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

Thursday, February 26, 2015

74rd Year, NO. 9 • 4 Sections

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

Mayors hit cuts in Rauner plan

By Bob Rakow and Jack Murray

Editorial: Rauner should consider more sensible steps Orland Park would see a loss to fiscal sanity. Page 4

Supplied photos

Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Gonzalez gets a big hug from his mom, Jeanette, at the family’s Orland Park home. As many as 75 people were on hand Saturday to welcome home the young Marine after his third and final tour of duty in Afghanistan.

A HERO HOME FROM THE WARS Orland grateful to welcome back Lance Cpl. Daniel Gonzalez

By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

As one of the last U.S. Marines who helicoptered out of the fabled Camp Leatherneck last October, Lance Cpl. Daniel Gonzalez said he was “proud to play a role in history” yet relieved to be ending his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.

As he returned to his family’s

Orland Park home last Saturday, he was hailed as a hero by a group of family, friends, neighbors and groups of local military veterans.

“I knew something was up when we pulled out of the driveway to go pick up some food at the Palos Country Club, and there’s this group of veterans standing See DUE HONORS, Page 2

Gonzalez in a Spartan space at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, from a photo he posted on Facebook.

of $3 million in state funds under Gov. Rauner’s proposed budget, a group of Chicago area mayors said last week.

Local mayors oppose Gov. Rauner’s first budget plan unveiled last Wednesday as they contemplate the cuts it proposes in the share of state income tax funds Illinois disburses to cities and villages.

The governor’s call to reduce those funds by 50 percent would cost localities nearly $50 per resident, according to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, which is chaired

by Orland Park Mayor Daniel McLaughlin. Thus, Orland Park with a population of 60,000 would see its annual local share cut by about $3 million, the mayors group said in a statement on its website.

“The Caucus’ member mayors from 273 municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan area are very concerned about how this $600 million cut will affect their abilities to provide essential services to their residents,” the statement added.

“I’m not sure Governor Rauner understands the effect this proposal will have on local governments,” Mayor McLaughlin said in the group’s statement. “Our annual budgets have already been adopted.

Communities are counting on their share of the income tax to pay for local services. Reducing revenues will force communities to have to make further decisions to lay off police officers and firefighters, end repairs to critical infrastructure and cut other key services. These are real decisions that will impact the everyday lives of our citizens.”

To the north of Palos-Orland, the six communities of Worth, Palos Hills, Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills and Evergreen Park could combine to lose $6 million a

year if Rauner’s proposal becomes reality and that has some of their mayors fuming.

In Oak Lawn, Mayor Sandra Bury is concerned but added she would welcome an opportunity to show what the cuts could do to her community and towns all across the state.

“I would like to invite him to Oak Lawn anytime,” Bury said last week in reaction to Rauner’s proposed 50 percent cutback in towns’ annual share of state income tax revenue.

She thinks he should see her town as it would serve as a model for him to check out.

Bury would like to open the village’s books to the newly-elected governor and explain that Oak Lawn and other communities throughout the southwest suburbs cannot afford such a significant revenue hit.

She’d also like to point out that Oak Lawn—like most other towns—does not have cash reserves on hand for a rainy day.

If approved, Rauner’s cuts would mean an estimated $2.7 million annual revenue loss for Oak Lawn, Bury said. It’s a figure the mayor has a tough time grasping. Indeed, the village would have few options to make up the loss.

“You either layoff or raise taxes.

It’s wrong,” Bury said.

At a time when Oak Lawn and other communities are already making budget cuts to fully fund employee pensions, a significant revenue reduction from the state is the last thing they need, Bury said.

McLaughlin and Bury are not alone in their displeasure with See BUDGET CUTS, Page 2

Fed up? WellBeingMD offers nourishing ‘March calmness’

By Tim Hadac

ishing the body through movement, and finally, nourishing the mind in very specific ways.”

What we put in our mouths and why, will be explored in the film “Fed Up” to be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, and from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 22, at WellBeingMD. Admission is free to view the 2014 documentary, which explores how processed foods are “really destroying our health,” Principe said. “People are addicted to sugar, fat and salt—the three most addictive substances that are out there. Well really, there have been studies where rats are given the choice between heroin and sugar, and they take the sugar.” If people who see the film want to know more, they will have the opportunity to sign up for Dr. Prinicpe’s next Roadmap to Wellness course.

A second offering is a new movement class, Ageless Grace, a “chair-based exercise program that integrates the mind and the body,” Principe said.

“It is remarkable. It can take people with cognitive disabilities, memory loss, and it activates—through 21 different exercises—different parts of the brain, causing these neuro-connections to get re-wired if they’ve been dis-wired or to actually make new connections if old connections have fallen out. It’s amazing, it’s powerful.”

Principe said the program uses “music that people

Staff reporter

March Madness® and all the basketball-related frenzy that comes with it have become so ingrained in the American mind that the NCAA has actually registered the term as a trademark.

But while millions of people get caught up in the madness of the annual college and high school hoops playoffs, a nationally-known, prevention-oriented health center in Palos Heights is walking a different path.

“Instead of March Madness®, we are promoting ‘March calmness,’” said John R. Principe, M.D., an internist and creator of the WellBeingMD model for better living. “We’re promoting a way to calm your life down and make it more manageable, less stressful and more integrative so that people can really get a handle on their lives.”

From his WellBeingMD Center for Life, 11950 S. Harlem Ave., Principe is focusing on three new initiatives—among a number of ongoing programs— in the weeks ahead.

“March is National Nutrition Month, and we’re taking the position that, in addition to the way that we nourish the body through food, we want to approach nourishment from three dimensions,” Principe said.

“First, clean eating,” he continued. “Second, nour-

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2 Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News

Taste-tempting Orland Chef’s Auction benefits Bridge Teen Center this year

Members of the Reber-Tesmond Orland/Palos VFW Post 2604 form an honor guard, flanked by friends at neighbors, at the Gonzalez family home last Saturday.

Due honors

Continued from Page 1 there,” Gonzalez said of the surprise celebration planned by his mother, Jeanette, and other family members. “Then we get to the country club, and there’s this whole motorcade of vehicles, including a fire truck, there to meet me, with dozens of people congratulating and thanking me. It was incredible, and I’m thankful to the 50 to 75 people who were there, especially the veterans who maybe didn’t receive that kind of welcome when they came home.”

The veterans standing outside in the cold at the event knew exactly what he meant, which was a big part of the reason why they were there to shake his hand.

“When I got out the service (Army infantry in Vietnam) in 1969, we were advised on the plane ride home, before we landed, to take off our uniforms and change into civilian clothes,” said Jim Baillie, quartermaster of the Reber-Tesmond Orland/Palos VFW Post 2604 who stood as part of the post honor guard in the Gonzalez driveway. “That’s how bad it was. A lot of us just said at some point, that we won’t let that happen again.”

Also welcoming Gonzalez home were veterans from the Warriors’ Watch Riders and the Soldiers Guardian Angels groups, which are well-known locally for their efforts to support military members beginning or ending their deployments.

“I can’t say enough about these veterans and what they mean to my family,” said Jeanette Gonzalez.

“One of my son’s Marine buddies drove all the way from Ohio to Orland Park just to be a part of the welcome home party, and he couldn’t believe that all these veterans did this. He said he’d never seen anything like this back in Ohio.”

Between a few tears, she described her feelings about her son making it home safely from one of the most dangerous places in the world.

