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EDITOR’S CORNER, PAGE 3

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

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

74th Year, NO. 52 • 2 Sections

Palos 118 petition effort gathers steam

By Jack Murray

Regional News Editor Voters in Palos School District 118 are poised to file a petition by Monday’s deadline to force the district’s planned borrowing of $6.5 million onto the ballot as a referendum question in the November presidential election.

Petition circulators have so far gathered 1,550 of the 1,654 signatures of registered voters residing the school district needed to put the working cash fund bond issue to voters as a referendum question, petition drive organizer John T. Donovan,

of Palos Park, said on Monday.

By state law, the petition must be signed by a minimum of 10 percent of registered voters who reside in the school district to let voters decide the bond issue.

“We are very confident we will get the number of legally valid signatures, plus a cushion to withstand any legal challenge” that supporters of the bond issue who oppose turning it into a referendum might make against it, Donovan told The Regional on Monday.

If a legal challenge is mounted by supporters of the district’s bond issue against the petition for a referendum,

resulting in an electoral board hearing by members of the school board, Donovan is prepared to seek the legal counsel of such renowned election law attorneys as Michael J. Kasper or Burton Odelson to defend it, he said.

Donovan and supporters spent last weekend going door to door gathering petition signatures, he said. Few people refused to sign the petition, he added.

Donovan was the sole resident who spoke against the bond issue at a public hearing required by state law on the school board’s intent to sell the working cash fund bonds held by the school board

on Dec. 15.

Donovan on Monday reiterated his conviction stated at that public hearing that although Palos School District 118 operates excellent schools that provide a high-quality education, he wants the district officials to more fully explain their need for the $6.5 million borrowing and make the case for it to voters.

Donovan intends to file the petition for the referendum on the afternoon of the day of the deadline, Dec. 28.

It would be no small feat for the petition gathering effort to succeed, as it was constrained by the timing of the bond

issue approved by the school board on Nov. 19: on the verge of Thanksgiving and the busy Christmas holiday season.

Donovan and fellow voters had 30 days from the Nov. 26 date of publication of the legal notice of the district’s intent to issue the bonds to file the petition for the referendum. If sufficient valid petition signatures are filed before the Dec. 28 deadline, the referendum question will appear on the November election ballot.

Donovan lists ways for voters to reach him to sign the petition in a letter to the editor in this week’s Readers Write See PALOS 118, Page 2

ORLAND PARK

Developer trims Townhomes of Colette Highlands

By Dermot Connolly Construction of the 60-unit Townhomes of Colette Highlands in Orland Park will likely begin in the spring, now that developers have made changes to design plans that neighbors had requested.

Architect John Schiess, who also represents the project developer, brought his latest preliminary site plan to Orland Park Village Board’s Development Services Planning and Engineering Committee meeting on Monday night.

A project that originally called for 96 residences, and then 72, has Photo by Jack Murray been scaled back to 60 residences divided among eight buildings, Schiess pointed out.

After hearing that the plans won “It’s a Wonderful Life” in Palos Park for this family whose sign compares the village to George Bailey’s hometown of Bedford Falls in the Frank Capra classic. The film was released in theaters on Christmas Day 1946, and is a perennial favorite in television reruns during the Christmas season. Another the approval of nearby residents, the committee voted to for it as holiday favorite is the enduring question: “Is there a Santa Claus?” See Page 4 for the most famous editorial ever written.

Signs and wonders for Christmas

well. It will now be voted on at the next full Village Board meeting in January.

The 3.6-acre site is at the northwest corner of Park Station Boulevard and Somer Glen Lane, close to Centennial Park and the 153rd Street Metra Station.

The townhome development marks the completion of the Colette Highlands subdivision, which includes condominiums and single-family homes that were built since the master plan was approved in 2003.

“I heard some very pointed direction from nearby residents [at earlier planning meetings],” said Schiess. “I wasn’t used to that, but I see where they are coming from.”

When he brought his original See TOWNHOMES, Page 3

Family of fallen firefighter files lawsuit

owner of the warehouse at 9213 S. Baltimore Ave., Chicago, where The family of fallen Chicago Capuano was fatally injured when firefighter Daniel Capuano, who he fell from the smoke-filled secwas laid to rest on Friday, has filed ond floor down an unmarked and a wrongful death-negliempty elevator shaft. He gence lawsuit against the died shortly afterward at owners of the warehouse Advocate Christ Medical where he died fighting a Center in Oak Lawn. fire on Dec. 14.

The suit, filed in Cook Capuano, 42, of ChicaCounty Court, claims the go’s Mount Greenwood company is responsible neighborhood, was a 16for numerous safety violayear veteran of the Evertions including the failure green Park Fire DepartCapuano to provide protection from ment, where he worked part-time in between full-time falling through holes in the buildshifts with the Chicago Fire De- ing, and failure to obtain building partment. permits to safely decommission Evergreen Park Fire Chief Ron- and remove the elevator. ald Kleinhaus said last week that The Chicago law firm of Moththis was the first time an active erway and Napleton is representPhoto by Claudia Parker firefighter for the village had died ing his family, including his wife, The American flag waves at the top of two ladders from the Palos and Evergreen Park fire trucks at the entrance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery along 111th in the line of duty.

Street Friday as part-time Evergreen Park firefighter Daniel Capuano was laid to rest. Fire departments from across the nation attended the funeral for Anilroshi, LLC, is the listed See FIREFIGHTER, Page 2 Capuano, who died when he fell through a vacant elevator shaft during a fire in Chicago on Dec. 14.

By Dermot Connolly

Visit us on the web at www.theregionalnews.com • email: TheRegional@comcast.net • To advertise, call 708-448-4000

2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News

Worth OKs medical marijuana dispensary

By Sharon L. Filkins Worth village officials last week granted a business license for a medical marijuana dispensary on Harlem Avenue.

Windy City Cannabis is expected to be open by late January at 11425 S. Harlem Ave. The village Economic Development Commission recommended the license approval contingent upon all inspections being completed and in compliance with all village codes and ordinances.

The Worth location is the fourth facility to be opened by Windy Photo by Dermot Connolly City Cannabis. The other locaAssistant Principal Greg Gardner and Sandburg Superfanz Student Section executive board members Eric Simkowski (from left), Trevor Hansen, Kelly tions are in Homewood, Posen Golden, Emily Cosler and Molly Donegan pose for a photo after explaining the new SuperfanZ Rewards app to the District 230 Board. and Justice.

A company representative at the Dec. 15 Village Board meeting issued an invitation to the board or any interested residents to attend an open house at the Homewood facility held last Saturday. “It will be the last time any non-medical person can enter the facilities,”

District 230 board can trumpet threepeat tax levy hike of zero

By Dermot Connolly For the third straight year, the High School District 230 board of education has managed to approve a tax levy request without an increase.

The total tax levy request of $106.4 million, which represents 84 percent of the district’s annual revenue, is the same as the levy amount extended last year. The school board voted to adopt the property tax levy at its meeting held last Thursday at Sandburg High School.

Board members said this is the fourth out of the past five years that the levy request has not been raised.

“We’ve had 12 years of balanced budgets, while 67 percent of school districts in Illinois are operating at deficit spending,” said Dr. James Gay, superintendent of the district that includes Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew high schools.

“We continue to increase what we offer to the district. We still provide our students with top-quality educational opportu-

nities. I think the students and taxpayers are getting their money’s worth,” said Gay. “It’s not easy, but it is right for the kids and right for the community.”

“It is really a full-team effort,” said Board President Rick Nogal.

“Balancing the budget without a tax increase and with a decrease in state funding has been a challenge, but we met it.”

Nogal pointed out that in addition to balancing its budget, District 230 has also received the status of “financial recognition” from the Illinois State Board of Education, the highest rating possible. He said Standard & Poor’s has also awarded the district a AA rating, indicating its strong financial health.

“We are firmly committed to being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers while providing the outstanding education our students deserve and our community expects,” said Nogal.

Also at the board meeting, Sandburg Vice Principal Greg Gardner and student leaders on the executive board of the SuperfanZ student section program

at Sandburg discussed the success of Rewards, a geo-location app for smart phones that rewards Sandburg students for attending school athletic events.

Sandburg began using the app this fall, and is currently the only high school in Illinois to do so, although Stagg, in Palos Hills, is planning to offer their own version next year. The University of lllinois at Chicago has also begun using it.

Students are encouraged to download the free app on their phones, and use it to “check in” when they arrive at events. By attending school events, they can accrue points to unlock prizes, which include free tickets to homecoming, prom and other occasions.

“This year, we had a bigger turnout for our first football game, which was away at Naperville Central, than last year, when it was at nearby Andrew High School,” said student leader Eric Simkowski.

“We doubled our fan base, and made (going to games) a thing to do,” said Simkowski, adding

that attendance at so-called minor sports has also increased.

Also, the students said that instead of limiting the Superfanz section of the stadium to juniors and seniors, with the freshmen and sophomores scattered elsewhere, all four grade levels are now being brought together in the same area.

“Coming in as a freshman, it was very intimidating to go games and sit in a section dominated by juniors and seniors,” said senior Emily Cosler.

“We’re very excited. At the end of the day, it is all about getting involved and showing support for the school,” she said.

While an outside company developed this one, the board also approved two app development courses for fall 2016, in which students will be taught how to create their own apps.

“It is a long way from the basic computer programming classes I took when I was at Sandburg long ago, where I learned to print ‘Pat’ across the screen,” said board member Patrick O’Sullivan.

Marist students provide gifts and hope

By Janelle Frost It was finals week for Marist High School students last week, but that did not keep several students from taking time to wrap gifts during the school’s annual Christmas gift drive.

This is the 11th year that the Catholic, co-ed, college prep high school in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood has held the Christmas drive, which benefited children in the Robbins community and from Chicago schools.

“The gift drive started thanks to the previous campus minister,” said Patrick Meyer, a campus minister at Marist. “She found the program Alliance for the Children that we still work with today.

This event is so important because Christmas is a time of giving. The Christmas drive helps put things into perspective for our students.”

Around 600 to 700 students and families and 20 teachers participated in the Christmas drive at Marist, Meyer said. And several students took time last Thursday morning to wrap gifts donated to the drive.

“I really want to help because everyone is not fortunate to have a good Christmas, and I think it’s good to help,” said freshman Caitlin Ryan, 14, of Evergreen Park, who participated in wrapping gifts last Thursday at Marist, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago.

“I hope (the children) will have a good Christmas and if they ever

have a chance to help others, I hope that they would,” Ryan continued.

Maura Smith, 17, of Mount Greenwood, and a senior at Marist said her love for Christmas and little children is why she’s been a part of the Christmas drive since her freshman year.

She said the presents, which she helped wrap last Thursday, bring the children “so much happiness and joy over the season,” and the gifts are ones any child would want.

Alliance for the Children works with Chicago schools to obtain the children’s wish list tags, which vary, Meyer said, but most of the items given to the drive are everyday essentials. Most of the children ask for socks, underwear, coats, boots, diapers, toys, and baby bath essentials, he said.

Alliance for the Children is run by husband and wife, Dorian and Kim Conty.

“It has been an awesome partnership” with Marist, Dorian Conty said. “The kids (at Marist]) get excited every year and love to participate. It brings them together for a common goal, and they love helping other kids this time of year, which teaches kids there are others less fortunate than them.”

Senior Matt Kettering, who helped wrapped gifts, agreed.

“I thought it was huge that most students realized how fortunate they are and decided to show their generosity,” said Kettering, 18, of Mount Greenwood. “I hope the

people that don’t have as much as we do have an awesome Christmas with the toys and stuff and that the parents have one less thing to worry about over the holidays.”

Two hundred toys were wrapped and distributed in Robbins Saturday, Meyer said, and the rest were to be picked up from Marist by Alliance for the Children to be given to children from Chicago schools.

“I’m overwhelmed with the generosity and spirit of the Marist community,” said Ann DeAngelis, Robbins Mission’s coordinator.

“They have been an anchor to this mission since the early days.”

In addition to helping wrap gifts at Marist, sophomore Aidan Morrissey, 16, of Palos Park, has shown his generosity for the people in Robbins by also holding a coat drive for the community.

“People don’t have much,” said Morrissey, who has worked with the mission. “It’s tough to see them come in, but when they do come in, they are so happy. It gives these kids hope they don’t get on a regular basis, and brings joy to their faces.”

Marist Campus Minister Colleen Pochyly, who stated in addition to the Christmas drive that they also donate sandwiches once a month to the Robbins community, said once students get involved in service, they want to continue to do it. And because Marist has no service hours, the students who are there really want to be there and are passionate about service.

Photo by Janelle Frost

Several Marist High School students along with Campus Minister Patrick Meyer (in the background) are wrapping gifts from the school’s annual Christmas gift drive. The gifts were donated to the Robbins community and to Chicago schools through the Alliance for the Children program.

That was evident through those who participated in the Christmas drive, including freshman Grace Murphy, 14, of Orland Park, who helped wrap gifts.

“I feel giving other kids presents makes you a better person,” Murphy said. “Everyone is not blessed as you are. I like to give back. I know what it was like when I was a kid and got presents. I want to make others feel the same way.”

Palos 118

Continued from Page 1 section on Page 4. An attorney, Donovan now works on the staff of Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart and formerly on the staff of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. He ran unsuccessfully for the High School District 230 board of education last April.

If he and other voters fail to circulate a petition by Monday’s deadline, the district will have the legal authority to issue the bonds.

Proceeds for principal and interest payments for the working cash bonds issued by the school district would be automatically levied on the property tax rolls as an obligation assumed by district property-tax payers.

School board President John Faustino has said that the district has historically used a combination

Firefighter

Continued from Page 1 Julie; daughter, Amanda, 16; and sons Andrew, 13, and Nick, 12.

Chief James Graben, of the Palos Fire Protection District, where Capuano started his career, said more than 3,000 firefighters from across the United States and beyond attended the visitation and funeral services held last Thursday and Friday at St. Rita High School Chapel in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also there, and spoke at the funeral, as were officials from Evergreen Park and other neighboring communities. Graben said that Capuano was remembered as a great firefighter and family man, who, among other things, helped coach his sons in hockey.

His sons attend Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park, as did

he said.

Village Trustee Peter Kats asked if any Worth residents would be hired at the new facility. “This was promised to us when your company made a presentation to our board,” he said.

The representative replied that two Worth residents had been interviewed and both were offered a position. “So far, we have only had one acceptance of the offer,” he said.

Resident Jack McGrath asked what the village hoped to gain from the approval of this new business.

Mayor Mary Werner replied that the facility would possibly draw people who have never been to Worth. “It is our hope that this will be a boon for our businesses.

Hopefully, people coming to the dispensary will eat in our restaurants, shop, buy gas, etc. We believe this business will be a true blessing to the people who really need it as well as a boost to our business climate.” of property tax levies and working cash fund bonds to operate its schools. “It’s standard operating procedure for us,” he said at the Dec. 15 public hearing.

District officials plan to use the working cash funds to upgrade facilities at Palos West to house a district-wide pre-kindergarten and early childhood program. Two classrooms would be added to the current two used for that purpose were not designed for them and lack adequate space, as well as restrooms appropriate for children 3 to 5 years old.

School board member Catherine Maier at the public hearing noted the district “is asking for a minimal amount compared to what we could ask for, which is up to $47 million” in its proposed $6.5 million borrowing. his daughter, before going on to Mother McAuley High School.

The funeral procession from St. Rita, at 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 111th and Austin Avenue in Worth, was more than a mile long. People wanting to show their support to his family lined the route as the procession made its way through the city and suburbs.

“People came from coast to coast. I talked to firefighters from Seattle and New York, and someone told me that they even met a firefighter from Australia,” said Graben.

“The Chicago and Evergreen Park fire departments did everything very professionally. He couldn’t have asked for a better send-off. It really was an amazing show of support from the fire service community as a whole for a fallen hero,” said Graben.

The Regional News

Thursday, December 24, 2015

3

EDITOR'S CORNER

Trump's card: Nationalism Boy the way Glen Miller played songs that made the hit parade, Guys like us we had it made, Those were the days.

And you knew who you were then, Girls were girls and men were men, Mister we could use a man Like Herbert Hoover again.

Didn’t need no welfare state, Everybody pulled his weight.

Gee our old LaSalle ran great.

Those were the days.

— Title song, "All in the Family"

By Jack Murray

Regional News editor The rise of Donald Trump has students of history and politics searching for the sources of his mass appeal.

The fall of Trump I must confess I expected to see by now. Surely, he would implode by means of some huge gaffe; deflated by some incautious slip of the tongue, doomed by his own hubris.

The classic anti-hero whom the gods destroy they first make mad, worthy of ancient Greek tragedy or Shakespeare. nbc.com But instead of a candidacy Trump killed by an ego containing the seeds of his own destruction, Trump has widened his position to close to 40 percent and above in some polls.

To understand the phenomenon that is Trumpism, scholars, pundits and journalists scour the historical antecedents looking for its source.

Trump began his vault to the tops of polls with his call to build a wall, make Mexico pay for it and send millions of illegal immigrants (his term) back to Mexico. This brought to mind the anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant, nativist Know Nothing movement of the 1850s.

More recently, Trump went from urging a halt to admitting Syrian refugees after the Paris terrorist attacks to a total ban on all Muslims from entering the U.S. after San Bernardino.

That discriminatory stance drew the F-bomb, Trump labeled by many as a fascist. Even rival Republican John Kasich ran an ad recalling the victims of the Nazis.

All that took us back to the gathering storm of the 1930s: Huey Long’s Share Our Wealth campaign, the fascist Silver Shirts and demagogues flirting with the authoritarian Right, such as Father Coughlin and Gerald L.K. Smith.

All were part of “The Politics of Upheaval” described by historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. I wondered whether Trump bears resemblance to “Buzz” Windrip, the populist U.S. senator elected president of the United States who establishes a fascist dictatorship in Sinclair Lewis’ 1935 novel “It Can’t Happen Here.” Or is he an American version of Mussolini, a strongman who will “make the trains run on time?”

Trump may be a populist, and he certainly is an American nationalist, but I doubt he is a fascist at heart.

No, the billionaire from Queens — the realization came watching Trump’s stump speech to a large rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Monday night — is taking his cue much closer to home in his crossover appeal that just may attract as many disaffected Democrats and independents as it has working-class Republicans.

And its address is 704 Hauser Street, Queens, New York. Trump in his rhetoric and simple solutions to Make America Great Again is channeling no less an iconic American character than his fellow Queens resident Archie Bunker, from the popular 1970s sitcom “All in the Family.”

