Window shop at your local mall. Join a walking group. Use walking aids.

Call, text or skype a family member or friend if you feel lonely. A warm and fuzzy “thinking about you” message often yields a friendly text or call back.

Light therapy requires daily commitment and takes time.

Don’t expect dramatic results right away. Seasonal depression can take months to go away. See your doctor if necessary.

About Smith Senior Living Smith Senior Living, a not-forprofit organization serving older adults, sponsors Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and Smith Crossing in Orland Park, Ill. These CCRCs are the

only ones located in the Southwest sector of metropolitan Chicago.

An innovative leader in providing the finest services and care for seniors, Smith established its first community in 1924, on the same city block where Smith Village stands today.

Both CCRCs provide spacious independent living residences, and apartments for assisted living, as well as memory support and skilled nursing care. In addition, they offer short-term rehab programs for residents and others who have had surgery or a medical incident.

For more information about how Smith Senior Living can help seniors enjoy their retirement, contact Smith Crossing at 708-326-2308 or SmithCrossing. org, and Smith Village at 773-4747303 or SmithVillage.org.