“Those last few months when he was in Afghanistan, we were nervous,” she said. “We knew his

Budget cuts

Photos by Tim Hadac

Many organizations in the community took part in Gonzalez’ homecoming, including the Orland Fire Protection District.

unit was the last unit at Camp Leatherneck (which once housed thousands of American troops) and that [the Taliban] might try to do something to them on their way out.”

As happy that she is to see her son home, it came with a sense of disbelief. Jeanette recently posted on Facebook that she “kept looking at him throughout the night…it will take awhile to sink in that he’s home for good.”

Gonzalez, a 2010 graduate of Sandburg High School, comes from a military family. His brother, Louie, served in the Marine Corps, and other family members serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

He is not entirely certain of his future plans, but said he thinks he’s well suited for a career in private security.

His mother said that friends and neighbors have been coming over with job leads to accompany the cookies, cakes and other expressions of gratitude.

“Orland Park is a wonderful community,” Jeanette concluded. “We moved here from Berwyn 15 years ago in search of a better life, and that’s exactly what we got. Everyone here—the neighbors, the businesses, the fire department, the veterans groups and so many more—have been so good, and it’s something we’ll never forget.”

proximately $500,000 annually if Rauner’s proposal becomes a reality. “I hope he doesn’t fix (the state’s financial problems) on the back of local governments,” said Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton. “We can’t afford to pay other people’s bills.”

Worth Mayor Mary Werner said she’s uncertain how her community would absorb additional revenue losses, which would also equate to about $500,000 under Rauner’s plan.“That would be a huge loss.

We’ve already made major cuts,” Werner said, referring to numerous staff reductions made within the past five years.

“I understand the state of Illinois is a horrible, horrible financial state,” Werner said. She added that municipalities are required by law to approve a balanced budget while the state is remedy its budget woes on the backs of municipalities.

“We’ve been making sacrifices for years,” Werner said. “At the local level, we’re all doing a good job living within our means.”

Hickory Hills Mayor Mike How-

ley agreed. He said his city relies on the utility tax to help balance the annual budget. The city has put off capital improvement projects such as street and sewer work to help make ends meet.

Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar echoed the feelings of his mayoral colleagues.“That’s a big chunk of change,” Tokar said. “I wasn’t expecting [Rauner] to say that. I can’t replace $600,000, $700,000.”

Tokar admitted that that his town is fortunate to draw sales taxes from a regional shopping mall, but that revenue stream would never replace the state’s money, he said.

At least one local elected official said he agreed with Rauner’s plan.

“I would say there’s always room for cuts,” said Palos Hills Alderman Al Pasek. He added that smaller communities should consider merging if they can no longer go it alone. But mayor and many aldermen would never back such a plan, Pasek said. “I think it these little dynasties that don’t want to get broken up,” he said

love to hear and engages them in movement in the chair, but they make them do it in ways that are not conventional.

“We’re so used to routines, and that inhibits brain growth,” he added. “After the class, the instructor will tell people to take a different route home tonight. The important thing is to modify your routine, even slightly, and that can have a good impact on your brain and on your life. Equalizing the transformation of information from both sides of the brain is just amazing.

The technique, Principe said, “has been shown to work with everyone, from people who have had fairly common, mild memory loss to stroke victims and people that have had severe brain trauma. It’s all about neuro-plasticity,

meaning you can build new neuro-connections.”

Classes are set for 1 to 2 p.m Wednesdays. A 10-week run costs $100, with drop-ins charged $12 a session. For more details, call instructor Theresa Suchy McGraw at 214-6799.

The third initiative is a series of meditation classes to learn how to still the mind.

Principe is a believer in the power of people using their mind to cure themselves of a range of diseases and medical conditions.

“Your mind is powerful enough to control your genes,” Principe asserted. “It turn genes on, it turn genes off. It’s absolutely amazing.”

He added that studies have shown that people who meditate are less likely than others to suffer dementia in their older years.

The key is using meditation to control one’s stress response.

“When a sabre-toothed tiger is

chasing you all day, in different forms—deadlines, problems with kids, whatnot—you have no relief,” he said. “What I’m saying is that if you learn how to relax— truly relax and clear the mind— that’s when the health benefits start coming in, because now the stress response is now turned off.

“That’s important because when your stress response is always on, part of your brain actually swells and stays swollen,” Principe added, saying he believes that chronic swelling can be a contributing factor in dementia.

The meditation class will be held on all four Tuesday in March, from 7 to 8 p.m. Cost is $40 per person for the series. Group rates are available. For more details, call instructor Renee Oswald at (312) 203-3185.

For details on other classes at the Center for Life, call 448-9450 or visit WellBeingMD.com online.

Answers

Sudoku

Continued from Page 1 Rauner’s plan.

Palos Hills Mayor Gerald R. Bennett said the proposal is unnecessary.

“All they’re doing is putting (the burden) on the backs of local residents,” said Bennett, president of the Southwest Conference of Mayors. “They’re going to bankrupt local governments.”

Palos Hills and other communities such as neighboring Hickory Hills already operate with fewer employees in key departments such as public works than they did just a few years ago, Bennett said.

Additional reductions in manpower would make it extremely difficult to provide basic services to residents. Additionally, towns would have a tough time avoiding cuts to the public safety, he said.

“It will bankrupt us. The fight is on, I guess,” Bennett said.

Evergreen Park could lose ap-

WellBeingMD Continued from Page 1

(Puzzle on page 11) P O E T

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G A L A

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P A W S I D E T P O L L O E F U R M A I M T O R S I D E A M E B L H R E L O M E L E R E B A Y T H E O K I T N A D O H O N S

O F T C R A I L L O C O Y S O B R I D B R E N D L O N G O N D L A X M E T N I C M U S H S E L F T Y L I T R E R E O R E D

T O M G L A V I N E

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(Puzzle on page 11)

Sudoku Solution #3270-M

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© 2009 Hometown Content

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Rob and Priscilla Steinmetz, founders of The Bridge Teen Center, share a rare moment of stillness last Thursday night at the village of Orland Park’s 15th annual Chefs’ Auction, held at Orland Chateau, 14500 S. La Grange Road. The Bridge, at 15555 S. 71st Court, was the beneficiary of this year’s charity event, expected to raise as much as $20,000, which Rob Steinmetz described as “a huge deal” to the non-profit that last year served more than 1,200 youths in grades 7-12, from 112 different communities.

Kris Muschler (left) and Tricia McMullen of The Brass Tap, 14225 S. 95th Ave., stand ready to quench thirsts with two local craft beers—Banging Gavel’s Red Handed (an Irish red ale) and Pollyanna’s Dr. Pangloss (a Black India pale ale). The Brass Tap was one of 11 local Palos-Orland area restaurants, bakeries and taverns that served hors d’ouerves and drinks at the event.

Tony Gloria, general manager of RoccoVino’s of Orland Park, 11255 W. 143rd St., one of the more popular tables at the event, gets ready to serve a plate of bruschetta, as well as sausage and peppers.

Keeping things sweet are Andres Souchet (left) and Aida Rasmussen of Nothing Bundt Cakes, 14360 S. La Grange Road.

Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin eyes some of the 48 items up for grabs in the event’s silent auction.

McLaughlin, a longtime fan of The Bridge Teen Center, was instrumental in designating the organization as this year’s beneficiary of the Chefs’ Auction. In previous years, proceeds were given to the American Cancer Society.

Executive chef Jonathan Harootunian (from left) of Harvest Room, 7164 W. 127th St., checks the oxtail risotto as Harvest Room co-owner Carrie Sirigas and prep cook Elizabeth Bravo offer a number of delicacies that include roasted butternut squash, puffed faro, and strawberry truffles.