Just listen to the speeches. Trump blames “stupid” leaders for our national woes, criticizing Obama, but also not sparing George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and the neo-conservatives in

his attacks on the Iraq war that toppled Saddam Hussein. Stupid this, stupid that, listen for long enough and think of Archie lambasting his sonin-law “the stupid meathead.”

Trump is at his most effective when he sounds like a Democrat. The trillions we spent on Bush’s war in and occupation of Iraq could have been used to rebuild our infrastructure, highways, bridges, airports, etc. he warms to his theme with growing passion that carries his audience with him. This is not your father’s Republican, and frankly his supporters do not care.

Archie Bunker’s favorite president was Richard E. Nixon, famously getting the middle initial wrong. He supported the Vietnam War, especially because it put him on the other side of the sandal-clad hippies, but was not happy at all about the way it turned out. He felt betrayed by the hawks who kept us in it for so long. It came out in his anguish and anger when he shouted at the Meathead later in the series to STOP talking about THAT WAR!!

And in all probability Archie would have been a Reagan Democrat. But despite being a supporter of the GOP, Archie was a member of a labor union who worked on the loading dock.

His nationalistic impulses would have been at variance with Reagan’s stubborn support for free trade and economic globalism against what the Democrats of his time called industrial policy or any other form of protectionism.

The United States has lost its manufacturing base to China and other low-wage nations since Archie’s time. Trump not only hit bad trade deals, but promises to bring it back.

Although Trump pays lip service to free trade, he is quick to attack corporations like Nabisco and Ford for plans he says they have to move their manufacturing plants to Mexico. He would slap a tariff of 35 to 40 percent on all parts or cars coming here from south of the border, he was quick to tell the crowd in Michigan.

Those dismissive of Trump’s chances to win the presidency against Hillary, just might listen much more closely to his message of economic nationalism. Unlike the hawks of the Republican establishment from Reagan to Jeb!, Trump says he wants to make our military the strongest in the world, but he wants never to have to use it.

He speaks with real pathos of the wounded warriors that Bush’s wars bequeathed to Obama have left suffering in this country. He wants their VA health care improved, not defunded.

Trump is speaking to the blue-collar, lunchpail workers of America who have lost jobs or seen incomes stagnate since before Obama’s election. And he could really do some damage if he equated the dismal economic recovery under Obama to the rising death rates recently reported for middle-aged members of the white middle class.

These death rates reflect the deep economic anxieties of our times. American voters who have not gotten a raise in years and years will not be eager to once again send the boys off to war in another neo-con crusade against the latest enemy in the Middle East of ISIS. Witness hawk Lindsey Graham’s leaving the GOP field Monday as Trump surges.

Polls show Hillary Clinton beating Trump.

Trump though is cleverly painting her as weak, tired, old and without energy. It may be a subliminally sexist attack, but Trump’s political antenna — his Archie Bunkerness — is perfectly attuned to a large segment of the culture — he is appealing to FDR’s Forgotten man, updated to 2016. Despite all the great hopes for him and that TIME magazine cover soon after his election, Obama has been no FDR. To the extent that Trump can make himself into a tough, illiberal, but populist-nationalist version of FDR while painting Hillary as Hubert Humphrey in a pants suit, he just may be not only unstoppable at the Republican convention, but much more formidable than any of the pundits ever imagined in his quest for the White House.

Heights police say: Drive sober or get pulled over And buckle up or get a ticket

The holiday season is upon us and if you’re celebrating with a drink, the Palos Heights Police Department has a message for you: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Due to the increase in drunk driving-related fatalities around the holidays each year, law enforcement agencies across America will be actively searching for and arresting drunk drivers from and into the New Year. Seat belt law violators will also be a focus as far too many still die because they failed to take the simple step of buckling up every time they get in a vehicle.

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Deputy Chief William Czajkowski “Drunk driving is a choice you make, and when you make that choice, people get hurt or die. That’s why we’re joining with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and law enforcement throughout Illinois and the nation to share the message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

“The safest way to get home is to drive sober or catch a ride with a sober designated driver. If you plan on drinking at the holiday party or at a restaurant, plan ahead and hand the keys over to someone else — a sober friend, a taxi or public transportation,” Deputy Chief Czajkowski continued.

In addition, seat belt law violators will receive a ticket — no exceptions. Click It or Ticket applies to the back seat, too. Illinois law says you have to buckle up, no matter where you’re sitting.

In 2013, 10,076 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in the U.S., almost a third of all traffic fatalities. Of the 10,076 people who were killed in impaired driving crashes in 2013, 65 percent were the drunk drivers themselves. Those 6,515 drunk drivers planned on making it to their destinations, but they didn’t.

Palos Heights Police emphasize the preventable nature of drunk driving: “All it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.

And remember, a seat belt is your best defense in a crash, so Click It or Ticket.”

“We can’t stand to see this tragic loss of life again and again,”

added Deputy Chief Czajkowski.

“The hardest part of the job is making that house call and telling a family that their loved one is gone because someone chose to drink and drive. That’s why we will show zero tolerance for drunk drivers on the road. Please find a safe and sober ride home.”

Palos Heights drivers, please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy: • Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk — or worse, the risk of having a crash.

• If you will be drinking, plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins. Don’t drive.

• If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation.

• Remember, driving after drinking should never be an option. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket.

The latest law enforcement crackdown is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns.

— Palos Heights Police Dept.

Supplied photo

Five area municipalities have teamed up with the Michael P. Gordon Foundation for this year’s New Year’s Eve Safe Ride Home. Representatives of Via Limo flank those of the participating suburbs and foundation: Tinley Park Police Sgt. Keith Sullivan (from left), Palos Heights Deputy Chief William Czajkowski, Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy, Bridget Burns of the Gordon Foundation, John Gordon, Heather Gordon, Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin, Mokena Police Chief Steven Vaccaro and New Lenox Detective Sgt. Louis Alessandrini.

Safe Ride Home returns here for New Year’s Eve revelers

Michael P. Gordon Foundation sponsors free rides home Orland Park and Palos Heights are among five south suburbs to again join forces to reduce the number of drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve. The village of Orland Park began the Safe Ride Home Program in 1994, with Palos Heights, Mokena, Tinley Park and New Lenox all coming on board over the last several years.

“Police departments work every day to protect motorists from impaired drivers,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “This cooperative effort among five towns with the help of the Michael P. Gordon Foundation stresses the importance not getting behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink — not only on New Year’s Eve but throughout the year.”

Free rides home from establishments within the participating towns will be available beginning at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1. Drivers will transport revelers home and not to other establishments.

Townhomes

Continued from Page 1 designs to the planning committee a year ago, dozens of residents turned out to voice their concerns about density, parking and other issues. He said he took the concerns into account, and made further changes since the most recent public meeting in November.

He pointed out that the development plans now call for eight buildings, including two set at an angle because residents of single-family homes nearby said doing so would improve their views.

A planned thru-street has also been turned into a dead-end to

“More than 100 people took advantage of Safe Ride Home last year, knowing they were too impaired to drive,” said Orland Park Trustee Dan Calandriello, chair of the village’s Public Safety Committee. “Leave your car where it is and call for a ride.”

Residents of the participating towns may call Via Limo at 708/349-7700 to request a free ride home. They must specify that they are calling for the Safe Ride Home Program.

“If you’ve had too much to drink on New Year’s Eve, Safe Ride Home will do just that — get you home safely,” said Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy.

The chief added, “Plan ahead now. Designate a driver for your holiday celebrations or if you know you’re not able to drive on New Year’s Eve, call the tollfree number. No questions asked.

Just don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”

This year’s program is funded with a grant from the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation.

Chicago Police Officer Michael Gordon, age 30, was on patrol on Aug. 8, 2004 when, at 5:45 a.m., at the intersection of Jackson and Sacramento Boulevards in Chi-

cago, his squad car was hit by an intoxicated, unlicensed driver who ran a red light, killing Officer Gordon and seriously injuring his partner.

“The Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation is proud to be a part of this program,” said Heather Gordon, foundation president.

“We have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of losing a family member to drunk driving so it’s especially meaningful to support our police departments and community leaders who recognize the need for safer streets on New Year’s Eve. It is our hope that more communities will be proactive and offer alternatives like Safe Ride Home.”

A native of Cicero, Michael Gordon was an Eagle Scout who graduated from Morton West High School. He received his law enforcement degree from the College of DuPage and served in the United States Army in the late 1990s. When he was killed, he had been with the Chicago Police Department for two years. Further information about the Michael P. Gordon Foundation is available at www.michaelpgordon.org.

— Village of Orland Park

allay traffic concerns, and a low fence will be erected between the new development and the condos development beside it, enabling the two developments to better manage their own parking spaces.

No one came to complain on Monday, and Pat McLaughlin, president of the Park Station Boulevard 1 Condominium Association, said Scheiss dealt with residents fairly. He said residents of his building located beside the planned development are satisfied with the changes made.

“If it goes down the way it is planned, we’re very happy with it,” said McLaughlin. “All we are asking for is to live in the way we have become accustomed to living since moving here,” said

McLaughlin. “It is important to me and my association that these changes not be overlooked,” urging trustees to make sure all the agreed-upon changes are made.

No one from the group of single-family homes located nearby were at the meeting, but Village Manager Paul Grimes said the group submitted a letter of approval, which is on file.

“The fact that they are not here shows they are happy with it,” said Schiess.

“I really congratulate you on being able to work everything out with the residents. It shows people can work together,” said Trustee Kathleen Fenton, who chairs the committee.

4 Thursday, December 24, 2015

FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY

OPINION

The Regional News

Reporting suspicious activity will help keep our community safe

From Police Chief George L. Yott Jr. The men and women of the Palos Heights Police Department would like to inform our residents of a nationwide campaign implemented by the United States Department of Homeland Security named “If You See Something Say Something.�

The campaign raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement officials. Informed and alert communities like Palos Heights play a critical role in keeping our nation safe.

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to: • Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur. • Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc. • Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

The most famous editorial ever written is Some of these activities could be innocent—it’s up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investiga- one titled, “Is there a Santa Claus?�

It has been reproduced in every conceivtion. The activities above are not all-inclusive, but have been comable form, in every quarter of the globe, piled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful since it first appeared in the New York Sun and thwarted terrorist events over several years. in 1897.

How to report suspicious activity: The question was raised in a letter to the Sun by 8-year-old Virginia O’ Hanlon Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see suspicious of New York City, the daughter of Dr. activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority. and Mrs. Philip F. O’Hanlon. The classic When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most answer was written by Francis Pharcellus accurate description possible, including: Church, an editorial writer at the Sun. • A calm brief description of the activity.

Church undertook the assignment with • Date, time and location of the activity. reluctance, the story goes, but his fine • Physical descriptions of anyone suspicious that you observe. craftsmanship produced an article that • Descriptions of vehicles, including license plate information. • Information about where people involved in suspicious activity has endured and will continue to endure as long as children ask: “Is there a Santa may have gone.

Claus?â€? • You can always report suspicious activity anonymously by “Dear Editor: calling 911. “I am 8 years old.

The “If You See Something, Say Something� campaign applies “Some of my little friends say there is to all types of crimes and is not only specific to terrorism-related no Santa Claus. crime. The Palos Heights Police Department would like all resi“Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s dents to become a partner in reporting suspicious activity and reminds everyone that it takes a community to protect a community. so.’ “Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?�

Virginia O’Hanlon, 115 West 95th Street “Virginia, your little friends are wrong.

An enduring question, 118 years later

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

dom of the press, whenever and This newspaper newspaper dedicated This dedicated to to however it may beisthreatened. the memory memory of those who the who gave gave theirlives lives to protect America’s their to protect America’s freefreedom of the press, whenever and

They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe unless they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.

It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. “Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch

Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. “You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. “No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.�

READERS WRITE How to sign to let Palos 118 voters decide Dear Editor, Over the past few weekends a local, grassroots effort involving phenomenally dedicated volunteers has been underway.

These volunteers have been canvassing neighborhoods and speaking with residents about the District 118 decision to quietly and unilaterally authorize a new $6.5 million debt obligation for taxpayers immediately before the holidays.

The volunteers helping in this effort have sacrificed their holiday weekends, and braved the cold weather and rain, in order to connect with each resident.

In accord with the process of previous issuances, and our democratic rights, we simply seek to place the borrowing question on the next general election ballot in order to protect and preserve each resident’s right to vote.

Many residents were not aware of the District 118 decision prior to our outreach effort.

Many are disappointed by the Board’s decision to borrow yet again without even so much as conducting a cost-study or considering the need to present a detailed, itemized plan.

The Board has argued both that they have this power, and they could be borrowing $47 million (instead of $6.5). Their reasoning then follows that we should not resist, nor stand in the way of them exercising this power.

Unfortunately, we do not agree with this. Instead, we believe that, as a simple matter of US History, all power derives from the people. Not from a seat of government, or a taxing body.

So, despite the Board’s argument, we, the people, have the power to act as well. We have the ability to demand a referendum on any and all actions taken by our governing bodies. We have the power to express our voices, and provide our input in the decisions being made by our governments on our behalf.

As the Board is well aware, the bond issuing process has always allowed for a referendum.

As previously written, here, it is our sincere belief that the

residents should be afforded this opportunity. We simply want to provide residents with a chance to exercise their right to vote on borrowing issues that impact them.

Therefore, if you would prefer to not have your right to vote obstructed by a unilateral Board decision, then the very first step in the process is to contact us and sign the petition for referendum, and to also encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to sign as well.

Please, feel free to contact us at the following: (708)-274-7679, or e-mail at PalosRightToVote@ gmail.com — John T. Donovan, Palos Park

Why are they so afraid? Dear Editor: I have a question for the voters and taxpayers in School District 118. Why are the members of the District 118 school board so afraid of a voter ballot referendum on their desire to borrow $6.5 million via a bond issuance?

I don’t know about you, but I pulled out my 2013 real estate tax bill and between Palos 118 elementary and District 230 High School districts I paid $4,400 or $365 a month, and that’s with a senior citizen discount. In [school board President John] Faustino’s letter to Readers Write last week, he states: “The new issuance we’re contemplating (the $6.5 million bond loan they’re trying to push through without a referendum vote on the ballot) is expected to keep the bond portion of Palos 118 residents’ tax bills at current levels.� Wow, borrow $6.5 million and it’s not going to cost us any more? Perhaps, then, if they didn’t borrow the $6.5 million we could reduce our real estate taxes! He states: That the District 118 board has made “on-time� payments of interest and principal on all previous bond issuances. Let me correct you Mr. Faustino -the taxpayers have funded your ability to make on-time payments. All you did was mail the checks in on time.  Here are a couple of the contemplated investments the board intends to

spend the $6.5 million on: Expanding education programs that will reduce instructional costs over the long run.

Huh? When is the last time you have seen a reduction in your tax bill due to the expansion of new education programs?

A four-classroom expansion project to provide district-wide pre-kindergarten and early childhood programs. As our esteemed president, Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders have said, we need to provide early education for our children (the same guys who want to provide “free� college education as well). I don’t know about you, but I think sending our kids to kindergarten at 5 years old is early enough to begin their formal education. As well, I spent 10 years paying off my college loans and don’t particularly want to fund the college education of other people’s children, which is what Obama and Sanders mean by “free.�

According to the Regional News, board member Catherine Maier incredibly stated: “the district is asking for a minimal amount ($6.5 million) compared to what we could ask for, which is up to $47 million.�

Thanks for being so considerate! Again, both Mr. Faustino and Ms. Maier reiterated that the $6.5 million bond loan would keep property tax bills at current levels because the current bond debt will be paid off by the time the new debt shows up on tax bills. Don’t these people ever think that perhaps retiring debt and borrowing no more might offer a reduction in taxes for us the taxpayers?

I do appreciate the volunteer work the board members contribute for no compensation. What I don’t appreciate is their resistance to offering the voters a legitimate chance to vote on whether to reduce their property taxes or keep them at the same level to accommodate the district’s proposed new spending agenda. As in most publicly funded institutions, that’s rarely a consideration given any serious thought. “Oh, we’ve paid off one bond debt, so now let’s go into debt again for something else.� This is the attitude that has America in debt to the tune of $19 trillion and grow-

ing.

Perhaps the voters will agree with the board, but the rapidity with which this issue was presented with a minimal amount of time to garner the signatures needed to place a referendum on the November election ballot (1,654 by Dec. 28) is questionable. You can support your right to vote by contacting the petition for referendum volunteers at the following: PalosRightToVote@gmail.com or call (708) 274-7679.  — Jim O’Hare, Palos Park

Please know the facts about Palos 118 bonds Dear Editor: I have not signed the petition to have Palos School District 118 School Board’s proposed $6.5 million bond issuance to become a referendum item in the November 2016 election.

Please consider the following as you make the decision on whether or not to sign the petition.

School district finance has changed over the last decade.

Our school district has been funded with both bonds and property tax revenue since the tax-capped era of school finance began in 2006. It is this combination of funding mechanisms upon which we operate the schools.

The school board and administration are operating in an extremely challenging funding environment. It has been determined that we must pursue efforts to reduce our operating expenses through thoughtful investments. For example, the proposed $3 million construction of four new classrooms at Palos West will expand our services for our early childhood/ pre-kindergarten programs for our community’s neediest and at-risk children. Research shows addressing these children’s needs at the early childhood/ pre-kindergarten level can reduce long-term operational costs, which is a benefit to all of our stakeholders.

We can do this while taking advantage of a federal program that would reimburse the bond interest with priority given to school districts that have shovel See READERS WRITE, Page 5

The Regional News

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Police rescue abandoned dog Palos Park police rescued an abandoned pit bull terrier puppy late Monday afternoon, police said.

The dog was abandoned in the roadway, and found by a resident who called police.

The dog was taken to the Animal Welfare League shelter in Chicago Ridge after Palos Park police officers responded to an abandoned dog report in the area of 123rd South and Post, Police Chief Joe Miller said.

“This dog was dropped off by [someone driving] a white fourdoor sedan, with Illinois plates bearing three letters and three numbers, 796,” Miller added.

Police are following up on possible plate combinations. People with any information are asked to call the Police Department at 671-3770 or 448-2191.

“Dumping a dog is a crime and a criminal investigation is under-

Local police departments and the Illinois Commerce Commission reminds utility customers in Illinois to beware of a scam in which someone claiming to be a ComEd or other utility employee asks for immediate payment of a bill either at a customer’s door, over the telephone or by email.

The ICC has received complaints from utility customers about scam artists claiming to be utility representatives, telling customers that their service will be disconnected unless payment is immediately made directly to the scammers.

The scam artist may direct the consumer to purchase a prepaid credit card, a “Cash Card,” and to call them back with the personal identification number (PIN). The stories can vary, for example, with the scammer saying that the customer’s billing cycle has changed and payment must be made immediately, that the account is past due and payment can be made to them directly to avoid disconnection of the utility service, or the customer’s previous payment was rejected or never received.

The scam has affected ComEd and other customers throughout the state, but a spike was recently noted for Ameren Illinois customers. “This month we are seeing an uptick in the number of reported scams, particularly those targeting businesses,” said Tim Reagan, director of corporate security at Ameren. “To safeguard all of our customers, it’s important that anyone who has been subject to these scams call Ameren and their local police department.”

Scam artists have also used a tactic called “spoofing” to manipulate the Caller ID displayed phone number so that it appears as a the utility’s number.

ICC Chairman Brien Sheahan

Readers Write Continued from Page 4

ready projects and have bonds issued without referendum. This could save the school district hundreds of thousands of dollars of bond interest.

The board has built credibility and trust with the community by welcoming dialogue with its stakeholders. The board is focused on providing an exceptional education experience at a below average cost per pupil.

The issuance of the bonds will advance these efforts. A referendum is not needed. I can affirm that the school board and administration is acting in the best interest of the community.

Please take the time to get the facts prior to signing the petition to send this the bond issue to referendum. I encourage you to visit the District 118 website and reach out to the administration or a school board member.

— Terry Heafey, Palos School District 118 School Board member

Palos 118 bond issue should go forward Dear Editor:

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Orland man charged with aggravated DUI Orland Park police charged Philip J. Kelleher, 55, of Orland Park, with aggravated DUI, driving on a revoked license, improper lane usage, no proof of insurance and failure to wear seatbelts after they curbed his car in the 15000 block of South Wolf Road at 3:14 p.m. Dec. 1.

Kelleher The charge made was made aggravated after it was learned that Kelleher has prior convictions for DUI offenses, according to the police report.

The vehicle was towed and impounded. Kelleher was ordered held without bond, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday in Bridgeview.

Rear window of SUV smashed Palos park police photo

A 44-year-old woman told police that someone smashed the rear window of her SUV as it was parked near her home in the 7400 block of West Tiffany Drive. The victim said she was eating breakfast shortly after 9 a.m. Nov. 28 when she heard a loud bang. She saw the way,” Miller noted.

This is the second incident of damage when she investigated. The vehicle a dog being abandoned in Palos did not appear to be rummaged through, and Park this year. The last one was nothing was missing, she told police. rescued by police last summer.

Man charged with talking

This pit bull terrier pup abandoned in Palos Park Monday was taken to the Animal Welfare League Shelter in Chicago Ridge.

Slam the door or hang up on ComEd, other utility scams noted the significant increase in customer complaints about the illegal scams and urged consumers to protect themselves by contacting their utility or the ICC. “Any consumer or business who feels they are being pressured or scammed should immediately end the conversation and call their utility service provider or the ICC Consumer Services Division,” Sheahan said. “Do not sign anything or give personal information to anyone calling you on the phone, sending you an e-mail or showing up at your door. If you feel something’s not quite right about the situation, reach out for help.”

The ICC offers these reminders to utility customers: • Never provide personal information to anyone who comes to the door or calls you claiming to be a representative of the utility.

• Contact the utility at the phone number listed on your bill to confirm the caller or the representative at your home is a verifiable employee of the utility. Do not call a different number suggested by the potential scammer and do not let them into your home.

• Utility field personnel in Illinois do not take payments from consumers. Be on guard for anyone who asks for your personal information, or says you must pay immediately and suggests a method to get the money quickly.

If you suspect you have been scammed, have a suspicious incident to report or have questions, contact the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795.

You may also contact Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800386-5438 or file a complaint on her website.

— Illinois Commerce Commission I am writing to support the [Palos School] District 118 bond issue, and to commend the School Board for being pro-active (rather than reactive), in dealing with future challenges.

The Early Childhood / Pre-K program has worked miracles with its students, serving children as young as 3 years old. Program graduates have excelled in middle school, high school, and beyond. From personal experience, the little ones (and their teachers) need a dedicated area of their own.

The needs of 3-year-olds (many not yet toilet-trained) are very different from the needs of the tweens and teens in upper grades. The need will increase in future years, and the District needs to stay ahead.

I have been to the science labs, and can also attest to the need for improved labs and classrooms. The Asians and Europeans are training their grammar-school students to beat us in the world marketplace.

The improvements will let us keep our students ahead.

In general, District 118 has been a wise steward of taxpayer money. The recent Palos school expansions also had their

5

on phone while driving

Police charged Maurice Q. Hoof, 33, of Calumet City, with using a cell phone while driving, as well as driving on a suspended license, after they stopped his car near 151st Street and Harlem Avenue at 6:33 p.m. Dec. 6. He is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 21.

Woman stole wine, police say Orland Park resident Lynette J. Stiles, 49, was charged with retail theft after she al-

legedly stole a bottle of wine and two bags of candy from a grocery store in the 9300 block of West 159th Street at 3:04 p.m. Nov. 30. Stiles was set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 15.

Hit-and-run driver sought by police A 45-year-old Orland Park man told police that a motorist whose car rear-ended his minivan at 135th Street and Southwest Highway at 7:14 p.m. Dec. 1 drove away after agreeing to pull into a nearby parking lot to exchange information.

The victim said that the alleged offender’s vehicle, a white Volkwagen Passat or Jetta, sped away west on 135th Street. He is described as white, about 25 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short hair, wearing a navy blue jacket over a blue-and-white shirt and “mechanic-style clothing,” the victim told police.

Charged with battery, resisting arrest Police charged Leo C. Frontera, 67, with battery and resisting arrest after they apprehended him on the porch of his home in the 8200 block of West 145th Place at 3:02 p.m. Dec. 1.

Frontera had allegedly pushed a 58-yearold process server on his doorstep a short time earlier, and when police arrived, Frontera resisted being handcuffed, according to the police report. He was set to appear in court in Bridgeview last Thursday.

Charged with felony retail theft Suzanne M. Eldridge, 61, of New Lenox, was charged with felony retail theft after she allegedly stole a charm necklace and two Nike T-shirts from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 11:31 p.m. Dec. 5.

The charge was elevated to a felony after authorities learned of a prior theft conviction,

according to the police report. Eldridge was set to appear at a bond hearing on Dec. 6.

Pickpockets hit Heights woman A 48-year-old Palos Heights woman told police that a pair of pickpockets stole her wallet while she shopped at Orland Square Mall at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

The victim said she said just made a purchase at Sears and was walking into the upper mall area when a man bumped into her right side.

While he accused her of bumping into him, a second man bumped her from the left, where her unzipped purse was. The victim said she thought nothing of it until about noon the following day, when she noticed her wallet missing. She said her wallet contained about $75 cash, as photo ID cards, credit cards and a payroll check. The suspects were described only as black, both male, under age 50, with dark complexions.

Student says his Jeep was stolen An 18-year-old Texas man told police that someone stole his 1997 Jeep Wrangler while it was parked at Robert Morris College’s Orland Park campus, 82 Orland Square Drive, where he is a student. The victim discovered the vehicle missing at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 7. Police said they saw no shattered glass or other sign of forced entry at the scene. The vehicle is white with a black hardtop and a 50-inch LED light bar atop the cabin, according to the police report.

Burglars steal jacket from car A 28-year-old man told police that someone entered his car while it was parked outside his home in the 7600 block West Cashew Drive and stole a $300 Columbia jacket, a pair of athletic shoes, $40 cash and a bottle of prescription medication. The crime occurred between 10 p.m. Nov. 25 and 6 a.m. the following day, according to the victim, who added that he thought he had locked the car. Police said they saw no sign of forced entry.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Charged with DUI Ezequiel R. Garcia, 40, of Midlothian, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol when he was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Dec. 10, in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for speeding, driving without insurance, and improper lane usage.

He is due in court on Dec. 30.

Gregory L. Eckardt, 41, of Palos Heights, was charged with DUI and aggravated speeding at 3:47 a.m. Dec. 15 in the 11800 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was driving 69 mph in a 35 mph zone. He is due in court on Jan. 25.

Jacob L. Goggins, 20, of Palos Heights, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 2:57 a.m. Dec. 13, in the 13100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage. He is due in court on Jan. 25.

Eric R. Abbe, 28, of Oak Forest, was charged with DUI at 3:13 a.m. Dec. 13 in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage, and is due in court on Jan. 25.

Maura A. Westphal, 47, of Palos Hills, was charged with DUI and other offenses following a traffic crash at 6:52 p.m. Dec. 13, in the 12700 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said her vehicle was driving north when she struck another vehicle waiting in the southbound turning lane, causing injuries to the driver. She was also cited for improper lane usage. She is due in court on Jan. 25.

Mary L. Martin, 52, of Worth, was charged with DUI and other offenses when she was stopped at 9 p.m. Dec. 15, in the 12400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue.

Police said she was also cited for speeding 60 mph in a 40 mph zone, and possession of an open container of alcohol. She is due

in court on Jan. 25.

Charged with damage Deonte L. Marshall, 24, of Oak Forest, was charged with criminal damage to property after he allegedly drove his car into a parked vehicle at 3:46 a.m. Sunday in the 12200 block of Dogwood Lane.

Police said the damage was done following an argument with the owner of the vehicle. He was held for a bond hearing.

Damage at Metra stop Police are investigating a report of criminal damage to property at the Metra station, 11451 Southwest Highway. Between noon and 5 p.m. last Thursday, someone used rocks to break two windows.

Charged with DUI of drugs Jason Y. Park, 40, of Orland

Park, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and other offenses following a traffic stop at 9:38 p.m. Dec. 8, in the 12500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, using a cellphone while driving, and not wearing a seat.

They said hypodermic needles and clear capsules containing a substance that tested positive for heroin were found in the car. He is due in court on Jan. 25.

Charged with driving while license suspended Suha Mohd Al Madi, 44, of Orland Park, was charged with driving on a suspended license and other offenses when she was stopped at 9:28 p.m. Saturday, in the 8200 block of West 141st Street. Police said she was also charged with driving without insurance and speeding. She is due in court on Feb. 17.

Moraine Valley offering concealed carry classes Illinois residents looking to obtain a concealed carry permit must complete 16 hours of training required by the Illinois State Police.

Moraine Valley Community College has several class offerings to earn the permit, which includes a firearm qualification with a minimum score of 70 percent.

Classes are on the main campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Feb. 5-6, March 11-12, and April 15-16. The fee to enroll is $249.

The class also will be offered at the Blue naysayers, but the projects were well executed, at a reasonable cost. With interest rates rising due to last week’s Fed action, now is the time to lock in low borrowing rates. With continued instability in Springfield, a Governor determined to divert money to charter schools, and TIF / incentive / development proposals threatening District funding, our District needs to stay ahead of the challenges.

Our schools define our quality of life. The bond issue should go forward.

— Elias M. Gordan, Palos Park

The greatest Gift Dear Editor, Last spring our daughter gave us the exciting news: she and her husband were expecting their first child! Then on Mother’s Day she baked a special “gender reveal” cake that gave us additional exciting news. It’s a boy!

During this season of Advent we are reminded that over 2000 years ago heavenly messengers brought that same news to the young couple, Mary and Joseph. But their Son was the Son of God, dispatched from Heav-

Island Education Center, 12940 S. Western Ave., from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on Jan. 22-23, and at the Southwest Education Center, 17900 S. 94th Ave., Tinley Park, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on May 6-7.

The curriculum covers cleaning, loading and unloading a concealable firearm, and all applicable state and federal laws relating to ownership, storage, carry, and transportation of a firearm. Required for entry into the class is a valid Firearm Owner Identification Card (FOID), a concealable type firearm (handgun) and 100 rounds of ammunition.

en as the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior and Redeemer to a world lost in sin.

And the sky was filled with His glorious birth announcement!

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

It’s the Boy! The birth of a baby brings such joy to a family. Jesus’ birth brought joy not only to His earthly mother and stepfather and the other witnesses to His nativity, but to all who put their faith and trust in Him. Joy to the world ... the Lord is come!

The birth of a baby also brings a myriad of changes to the parents’ world. Their lives are now focused on this precious new life. Schedules revolve around this tiniest member of the family. Sleep, meals, whatever, now take second place. The birth of Christ was no exception. He came to bring a whole new way of living-- and to show us how to go from being self-centered to God-centered. He came to show us what God is like. He is not a distant deity who has little concern for His creation. He is Emmanuel, God with us. He is with us in our concerns and cares, our pain,fear and sorrows.

Note that firearms or live ammunition are not allowed on the Moraine Valley campus or in classrooms. These items must remain at home on Friday. Participants will bring them to the range, Rink’s Gun and Sport Shop, 14363 S. Archer Avenue, Lockport, on Saturday.

For more information, call 974-5216. Register in the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room 103; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.

— Moraine Valley Community College

He is not distant but ever so near. He is not harsh and unfeeling but kind and empathetic.

He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares so deeply for us. He is not unapproachable but invites us to come to Him, all who are weary and heavy laden, and He will give us rest. Jesus, most of all, came to show us, by word and by deed, that God loves us. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. He offers us forgiveness and eternal life through the sacrificial, substitutionary death of His beloved Son. While we were sinners and totally estranged from God, Jesus died for us. He paid the debt we owe God, the price

for our sins, for the payment for sin is death. And to all that humbly repent and receive Jesus into their hearts and lives, He gives the authority and power to become children of God. What amazing love and what an amazing God! A baby truly does change everything. And the Baby born in Bethlehem came to change the world. He came to change us! His Gift is the best one we could ever receive--forgiveness of sin, peace with God and life with Him forever. Have you received this amazing gift? It truly is the Gift too wonderful for words!

Have a blessed CHRISTmas!

— Susan Tesauro, Palos Heights

6 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES Clara Bos

Clara Bos, nee Boer, age 83, of Orland Park went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Beloved wife of 58 years to Garrett Bos. Loving mother of Shirley (Randy) DeVries, Susan VanderHart and the late Garrett Bos III. Cherished grandmother of Cara (James) McDonough and Ryan DeVries. Dearest sister of Anna (Thomas) Staggs, Jake (Betty), Peter (Eunice), Arthur (Eleanor), Len (Theresa), the late Tena (late Benjamin) Bosman, the late Matilda (late Bartel) Zandstra, the late Edward (Bernice), and the late Ida (late John) Haak.

Dear sister-in-law of Dina Pierik,Trudy Bos, Ann Bos, and Ruth Bos. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Bos was born in Chicago. She was a homemaker. Visitation was held Dec. 22, with a Funeral Service to follow at Colonial Chapel, Orland Park.

Burial was to be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Elim Christian Services preferred.

Harry P. Froebel

Harry P. “Bud” Froebel, age 93, of Pals Park, died on Dec. 15 at Lemont Center in Lemont.

World War II U.S. Navy Veteran.

Beloved husband of 69 years to Loretta M., nee Vesely. Loving father of Barbara (David) Meyers and Wendy (John) Steele. Cherished grandfather of Peter Meyers, Lisa (Gilbert) Richa and Heather Steele. Dearest great-grandfather of Mariella, Sonia and Clara.

Member of Orland-Palos VFW Post 2604.

Mr. Froebel was born in Chicago. He was a re-

tired electrician. He was a member of Orland-Palos VFW Post 2604. Visitation was held Dec. 17, with an additional visitation Dec. 18 until time of funeral service at Colonial Chapel, Orland Park. Interment Fairmount-Willow Hills Cemetery, Willow Springs.

Santa Moll

Santa Moll, 92, of Palos Park resident, died Saturday at Peace Village in Palos Park.

Mrs. Moll was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Annette Wask; sons, Howard and Thomas; sisters, Anne Berndt, Julie Zygutis, Josephine Bennick and Rose Kowalski; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held Wednesday at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Richard W. Parker

Richard W. Parker, age 84, of Orland Park, died on Dec. 19 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

World War II US Army and Navy Veteran, beloved husband of 58 years to the late Margaret, nee Christ. Loving father of Debra Sanfratello. Cherished grandfather of Joseph Sanfratello. Dear brother of Raymond (Helen) Parker. Fond brother-in-law of the late Robert (Mary) Christ. Dearest uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Parker was born in Geneva. He was a retired salesman for Corrugated Cardboard. Member of American Legion Orland Memorial Post 111. Visitation was held Dec. 23, with a funeral service to follow at Living Word Lutheran Church, in Orland Park. Cremation private. Inurnment with military honors to take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Marist to hold open gym for kids

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Marist High School will hold an open gym event on Wednesday, Dec. 30, for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Here, grade school students line up for a relay game at last year’s open gym at Marist High School.

The event will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Students can enter at the main gym. Marist teachers and coaches will supervise the students in a variety of games and activities in the school’s three gyms. Participants must register in advance at www.marist.net. For more information, email Patrick Hogan at hogan.patrick@marist.net.

HEALTH BEAT Access to Care enrollment at Orland Township Orland Township residents who have a family income less than 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, no health insurance or a deductible of $500 more per person and are ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare Part B (Medicare

Part A coverage is acceptable), AllKids, FamilyCare or CountyCare can apply for Access to Care at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. An appointment is necessary.

The Access to Care program provides visits to an assigned Access to Care doctor for $5,

basic lab and X-ray services for $5 per draw or procedure, and prescription medication for $15 (generic), $30 preferred brand and $40 (non-preferred brand). Brand name medications are available only at Walgreens.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 403-4222.

Veterinary assistant course, info session offered at Moraine Valley Animal-lovers who are interested in a career working with pets can enroll in the Veterinary Assistant Program being offered at Moraine Valley Community College in the spring 2016 semester.

The 17-week noncredit course starts Wednesday, Jan. 20, and meets Mondays and Wednesdays from either 1 to 4:45 p.m., or 6 to 9:45 p.m. The fee to enroll is $1,700.

Topics covered in the class

Four Rivers wedding venue open houses

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Gather information on planning a wedding or an event at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Two Four Rivers Wedding open houses are scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove.

View the facility to collect information for a wedding or event at Four Rivers in 2017. Ask questions of staff, and get ideas for eco-friendly celebrations. The free program is for ages 18 and older. Registration is recommended; call 815-722-9470 or email fourrivers@fpdwc.org.

SIMPLE GIFTS Neat Repeats seek volunteers Neat Repeats Resale stores are looking for volunteers to work in their stores with a boutique atmosphere.

Share your compassion, your talent and time. Give five hours

a week and make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence. Join the Neat Repeats team, develop new skills and help in your own community.

Prospective volunteers who enjoy meeting people and like knowing you make a difference, can visit the stores in Orland Park

Feast Day of St. Nicholas

at 9028 W. 159th St. or in Worth at 7026 W. 111th Street. Come in, enjoy a tour, meet other volunteers, and learn why Neat Repeats is a great place to volunteer.