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The Regional News

Thursday, February 26, 2015

3

Teen dating violence: How to help victims

By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

Hundreds of teenage girls in the Palos-Orland area will be physically abused this year by a teenage boy they date, and parents, teachers, counselors, friends and others often are not taking the right steps to help, a small group of people heard Monday night.

That was the blunt message delivered by Cynthia Baron and Mitch Condon, prevention specialists with the Homewood-based South Suburban Family Shelter Inc., to an audience of about 15 people at a teen dating violence awareness event held at the Sacred Heart Parish Ministry Center, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

About four members of the audience were teenagers.

“This is important information we’re sharing,” Condon said. “One in three high school females report being physically and/or sexually abused by their partners, and we all ought to do something about that.”

Part of the challenge with teen dating violence is that victims typically are not entirely aware that they are being abused.

“That is a problem, because abuse typically Photo by Tim Hadac does not start with something physical,” Baron Nancy Mott (center) of Sacred Heart Parish thanks Mitch Condon and added. “An abusive relationship typically starts Cynthia Baron after they delivered a 60-minute presentation of preventing, with verbal or emotional abuse. So there are no cuts or bruises or marks that are obvious. Dating identifying and stopping teen dating violence on Monday.

Every year, 1.5 million high school students across the U.S. are abused by a dating partner. and domestic violence are all about power and control, and an abuser typically knows that taking control means starting slowly.”

Baron and Condon walked the audience through their definition of teen dating violence, which they described as “a pattern of violent behaviors consisting of physical, emotional, sexual and property abuse that someone uses against a boyfriend/girlfriend or someone they have a dating relationship with.”

Since a male abuser commits up to 95 percent of all teen dating violence upon a female victim, the discussion avoided the issue of males abused by female partners, and there was no discussion of abuse in same-sex relationships.

After defining terms, about a half dozen members of the audience participated in role-playing designed to illustrate how well meaning but inadequate people’s responses can be to a teen abuse victim reaching out for help.

The cold-weather turnout aside, Sacred Heart representatives said their parish takes violence

seriously and continues to take steps to address the concern.

In his prayer that opened the event, the Rev. Robert G. Herne described teen dating violence as “an evil act” and a burden that victims carry with them around the clock, “one that they can’t put down like a book bag at the end of a school day.”

“February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month,” added Nancy Mott, a member of the parish’s domestic violence outreach ministry. “Every year, 1.5 million high school students across the U.S. are abused by a dating partner. We can’t ignore that, and what we do here is try to spread the word, as best we can, to let victims know that help is always available, to let abusers know that help is available for them to break the cycle of violence, and to let everyone in general know that dating violence, like all violence, is unacceptable and is something we must face and address.”

Baron and Condon said they are available to speak with youth groups from kindergarten through high school, with age-appropriate messages and materials.

For more information, they can be reached at 794-2140 or online at www.ssfs1.org.

Additionally, South Suburban Family Shelter maintains a 24-hour bilingual (English and Spanish) domestic violence hotline at 335-3028.

Palos 118 ranked among top 50 school districts in Illinois Confirming what Palos area real estate agents and most local families with schoolchildren already know, Palos Community Consolidated School District 118 is ranked one of the best school districts in Illinois.

Out of Illinois' 863 public school districts, 747 were ranked by the education website SchoolDigger. com. It placed Palos School District 118 at 47th.

Ranking is determined by averaging the rank percentile of each school within a given district, District 118 spokesperson Kerri Treacy said in a release announcing the news late last week. Individual schools are ranked using the most recent reported test scores for Math and English.

The rankings can be found at SchoolDigger.com, or www.rebootillinois.com, a website that compiles various data on the nation's public schools.

School officials hailed the good news that was quickly shared by the district and The Regional News on the social media site Facebook.

“The success of our school district is made possible by our outstanding teachers, administrators, engaged parents, supportive community and school board, and talented students,” Palos 118 Superintendent Anthony M. Scarsella said. “To be named one of the top 50 school districts in the state is an honor and a testament to our philosophy of developing the whole child.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley’s spring enrollment dropped more than 1,000 students from spring 2014 to spring 2015.

Supplied photo

Among the top 50 school districts in Illinois: Palos South Middle School takes in 6th, 7th and 8th grades in Palos School Distrcit 118. Palos East and West are its two feeder kindergarten-5th grade schools.

The news shared by The Regional on Facebook before last weekend was quickly liked, commented upon or shared by at least one local Realtor, the village of Palos Park, members of Moms of Palos and at least one candidate running for school board in the upcoming April election.

Palos 118 has a total of about 1,900 students enrolled at its three

schools: Palos East and Palos West elementary schools and Palos South Middle School. The school district spans Palos Park, Palos Heights, and some sections of Orland Park, Palos Hills and Worth.

Reboot Illinois is an independent, non-partisan digital and social media site that engages citizens and reports on fiscal and governmental issues in Illinois.

Palos Park seeks open lands grant to fine tune new Centennial Park

By Michael Gilbert

Regional correspondent

get a lot of use,” Mahoney said.

“Last year it was used extensively as a practice field for local youth baseball and softball leagues, but we’re looking into an adult coed softball league at the park.”

Palos Park should find out if it has been awarded the grant by this August, Mahoney said. The mayor was not sure if the village has applied for the ComEd Green Region grant in the past, but he said the opportunity to improve the new park was just too good to pass up.

“We just received notice of the program maybe a couple of weeks ago and decided we’re going to give it a shot and apply,” Mahoney said.

Palos Park would use money from either its open lands or park funds to cover its share of the cost if it receives the grant, Milovich-Walters said.

All municipalities, townships, counties, park districts, conservation districts and forest preserve districts within ComEd’s service territory are eligible to apply for the grant, according to ComEd’s website.

The grant can only be used on improving open land space.

Purchasing playground equipment or picnic shelters cannot be used with the grant money, although Milovich-Walters said both of those items are in the future plans for the park.

Palos Park officials are looking to obtain funding from ComEd to help enhance the development of the village’s year-old Centennial Park, at 123rd Street and WillCook Road.

The council voted unanimously Monday to pass a resolution authorizing the village to apply for this year’s ComEd Green Region Program, a 50-50 grant sponsored by the utility that awards money to localities to plan, protect and improve open land.

Palos Park will apply for a $7,500 grant – of which the village would be responsible for half – to use on a project that would conserve and preserve the open land at the park, Commissioner Nicole Milovich-Walters said.

The exact use of the money if received is still undecided, she said, but the village has discussed a possible wetland overlook.

“We haven’t decided on anything specific,” Milovich-Walters said. “The wetland overlook is just one of many ideas. We’re going to look at what else we want to do with the open space.”

The five-acre park was purchased by Palos Park during the annexation of the Holy Family Villa property, Mayor John Mahoney said. A multi-use field that has been the site of baseball and softball games as well as lacrosse matches is the main attraction at the park, Mi- Polar Plunge lovich-Walters said. A crushed In other news, a small group limestone walking path is also of current and former Palos located at the park.

Park police officers as well as “The park and walking path some their family and friends

will participate in the Special Olympics Illinois Polar Plunge at Lake Manteno on March 7.

“They will be freezing for a reason,” Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk said. “There is a fundraising opportunity here.

“We’re hoping to raise about $10,000 and right now we’re up to about $6,000.”

Polk said the village has contributed financially to the Polar Plunge in the past but has never had people actually dive into the icy waters. Those who would like to make a donation on the village’s behalf to Special Olympics Illinois can do so by visiting www.soill.org/polarplunge.