For information, call the store manager: Orland Park 708/3647605 or Worth 708/361-6860.

Supplied photo

Saint Nicholas had presents for parish children of all ages as part of the St. Nicholas Feast Day celebrations on Dec. 6 at Nativity BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palos Park. A 4th century Greek bishop in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), St. Nicholas is known as Nicholas the Wonderworker because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers and students in cities and countries around Europe. Because of his reputation for gift giving, he became the model for Santa Claus.

are medical terminology, animal behavior and restraint, laboratory procedures and safety, pharmacology, radiation safety, patient monitoring, disease prevention, and more. Each student will complete 90 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of observation in a veterinary hospital. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion, which may satisfy some entrance requirements in

more advanced veterinary career programs.

For additional information on noncredit classes at Moraine Valley, call the Corporate, Community and Continuing Education Department at (708) 974 5735.

Register in the Registration Office, located on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, in Building S, Room 103; by phone at (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.

STOCK UP ON GOOD HEALTH

Frankincense and myrrh have redeeming qualities For many years, I have been interested in the mystery and efficacy of frankincense and myrrh.

I always had the feeling that aside from them being considered sacred oils used for perfume, there must be more to the resins than aroma and incense. That has been what both have largely been used for in biblical times.

We read the Three Wise Men came to baby Jesus and presented him with frankincense and myrrh.

It was not only presented to Jesus at His birth, but it was offered to Him as he was placed on the cross. It was mixed with wine, but Jesus refused it. We also know that both frankincense and myrrh were both used, along with types of aloes, for burial purposes as well as for offerings.

You may not know it, but frankincense has a botanical name of boswellia, a substance used in many alternative remedies for its anti-inflammatory properties.

It has been used for emphysema as well as asthma, ulcerative colitis and arthritis. It was also used for wound healing and in some products it has been added for topical applications.

Now, this may sound strange, but most diseases have one common denominator — inflammation. For that reason, boswellia (frankincense) can be useful for many conditions caused by inflammation.

A study from Lund University in Sweden reports boswellic-acid contains anti-tumor, anti-cancer-proliferation properties and may be useful in the treatment of liver cancer. Of course, more studies need to be conducted, but this ancient sacred resin is already used by alternative physicians for inflammatory disorders. Some alternative remedies combine boswellia with curcumin to get even greater anti-inflammatory effect as well as providing pain relief.

Boswellia, or frankincense, also has been used in healing inflamed gums and is one of the ingredients in some natural mouthwashes.

Most recently, it has been used

DEE WOODS in anti-wrinkle cosmetics products as well as being said to help eliminate age spots.

One of the other sacred resins in addition to frankincense and perfumes is myrrh, which is a bitter tree resin also found in the Middle East, India and parts of Africa. It has similar qualities as frankincense. Myrrh is being studied for its qualities in controlling blood sugar levels and in possible treatment of diabetes. It is also being studied for its use

in stimulating thyroid function.

While it is used for gingivitis and in an alternative mouthwash — along with frankincense — perhaps its effectiveness is due to its anti-microbial constituents.

You can mix frankincense and myrrh oil blends with lime, lemon, orange and other citrus oils, as well as bergamot, lavender and sandalwood oil for a special relaxing aromatherapy. Combine the aromatherapy with good, relaxing music and you have an unbeatable combination.

While we have learned about the many benefits of these amazing resins, the most important thing to remember is the birth of the One for whom this season exists. May you all have a blessed Christmas.

— Dee Woods can be reached at deewoods10@icloud.com

LEGAL NOTICE

The Regional News

COMMUNITY NEWS

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Prairie School shares the joy of giving to Orland Township toy drive

7

Supplied photo

Prairie School in Orland School District 135 collects coins each year to raise money for the Orland Township’s holiday toy drive. This year, students and staff were able to collect a whopping $1,778 and change. Prairie School staff took the money and purchased a large amount of toys to donate to families in need this holiday season. The toys were picked up by the township on Dec. 14 when the students gave a presentation about how they did it to the township representatives.

RECREATION ROUNDUP Great Candy Cane Hunt, treats, bonfire The Great Candy Cane Hunt will be held Monday, Jan. 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Indoor and outdoor activities are

planned: a candy cane hunt, bonfire for roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate in The Park. Inside will be holiday music, open gym, Santa bingo, crafts and prizes.

Everyone will start in the gym to divide into age groups. Ages 2 through 6 with parents will group

together, then the big kids, ages 7 and up will be grouped together.

The event will be indoors if inclement weather, but dress to be inside and outside. Pre-registration fee is $4 per child by Dec. 31 or $6 at the door. For more, call 671-3760 or visit palospark.org.

dents also can choose from several career programs offered at the college including Allied Health and Nursing, Business and Computer Sciences, Industrial Technology, and Public Service. The college also offers noncredit programs, courses, workshops, and seminars.

Some of the college’s courses are offered in different formats to accommodate student needs, making it easy for people to fit college classes into their life.

These flexible learning options include evening, off-campus, oneday-a-week, online, weekend, and

short-term classes.

A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2016 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu.

Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $116 per credit hour plus fees and books. Students who have applied to the college can register in the Registration Office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley. edu.

SCHOOL NOTES Moraine Valley spring registration Moraine Valley Community College is holding registration for the spring 2016 semester, which starts Jan. 19 with on-campus credit classes. Off-campus credit classes and on-campus continuing Supplied photos education classes begin Jan. 25 An art student hangs an ornament at the Community Tree Trim. Its design is an homage to artist Dale Chihuly. while off-campus continuing education classes start Feb. 1.

Moraine Valley offers classes for those interested in transferring to four-year colleges or universities by earning associate’s degrees in Arts, Fine Arts or Science. Stu-

Orland Dist. 135 students create ornaments inspired by artists for community tree trim Orland School District 135 participated in the village of Orland Park’s Community Tree Trim earlier this month in Centennial Park.

Students in 1st through 8th grade art classes created ornaments inspired by famous artists.

Students took their designs from the styles of renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock, Peter Max, Yulia Brodskaya and Dale Chihuly.

Art teacher Sharon Grasman said: “The Community Tree Trim is a wonderful way to expose our students and the community to some fine artists. The students love that their ornaments can be displayed for all the residents to see!” Not only are ornaments hanging on the tree, but viewers can also learn more about various artists by scanning QR codes and reading short biographies.

Families, educators and community members came together on Dec. 13 to hang beautiful handmade ornaments on reserved trees by the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Centennial Park.

Superintendent, Dr. Janet Stutz said: “Through partnering with our Village, our students have the opportunity to not only share their

Smith Crossing resident reaps benefits of creative expression

Lois Rosenberg, 88, moved to Smith Crossing in October of 2014 with her husband Dean. Since then, she has earned a reputation as an artist-in-residence at the continuing care retirement community located at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park.

“Lois exemplifies what many researchers are discovering: art improves quality of life for older adults in numerous ways,” says Frank Guajardo, Smith Crossing executive director. “Lois possesses a quiet grace. People see how she’s pursuing an extremely fulfilling passion. At Smith Crossing, we encourage residents’ enjoyment of the arts with classes and a fully equipped arts and crafts room.”

According to Guajardo, the Center for Aging, Health and Humanities initiated a study suggesting a wide range of benefits for older adults who use art as a means of personal expression. Those beneTwo elementary art students helping to hang ornaments at the Community fits include: Tree Trim 1. Improved relaxation 2. Reduced anxiety and depresartistic talent, but to demonstrate a memory.”

Ornaments will be on display sion sense of connection and belonging 3. Greater imagination, playfulin the Orland community. This until Dec. 31. ness and sense of humor experience will instill a lasting — Orland School District 135 4. Improved sensory skills 5. Stronger self-identity 6. Greater spirituality 7. Reduced boredom 8. Greater social engagement For more than half her life, Rosenberg has dabbled in one form of art or another — from still-life oil paintings and chalk drawings of relatives and pets to watercolors of landscapes, flowers and bird and floral designs painted on fine china. She’s also done quite a bit of rosemaling, a form of Norwegian decorative painting.

The Rosenberg’s apartment is brimming with her works. Wooden platters covered with floral rosemaling designs decorate the kitchen walls. A watercolor painting of the Tetons hangs over the bed in the master bedroom. The home office contains a painting of the morning sun blazing on the Catalina mountains. A watercolor painting of purple delphinium flowers at Cantigny Park graces the living room.

Orland School District 135 art educators pose in front of the tree.

During her teen years, Rosen-

ings she’s created as presents. “It makes me happy when it turns out good—even more so if somebody likes it,” she says.

Rosenberg has taught art classes to fellow-residents, but currently she’s taking a hiatus. Still, she encourages others to foster their own abiding appreciation of the power of art to feed the soul.

About Smith Crossing Smith Crossing is one of only 13 CCRCs in Illinois awarded a fiveyear accreditation for “exemplary conformance” to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the Photo by Susan DeGrane Smith Crossing artist-in-residence industry’s sole accrediting body.

Sponsored by Smith Senior LivLois Rosenberg displays some of ing, a not-for-profit organization her paintings. serving older adults since 1924, berg took an evening art class at it provides spacious residencFenger High School, a Chicago es and engaging programs for public school on Chicago’s South independent living, as well as Side. “I was pretty good, but then assisted living, memory support I focused on starting my career and skilled nursing care. It also when I was an executive secre- provides short-term rehabilitation tary for Oliver Corporation in the services for residents and others Loop,” she says. “I worked there requiring assistance after surgery 10 years, got married and had a or a medical incident. family.”

For more information about It wasn’t until age 40 when Lois Smith Crossing, call 708-326picked up art again. She had raised 2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org. her daughter, Susan, and was eager to spend her time constructively.

She began taking art classes at various park districts. After her first husband passed away, she traveled the world, sometimes painting out in the open with her easel, or “plenair,” on roadsides in Tuscany and other places in Europe. She learned to paint with oils, but says, “Water colors are my favorite.”

Over the years, Rosenberg’s artwork has been exhibited at Lombard’s Helen Plum Memorial Library and Darien’s Indian Prairie Public Library. “I’ve enrolled in more art classes and spent more on art supplies than I care to admit, but it’s been wonderful,” she says.

She signs her works as “Loda,” a combination of Lois her first name and Dahlberg her last name from her first marriage.

Above all, Rosenberg displays a pure love of creating the art, and savors the appreciation of family members who appreciate paint-

BUSINESS

8 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News

FINANCIAL FOCUS

What to look for from a Financial Advisor

Happy start for Wu’s House Asian cuisine

Supplied photo

Wu’s House, located at 16310 LaGrange Road in Orland Park, featured drums, cymbals and Dancing Lions during the eatery’s grand opening celebration in October. Owner Michael Wu was joined by members of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce during a ribbon cutting ceremony. The restaurant specializes in sushi, teppanyaki and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Beware package delivery scam Don’t give credit/debit card to delivery driver demanding fee Everyone loves a surprise present, but beware that unexpected gift deliveries are the newest variation of an old idea for stealing your credit or debit card information.

This year United Parcel Service (UPS) says, nationwide, it will deliver more than 630 million packages by Christmas Eve. FedEx expects to deliver another 317 million. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns, that scammers see that much shipping activity as an open door.

“This scam takes advantage of the holiday season when people can be rushed and more easily bewildered by a surprise delivery.” According to Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, “These thieves have a carefully crafted plan.”

Bernas explains, “Your phone rings, and the person identifies themselves as from a delivery company saying that you have a package on the way. A short while later, the doorbell rings.

Sure enough, it’s a delivery person holding a gift basket.”

“When you ask who sent the gift, the deliverer doesn’t know.

He or she may claim the card was sent separately,” notes Bernas.

As the scam proceeds if the recipient decides to accept the “gift”, the delivery person will ask that they pay a nominal “verification fee.”

In one version of the scam, the “verification fee” allegedly confirms that the basket, which contains a bottle of wine, was given to a person of legal drinking age. The delivery person claims he or she can only accept credit or debit cards, and produces a hand-held card scanner.

This may all seem totally normal, but it’s a set up. The “card scanner” is actually a reader that collects the credit/debit card number, PIN and/or security code.

Con artists then use this to make unauthorized charges or commit identity theft.

The money the scam artists spent creating a “gift” basket is small compared to the amount they can steal from your credit or bank account before it is noticed.

Here’s how to protect yourself from a delivery scam: • Be suspicious. A package

from an unrecognized delivery service or source should make you question what or who this is. If a friend or family member wants to surprise you, they will likely send a gift using well-known or established delivery service.

• Guard your card. Do not give your credit or debit card to someone at your door. When your card is scanned, that is giving away your personal information. IN the case of a debit card, it is like giving away cash.

• Don’t pay to receive a gift.

Unless you requested the package and expected to pay something, you shouldn’t have a fee at delivery. Being asked for an ID is OK, but not a credit card. It is not out of the ordinary to ask for identification when alcohol is delivered.

• Slow down and think. Many scammers look for busy people, who are thinking or doing other things. This distracts you from what the scammers are after. Look out for other variations. This isn’t the only delivery scam that pops up at this time of year.

For more information on scams, visit bbb.org/Chicago.

— Better Business Bureau

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 Marquette Bk Tr to Greystone Ridge LLC, 11434 139th St, $1,835,000; US Bk to Rolla Robert, 15723 Old Orchard Ct, Unit #157232N, $85,500; Hafar James D to Balou Rassim I, 14918 Poplar Rd, $274,500; Calabrese Lauri G to Marquette Bk Tr, 16933 Blue Heron Dr, $395,000; Sawyer John Tr to Husein Mohammed Q, 13844 Redwood Dr, $209,000; Mcreynolds Virginija to Raizyte Zivile, 15628 Orlan Brook Dr, Unit #142, $50,000; Piton Halina to Mullaney Debra A, 9733 154th St, $250,000; Betz Christopher J to Dannenberg David K, 15713 Sunset Ridge Ct, Unit #157132N, $122,000; Beeler Leslie L to HP IL LLC, 11520 Kingswood Dr, $289,000; Nault Matthew A to Gonzales Tracy, 14965 Avenida Del Este St, $244,000; Carey Violet J Tr to Gleeson William G, 10807 Mississippi Ct, Unit #81, $194,500; Driscoll Anthony to Mihalov Joseph, 13815 Camelot Ct, $294,000; Sutherland Debra J to Johnson Marcus A, 15742 113th Ct, $320,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Baity Dennis J, 15703 Old Orchard Ct, Unit #157031N, $119,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Basic Daniel, 14649 Hollow Tree Rd, $270,000; Tamosauskiene Regina to Molina Eloy, 10153 Hyacinth Ct, $214,000; Qualizza Steve to Esparza Maria I, 7555 Ponderosa Ct, $200,000; Bogun Jan to Buzi Arber, 15639 Garden View Ct, Unit #23B, $109,000; Kayali Hanna to Jbara Thaer, 10509 Wood Duck Ln, $427,000; Escareno Juan M to Rojas Rey-

naldo, 15339 West Ave, Unit #2A, $68,000; Kwak Kazimierz to Ayed Fayez, 11939 S Pine Creek Dr, $338,000; Kmitch Jennifer to Sheehan John E, 10429 W Elderberry Ln, $285,000; Kurinec Gregory J to Patel Gayatri, 16508 S Lee Ave, $351,000; Zayyad Messra to Jenn Real Estate Inv LLC, 9100 Sherri Ln, $200,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Galotta Gregory J, 7930 Redondo Ln, $255,000.

Palos Heights First Midwest Bk Tr to Pukala John S, 12225 Flambeau Dr, $280,000; Mackey Michael C to Kavois Ryan F, 12200 S 73rd Ct, $310,000;

Bank New York Mellon to Woods James, 12555 S 69th Ave, $230,500; Zaug Jane F to Shore Stuart, 7824 Foresthill Ln, Unit #78241FR, $187,500; Johnson Sharon L to Palermo Sara D, 13312 Oak Hills Pky, Unit #13312, $200,000; Dixon William D to Colon Jerry, 12043 S 73rd Ave, $282,000.

Palos Park Vavra Patricia A to Sanchez Deborah J, 20 Huntleigh Rd, $325,000; Voorn Randall J Tr to Quick Thomas M, 12200 S 88th Ave, $377,000; Raeder Rita L to Stdenis Susan, 9 St. Moritz Dr, Unit #9201, $181,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 7)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.160 0

15-year fixed

3.375

3.470

0

30-year fixed Jumbo

4.000

4.045

0

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 14)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.050 4.052 0

15-year fixed

3.375

3.379

0

10-year fixed

3.250

3.255

0

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 21)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.047 .25

20-year fixed

3.750

3.814

.25

15-year fixed

3.250

3.314

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

There’s a lot to know about investing, so it’s a good idea to get some professional help. But with so many financial advisors out there, how can you choose one that’s right for you?

You may have to interview several prospective financial advisors before deciding on one. When you talk to them, see if you can get a sense of how they might work with you. Specifically, try to answer the following questions: Does this financial advisor … … Understand you? Perhaps above all else, you want a financial advisor who will take the time to get to know you and your family, your goals and what’s important to you. … Clearly explain investing? Once you enter the investment world, you will likely be curious about it. Why is diversification important? What’s a market correction? How do interest rate movements affect different investments? You will want to work with someone who will make the effort to educate you on investment topics and answer all your questions. … Know your investment style? Obviously, you’ll want someone who will recommend only those investments that are in your best interest and that can help you make progress toward your goals.

Therefore, the person you choose needs to understand your investment personality – that is, whether you are an aggressive, moderate or conservative investor. … Have a certain investment philosophy? You may have your own investment style and preferences – and so do many financial advisors. In fact, some financial advisors have an overriding investment philosophy that governs many of their recommendations. You need to find this out before you start working with someone. … Communicate frequently? The most knowledgeable financial advisor in the world won’t be of much help to you if he or she is not a good communicator. You need someone who will regularly let you know if you’re on track or make suggestions

JIM VAN HOWE

Edward Jones Investments if you’re not — even if you aren’t scheduled to meet for a while. And, speaking of conferring with your financial advisor, you’ll want someone who will meet with you when it’s convenient for you, whether it’s in person or over the phone. … Avoid making big promises? You want a financial advisor with the expertise and experience necessary to help you make the right moves. And you’ll want someone committed to your success.

But there’s a big difference between someone who promises to do the best possible job for you and someone who promises big results. Be wary of financial advisors who claim they can consistently achieve high returns for you — there are very few guarantees in the investment world. … Explain how he or she will be compensated?

Financial advisors get paid in various ways, often in some combination of fees and commissions. Ask all potential financial advisors how they get compensated; any reputable professional will be upfront about his or her charges.

By finding the answers to these key questions, you should be able to find a financial advisor who is well-suited to work with you. So take the time you need to gather enough information to feel confident in your choice. After all, you’re enlisting the help of someone who can have a big impact on your financial future.

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.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Webb Auto Outlet opens

Photo by Bob Bong

Webb Auto Outlet, a used car dealership, opened recently at 10926 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. For information, call the dealership at 708-827-5511.

New candy shop opens in Orland mall A specialty candy shop called GetHappy last week announced its opening near the children’s play area at Orland Square mall at 151st Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The store specializes in gourmet candies from around the world, including exclusive truffles, premium chocolates, caramel apples and a huge selection of gummies.

GetHappy candies can be packaged in five distinct clear containers, which are then customized with a personalized label and a happy card.

“I simply love sweets and am always searching for new candy offerings from all over the world,” Lindsay Erickson, founder/owner of GetHappy, said in a release.

“I look forward to growing my business with the new GetHappy location at Orland Square, which is sure to brighten the days of many holiday shoppers.”

“We are thrilled to have a locally owned business join Orland Square’s already celebrated retail mix,” Kevin Caulson, general manager at Orland Square, said in a release. “Orland Square is home to a dynamic collection of retail, dining and entertainment offerings, making this the ideal one-stop holiday shopping destination.”

Grand opening for D.A.’s Deli D.A.’s Deli and Dining soul food restaurant will hold its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at its new location at 7260 W. 159th St. in Orland Park’s Home Depot plaza.

The ribbon-cutting will take place at 11:15 a.m.

Owner Darryl Abernathy credits decades-old family recipes as his secret ingredient for whipping up delicious pork, chicken, beef and seafood dishes and sandwiches, sides and desserts. Signature offerings include the “One-Pounder,” a corned beef sandwich.

“We are pleased to join the

BOB BONG Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce and give the area the ‘one-two punch’ of sandwiches and soul food,” Abernathy said in a release. “We can’t wait for people to taste what we have to offer—great meals made with fresh ingredients, care and love.”

For information, visit the website dasdelianddining.com.

Credit unions merge Great Lakes Credit Union has announced the completion of a merger earlier this month with Phone-Co Credit Union. It’s the third merger completed by Great Lakes Credit Union in 2015.

The merger means Great Lakes has a new branch at 225 W. Ran-

dolph St. in Chicago (inside the AT&T Corporate building on the first floor). The branch is open to the public and can be accessed directly from Franklin Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“It is always exciting when we move into a new area and can offer our merging members access to an array of products and services they did not have previously,” Great Lakes CEO Vikki Kaiser said in a release. “The Chicago branch is our 14th in the Chicagoland area.”

Great Lakes Credit Union has more than 65,000 members and more than $693 million in assets.

It is headquartered in Bannockburn, with branches in Antioch, Bolingbrook, Country Club Hills, Gurnee, Naperville, North Chicago, Oak Lawn, Round Lake Beach, Waukegan, Willow Springs and Zion.

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

The Regional News

Thursday, December 24, 2015

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

File photo from Dec. 21, 1990

20 Years Ago This Week

The Palos Heights Recreation Center recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly installed kitchen and club meeting rooms. The Palos Heights Woman’s Club, in conjunction with the city, raised funds to complete the kitchen, which includes an oven, cook-top, dishwasher, microwave oven and custom-made cabinetry. Past club presidents Rosemary McGee (from left), Julie Corsi, Lorene Rathnau, Elenor Hawley and Marj Hultquist are shown at the ceremony. Money for the project was raised during the woman’s club’s golden anniversary, including the anniversary ball and ad book. The room will be used by the club and other organizations.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Predicament 5 *1-/9-Across 9 Mutual fund charge 13 Up to it 14 Prefix with plasm 15 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient 17 Nocturnal critter 18 Source 19 Adams’ “Nixon in China,” for one 20 Handled vessel 22 Pouches 24 Orch. section 25 Site of unexpected change?

27 Didn’t trick, maybe 29 See 62-Down 32 With 49-Across, bad break ... and what each answer to a starred clue creates vis-ˆ-vis the answers that define it 34 Prayer set to music by Schubert and Gounod 36 Choice to sleep on 40 Diva highlights 41 Distillery founder John 44 “Ray Donovan” star Schreiber 45 Aptly named bird 47 Italian almond cookies 49 See 32-Across 52 British pen pal’s last letter?

53 Part of a Buddhist monk’s ordination 56 Ridge just below the surface 58 “Father of,” in Arabic 59 Identical 61 Place where cheap shots are a good thing 65 Allow to attack 67 Dagwood’s annoying little friend 69 Inflict on 70 1985 Chemistry co-Nobelist Jerome 71 “Avatar” race 72 Always 73 “Easy to be Hard” musical

74 *73-/75-Across

31 Where to find a hero

75 Business

33 Play with, in a way 35 Irritates

Down

37 Cheese holder

1 Overdue, as pay

38 IdŽe source

2 Instrument to which an orchestra tunes

39 *16-/64-Down

3 Bushels

42 Russia-China border river 43 Numismatist’s find

4 Pitchers’ places 5 White-faced cattle breed 6 Roxy Music co-founder 7 Stirs

46 Reliant soul 48 Casting aid 50 Constellation near Scorpius 51 Bind

8 Knish filling

53 Converse

9 Unfastens 10 Up and down, say: Abbr.

11 “Give it __”

54 West Indian folk religion 55 __Sweet: aspartame 57 Friend of Che

12 Puccini’s “Vissi __”

60 Where Goliath was slain

16 Stern 21 Like “la vida” in a Ricky Martin hit 23 French vineyard

62 With 29-Across, Balkan city on the Danube 63 Rte. through Houston

26 Gallic girlfriend

64 Reactor part

28 Jane Eyre’s charge

66 Will Smith title role

29 *1-/53-Down

68 DIII doubled

(Answers on page 10)

30 Declare

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 Dec. 22, 2005

10 Years Ago This Week

9

Away in a manger: First- and 2nd-graders reenacted the Nativity story last Thursday at the Children’s Farm in Palos Park. The nativity play saw shepherds leading sheep and goats, kings bringing glittering gifts and costumed students processing to the manger. The Children’s Farm annually hosts more than 30 parochial school classes to perform the nativity pageant during the holiday season.

(Answers on page 10)

PICK OF THE LITTER

Options to treat bladder trouble in cats Dear Dr. Fleming, I have an 8-year-old Siamese cat, Ralph, and recently I have seen him in the litter box a little more than normal and the past two days he has peed in the bathtub and it looks like there is a little blood in it. My vet checked for a bladder infection and there is none.

She also took X-rays to make sure Ralph doesn’t have bladder stones, which he doesn’t. She said Ralph could have internal cystitis and put him on an antidepressant. Does this seem right to you?

Robert, Chicago Dear Robert, No easy answer to that question.

What your vet is referring to is not internal cystitis, but interstitial cystitis (IC) or inflammation of the bladder wall layers. This condition in cats, called Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) is similar to IC in women.

What treatment your vet has begun is appropriate; over the years I have treated some cats with FIC with both tranquilizers and antidepressants. There are other treatment options out there. If you want to go one step further in refining Ralph’s tentative diagnosis, I would recommend an ultrasound to fully evaluate the bladder. Some stones will show on ultrasound which did not show on regular X-Rays and ultrasound can also show tumors and bladder wall thickening that can be missed on rads.

This is a common enough problem that I know many of the people with cats who read this article have experienced this in their cats. Up to 500,000 cats in

JOHN FLEMING DVM • Prairie StateVet.com

the U.S. yearly experience FIC, which accounts for 64 percent of all lower urinary tract problems of cats.

FIC is a chronic, sterile (rarely is there an infection as we see so commonly with dogs), inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder. Unfortunately, it results from very complex interactions between the urinary bladder, nervous system, adrenal glands and the environment. There can be urothelial defects, neurohormonal abnormalities and environmental stressors. Say what!

Cats with FIC have several abnormalities of the bladder wall.

One such defect involves the protective lining of the bladder, which can allow urine to directly stimulant nerve pain fibers in the bladder wall (the glycosaminoglycan layer is deficient). Excessive pain signals from the urine “burning” the bladder wall are transmitted to the brain and local inflammation of the bladder occurs. Histology of FIC bladder walls shows areas of edema, damaged urothelium, submucosal hemorrhage, dilation of local blood vessels and increased mast cell infiltration. We also know that cats with FIC have decreased levels of Trefoil factor 2, which is needed to repair the damaged areas.

Photo by Joe Boyle

WHATIZIT? Supplied photo

Meet Max from Orland Park who likes to sit in the window and watch the birds.

Affected cats also have changes in their nervous systems. Their nervous system is over-stimulated and the increased sympathetic outflow leads to more urothelial permeability (lining damage) and inflammation. Cats with FIC also have an elevated response to environmental stimuli comparted to other cats as shown by the acoustic startle reflex. In addition, these FIC cats have changes in their hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system and have a significantly decreased cortisol response compared to normal cats. This

suggests a mild, primary adrenal gland (produces cortisol) insufficiency, i.e. not enough circulating steroids, which may lead, again, to more alteration of urothelium permeability (cortisol enhances tight junctions and reduces tissue permeability). Another plus for steroids. So overall, cats with FIC have a higher sympathetic nervous system activity with inappropriately decreased adrenal gland activity.

These FIC cats appear to be See CATS, Page 10

With this being Christmas Eve, we decided to stay with a holiday theme for the Whatizit column. Most people answered correctly that is a tree with holiday lights. We ring those Christmas bells for readers who responded that the decorated tree can be found at the Village Green at 94th and Raymond in Oak Lawn.

The Village Green, which is located next door to the Oak Lawn Library and the Oak Lawn Municipal Center is always a beautiful sight during the holiday season. Lights can be found on the trees and bushes at the Village Green, including the gazebo.

Worth resident Celeste Cameron was right when she said it was a tree and lights along the road and sidewalk. Theresa and George Rebersky Jr., also of Worth, also said it was a decorated tree.

Joliet resident Nancy Carley was more specific, stating that the trees are trimmed with lights at 9440 S. 53rd Ave. She also mentioned the gazebo. Jan Merchantz, of Evergreen Park, said the tree trunk is decorated with Italian lights along Raymond Avenue in Oak Lawn.

E.J. Oahueke, of Oak Lawn, also was correct.

Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum stated that it is the decorated parkway at the Oak Lawn Village Green. Happy Holidays to everyone that participated.

This week’s Whatizit may be familiar to some and foreign to others. The clue is: Caring for youths.

Send your responses by noon Monday. Make sure to include your name and hometown.

10 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News

Sandburg Marching Eagles going to Sugar Bowl

The New Year will be extra sweet for the Carl Sandburg High School Marching Band when they perform in New Orleans at the 82nd annual Sugar Bowl Halftime Show.

The Marching Eagles were chosen to perform on New Year’s Day 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the largest fixed dome in the country and home to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. The CSHS Band was selected along with 14 other marching band programs throughout the country by the WorldStrides Heritage Performance. A total of 2,000 high school students will perform. The performance will be aired on ESPN. “We are very proud to have the Carl Sandburg High School Marching Band represent Orland Park at the Sugar Bowl,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “It’s always exciting to have young people from Orland Park represent the community on a national stage.”

The Sandburg musicians depart Dec. 28 and will travel by coach bus to New Orleans with 130 of the 160 band members and col-

Cats

Continued from Page 9 more sensitive to environmental stress and therefore more prone to FIC. In one study, moving to a new home occurred in significantly more cats with FIC compared to normal cats. Another study showed that affected cats were more likely to live with another cat in which conflict existed.

Cats with FIC also engaged in less hunting behavior, had less access to the outdoors, and lower activity levels. Cats with FIC may also have various comorbid disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, decreased social interaction, fearfulness and decreased grooming.

In most cats a flare-up of FIC is self-limiting, accounting for about 80 to 95 percent of the cases. How many cats with blood in their urine, or straining in the box, have been put on antibiotics and got better? Most of these cats would have gotten better without the antibiotics. Frequent, recurrent disease exists in about 2 to 15 percent of cases and persistent FIC affects, again, about 2 to 15 percent of cats.

Common signs include blood in the urine, straining to pee, urinating in inappropriate places (they learn to associate the litter box as the cause of their pain), peeing many times per day or even complete obstruction (a real emergency; some people think their cat is acting constipated and don’t bring their cat in right away, not thinking it could be a blocked urinary tract until they bring their dead cat into the vet who gives them the right diagnosis). Most flare-ups last about 6 to 7 days and excessive body weight increases the risk for FIC. FIC is a diagnosis by exclusion and tests can include a urinalysis, a urine culture, radiographs, ultrasound, and urethrocystocopy (we send our cats to Purdue for this last test).

FIC is a waxing and waning disease and has therefore been difficult to come up with “the best” treatment. There is no cure for FIC and our goals of therapy include reduction of severity and duration of the episodes. Clinical signs resolve in about 85 percent of cats within a few days, with or without therapy. Cats that obstruct (can’t pee) need immediate atten-

Answers

Puzzle on Page 9

Sudoku

Puzzle on Page 9

or guards performing their 2015 show, “If I Only Had.” The group will return Jan. 2.

Sandburg High School Band Director Stewart Bailey said, “I am extremely honored to have our students invited to perform for the 2016 Sugar Bowl festivities. I am also very excited to see the students’ impressions of all of the wonderful music, architecture, food, and history that New Orleans has to offer. I was very happy and excited for our students to have the great opportunity to perform in New Orleans when I received the official invitation.”

In addition to performing to a sold-out stadium of more than 70,000 fans, the band will participate in the Sugar Bowl Parade, perform twice in the French Quarter and compete in the Sugar Bowl Battle of the Bands.

Orland Park Village Clerk John Mehalek, whose son Joe plays percussion, is traveling to New Orleans with his family.”This is a great experience for all of the kids.

They’ve worked hard all year and to be chosen from among bands across the country is a testament to the band program at Sandburg,”

tion. Medications we use include antidepressants such as Elavil and clomipramine, and glycosaminoglycan supplements (Cosequin for cats) to help repair the bladder lining. We also prescribe pain meds, laser treatment of the bladder, and multimodal environmental modifications (MEMO).

All owners of cats with FIC should consider MEMO which has been estimated to successfully reduce the severity and frequency of clinical signs in up to 80

Sandburg High School’s Marching Eagles will add the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day to their list of prestige performances.

Mehalek said. “We are all very excited to be a part of it and they are certainly making Orland Park very proud.”

The award-winning Marching Eagles received first place at this year’s Sandwich Marching Band Festival and third place at Andrew High School’s Marching Band Festival.

This is the first time that the

Marching Eagles will perform in New Orleans. Previously, the band played at the 70th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Obama’s 2009 Inaugural Parade and at the 2007 Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade in Anaheim, Calif. The band is led by Bailey and assistant band director, Brian Hillhouse.

— Village of Orland Park

percent of these cats. MEMO and laser should be tried before starting any long-term medication.

Components of MEMO include environmental enrichment, pheromone exposure (Feliway available online) and dietary therapy.

Hill’s Science Diet company has a new medicinally supplemented food (C/D Multicare) that seems to be helping these cats. Environmental enrichment ideas include climbing structures, viewing and resting perches, elimination of

punishment by owners, increased positive interaction with owners, scratching posts and appropriate litterbox management. The Ohio State University Indoor Cat Initiative (Google it) has other great ideas.

Supplied photo

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Meet the new boss New Evergreen Park football coach won a state title at Crete-Monee. Page 2

Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

KenVorva, Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday, December 2015 Thursday, March 24, 5, 2015

Tooth lost, game won Matt Ganser and Brother Rice down St. Rita in hoops.

Page 3 Southwest• •Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest

They’re a Dynamic Duo

Football Player of the Year

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Volleyball Player of the Year

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist quarterback Brendan Skalitzky ran and threw for a combined 4,793 yards in 2015 and was named the Reporter-Regional Football Player of the Year.

Mother McAuley’s Kayla Caffey not only dominated on the court, she took on a leadership role that she had shied away from in the past.

BRENDAN SKALITZKY • Marist

KAYLA CAFFEY • Mother McAuley

By Jeff Vorva

By Anthony Nassella

Even in an era when video-game football scores and stats are being racked up in high school football, Marist senior quarterback Brendan Skalitzky stood out.

Skalitzky passed for 3,705 yards and ran for 1,088 and scored 47 touchdowns helping to lead the RedHawks to an improbable trip to the Illinois High School Association Class 8A state championship game, where they lost to Loyola, 41-0 this season.

Marist was 5-4 during the regular season and became just the fifth team in state history to make it to a title game with four losses.

One of the reasons the RedHawks made it to the state title game was because Skalitzky accounted ELITE CLASS: for 633 yards and all eight touchdowns in a 59-56 A list of the quarterfinal stunner over Barrington in the high- student-athest scoring game in Class 8A history. letes named Skalitzky has been named the 2015 ReporterReporter-ReRegional Football Player of the Year. gional FootHis coach watched the Evergreen Park resiball Player of dent carve up defenses all season. the Year.

“You talk about being one of the best quar- Page 2 terbacks around, all year he was great for us,” Marist coach Pat Dunne said. “He threw the ball. He ran the ball. He can hurt you in a lot of different ways. He’s been a leader.

What he’s done all year – his stats have shown it.

“But more important, the biggest thing about him is that he is such a team player.’’

Whenever people ask him about his own accomplishments, Skalitzky is quick to praise others on the team.

“It’s all the offensive line and (running back Darshon McCullough) — you give that kid the ball in an open space and he is going to make some big plays,” he said. “My wide receivers got open and made big catches. It’s all a team effort.’’

The RedHawks opened the season with a 21-14 loss to Mount Carmel at Soldier Field but then went on a three-game streak in which they beat DuSable, 56-0, St. Viator 45-28 and knocked off Niles Notre Dame, 49-42.

After a loss 29-25 loss to Benet Academy the offense was rolling again, in a 45-21 win over St. Patrick, and a 41-7 victory over Marian Catholic.

They closed the regular season with losses to eventual Class 5A champ Nazareth Academy (62-45) and Joliet Catholic (35-28). They drew the 23rd seed out of 32 teams and knocked off Notre Dame again, 17-14 to open the playoffs. Then came the explosive 59-56 win over Barrington followed by a 31-16 semifinal win over Waubonsie Valley before the Loyola loss.

Even as a sophomore. Mother McAuley’s Kayla Caffey was making an impact as a volleyball player — especially when she turned out to be one of the most valuable players in the Mighty Macs’ Class 4A state championship win over Benet Academy in 2013 by pounding a team-high eight kills in just 10 swings of her right arm.