Moraine down 1,000 students

By Kelly White Correspondent

Enrollment has dropped at Moraine Valley this spring by more than 1,000 students, leaving school officials wondering why and thinking about expanding their boundaries to fix the problem.

There has been a decline of enrollment in both undergraduate and adult courses at the community college, according to College President, Sylvia Jenkins, at the February school board meeting last Wednesday. There were 18,044 students enrolled in spring 2014 and just 16,916 this spring.

“We are really unsure why enrollment is down this semester,” she said, “There are not as many older adults participating in the evening courses we offer and honestly we do not know why. The economy may play a factor but it is not the only reason.”

Adults are not the only ones straying away from college courses. The campus has seen a 26 percent drop this spring in partnership programs with local area high schools. With the supply of recent high school graduates entering the college dissipating, the college anticipates a decline of 500 students over the next four years.

Jenkins said a drop in advanced placement (AP) classes partnered with the college, where a student is able to transfer a high school credit hour class over to Moraine Valley prior to enrollment.

“Often, there are not enough high school teachers that meet the minimum qualifications to teach an AP class,” she said, “About eight years, in some local area high schools, it was discovered that some teachers were teaching AP classes they were not qualified to teach their students.”

In order to teach the transfer courses in a high school, a teacher must have a master’s degree in the subject area they are administering.

“If the schools do not have qualified teachers, they are unable to teach the AP classes,” Jenkins added.

Jenkins meets six times a year with partnering

high school officials to discuss dual degree programs at Moraine Valley. The college partners with Argo, Evergreen Park, Reavis, Richards, Queen of Peace, Shepard, Eisenhower, Mother McAuley, Stagg, Sandburg, Andrew, Brother Rice, Oak Lawn, Marist and Mount Carmel.

One trustee attempted to solve the problem but her proposal was quickly denied.

“Could we bring over our teachers to the local high schools and have them teach the AP classes; at least in the high schools that do not offer as many AP classes as some of the other high schools?”

Trustee Eileen O’Sullivan asked. “For example, I know that Carl Sandburg High School has a lot more AP classes than Oak Lawn High School. This sets students from certain suburbs at a disadvantage.

The same number of AP courses should be offered in every local area high school and available to all students.”

Jenkins scotched that idea, saying high schools are in charge of their own curriculum and who they choose to hire to teach at their schools.

“We do not want to invade their territory,” Jenkins said.

Although enrollment has dropped among partnership programs with local area high schools and adult students, the college reports an increase in both online and online-hybrid courses. Online enrollment is up six percent from last semester and 32 percent over the past five years, according to Jenkins.

Online courses – such as Introduction to Excel, A to Z Grantwriting and Speed Spanish — may the reason for the decrease in physical attendance of students in the classroom, but the college is still investigating the decline in enrollment.

“Some private high schools outside of our district are looking to partner with us for our dual degree programs,” Jenkins said.

She said she will be reaching out to out-of-district private high schools to pair the dual degree programs, hoping for an increase in enrollment in the future.

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OPINION

4 Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News

EDITORIAL

A sensible path to fiscal sanity in Illinois

G

ov. Bruce Rauner’s initial budget proposal is a head scratcher.

For a man who purports to want to improve Illinois’ business climate, the spending plan that Rauner unveiled last Wednesday does no such thing.

His proposal to cut a daunting state budget deficit would slash higher education funding by 31 percent and cut Medicaid funding by billions more.

Rauner’s choices are curious. Virtually every study that compares Illinois’ business climate to that of neighbor states ranks our human capital significantly higher than those of Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Among the reasons for this are Illinois’ superior institutions of higher education, as well as the state’s superior health care infrastructure. Targeting the state’s competitive advantages is no way to t’s cold, windy, and snowy in improve the business climate.

February in the For a better way to tackle the mess Chicago area! Not that Gov. Rauner inherited, we would surprising. Yet, encourage him to study closely a opportunities for Interim President • interaction, fun, and blueprint unveiled by the region’s Trinity Christian College learning abound. pre-eminent fiscal watchdog.

What happens The report was authored by the in the Palos area Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ in the midst of winter? Lots of activity! My husband and I have Fiscal Sustainability. It proposes a walked parts of the Cal-Sag trail and greeted many other residents of Palos and the neighboring communities, all of us braving the tough mix of limits on new spending, wintery weather. Trinity recently hosted the Palos Area Chamber of as well as modest, broad-based tax Commerce “State of the City” annual meeting, where Mayor Bob increases that would right the state’s Straz related the strengths of the city and future plans. Dr. Se-Hyfiscal picture in five years. oung Yi, Trinity assistant professor of political science, spoke at the League of Women Voters event at the Palos Heights Library on The timing is most welcome. Illithe topic of reframing the Keystone XL Pipeline project in a more nois has an imbalance of about $1.2 non-partisan and deliberative way. billion in its current-year operating What happens on a college campus in the midst of winter? Lots budget and is burdened with another of activity! We celebrated Valentine’s Day with a “We Love Our Students” campaign as vice-presidents and I handed out cookies $6.4 billion in unpaid bills. The state’s at lunch and had several large bowls of candy around campus, five pension systems are underfundwhich drew the attention of energetic students seeking a sweet ed by $105 billion and consuming treat in between classes and activities. In the spirit of fun activia growing share of annual operating ties, students organize incredible events during the winter months, such as the annual “Trollway to Love,” named after our beloved revenues. Temporary income tax rate mascot, the Troll, with a theme similar to “The Newlywed Game.” increases enacted in 2011 helped the The funny stories, raffles, and great prizes delighted the full-house state cope, but the higher rates began crowd and added to the joy of Valentine’s Day. The Business Department invited some alumni back to campus to share their stories to phase out on Jan. 1 of this year about pursuing their vocations with current students. Alumni shared and the state’s income tax revenues

VIEW FROM TRINITY

Winter joy abounds I DR. LIZ RUDENGA

inspirational tales about career advancement and helpful interview tips, which provided a mid-winter boost for students contemplating their future endeavors.

Of course, continuous learning is the goal of our vibrant college campus. We’ve been blessed to be able to hold most classes without many emergency closures for frigid temperatures or heavy snowfall this winter. Additionally, the college hosted several lectures, with topics ranging from the Civil Rights Movement to immigration, and continues to host visiting artist exhibitions featuring the work of Chicago artists, local high school students, and Trinity’s talented senior art majors.

How do the students feel about Chicago winters? I recently talked with a freshman who looked forward to the academic challenges of the semester, right along with opportunities for fun in the snow. Another student from southern California told me, with much enthusiasm and excitement, how this was the most snow she had ever witnessed. A Trinity student from Indonesia shared how when she arrived at the college, her new friends took her shopping for winter gear, which is representative of the warm sense of hospitality exhibited regularly on campus.

So, at this point in the season, I share my hopes for safety and fun as area residents keep being engaged in our beautiful community, learning continues, and students find enjoyment in their lives, even in the midst of a frosty Chicago winter!

Liz Rudenga, Ph.D., is the interim president of Trinity Christian in PalosNEWS Heights.

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Let’s retire the current outrageous pension plan

G

ov. Bruce Rauner unveiled a budget that seems to anger everyone, which means he’s doing the right thing because there is no way to cut $2 billion from the state’s bloated spending without making drastic cuts and forcing agencies to find ways to live within reasonable budgets the public can afford to pay.

The most egregious area of wasteful public spending is the outrageous and totally unjustified pensions that governments have bestowed to employees in in public education, healthcare and government.