Two years later, she took her game to a higher level when she assumed the role of a leader. She impacted the play of an entire roster of talented players while not missing a beat with her own ability to take over a match.

Those qualities, along with a.461 hitting percentage, 286 kills, 123 service points, 98 blocks and 17 aces, led to Caffey being named the Reporter-Regional’s first Girls Volleyball Player of the Year.

“My senior season was like no other because I was an upperclassmen and a leader,’’ Caffey said. “There were a lot young players that I was able to take under my wing and teach them the ropes because they were coming up from JV. Varsity is a huge step between the levels, both mentally and physically.

“I encouraged them that they could get this. I remember the way (former Mighty Macs player) Gabby Innis took me under her wing and how it meant so much to me. I remember playing much more intense at state.’’

And Caffey admitted that it took extra effort to be a team leader.

“You just can’t just pay attention to only what you’re doing,’’ she said. “You have to focus on everyone else and that they’re doing their job, too.’’

Head coach Jen DeJarld said Caffey was hesitant to step into a leadership role, but she ultimately took her game to the next level when she did so, and she improved her ability to control a given match.

“Kayla definitely became a captain and team leader her senior year,’’ the coach said.

“She did a really good job of leading despite kind of shying away from it in the past.

With so many great players who were older than her as a sophomore, she felt pretty comfortable with them taking the reins and following their lead.

“But she really embraced the leader role for her senior year, and it showed on the court,” DeJarld said.

“She is one of the most talented players I’ve had the pleasure to coach in 21 years at Mother McAuley.’’

Sports Editor

Correspondent

2

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Cubs and NU’s hoops team hope to break futility streaks T he race is on.

Well, it’s actually been on for many years but now it appears that either a finish line or a mirage is in sight.

I’ve been posing this question for years and it has three answers.

What will happen first? a) The Cubs winning a World Series. b) Northwestern’s men’s basketball team making the NCAA Tournament. c) Neither. The world will end before the Cubs win the top prize and NU makes it to the Big Dance.

In 2016, it looks like both teams are put into a position where it could happen sooner than later.

I don’t want to overhype this or get people’s hopes up, but there are some good signs.

The Cubs gave their fans a huge Christmas present when they signed that washed-up bum outfielder Jason Hayward to a huge contract.

What? He’s not washed up?

He’s not a bum?

Well, that’s what St. Louis Cardinal fans are saying, heh, heh, heh.

On paper, the Cubs look like

JEFF VORVA

Making the Extra Point they just about have it all. Good hitting. Good pitching. A manager that is adored by players and most fans – although he was a washed out bum after that weekend the Cubs were clobbered by the lowly Phillies in late July according to some fans who called in to the sports yak radio stations.

But World Series titles are not won on paper. First, teams must go through a 162-game grind and the playoffs are a month of unpredictability in which the best team doesn’t always win. Just ask Lou Piniella after he guided Seattle to a 116-win season in 2001 and couldn’t bring the big prize home.

It’s going to be a long climb for the Cubs but it should end up being a fun season for the fans.

The smart money is that North-

western would have the better chance. It’s easier to make it to the NCAA Tournament than it is to win a World Series, even though the Wildcats never made it.

Ever.

At least the Cubs won a World Series, albeit more than a century ago.

NU’s streak of failure to qualify is astounding considering they had pretty good coaches such as Rich Falk, Bill Foster, the late Ricky Byrdsong, Kevin O’Neill, Bill Carmody and now Chris Collins, who is in his third year.

Year after year, the Wildcats generally have pretty decent nonconference seasons only to get torn up in the Big Ten Conference.

Carmody had four straight seasons of 17-14, 20-14, 20-14 and 19-14 overall but couldn’t put up a winning record in the Big Ten and that meant four trips to the NIT. This year, the Wildcats have played a soft non-conference schedule and were 10-1 after beating DePaul in overtime Saturday.

I don’t think this is a great NU team, but the key is having a

good Big Ten record. And some Big Ten teams are not setting the world on fire.

I see two winnable games against Nebraska, Minnesota and Penn State.

I see winnable games against Wisconsin, Illinois and Rugters.

That’s nine wins there.

I see two likely losses against Maryland and one likely loss against Michigan State, Iowa, Purdue and Michigan.

That’s six losses there.

They have two games with up-and-down Ohio State and one against Indiana and if they pick off one or two of those games, they are in great position for a plus .500 season in the Big Ten, which should put them in the NCAA Tournament.

But, keep in mind a lot of people have predicted this success after promising non-conference seasons only to have those dreams dashed over and over.

So who wins the end-of-thefutility race?

Let’s hope we all live long enough to see a winner.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Cubs hitting coach and Mt. Carmel graduate John Mallee, who was at Marist recently giving a hitting clinic, is hoping the North Siders can win a World Series. Will they win one before Northwestern gets into the NCAA Tournament?

“We’re going to sell the football program to the community and we hope they are receptive.”

— Jerry Verde New Evergreen Park football coach

New EP coach Verde is hoping to keep top football talent at home

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards’ Hasan Muhammad-Rogers was the 2014 Reporter-Regional Football Player of the Year and is now at Illinois State University.

GRIDIRON GREATS Football Player of the Year winners since the Reporter and Regional merged in 1986: 1986—Jay White (Stagg), senior 1987—Ken Courtright (Sandburg), senior 1988—Efrem Haymore (Richards), senior, and Dave Myers (Stagg), senior 1989—Dave Jensen (Shepard) Sr., and David Demumbrum (Reavis), senior 1990—Tyrone Washington (Shepard), senior 1991—Joe Schissler (Brother Rice), senior 1992—Jim Wroblewski (Sandburg), senior 1993—Allen Ross (Shepard), senior 1994—Kenny Carrington (Richards), senior, and Mike Tracy (Evergreen Park), senior 1995—Zak Kustok (Sandburg), junior 1996—William Andrews (Richards), senior 1997—Bruce Corcoran (Sandburg), junior 1998—Joe Martinez (St. Laurence), senior, and Joe Toner (Shepard), senior

1999—Tom Marsan (Evergreen Park), senior 2000—Mark Hamstra (Chicago Christian), senior 2001—Jon Cleveland (Shepard), senior 2002—Sean Lewis (Richards), junior 2003—Dan Nicholson (Brother Rice), senior 2004—Dion Foster (Richards), senior 2005—Mark Williams (Richards), senior 2006—Alex Haan (Chicago Christian), junior 2007—Alex Haan (Chicago Christian), senior, and Tommie Thomas (Richards), senior 2008—Josh Hodur (St. Laurence), senior 2009—Jon Ryan (Richards), senior 2010-2012 – None named 2013—Nic Weishar (Marist), senior 2014—Hasan Muhammad-Rogers (Richards), senior 2015—Brendan Skalitzky (Marist), senior

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

The kids are alright at McAuley

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Despite having a young team, Mother McAuley head coach Ashley Luke-Clanton has not wavered in her belief that maturity will eventually come.

The Mighty Macs posted a 6-5 record heading into this week’s action, defeating traditional powers Fenwick and Marian Catholic, and they competed in games early this week at the Lincoln-Way East Holiday Tournament.

McAuley boasts more than enough talent to keep Luke-Clanton’s confidence high for the present and definitely for the future.

Making big contributions for the Mighty Macs are sophomore Tara O’Malley (14.5 points), senior Caitlin Jandacek (10.2 points), sophomore Vanessa Gavin (9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds) and freshman Grace Hynes (5.1 rebounds).

“This team is good when they want to be good,” Luke-Clanton said. “They’re a talented group with so much ability ... learning and improving every game. Yet, we know we’re going to be an up-and-down

type team because of our youth.

“We just have to get to point where we’re steady. We’re halfway through the season, and I’m waiting on other kids kicking it into gear and also being contributors. I want them to get on the floor.”

In the meantime, the players who have been on the floor have made a definite impact in other wins, which include a sixpoint overtime win over Grayslake Central, a two-point triumph over Maine South, and a 21-point win over North Lawndale.

The biggest impact player offensively has been, without a doubt, O’Malley, though she had her struggles in McAuley’s one-point loss on Dec. 14 to Resurrection with just a four-point effort and foul trouble “Tara handles the ball for us and is an effective scorer,” Luke-Clanton said. “In spite of foul trouble, she plays really well for us and is fully capable of putting up big games for us. Because of that, it frees up other kids and it makes it easy for them to score.”

Luke-Clanton praises Hynes for her high basketball IQ and her ability to excel as an undersized player, at 5-foot-8, in a

full-size position.

“Gracie knows how to go and get a ball,” she said. “She always is in the right spot for us and reads the ball well off the rim.

She handles tough situations and helps get us out of tough situations. She’s very bright and uses her body pretty well.”

Janosek, McAuley’s most experienced player, has also been a double threat.

“Caitlin scores and rebounds pretty well for us, and she gives us the leadership that the team needs,” she said.

Gavin, meanwhile, brings a solid twofold contribution in terms of scoring and rebounding and the promise for an even better future.

“Gavin is going to be a heck of a basketball player,” Luke-Clanton said. “She has good instincts and plays the top of our halfcourt pressure. She shoots the ball well from the three and has started go well to the basket, which she hasn’t done as well in the past.

“She’s expanded her game. She has a high ceiling and hasn’t hit it yet. There’s room to get better, and I’m excited about her getting better.”

The Reporter-Regional’s Player of the Year, Marist’s Brendan Skalitzky, is from Evergreen Park.

Brother Rice quarterback Cam Miller threw for 3,113 yards and 36 touchdowns and he’s from Evergreen Park.

A few other private school rosters are dotted with players from Evergreen Park as well.

That’s a trend the school hopes to break.

Jerry Verde, who was announced last week as EP’s new football coach, brings in a wealth of experience as he has coached at both private and public schools. He’s been on both sides. He’s had kids come to his schools from different communities and he’s had kids stay put.

Time will tell if he can keep some of the Evergreen Park athletes at home, but that’s one area he vows to put a lot of effort into.

“The program will obviously reach out to the youth programs and all the potential student-athletes in the area,” Verde said. “I know how to pay attention to the potential Evergreen Park football players and we will definitely reach out and be a presence there. It is a great school. I can see that just walking in the halls.

As long as you live in the school boundaries, it’s a great place to go when your tax dollars are paying for it.

“There’s no doubt that we want them to be there. We will be a presence. I try not to make many promises but that is one promise that I can make. We’re going to sell the football program to the community and we hope they are receptive. The youth programs are obviously strong. The feeder program and the two or three parishes that could potentially feed into Evergreen Park have great players coming out of there.’’

Verde comes to the Mustang program experiencing it all as a head coach. For six years, he kept the winning tradition going at Crete-Monee High School and won a Class 6A state title in 2012.

In 2013, he returned to his alma mater, Marian Catholic, where he played for an unbeaten state championship team in 1993. But the past three years were trying with records of 2-7,

ROLLERCOASTER RIDE New Evergreen Park coach Jerry Verde’s head coaching experience:

2007 Crete Monee 2008 Crete-Monee 2009 Crete-Monee 2010 Crete-Monee 2011 Crete-Monee 2012 Crete-Monee 2013 Marian Catholic 2014 Marian Catholic 2015 Marian Catholic Overall record:

8-3 6-4 10-2 8-4 10-4 14-0* 2-7 1-8 1-8 60-40

* Won Class 6A state championship

2-7 and 1-8.

“It’s a little humbling, which is fine,” he said. “It was a different set of circumstances and obviously the results weren’t there.

I knew what I was walking into three years ago. For a variety of reasons it hasn’t worked out the way it could have. Marian has been a special place for me and always will be.’’

He has been an assistant coach at the University of St. Francis, Homewood-Flossmoor and Marian before hooking up with Crete-Monee as the top boss of the Warriors’ football program.

EP has had five coaches patrol the sidelines since the start of the 2002 season after Brett Nelson’s 15-season tenure. Two recent coaches, Mike Barry and Dan Hartman, left to take jobs in the Hinsdale school district.

Verde and EP officials hope for a long tenure.

“The No. 1 goal for any coach and especially for myself who has already made a few stops, is to be in a situation where you are wanted,’’ he said. “From a teaching standpoint, you want to be in a school that is solid and supports what you are doing. I really like this situation and I trust the school leadership and it seems like a place you can really spend a lot of time at. I sure as heck hope so.

“It’s a good job at a good place and I hope we can build up the program and they will want to keep me around.’’

• Marian Catholic did not waste any time replacing Verde as Spartans’ officials hired Sean Mele late last week.

Mele has area ties as he was the head coach at St. Laurence from 1997-2000 and at Marist from 2002-2007.

NEXT WEEK

A look at the top local sports stories from 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

BASKETBALL

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE W-L STREAK NEXT BOYS 7-3 W2 at Luther North Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Brother Rice Chicago Christian 9-1 W9 at Romeoville Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. 3-6 W1 at IC Prep Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Evergreen Park 11-1 W6 At Centralia Tournament, Mon., Tue., Wed. Marist 2-6 L4 at Teutopolis Tournament, Mon., Tue, Wed. Oak Lawn Richards 6-4 W1 At Hinsdale Central Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. 3-5 L4 at York Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed., Dec. 31 Sandburg 1-7 L7 at Romeoville Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Shepard 7-1 W6 at York Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Dec. 31 Stagg 2-6 W2 at York Tournament, Sat. Mon., Tue., Wed., Dec. 31 St. Laurence * Records through Monday, Dec. 21

Oak Lawn’s Danielle Quigley and her team hosted the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament last week and will be in the RiversideBrookfield Tournament starting Saturday.

GIRLS L1 Chicago Christian 3-7 7-6 W1 Evergreen Park 9-3 L1 Marist 6-5 L1 Mother McAuley 5-9 L2 Oak Lawn 9-3 W2 Queen of Peace 4-2 W2 Richards 6-8 W2 Sandburg 0-10 L10 Shepard 1-10 L8 Stagg * Records though Saturday, Dec. 19

Photo by Jeff Vorva

at at at at at at at at at at

Lisle Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Ag School Tournament, Sat., Mon. Montini Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. LWE Tournament, Sat., Mon. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue. Wed. Ag School Tournament, Sat. Hillcrest Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Hillcrest Tournament, Sat. Mon., Tue.

BROTHER RICE 55, ST. RITA 42

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

The tooth of the matter: Br. Rice hot, St. Rita not

Nailbiting win over T.F. South could be spark for Richards

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

In the grand scheme of things, Matt Ganser’s two points didn’t much matter in Brother Rice’s 55-42, Catholic League Blue win Friday over St. Rita.

But the two charges taken by the 6-foot-1 Crusaders forward?

“Big,” Rice coach Bobby Frasor said. “He literally lost a tooth on one of them. He just came out of the game and said, ‘I’m fine.’”

Ganser shrugged off the first-quarter orthodontics with an especially crooked smile.

“It’s happened before,” he said. “In eighth grade, at a graduation party, I got hit with a swing.

Broke it right off.”

This time, Ganser was in the lane when he caught an elbow from St. Rita’s 6-5 Chris Williams, who was whistled for the charge.

“That’s what he does,” Rice guard Mike Shepski said of Ganser. “We call him the Caveman, because he works so hard. He always makes the winning play — he does all the little things, grabbing rebounds, taking charges.”

Ganser, guarding taller players much of the night, came away with six rebounds and led a defensive effort that saw Rita shoot 16-of-44 (36 percent) on the night. “(Ganser) can slide his feet and guard anybody — that’s a huge asset to have,” Frasor said. “I liked our defensive effort. I know we’re small, but we play hard and we play smart.”

The Crusaders (6-3, 3-0) showed toughness, as well. Though St. Rita (4-5, 1-2) trailed by 10 at the half, the Mustangs crept within two halfway through the third quarter, and bounced back from another double-digit deficit to within three early in the fourth.

At the latter juncture, Brendan Coghlan drained a 3-pointer for the Crusaders, who also got momentum-blunting treys from John Ryan and Josh Niego.

“Every time we got close, they hit a big ‘three’” St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare said.

Ten of Niego’s game-high 17 points came in fourth quarter, when he hit 5-of-6 free throws, but he was more impressed by the clutch shooting of his teammates, and the ball movement that produced those shots.

“Brother Rice has always been known for really good 3-point shooting,” Niego said. “That’s just being a good teammate. Coach always says we need to see the floor and be willing to pass up a good shot for a great shot.”

Ryan finished with 11 points, making 3-of-4 beyond the arc. Shepski added 11 points and Jack Mahay eight, while Niego also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.

“That’s a great team win for them,” DeCesare said. “That’s what ‘team’ is about, different guys stepping up. We’re trying to get there.”

Williams led Rita with 15 points, while sophomore Jordan Matthews added 12 off the bench, 10 coming in the second half.

“We missed 13 shots around the rim,” DeCesare said. “It’s tough to win that way. But, we’re competing. We’re guarding. We’re just going to have to keep getting better.”

The Mustangs trailed 11-3 after the first quarter and 25-15 at the half, going just 4-of-20 from the floor over the first 16 minutes.

“We’ve got a good group,” Ganser said.

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Photos from top down: Matt Ganser shows off a chunk of the tooth he lost during Brother Rice’s win over St. Rita Friday night; Brother Rice’s Josh Niego goes low to figure out his next move against Paul Kingsley; Brother Rice’s Jack Mahay takes a quick peek back after he stole the ball and went up for an easy layup.

Top photo

by Phil Arvia; others by Jeff Vorva

“Josh and Shep were up on the varsity with us last year. We’ve been playing together for a while.

“For me, if I’m in trouble, I know the guy behind me has got my back — I’ve just got to play hard, because I know they are, too.”

Since his team suffered close losses to Marist and Providence St. Mel early in the season, Richards coach Jevon Mamon has been patiently waiting for a game that would serve as a guidepost of his team.

Friday night’s thrilling 63-62 victory over T.F. South could very well be the most visible sign that Mamon has seen so far this season. It was a hard-fought team win that featured clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Jaylan Catledge, who scored a team-high 22 points while adding eight rebounds and three steals, was 11-of-15 from the charity stripe and sank the tying and go-ahead free throws with “I think the win 30 seconds left. gives our guys Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ defense a lot of confidenied the Rebels dence in what in the closing secwe can do as a onds.

The conference team.” crossover win improved Richards’ — Richards coach record to 6-4 on Jevon Mamon the season and 3-1 in the South Suburban Conference Red. T.F. South fell to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the SSC Blue.

“I think the win gives our guys a lot of confidence in what we can do as a team,” Mamon said. “This is a season where we’re identifying ourselves in who we are and who we really want to be. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction that is helping us accomplish that and our ability to play with any team.

“It was great team win. There were guys who did not score 17 or 22 points, but they contributed to the win. Kids off the bench to hold down the fort and kept us in the game.

“We were happy with the effort. We can always identify where we can improve, but it was an excellent team effort.’’

As for the game itself, Mamon was simply grateful for the happy ending.

“It was an interesting game,” Mamon said. “I guess way that’s the best way I can put it. We came out pretty hot; then T.F. South made a run and we got in some foul trouble. We had about four starters sit on the bench the majority of the second quarter.

“It did come down to free throws, and Jaylan was especially solid for us there. We made our share of silly mistakes too. But anytime you can pull off a win like that, especially against a team like T.F. South, in regulation or overtime, is a good thing.”

The Bulldogs are in the Hinsdale Central Tournament, where they’ll play HopeAcademy at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and the StevensonForman winner or loser on Monday.

“We have the first game of a brand-new tournament on the day after Christmas,” Mamon said. “It will be an early wake-up call, which is always a concern right after Christmas. But I think we’ll be ready to go.”

Coach John Daniels and Stagg wrapped up the 2015 portion of the SWSC Blue season in first place.

Stagg sweats out victory over Joliet Central, leads SWSC Blue

Photo by Jeff Vorva

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Stagg’s 14-point third-quarter lead and 10-point lead with 5:19 left in the game at Joliet Central melted quickly but not enough to do severe damage.

The Chargers’ boys basketball team sweated out a 56-54 victory over the Steelmen Monday in Joliet.

The victory gives the Chargers (7-1 overall) sole possession of first place in the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue with a 3-0 mark while Joliet Central and Joliet West are in second at 2-1 followed by Bolingbrook and Homewood-Flossmoor at 1-1.

Junior John Contant’s 14 points helped give the Chargers a 31-25 halftime lead and he finished with 20.

4

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

THE NEXT LEVEL

Two of the best players in the Laan, er, land Two-time Hill Trophy winner Vander Laan prepares for shot in NFL

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

By his count, Jason Vander Laan’s audience Friday was a crowd of eight — his mom and dad, his girlfriend, his sister and her husband, an uncle, a cousin and a childhood friend.

They watched together as Vander Laan, a quarterback at Ferris State University, was announced for the second straight season as winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.

“Last year, I was up at school, with a lot of teammates,” Vander Laan said.

“This year, I kind of wanted to be at home, around my family, to be able to celebrate with them. … We watched, we all jumped up and screamed a little bit.”

And now it’s on to the work of performing for much larger audiences.

Though Vander Laan, a Chicago Christian graduate and Frankfort resident, has graduated with a degree in actuarial science and won the 2014-15 Division II National ScholarAthlete of the Year award for all sports, he is not pondering a future in the insurance industry. Instead, the man who has run for more yards than any other quarterback in the history of college football is kicking his dream of playing in the NFL into high gear.

“When I was in high school, senior year, my team was 2-7 — and even then people knew I was serious about it,” he said.

“I’m not going to mess around with this.

“At this point, I’ve signed with a pretty good agent, I’m doing real training, I’m going to have a real pro day. I’m going to have a legit opportunity.”

Vander Laan has signed with Robert Walker’s Unlimited Success Sports Management firm, which claims two dozen NFL clients on its web site, none of whom was drafted higher than the fifth round. He is driving Jan. 10 to Atlanta to begin training with Chip Smith, whose clients have ranged from Brian Urlacher and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the U.S. women’s gymnastics and volleyball

some as a tight end.

“I’ve been a quarterback my whole life, since fourth grade — I have no problem continuing as a quarterback. But if I transfer to tight end, honestly I could have just as much fun.”

There’s precedent for the switch.

Bears tight end Zach Miller was a four-year starter at quarterback for Division II University of Nebraska Omaha before switching entering his pro career.

“I’d have to learn how to block,” Vander Laan conceded. “But physicality would not be an issue at all. I’m more of a downhill runner than side-toside. I love contact.”

Miller is also one of many Division II players making their mark in the NFL. According to NCAA.com, as of September there were more than 100 Division II players on league rosters, nine with New Orleans alone.

The only other players to win at least two Harlon Hill Trophies — Johnny Bailey, Dusty Bonner and Danny Woodhead — all got shots in the NFL. Though Bonner washed out in his first training camp, Bailey played six seasons in the NFL, including two with the Bears, and was an all-pro kick returner, while Woodhead is in his seventh season in the league.

“There are guys all over the place in the league — more than people realize,” Vander Laan said. “Guys are drafted Supplied photo every year, and 20 or 30 get Jason Vander Laan is eying an NFL career after a record-setting career picked up as free agents.”

Now, it’s Vander Laan’s turn at Ferris State. to try to join that list. After celAll that is left for Vander ebrating the holidays with his teams.

“I won’t find out until Dec. Laan now is to pick a position. family in Frankfort, Vander That may seem odd, consid- Laan heads to the University 30 or 31 if I get into the (Feb. 23-29 NFL Scouting) com- ering Vander Laan is the only of Northern Alabama for the bine,” Vander Laan said. quarterback in NCAA history Jan. 8 Hill Trophy presenta“There’s a good chance, I’ve to rush and pass for 1,000-plus tion, then has a Jan. 9 date at yards for four straight sea- Chicago Christian, where he’ll been told, I’ll get into it.

“Regardless, at my pro day sons and holds the Division be inducted into the school’s I’ll do the exact same things I’d II record for rushing touch- hall of fame, before driving the do at the combine, so my train- downs by a quarterback. But, next day to Atlanta to begin at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, training for the combine and/ ing won’t change.”

Vander Laan’s pro day, in some see Vander Laan’s future or his pro day.

“Everything else in my life which pro scouts would be in- at tight end.

“I’m totally open to chang- is on hold right now,” he said. vited to observe him at a yetto-be-determined indoor facil- ing positions,” he said. “I just “This is my only chance in life to go full force for this one ity (Ferris State doesn’t have a want to play.

“In college, we had a thing. suitable building), will likely “I wake up every day thinkbe scheduled in March. The bunch of teams scout us.

NFL Draft takes place April Some were looking at me ing about what I have to do to strictly as a quarterback, get better.”

28-30 in Chicago.

Orland Park native boots competition en route to winning Mitchell Award

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Orland Park native and Lyons Township graduate Matt Cotiguala is getting a kick out of the award he just won.

Cotiguala won the Fred Mitchell Award on Dec. 15 which honors the nation’s top kicker in FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA, More than 750 kickers were eligible.

The St. Ambrose kicker was 23 for 25 in field goal attempts with a long of 50 and 28 for 28 in extra points for 97 total points.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for the Fred Mitchell Award,” Cotiguala said in a news release. “The award validates the incredible focus and hard work not only shown by myself but the entire St. Ambrose football team this season. I am proud to have brought this award to the St. Ambrose family.”

The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the All-American place-kicker from Wittenberg University and recently retired Chicago sports writer.

“It is a thrill to congratulate Matt as the first NAIA kicker to receive the Fred Mitchell Award since 2011 and the first-ever kicker from a school in Iowa,” Mitchell said. “With more than 750 place-kickers to choose from, we are extremely proud to recognize Matt among a stellar group of nominees. Matt was at or near the top of the 750 eli-

Orland Park native and Lyons Township graduate Matt Cotiguala won the Fred Mitchell award for the top kicker in the country.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY

No. 1 Cougars stay hot, hot, hot in Florida

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Despite the St. Xavier women’s basketball team starting the 2015-16 regular season undefeated and securing the program’s first NAIA Division II No. 1 ranking, head coach Bob Hallberg was looking forward to seeing his squad face some high-caliber competition.

And the Cougars received a double-dose of that competition this past weekend at the Cruzin’ Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where they faced 8th-ranked Davenport University (Mich.) on Saturday and No. 17 (NAIA Division I) John Brown University (Ark.) on Sunday.

St. Xavier (14-0) stayed hot and kept a stranglehold on its No. 1 spot, defeating Davenport 79-71 and John Brown 72-51. It’s the best start to a season for St. Xavier since the 2009-10 campaign, which featured a 17-0 start and ended with a 31-2 overall record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the 2010 NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship.

“We were at the point of the season where we needed to be tested,” Hallberg said. “We’ve had some game lately where we’ve played very well, but we needed to play some very good teams. It was good for us to be able to perform well against quality teams like Davenport and John Brown.

“The girls are going to have to learn that you’re not going to go to the locker room up 30 points at halftime every game. You have to play in close games to get accustomed to those moments. It also helps prepare you for the national tournament.”

Against Davenport, four players scored in double figures for St. Xavier, while holding the No. 2 ranked scoring offense in the NAIA (89.3 points per game) 18 points under its season average.

Sophomore guard Kara Krolicki and junior guard Sidney Prasse each had 16 points. Junior forward Sarah Vozel finished with a double-double effort of 14 points and game-best 12 rebounds, while junior guard Mikayla Leyden contributed 12 points, three assists and three steals.

Draining six three-pointers en route to her gamehigh 18 points and recording a career-best seven rebounds, Krolicki helped St. Xavier to the win over John Brown. The Cougars never trailed in the game, as they jumped out to an early 8-0 lead with six points from sophomore center Brittany Collins.

Collins also scored in double figures, adding 10 points and seven rebounds to aid the victory. Senior center Caitlin McMahon was also instrumental to the outcome, coming off the bench to provide 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Prasse had a solid all-around outing as well, chip-

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mikayla Leyden (left) and St. Xavier’s No. 1-ranked women’s basketball team kept their record perfect with two wins in the Cruzin’ Classic in Forth Lauderdale, Fla.

ping in eight points, five rebounds (career-high), four assists and four steals.

St. Xavier returns home for Christmas and hosts the SXU Holiday Classic. The Cougars open the event on that Monday at 1 p.m. with a match-up against Grace College (Ind.) and Goshen College on Tuesday at noon.

Men win fourth straight Sophomore guard Quinn Niego (Brother Rice) scored all of his game-best 18 points in the second half to help the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team win its fourth straight with an 82-69 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action Saturday afternoon at the Shannon Center in Chicago.

It was a career-high scoring total for Niego as the

gible kickers in many statistical categories. Matt’s record-setting season and collegiate career were extremely impressive.

It was a genuine pleasure for me to be the first to inform Matt that he is the 2015 FMA winner, and I could sense the sincere pride he places on receiving the award.”

Aside from his talent on the field, the Orland Park native volunteers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assisting agents in a variety of projects and he volunteers for a Congressman near his hometown to assist congressional aides. Cotiguala has actively assisted veterans, volunteered for the Special Olympics, served in area soup kitchens and helped develop local high school kickers.

St. Ambrose head coach Mike Magistrelli said “This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Matt. Nobody works harder on and off the field than he does.

His discipline and dedication are what allow Matt to not only excel on the field but also in the classroom and the community.”

Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney, added, “There were dozens of terrific candidates for this Award. In fact, 32 place-kickers were nominated by their schools for consideration. We are looking forward to honoring Matt on Feb. 15 during the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony.”

Cougars improve to 7-5 overall this season and 5-1 in conference play. SXU had five players score in double figures in Saturday’s win and took great control of the basketball committing just seven turnovers on the afternoon. Saint Xavier led by as many as 20 points late in the second half.

Junior point guard Kyle Huppe (Edgerton, Kan./ Gardner Edgerton) and sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien/Hinsdale South) each posted 17 points for the Cougars. Motuzis pulled down eight rebounds and dished out five assists, while Huppe also added five assists. Niego chipped in five assists for Saint Xavier as well.

Saint Xavier returns to action on Monday, with a 6 p.m. home game against Huntington University (Ind.). The Cougars will look to get some payback for an 84-70 road loss to the Forresters back on Nov. 4.

FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN

Women’s hoops team gets closer to victory Trinity Christian’s women’s basketball team fell to 0-13 overall and 0-7 in the CCAC after suffering a pair of close losses last week.

The Trolls played a close game with Indiana University-Northwest (Gary, Indiana) in a non-conference contest. The team trailed by a handful of points through the majority of the game and could not get the upper hand. They were down by eight at the half and within striking distance in the final minutes before IU-Northwest pulled away to hand the Trolls a 69-58 loss.

Kelsie Foster led the Trolls with 13 points while Bethany Jansma and Allie Paluchniak were also in double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. Foster and Lauren Stokes each had seven rebounds.

The Trolls just missed out on a victory at Roosevelt University (Chicago) in a conference game as their final-second shot attempt rimmed out. Trinity led through a majority of the game and was ahead by seven at the half. The team did not give up the lead until late in the game and ended with a 53-52 loss.

Jansma led the team with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Celina Wanta added nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Foster had seven points and six boards and Stokes also had six rebounds.

The Trolls visit Rochester College Dec. 31.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Section 2

5

FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER

Fire announces preseason schedule; Red Stars look forward to new digs

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

New Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic will get to see his team in action for the first time starting in late January.

Chicago Fire announced its 2016 preseason training camp schedule on Friday that begins at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch (3626 N. Talman Ave. in Chicago) on Jan. 25 and includes trips to Tampa, Fla. and Portland, Ore. in advance of the club’s 19th MLS season.

“I’m excited that in just over a month we’ll finally get the team together and begin our preparations for the season,” said Paunovic. “It’s invaluable that we’re able to utilize The PrivateBank Fire Pitch, our own facility right here in Chicago, to set the tone before heading to Tampa and Portland for competitive matches as we build towards opening day.”

After some time in Chicago, the Fire head to the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. On Jan. 31 before returning to Chicago on Feb. 12.

For the final leg, the Fire close out preseason from Feb. 15 to Feb. 28 in Portland, Ore. as part of the 2016 Simple Invitational where the team faces reigning MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers FC, fellow MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC and NASL side Minnesota United FC. Tickets for The Simple Invitational, which allow entry to both matches each day, start at $10 are online at www.timbers.com. Full tournament ticket packages for The Simple Invitational, starting at $39, also will be available for purchase online.

Red Stars react to Toyota Park move The Chicago Red Stars recently announced that the team will return to Toyota Park for the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League season and reaction has been positive. The club had been playing at Benedictine College in Lisle.

“This shows the commitment of both our owner and general manager to provide the players, coaches, and fans with the best game day environment possible,” said head coach Rory Dames.

“The facility at Toyota Park was fantastic last year and having our home games on a top level grass field is a win/win for everyone.”

Alyssa Mautz, entering her fifth season with the team added: “I couldn’t be any happier to be playing next season at Toyota Park. To be able to play on grass makes such a big difference. We perform well at Toyota Park and it is a world class stadium.”

The Stars say they are excited because Toyota Park is a soccer specific stadium, which allows the players and fans to experience a true professional game and environment.

Fire promotes home-grown players The Chicago Fire Soccer Club signed forward Joey Calistri and midfielder Drew Conner as Homegrown Players last Thursday. The former Fire Academy and PDL products become the seventh and eighth Homegrown Players in club history.

“We’re very excited to have Drew and Joey with us,” said Paunovic. “I like their personal-

ity on the field and their overall character. They have a great desire to learn, improve and give their best. They share the same values and passion as our community and we can’t wait to start working together. We welcome them to the Chicago Fire family.”

Calistri, 22, is a Deerfield native who was a four-year starter for Northwestern, racking up conference and regional awards while finishing as the No. 2 leading goal-scorer in program history. The 5-foot-10 striker earned All-Big Ten First Team honors as a freshman and sophomore and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team as a junior and senior. He had 30 goals and 10 assists during his Wildcats career.

Conner, 21, was a four-year starter for Wisconsin and captained the Badgers as a senior.

He earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a sophomore in 2013 and made the All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2012. The Cary native had six goals and 12 assists in his collegiate career. He also helped lead his squad to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2013.

A few images from recent basketball games

Sandburg’s Lisa Theriault tries to get out of trouble against Lincoln-Way North at the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament.

Brother Rice’s Matt Ganser fights for the ball against St. Rita Friday night. Ganser lost a chunk of his tooth taking a charge against the Mustangs during his team’s victory.

Young members of the Orland Magic hoot and holler at the Brother Rice-St. Rita game on Friday night.

Coaches and scouts at a Dec. 16 game at the Oak Lawn Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament show good judgment by reading up on players via the Reporter-Regional girls hoops special section, which came out in November.

Photos by Jeff Vorva Brother Rice’s Crusader Crazies try to distract St. Rita’s Chris Williams during Friday’s Brother Rice win.

6

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

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7

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2004-3 Plaintiff, -v.LARRY PATIENT, SHERRI L. PATIENT, CASEY TOOL AND LOCK TECHNOLOGY, INC., PROFIT SHARING PLAN F/B/O ELLERY E. CASEY, WESTGATE VALLEY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE CORP. Defendants 10 CH 044691 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-401016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-28028.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-28028 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 044691 TJSC#: 35-15966 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I679529

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED & EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.JAN MIETUS, LUDWIKA MIETUS, DEUVILLE CONDOMINIUMS Defendants 15 CH 08148 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 14, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 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 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 2301-306-026-1002. The real estate is improved with a tan, brick, condominium; one 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 PA1503435. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1503435 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 15 CH 08148 TJSC#: 35-13429 I677758

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.DORLITA MINTU, GOLFVIEW TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DORLITA MINTU, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 08 CH 27897 8314 WEST 95TH STREET HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 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 8314 WEST 95TH STREET, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-411-031. The real estate is improved with a two-story, single-family townhouse with tan vinyl siding and an 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 PA0816837. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA0816837 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 08 CH 27897 TJSC#: 35-14930 I678154

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.LAWRENCE A. WROBEL, MARILYNN J. WROBEL AKA MARILYNN J ZEITZ AKA MARILYNN ZEITZ WROBEL AKA MARILYNN WROBEL AKA MARILYN ZEITZ, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 25923 9894 WEST 145TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 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 9894 WEST 145TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-09-216-053-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with an 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 PA1125799. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1125799 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 25923 TJSC#: 35-14972 I677908

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.JEROME MILLER, ELISA MILLER Defendants 13 CH 06586 8711 WEST VAIL 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 24, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 8711 WEST VAIL DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-14-106-008-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with a two car detached 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 PA1105427.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1105427 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 06586 TJSC#: 35-17250 I677566

For Sale Public Notice Network Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON; Plaintiff, vs.

MARK J. HOLDA, ET AL; Defendants, REPUBLIC BANK OF CHICAGO; Counter - Plaintiff, vs.

MARK J. HOLDA AKA MARK HOLDA AKA MARK J. HOLDA; LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA FKA LYDIA ROJAS AKA LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA; HOLDA ENTERPRISES, INC.; FIRST MIDWEST BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; LOMA VISTA NURSERY; CHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICAS LLC DBA CHRYSLER FINANCIAL FKA DAIMLERCHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICA, LLC; STATE OF ILLINOIS; CAPITAL ONE BANK, (USA), N.A., CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Counter - Defendants 12 CH 8082 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-31-107-010-0000.