I don’t care that the highest paid public pensioner Tapas Das Gupta, is a brilliant doctor. He doesn’t deserve a $450,000 a year pension paid for by taxpayers.

Gupta is just the tip of an iceberg of fiscal irresponsibility driven by greed, favoritism and clout. How else do you explain these outrageous public taxpayer paid totals?

More than 10,000 people today earn more than $100,000 a year in public pensions.

Most are employed by our schools but some worked for public hospitals and governments.

Defenders argue pension recipients paid into their pensions during the sometimes brief time they worked at their jobs. But that is a distortion. Gupta will receive more than $10 million during the life of his pension.

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12243 S. Harlem Ave. Publisher Amy Richards Amy Richards Palos Heights, IL 60463 Publisher Editor Editor Amy Richards Phone: (708) 448-4000 Jack Jack Murray Murray Editor Fax: (708) 448-4012 Sports Editor Sports Editor Jack Murray Website: www.theregionalnews.com Ken Ken Karrson Karrson Sports Editor email: TheRegional@comcast.net Advertising Sales Ken Phone: 448-4001 Val Karrson Draus Office hours: Phone: 448-4001 Advertising Sales Classified Manager Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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come. Out of the 41 states that impose an income tax, Illinois is one of only three that exempt all pension income. To create greater equity among taxpayers, the state’s income tax base should include non-Social Security retirement income from individuals with a total income of more than $50,000.

4. Expand the Sales Tax Base to are expected to plummet by $5.2 bil- Include Services. Illinois should expand its sales tax base to include a list lion over the next 24 months. of 32 service taxes proposed by Gov. “The incomplete fiscal year 2015 Rauner during his campaign. It is estibudget resulted in a greater deteriomated this expansion could take up to ration of Illinois’ finances and made the necessary actions to fix this crisis two fiscal years to fully implement.

5. Temporarily Eliminate Sales even more painful,” said Laurence Tax Exemption for Food and Msall, president of the Civic FederNon-Prescription Drugs. To provide ation. “Illinois cannot afford such a steep rollback of its tax rates without much-needed immediate revenue, the state should temporarily eliminate the eliminating entire areas of State sertax exemption for food and non-previces or completely restructuring the scription drugs. The state should apply government.” the full 6.25 percent sales tax rate The federation proposes the folto food and over-the-counter drug lowing as part of a comprehensive purchases for the next four years and five-year plan: 1. Fix the Current Fiscal Cliff by then reinstate the exemption after the service tax expansion is fully implerestoring a portion of the lapsed mented and the State’s backlog of income tax hike. Rather than sharpunpaid bills is eliminated. ly dropping income tax rates by 25 6. Expand the Earned Income percent in one year, the state should Tax Credit to Provide Assistance to retroactively increase the income tax Low Income Residents. To help softrate to 4.25 percent for individuals en the impact of the state’s fiscal criand 6 percent for corporations as of sis on low income residents, the Civic Jan. 1. The state could then provide Federation proposes an increase in the additional tax relief by rolling back the rates on Jan. 1, 2018, to 4 percent state’s Earned Income Tax Credit from 10 percent of the federal credit to 15 for individuals and 5.6 percent for percent of the federal credit. corporations.

The Civic Federation’s proposal 2. Control State Spending. The would do more than Gov. Rauner’s state should restrict discretionary spending growth from the 2.7 percent initial budget ideas to restore competitiveness to the state’s business climate. level shown in its three-year projecThis newspaper wishes the Rauner tions to 2 percent, closer to the rate of inflation. This could reduce total state administration well as it tries to clean up budgetary and pension messes it spending by $1.3 billion over five has inherited. The homegrown organiyears. zation’s ideas are more sensible, less 3. Broaden the Income Tax Base partisan and worth trying. to Include Some Retirement In-

The Civic Federation’s proposal would do more than Gov. Rauner’s initial budget ideas to restore competitiveness to the state’s business climate.

RAY HANANIA Did he even contribute even half of that?

No. According to public records, Gupta paid 9 percent of what he is expected to receive in payouts. In fact, most recipients will have “contributed” (from government wages) an average of less than 8 percent of what they will reap!

Anyone who earns more than $300,000 doesn’t deserve a public pension. They should invest their own money in their own 401K. But that’s exactly the reason why these folks didn’t do that because that can be risky.

Under the state system, the taxpayers are required to keep paying at the outrageously high rate no matter what happens in the economy.

Gov. Rauner suggests the pension system be changed moving forward, meaning people like Gupta and the hundreds of others who are being paid pensions greater than $100,000 a year don’t have to worry.

But that’s wrong. Pension reform should be retroactive. There is no way anyone should be

paid more than $100,000 a year in a pension from a government job, regardless of what they did and what they were paid, or more than double what they paid into the system.

Anyone who receives a public pension greater than $100,000 should be banned from working in another public job. If they work in private business, they shouldn’t be allowed to collect their pension.

Public service pensions should not be a getrich scheme to guarantee a luxury afterlife.

Rauner should crack down. He already knows people will be angry with him, but who cares? Does he worry about the 10,000 pensioners or the 13 million residents of Illinois? Do what’s right!

Public pensions should be capped at $100,000. And, no one should collect a pension until they reach the age of 70.

That should apply to those who now collect outrageous and unjustified pensions. If they don’t like it, let government give them a buyout and return the sums they invested.

Finally, we need real time data published and available to the public on all pensions so the public can see the truth about how some of our public officials have profited off of the taxpayers’ backs. That’s not the case.

Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at rghanania@gmail.com.

What is one of your most memorable pets?

Denise Hayes Homer Glen

Pam Barnett Burbank

Kaylee Stout Orland Hills

Jacob Blome Bloomington

Linda Dixon Chicago

I’d say my dog Keeper, named because he’s a keeper.

He’s half poodle, half Bichon, hypoallergenic, and he was sick from the day I brought him home.

But any time he has an issue, I bring him to the right doctor for care, and today he has a healthy and wonderful life, because I love him so much.

Noah, the best and only German shepherd I’ve ever had.

He was a great search dog, and he loved everyone.

Griffin, my collie.

He’s been a lot of fun to train. We go everywhere. He’s my best friend.

By far, it has to be Joseph, my [PAWWS] service dog.

He’s an English Labrador, and he goes with me everywhere.

He’s an incredible learner. I have yet to give him a task that he couldn’t handle.

Peanut, my Chihuahua. He’s very active and friendly, and he makes regular visits to a local assisted living facility. The little old ladies love him so much, they actually fight over him.

• Asked Saturday night at the “PAWWS for Love” fundraiser at the Lexington House in Hickory Hills. Photos by Mary Hadac.

The Regional News

Thursday, February 26, 2015

5

Gala helps Crisis Center liberate victims from abuse

By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor Amid the eating, drinking, dancing and good times Saturday night was a sobering message.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia held its Heart to Heart Dance

at the Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park and the idea was to dress up, have some fun and make some money. For those close to the organization, they know how important the Tinley Park center, which was formerly houses in Palos Hills, is for victims of

domestic abuse.

For those who weren’t in the inner circle, there were some important messages written in the program book that sum it up pretty well.

“I am homeless. I am ugly. I have no voice,” a passage from a CCSS resident stated. “Words have made

me believe I have no worth. I have no one to hear my plea for peace. I want a sense of belonging. I want to know that someone cares that my eyes are black, my hair has been pulled out and I have been silenced to a mere whisper.