Commonly known as 6833 West 127st Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence.

If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. THE SALE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO GENERAL TAXES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND TO A PRIOR RECORDED FIRST MORTGAGE. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier’s or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Brandon R. Freud at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd., 200 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

(312) 263-3890.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I678834

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

34

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

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NEW as of 7/7/11 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 F13110209 Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs.

MARK A. PELEGRINO AKA MARK PELEGRINO AKA MARK ANTHONY PELEGRINO; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK; OLD NATIONAL BANK S/B/M TO PRAIRIE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A CERTAIN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 13 CH 26293 Calendar 64 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 7159 West 107th Street, Worth, Illinois 60482.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890.

(630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www. fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. F13110209 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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 herby 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.

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8

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time.

20-30 hours per week.

Day shift.

Please email resumes to

Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at

708-448-4000 Help Wanted

South Suburban law firm seeking full time

LITIGATION SECRETARY

with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficie t in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing s stems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

Please email resumes to: ff azier@odelsonsterk.com

Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative.

The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential

PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 • Fax: 708-448-4160

arichards@regionalpublishing.com For Sale

Wanted

COUCH AND CHAIR

WANTED TO BUY:

Call Diane

708 479-6979

Blinds

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OUT & ABOUT Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS

Here are films to avoid from 2015 scrap heap With 2015 coming to a close, it’s about time we look back at the year in movies. Next week you’ll hear about movies that you should actually watch. This week you get the bottom feeders, the movies that should have never been made. Here you get to see the six worst of the year as ranked by none other than me, your “esteemed” movie critic.

6) In the Heart of the Sea This Ron Howard directed film starring Chris Hemsworth was recently reviewed, so regular readers should freshly know not to see this sinking ship.

5) Black and White Essentially we get a glorified made for TV movie starring and bankrolled by Kevin Costner. At its core, this is a film about race, and it’s a very stereotypical one at that.

It uses the same tired stereotypes about black and whites that we see all the time. This film wants to start a conversation on race but it in reality it does none of that. There are black and white grandparents, a biracial grandkid, a drug addicted father, and everything else needed for a Lifetime Movie.

4) The Gunman Here we have what was supposed to be the revival of Sean Penn’s career, but instead we get a clunker of an action movie. Is Penn

TONY PINTO an action star? Not in the slightest way. This is basically another made for TV film (I promise not to say that again). Penn plays a former special forces solider who works for a shadowy agency that does security work for a mining company. Most of this film takes place after Penn is reformed and doing humanitarian work to atone for his sins that we never really hear about. The past comes back to haunt him and you don’t have any reason to care.

3) Pixels To quote my review from earlier this year, “Let the nerds take over” is an official order handed down by President Cooper (Kevin James), and that tells you almost everything you need to know about “Pixels.”That’s not a misprint Kevin James really does play the president of the United States in this film starring the once funny Adam Sandler. Pac-man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and other old arcade games drop down from

the heavens to wreak havoc and only Sandler can save the world.

Sandler has done a lot of bad films recently like “Blended,” “That’s My Boy,” “The Cobbler” (this apparently was so bad it went straight to DVD), and “Jack and Jill,” but this is the worst. He has other films that could make this list, but I’ll limit him to one spot.

2) Hitman: Agent 47 Apparently when I reviewed this film I called it “awful,” and what is worse than being called awful?

I don’t think much. Loosely based on the series of “Hitman” video games, it tries to bring the games to life on the big screen. It does a lot of the slow-motion action scenes that were popularized by “The Matrix” trilogy, but this is not The Matrix. This is a “Matrix” wannabe that needed to take a hit out on itself.

1) Jupiter Ascending This is a grand confusing mess brought to you by writer and director Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski who also created “The Matrix Trilogy”. Another movie with a “Matrix” tie that doesn’t work. Mila Kunis and a mostly shirtless Channing Tatum star in this Sci-Fi mess. Alien princesses, organs being harvested, and bad Sci-Fi make this one of the worst films of all time.

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: “BLACK MASS’’: To his roster of memorable performances, Johnny Depp adds Boston-mob figure James “Whitey’’ Bulger in a drama that boasts a superlative cast and taut direction by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart’’), even if the script doesn’t support them consistently.

An FBI agent (Joel Edgerton) who grew up with Bulger makes a deal with the devil by looking the other way on the gangster’s activities while taking whatever underworld information he can get from him.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Bulger’s political-minded brother, with Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Jesse Plemons (“Fargo’’) also featured. *** (R: AS, P, GV) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “PAN’’: The saga of “Peter Pan’’ has had many screen retellings, but few if any have been as offbeat — and, it might be argued, misguided — as director Joe Wright’s (“Affliction’’) take on the tale. The parentless Peter (Levi Miller) is taken from the London orphanage where he resides to Neverland, where he makes a

friend in the Captain Hook-to-be (Garrett Hedlund) and a notable enemy in the pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman, giving the role his typical gusto). As a measure of how different this version is, consider that the buccaneers break into crooning punk-rock songs ... and no, we are not kidding. Rooney Mara plays Tiger Lily in a cast that also include Nonso Anozie (“Zoo’’), Amanda Seyfried and Cara Delevingne (“Paper Towns’’).

DVD extra: “making-of’’ documentary. ** (PG: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “WAR ROOM’’: A martially challenged couple (Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stallings) is affected by a woman (Karen Abercrombie) who inspires them to fight for their family in this faith-based drama, which surprised many industry observers with its strong box-office take on its opening weekend. The man of the household, who has all the external signs of being a success but battles inner demons, has to decide whether he has — and can do with it — what it will take to repair the problems and keep his clan intact. DVD extras: “making-of’’ documentaries; audio commentary by director Alex Kendrick and producer Stephen Kendrick; deleted scenes. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “PAWN SACRIFICE’’: One of the most legendary chess showdowns in history is re-created in

this fine drama directed by Edward Zwick (“Glory,’’”Legends of the Fall’’), as Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan’’) respectively play Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. Their 1972 faceoff was more than a game, since it also represented a contest between their nations — with political pressures coming to bear on both of them. Peter Sarsgaard, Lily Rabe and Michael Stuhlbarg also are in the noteworthy cast, which also includes younger actors playing Fischer in earlier years. *** (PG13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

COMING SOON: “HITMAN: AGENT 47’’ (Dec. 29): An assassin (Rupert Friend) turns on the agency that wants to utilize his very special DNA to create a brigade of similar killers; Zachary Quinto also stars. (R: AS, P, V) “THE PERFECT GUY’’ (Dec. 29): A woman (Sanaa Lathan) comes to regret getting involved with a stranger (Michael Ealy) who begins stalking her; Morris Chestnut also stars. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “A WALK IN THE WOODS’’ (Dec. 29): A travel writer (Robert Redford) tackles the Appalachian Trail with a very dissimilar friend (Nick Nolte). (R: AS, 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): Too many holiday cheers can put your energy levels in arrears. In the week to come you may find that you enjoy being with some people, but other ones eat up too much of your time. Balance work with play.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your creative talents may be best displayed when teamed up with another person. In the upcoming week you may be attending several social functions where you can display your people skills and flair for the artistic.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your head may be buzzing with new ideas in the week ahead.

Creative and imaginative mental images can be applied in practical ways. You may enjoy making some handicrafts or homemade holiday treats.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may have some clout if you get out and about. Sitting home watching TV won’t bring you the attention or the enjoyment that you crave. In the week ahead head off

to public functions with your special someone.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Peer pressure can push your buttons.

With a holiday on this week’s calendar you may be required to attend one too many social gatherings. Some business matters are top priority and will not withstand passing distractions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may flirt until it hurts as this week unfolds. People will be delighted with your aptitude for good, clean harmless fun. Working, doing things, or going places with congenial companions is at the top of your to-do list.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A holiday outing in the week ahead might act like magic bullet that revives your spirits. It isn’t the opinion of parents, family or a sweetheart that counts but the verdict of the person staring back at you in the mirror.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s the thought that counts. If your aim is to impress, attending to someone’s needs is a much better option than mere money or token gifts. In the week ahead you may tune in on what your partner

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS UPCOMING The Bridge Teen Center programs

New Year’s Eve Party - 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a New Year’s Eve Party in their new space.

There will be a live performance from singer/songwriter Gabe Burdulis. Free samples will be provided by Bai and Giordano’s.

This free event is for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

Isle a la Cache upcoming programs • Bonne Annee is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

Celebrate Bonne Annee, or “Good (New) Year” like a fur trader from the 1700s and make a vintage French craft to take home as a keepsake. Registration is required

by Wednesday, Dec. 30, for the free, all-ages program; call 815886-1467.

• “An Evening with Emerson” is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Get closer to nature with a short hike; then warm up with hot drinks and a discussion of one of Emerson’s works, the essay “Nature,” which can be accessed at www.archive.org.

The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required by Tuesday, Jan. 5; call 815-886-1467. This is the first of four Nature Writers’ Series programs scheduled at the Museum.

Three others will be offered: “An Evening with Thoreau” on Feb. 4, “An Evening with Carson” on March 3 and “An Evening with Audubon” on April 7.

• Living History Demonstrations are set for noon to 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month from January through April at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Interact with Isle a la Cache Brigade members as they portray fur trading community members from the 1700s.

Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program.

• Busy Beavers Craft Club will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month from January through April at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Learn to make a craft you can take home.

Each month will feature a different craft activity. The free program is for ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

• A Winter Woods Walk is set for 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

Explore Isle a la Cache preserve after dark to see or hear wildlife along the Des Plaines River. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk 1 mile. The free program is for ages 12 and older. Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 22; call 815-886-1467.

Chicago’s famed The Second City really requires.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. coming to Moraine 21): Ask for advice if you want something nice. This week your bank account may shrink under a barrage of bills and last minute gift giving. However, someone’s wise counsel can make you a bundle if you listen closely.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may inadvertently put your foot in your mouth early in the week. However, forgiveness is easy to find. Get in touch with relatives at a great distance or friends close at hand to display your generosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You will wonder where the money went when you come home from shopping and it is all spent. As this week unfolds you can find a very good use for your savvy business and financial skills. Balance your checkbook.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Holiday entertainments are odds with efficiency. During the week ahead you may be tempted to take a long lunch or to go home early.

You will have to make up for it with extra effort somewhere along the line.

Southwest • Section 2, Page 9

Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater returns to Moraine Valley Community College with “Hooking Up with The Second City” on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m.

The new show will be in the Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.

The audience will find this gaspingly funny revue a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between. It makes mirth out of missed connections, girls’ night out adventures and all the crazy things people do for love. The Second City has been looking at and laughing about relationships for over 55 years, producing cuttingedge satirical revues and launching the careers of comedy superstars, including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.

Tickets for “Hooking Up with The Second City” and other upcoming performances can be pur-

chased online at morainevalley. edu/fpac, by calling (708) 9745500, or at the Box Office, located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

ed on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, in Building S, Room 103; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.

Moraine Valley dance classes

Moraine Valley class will visit Québec City

Beginning dancers can learn the moves for ballroom, Latin, social, and swing dancing in a noncredit dance class offered by Moraine Valley Community College this spring. The classes will be held at Pilgrim Faith Church United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Students in the Ballroom Dancing, Beginning class will learn proper dance techniques in leading and following, and the basic elements of the waltz, fox trot, tango, rhumba, cha-cha, and swing dance. The eight-week class will be on Tuesdays, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 26.

Learn the basic moves of Latin, social and swing dancing in the eight-week beginner course. It will be Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 26. Couples are required, but each person must register individually. Smooth-soled dress shoes are recommended. Do not wear gym shoes.

For questions, call Corporate, Community and Continuing Education at (708) 974-5735. Register in the Registration Office, locat-

A one-credit course will be offered this spring by Moraine Valley Community College that will take participants to Quebec City, Canada, from April 29 to May 2.

Québec City is one of North America’s most European cities as well as an UNESCO world heritage site. Participants will explore the 400-year-old metropolis on a walking tour, visit Québec’s Parliament and have lunch in the senator’s dining room, visit Montmorency Falls, sample bread from Chez Marie’s roadside bread oven, and stay at the Château Frontenac.

To earn the class credit, students are required to attend three meetings on Moraine Valley’s campus prior to the trip and complete a field activity in Canada.

Participants need a valid passport to travel. The total cost is $1,885, plus tuition and fees, and includes airfare, most meals, hotel, shuttle to and from the airport, visits to museums, and tours.

To secure a spot or for more information, contact Mary Beth Walsh at walsh@morainevalley. edu or (708) 974-5569.

FREE FITNESS WEEK This is your chance to come and try all the great fitness classes we offer.

Monday January 4 - Saturday January 9 Classes will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center 6601 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights Try as many free classes as you want during the week and after you try them you receive a $5.00 off coupon to use toward your registration for the 8-week session starting January 11.

Let us help you reach your fitness goals!

For any questions call 708-361-1807 Child care will be available for AM classes (excluding Spinning) For a list of classes visit www.palosheightsrec.org and click on the online brochure – page 38 is the Group Fitness Calendar

OUT & ABOUT Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Southwest • Section 2, Page 10

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko

Eagle Watch on the Des Plaines in Channahon Eagle Watch on the River is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Thursday, Jan. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 16, and again This fl vorful side dish is good tasting and good for you. from Thursday, Jan. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon.

Take a self-guided walk along the Des Plaines River while watching for American bald eagles wintering around the preserve. Then stop at the Environmental Center to enjoy a free hot beverage while viewing a slideshow and informative displays about eagles. Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program. For more information on this and other Will County Forest Preserve District offerings, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Fotolia.com

Easy holiday vegetable side dish comes from the oven

By Wolfgang Puck

Supplied photo

The duo Switchback has created 14 award-winning Celtic and Americana albums. They will perform two shows at Moraine Valley Community College on Jan. 24.

Internationally renowned duo Switchback to perform at Moraine The Celtic and Americana Roots duo Switchback will perform two concerts at Moraine Valley Community College on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 2 and 5:30 p.m.

The shows will be performed in the John and Angeline Oremus Theater, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The cabaretstyle set up features table seating for $25 for the general public, and $20 for seniors and students.

Theater seating is $20 for the general public and $15 for seniors and students.

“An Afternoon with Switchback” will feature a mix of original and traditional Irish music and a selection of songs from their catalog of over 300 original Americana tunes. Their music has been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.”

Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music around the world for 20 years. Switchback’s concerts include stories of their travels, audience participation and a healthy dose of comedy thrown in for good measure.

These two talented singer/ songwriters formed Switchback 1993 and set out on the road to take their “American Roots and Celtic Soul” brand of music to music halls and festivals in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and other countries. They have shared the stage during that journey with music royalty, most notably The Moody Blues, Leon Russell and John Hartford.

The duo has created 14 awardwinning Celtic and Americana al-

bums. The Irish Music Association presented Switchback with the award for the “Top Duo in a Pub, Festival or Concert” for the USA, Ireland, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

Their television specials “The Americana Sessions” and “The Celtic Sessions” have aired on PBS stations around the U.S. Learn more about Switchback and hear a sample of their music

at WayGoodMusic.com.

Tickets to “An Afternoon with Switchback” and other upcoming performances can be purchased at morainevalley.edu/fpac, by calling (708) 974-5500, or at the Box Office located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

— Moraine Valley Community College

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You might think that, working as I do in the food world, the rush of festive meals coming at the end of the year would leave me feeling tired. But the opposite, in fact, is true.

For one thing, some of my restaurants are closed for the big holiday occasions, so I do get to feel like I have a little time off.

Even more important is the simple fact that I love the holidays, especially cooking for the people I love. From hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, through main dishes to desserts, I enjoy the process of preparing a special menu in my own kitchen.

It might surprise you, though, that one of my favorite parts of holiday menus each year is the side dishes. Too many people overlook such recipes, or leave planning them to the last minute.

Then, they’re often content just to steam or boil some broccoli or green beans and maybe toss them with butter and some toasted nuts; or, of course, they’ll boil potatoes and quickly mash them with butter, and perhaps some cream and cheese.

You probably noticed two things those examples have in common.

For one, they feature everyday vegetables that aren’t likely to surprise the people gathered around your table. And they also include lots of dairy fat, which may increase the likelihood a side dish will taste good but does nothing for how good you might feel after the meal is over.

The following recipe for a special-occasion side dish, though surprisingly easy to prepare, is anything but ordinary. It features not one or two but eight different

kinds of root vegetables, plus a whole head of garlic. And, despite being absolutely delicious and beautiful to behold, it’s a model of healthy eating.

A little more than 1 percent of the dish’s approximate 161 calories per serving come from fat just the traces of fat that naturally occur in the vegetables themselves and the spritz of nonstick spray that coats them before roasting.

Then there’s the flavor. It is incredibly rich thanks in good part to the vegetables’ natural sugars, which caramelize as they roast in the oven.

I hope you’ll add this side dish to your own holiday menu, feeling free to vary the kinds and amounts of roots you include based on your own tastes and on what you find at the farmers’ market.

Here’s to happy holiday meals for us all!

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE MEDLEY Serves 12 to 16 • 8 slender organic carrots, peeled and trimmed • 8 baby turnips, peeled and trimmed • 8 organic fingerling potatoes, scrubbed clean under cold running water, peels left on • 2 large parsnips, peeled and trimmed • 1 medium orange-flesh or ruby sweet potato, scrubbed clean under cold running water, peel left on • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled • 1 kohlrabi bulb, peeled • 1 small celery root (celeriac) bulb, peeled

• 1 small head garlic, cloves separated, left unpeeled • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme • Olive oil-flavored nonstick cooking spray • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives, for serving Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).

Prepare the vegetables, cutting off and discarding any green tops.

Leave the carrots and baby turnips whole. Halve the cleaned potatoes lengthwise. Cut the parsnips diagonally into chunks. Cut the sweet potato into chunks. Halve the onion, then cut each half into quarters. Cut the kohlrabi into thick wedges. Halve the celery root and cut each half crosswise into thick slices. Separate the garlic head into individual cloves, leaving them unpeeled.

Put all the vegetable pieces, garlic cloves and herb sprigs in a large baking dish. Spray with olive oil-flavored nonstick cooking spray and toss until lightly and evenly coated. Season well with salt and black pepper, and toss again to coat evenly.

Roast in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the vegetables are golden brown and tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a metal skewer or small, sharp knife, about 45 minutes. Present the vegetables in their baking dish or transfer them to a heated platter. Garnish with parsley or chives just before serving.