“When I came to the Crisis Center,

I was depressed and suicidal…(now) for the first time in years, I was able to look at my children and see them smile, truly smile, with no fears or worries…I am safe. I am beautiful . I am heard.’’

Award winners on the night were Jean Riley (Volunteer Spirit Award),

the American Association of University Women Palos-Orland Area Branch (Dianne Masters Award) and the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation (Corporate Recognition Award).

Here are a few photos from the evening’s festivities:

Orland Park’s Jean Riley, received the 2015 Volunteer Spirit Award.

She has been a volunteer at the Crisis Center since 2001.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Former Palos Park Mayor Don Jeanes, left, and his wife, Pam hang out with Mary Jo Zavagnin and Moraine Valley Trustee Tom Cunningham at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia gathering at Silver Lake on Saturday. Don and Pam Jeanes were given the Dianne Masters Award in 2003.

Mardi Gras masks were available at Saturday’s Heat to Heart dance.

Guests look over the many items available at the silent auction.

Chris Beele of the Crisis Center tries to drum up a little business during an auction for a trip to Walt Disney World.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK

Woman charged with felony retail theft

Orland man charged with resisting a peace officer

Woman charged with false insurance document

Orland Park police charged Zandra Z. Wilson, 39, of Chicago, with felony retail theft after she allegedly stole “sex dice,” warming lube, lottery tickets and several other items from a gift shop in Orland Square Mall at 2:01 p.m. Feb. 6. Store security staff told police that Wilson was working with an accomplice who escaped, according to the police report, which added that the charge against Wilson was made a felony after it was learned that she has four prior larceny convictions. She was set to appear at a bond hearing on Feb. 7.

Michael P. MacNamara, 24, of Orland Park, was charged with resisting a peace officer, possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed windshield, after police curbed his SUV in the 16300 block of South Wolf Road at 4 p.m. Jan. 29. Police said that MacNamara refused their order to exit his vehicle several times, before they opened the door and escorted him out. A search of the SUV yielded a smoking pipe and several plastic bags containing cannabis, according to the police report. He was set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 19.

Palos Park police charged a 33-year-old Oak Lawn woman with providing a false insurance document after she allegedly used a poorly forged card—with the words “Illinois” and “expiration” misspelled—to attempt get her car out of the impound yard, police said.

Jennifer L King allegedly gave the fraudulent document to police at 2:40 p.m. last Thursday, more than 10 hours after she was charged with driving on a suspended license, as well as no proof of insurance, after police curbed her vehicle in the 7800 block of West 127th Street. King was given a court date of March 17 in Bridgeview.

Charged with DUI Police charged Elizabeth M. Stachnik, 24, of Oak Forest, with DUI and disobeying a traffic light after they stopped her car in the 14300 block of South La Grange Road at 11:50 p.m. Feb. 5. Her vehicle was towed and impounded, and Stachnik is due in court in Bridgeview on March 9.

Edward D. Esboldt, 54, of Tinley Park, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, and illegal transportation of alcohol. His pickup truck was pulled over in the 9400 block of West Sunrise Lane at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6, by police responding to a “reckless driver” call, police said. A search of the vehicle, which was towed and impounded, yielded five bottles of vodka, four of which had been opened, according to the police report.

Esboldt was given a court date of March 17 in Bridgeview.

Elina Sarkisian, 26, of Skokie, was charged with DUI. Police responding to a “reckless driver” call at 4:45 p.m. Jan. 31 said that Sarkisian crashed her SUV into their squad car in the parking lot of Dave & Buster’s, 49 Orland Square Drive. Her vehicle was towed and impounded, and Sarkisian was set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 19.

Charged with speeding Police charged Ricardo Aranda Jr., 22, of Orland Park, with speeding, as well as driving on a suspended license, after they curbed his car in the 13500 block of South La Grange Road at 2:50 a.m. Jan. 31. Police said his vehicle was traveling at 57 mph, 22 mph over the posted limit. Aranda is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on March 24.

Charged with retail theft Katelyn M. Heitman, 20, of New Lenox, was charged with retail theft after she allegedly stole five garments worth a total of $97 from a store on Orland Park Place at 2:19 p.m. Feb. 3. She is set to appear at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center on March 10.

Police charged Maryann P. Grant, 53, of Mokena, with retail theft after she allegedly stole three pairs of tights worth $48 from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 6:29 p.m. Jan. 29.

Grant was given a hearing date of March 10 at the Orland Park Civic Center.

Palos Park man charged with using cell phone while driving

Police charged Dominik Margosiak, 25, of Palos Park, with using a cell phone while driving, as well as driving on a revoked license, after they curbed his van in the 15500 block of South La Grange Road at 10:29 a.m. Jan. 30. His vehicle was towed and impounded, and Margosiak is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on March 20.

Charged with driving with suspended license

Ziad I. Zayed, 40, of Orland Park, was charged with driving on a suspended license, as well as operating a motor vehicle with no front license plate. His SUV was pulled over by police near 179th Street and Wolf Road at 7:16 p.m. Feb. 3, police said. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Zayed was given a court date of March 24 in Bridgeview.

Commuter leaves car running in Metra lot

The action of a good Samaritan may have prevented an auto theft in the Palos Park Metra station parking lot, 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue. Police on patrol said that a man flagged them down at 11:32 a.m.

Feb. 16 to report a 2007 Lexus, parked and with the

engine running and doors unlocked. Police turned off the ignition, locked the doors and contacted the owner, a 35-year-old Orland Park woman, who explained her lapse in judgment by saying she had been running late that morning, according to the police report.

Vandalism not ‘FUN’ A vandal scratched the word “FUN” into a wooden table inside the Palos Park Metra station. The criminal damage to property was reported to police by a woman at 4:07 p.m. Feb. 12. Police said they were reviewing surveillance video.

Man charged with DUI Police charged Christopher Galuszka, 25, of Oak Lawn, with DUI, improper lane usage, driving in the wrong lane, no proof of insurance, and speeding. His car was pulled over by police in the 12100 block of South Southwest Highway at 12:44 a.m. Feb. 7.

Police said his vehicle was spotted traveling at 59 mph, nearly 20 mph over the posted limit. The car was towed and impounded, and Galuszka is due in court in Bridgeview on March 17.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS Man charged with retail theft of vodka and chocolates

Palos Heights police charged George J. Neff, 54, of Chicago, with retail theft after he allegedly stole four bottles of Smirnoff vodka and two boxes of Fannie May candy from a pharmacy in the 12600 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 5:52 p.m. Sunday. Police responding to a call said they apprehended Neff in a bank parking lot nearby. Bond was set at $1,500, and Charged with cannabis Neff is scheduled to appear in court Police charged Herbert A. Wilson, 26, of Orland in Bridgeview on April 2.

Park, with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was a passenger in Charged with driving a car stopped for a traffic violation near 135th with suspended license Street and 88th Avenue at 5:10 p.m. Jan. 18.

Brian M. Parente, 28, of Palos Police said they found him in possession of Heights, was charged with driving a smoking pipe and a plastic bag containing on a suspended license, as well as cannabis. No court date was given by the po- operating a motor vehicle with an lice report. obstructed windshield, after police Matthew M. Filicicchia, 25, of Mokena, was curbed his vehicle in the 12400 charged with possession of cannabis and posses- block of South Harlem Avenue at sion of drug paraphernalia. Police conducting a 9:07 p.m. Feb. 17. Bond was set at routine check of the rear of Barraco’s restaurant, $1,500, and Parente is scheduled to 18040 S. Wolf Road, at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 5 said appear in court in Bridgeview on they saw Filicicchia and several co-workers sit- March 19. ting in a parked car. On their second pass, they said that only Filicicchia remained, smoking a Charged with DUI cigarette, and allegedly saying that he and his Police charged Peter Meneghico-workers had been smoking cannabis. A search ni, 44, of Palos Heights, with DUI, of the car yielded three smoking pipes and an improper lane usage, and no proof Altoids tin containing cannabis, according to of insurance. Police investigating the police report. Filicicchia is set to appear a one-car crash in the 6700 block at a hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center of East Navajo Drive at 9:21 p.m. on March 10.

Sunday said they found Meneghini’s

car on a residential lawn. Bond was set at $1,500, and he was given a court date of April 2 in Bridgeview.

Rick D. Rybarski, 53, of Alsip, was charged with DUI, as well as improper lane usage, after police stopped his vehicle in the 6400 block of West College Drive at 1:18 a.m. last Thursday. Bond was seta t $1,000, and Rybarski was given a court date of March 19 in Bridgeview.

SCHOOLS

6 Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News

SCHOOL NOTES Stagg arts and crafts show call for vendors Stagg High School Music Boosters is accepting applications from crafters and artists for the Art for the Season show on March 21 and 22 at Stagg, 111th Street and Roberts Road in Palos Hills.

The show is both well received and attended. Cost is $85 per 80 sq. ft. booth space for the two-day run of the show. All proceeds benefit the music programs at Stagg. For more information or an application, call 974-7520 or 361-8298, or go to staggbands. org.

STUDENT NEWS

Members of the Theatre Seminar I class stand with director Patricia Haynes (right) and McAuley alumna Kate Kelly, Class of ’86 (center), who spoke to the class in preparation for their production of “Twelve Angry Women”on March 6 and 7.

McAuley presents ‘Twelve Angry Women’ drama Mother McAuley High School junior theatre students will present “Twelve Angry Women” on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7, at 7p.m., in the McAuley Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

Kara Hynes, of Orland Park, will play the role of Juror 8 and Sandra Khouri, of Palos Hills, will play

the role of Juror 3 in the school’s production.

The drama, adapted by Sherman Sergel, tells the story of 12 jury members who are part of a trial for a 19-year old boy accused of fatally stabbing his father. The audience will not only learn more about the case as the evidence unfolds, but will begin to learn

more about each of the jurors, their personalities and morals, and how these begin to shape the trial as they move closer to reaching their final verdict.

Also featured in the production are juniors Clare Smith (Morgan Park) and Alyssa George (Hickory Hills) as Juror 1, Michaela Eaton (Bridgeview) as Juror 2, Sandra

Khouri (Palos Hills) and Allison Pater (Mt. Greenwood) as Juror 3, Kelly McCasland (Chicago Ridge) as Juror 5, as Juror 6, Kara Hynes (Orland Park) and Kathleen Sullivan (Oak Lawn) as Juror 8, Lindsey Wisniewski (Clearing) as Juror 9, Gabrielle Marback-Pehler (Chicago Ridge) as Juror 10 and Meriah Woolery (Oak Lawn) as Juror 12.

Of princesses and pancakes: “Frozen” romp at Indian Hill

Supplied photo

DAR Good Citizen Award winners are Serena George, Stagg High School (from left); Jorie Dybcio, Lemont High School and Anthony Chimera, St. Laurence High School with DAR Amercian History Essay winner Diana Kwak, Fairmount Elementary School. The Swallow Cliff Chapter NSDAR held its Youth Award program Saturday to honor the Good Citizen and essay award winners. Five local high schools nominated candidates for the DAR Good Citizen Award. Honored students must demonstrate the qualities of dependability, service to their schools and communities, leadership and patriotism. Good Citizen Award chairman Miriam Giebel presented pins, monetary awards and certificates to this year’s winners. Winners not pictured are Kevin Conway, Oak Forest High School, and Christina Zylius, Chicago Christian High School. Serena George was selected to advance to the District IV level of competition.

The following local students were named to the dean’s list during the fall 2014 semester at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais: John Litrenta, of Orland Park, Brooke Shepherd, of Orland Park, and Bradley Thomas, of Palos Heights. *** Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, has made offers of admission for the 2015-16 academic year to Kayla Bulthuis, of Palos Heights, and Patrick Newson Jr., of Orland Park. *** Two local students have graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. They are Palos park residents Chrissa Dremonas, BS, accounting; and Tricia Randolph, BS, speech pathology and audiology. ***

Wartburg College student media organizations won 29 awards at the annual Iowa College Media Association conference, Feb. 5-6, in Des Moines. Justin Szykowny, of Palos Heights was among the honorees, earning third place in best long form documentary for “The House Music Built.” *** The following local students received degrees from the University of Iowa at the close of the fall 2014 semester: John Kehres of Orland Park BA-English; Alexander Malfeo of Orland Park BA-Biology; Matthew Mangold of Orland Park BBA-Finance; Christopher Noreikis of Orland Park BS-Computer Science andLucas Bohne of Palos Heights BSE-Mechanical Engineering. ***

Supplied photo

Indian Hill staff members who worked at the breakfast pose with one of the lovely princesses after the event. She was made up by Robert Kendal Salon and Day Spa in Palos Heights.

Palos Heights School District 128 Superintendent Kathleen Casey (from left), her granddaughter, Grace Cremieux, 6, Indian Hill School Principal Cathy Leslie, and Palos Heights Kiwanis Club President Larry Campbell share a smile just before they look at raffle prizes to be had at a pancake breakfast fundraiser held last Saturday at the school, 12800 S. Austin Ave.

the doctor will hear you now

Photos by Tim Hadac

Kiwanis volunteers Abbey and Bradd Lorch flip some of the 700 pancakes that club members made on several griddles. The club welcomes new members and encourages prospects to stop by the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., any Saturday at 7:30 a.m. for free coffee and doughnuts.

want better health care? start asking more questions. to your doctor. to your pharmacist. to your nurse. what are the test results? what about side effects? don’t fully understand your prescriptions? don’t leave confused. because the most important question is the one you should have asked. go to www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer or call 1-800-931-AHRQ (2477) for the 10 questions every patient should ask. questions are the answer.

Lily Boyle and her mom, Rachel, of Palos Heights, take a break from their pancakes and sausage.

About 150 preschoolers and kindergarteners attend Indian Hill School this year.

Girls of all ages and sizes dressed up as “Frozen” princesses at the Disney-themed event. More than 200 parents, grandparents and girls were on hand, including sisters Gabriella (left) and Kylie (right) Menconi, of Tinley Park, and their cousin, Mary Grace Stevens, of Palos Heights.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Regional News

Best PAWWS forward

Thursday, February 26, 2015

7

COMMUNITY NOTES

Palos Township extends voters registration hours

Nolan at 598-4418, Ext. 202.

The Palos Township Clerk’s Office, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, will be open on Mondays, March 2 and 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., to register new voters in time to vote in the upcoming April 7 Consolidated Election.

Clerk Jane Nolan offers these extended hours to accommodate individuals who may have moved since the last election, as well as, those who may have never registered to vote. For more information, call the township office at 598-4418 or Clerk Jane

Orland indoor duathlon Orland Park’s Indoor Duathlon will be held Saturday, March 7, at the village’s Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The first heat begins at 7:15 a.m.

Pre-registration is required for the event with a cost of $20 for Sportsplex members, $25 for Orland Park residents and $31 for non-residents.

Registration is available at the Recreation Administration Office at 14600 Ravinia Ave. and at the Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St.

SENIOR NOTES Photos by Mary Hadac

More than 200 people dined and danced last Saturday at a “PAWWS (Paws Assisting Wounded WarriorS) for Love” fundraiser at the Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. Headquartered in Palos Heights but serving a broad area, the non-profit PAWWS acquires dogs and train them as service dogs that will be paired up with military veterans living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injuries.

Pam Barnett, PAWWS founder and president, poses with service dog Harold Koal, as drummers and bagpipers from the Chicago Police Department’s Emerald Society relax in an adjacent room after entertaining the crowd. Barnett said she hoped the event would raise at least $8,000, and she encouraged everyone unable to attend to visit PAWWS.org online and make a donation.

Senior American Idol auditions at Orland Twp.

4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.

Tickets are available at the township.

Auditions for the third season of Senior American Idol, a fundraiser for the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, with check-in at 5:45 p.m. and auditions starting at 6 p.m., in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.

Auditions are open to seniors age 55 and require participants to perform a song of their choice (no more than two minutes long) a capella in front of a panel of judges. Auditions are free.

If chosen to be a contestant for the show in May, participants will be required to pay the contestant fee of $30. Call Orland Township at 403-4222 to register for auditions.

Senior American Idol will be held at Georgio’s Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park, from

Orland Township’s senior speed dating needs a few good men Calling all men ages 60 and over: if you are single and ready to mingle, Orland Township’s Senior Speed Dating event is just around the corner, taking place at 94 West – Grille & Tavern in Orland Park on Thursday, March 26.

Registration is closed for women, but numerous spots are available for men. The night entails mini “dates” in which one gets several minutes to get to know the person on the other side of the table.

When the music plays, people rotate to the next table where they have an allotted amount of time to get to know someone new. After the “dates” there will be socializing and refreshments. To register , call 403-4222.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Palos Heights Woman’s Club

Park Women high tea

The next meeting of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. The meeting will start with refreshments celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Guests are welcome to attend.

For more information about the club, a member of the General Federation of Women ‘s Clubs, call Marilyn at 361-4682.

The Palos Park Woman’s Club’s third high tea will be served on Sunday, March 8, at the Kaptur Center, 8999 W. 123rd St. in Palos Park.

This is the first tea that will be catered. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The theme is Easter Eggstravaganza, with the Easter Bunny greeting guests, who will get to bid on many raffle prizes.

Cost is $35. For tickets, call Marie at 480-4103.

BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS Heights Dist. 128 PFA Dancing with the District

Military veterans Chris Majewski (from left), of Bridgeview, Jacob Blome, of Bloomington, and Dave Stepanek, of Manhattan, stand near tables bearing some 37 auction prizes and pose with PAWWStrained dogs Buster (from left), Joseph, and Harold Koal. Stepanek’s service dog, Harley Girl, was not at the event.

The School District 128 Parent Faculty Association will hold its first-ever Dancing with the District fundraiser this Saturday at Shepard High School in Palos Heights. Doors will open at 5 p.m.; dancing will begin at 6.

Eight faculty members, representing each of the district’s four schools will dance in the event. They have been practicing with their partners from the Arthur Murray Dance Center in Oak Brook, and finalizing their outfits.

The winner will be determined by local celebrity judges and audience voting. Each vote costs $1; unlimited voting, cash and checks will be accepted.

Pizza, soft drinks, and baked goods will be sold.

Following the competition, the Arthur Murray dancers and Legacy Dance Studio students will perform.

The PFA’s “locally famous” silent auction will be held, as well.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the District 128 PFA. For ticket and more information, including dancers’profiles, visit the website at www.d128.k12.il.us

Concert at Elim An Elim Benefit Concert will take place on Sunday, March 8, at 4 p.m., on the campus of Elim Christian Services, 13020 S. Central Ave. in Palos Heights The concert will feature The Peg Mooney Singers performing music favorites such as “Circle of Life” (Lion King), “With a Little Help from My Friends”, “Hallelujah” (Shrek soundtrack version), and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.”

The one-hour performance will also include a brief intermission and a free will offering, with proceeds benefiting Elim Christian Services. (293-6509)

LIBRARY NOTES Heights library upcoming events • Tax preparation season – the Palos Heights Public Library keeps a small assortment of common forms on hand. Both the Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Department of Revenue have helpful websites which serve as clearinghouses for tax preparation documents – authorized forms, instructions, worksheets, and portals to FreeFile and other secure electronic filing options. Forms and other information can be printed for free at your home or at the Library at a cost of 10 cents per page. Find IRS information at www.irs.gov, and find Illinois tax information at tax. illinois.gov. These websites require no password and can be visited from any computer or device with an Internet connection.

• The following clubs meet at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. No registration necessary: • Needle Club – Bring your projects to the Needle Club, and enjoy the company of others while working, on Tuesday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. New members always welcome.

• Mah Jongg – Meet at the Library and bring your game to play American Mah Jongg on Tuesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. Novice and experienced players welcome.

• Scrabble Club – Scrabble Club now meets weekly. Play Scrabble with other enthusiasts of game.

Scrabble Club will meet Tuesday, March 3, at 1 p.m.

• Thursday at the Movies – The library will show the 2014 film “Maleficent,” starring Angelina Jolie, on Thursday, Feb. 26. The film will play at 10 a.m. (with subtitles), 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

• Foreign Film Series – Palos Heights Library presents the 1997 Belgian drama “Ma vie en rose” (“My Life in Pink”) this Friday, Feb. 27. The film will play at 1 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

• Streaming Video and Music – Learn to use your library card to stream hundreds of movies and thousands of songs, right to your computer or Internet-ready device, using library services Media On Demand and Freegal. Space is limited for this class on Wednesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. Register by calling the library at 448-1473 or register online using the library’s programs calendar at www.palosheightslibrary.org.

For information on upcoming programs, visit the website at www.palosheightslibrary.org and view the online calendar. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Registration is required as noted and always encouraged.

Heights library youth programs Spring Story Times – Signup is open for story times: The six-week spring session starts March 2 and ends April 16. Tiny Tots (birth to 23 months with an adult) Mondays at 10 and 11 a.m. Terrific Twos (ages 24 to 35 months with an adult) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6) Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Downloadable Books, Music and More – Bring your device and your Palos Heights library card to learn how to download all kinds of free fun today (Thursday), Feb. 26, at 4 p.m. No registration is required.

Local Author Reading – Meet local author Nancy Gee and listen to her read her book “The Secret Drawer” today (Thursday), at 7 p.m. Registration is advised. Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $20 (tax included; cash only).

Friday Gaming – Grades 6 and up can unwind at the end of the week with gaming in our Young Adult Section every Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. No registration required.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party – Celebrate Dr. Seuss’

birthday with your favorite stories and a craft on Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m. Registration is appreciated.

Pajamarama – Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m.

All ages can wear pajamas to the library to hear stories at this evening story time on Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.

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

Palos Park youth programs

March 7 at 11 a.m. magician, ventriloquist, and puppeteer Kevin Kelly will amaze and amuse children of all ages in his interactive program of magic, music and comedy. The Winter Reading Program prizes will be awarded afterward.

• The Rainbow Loom Club meets Thursday. March 12, at 4:30 p.m. First-graders and older will bring their rainbow looms to the library to share bracelet making ideas with their friends. Rubber bands will be supplied.

• Make new LEGO creations on Wednesday, March 18, at 4:30 p.m. with the library’s LEGOs and see them put on display. A drawing will be held at the end of the session for a LEGO prize.

Call the library for more information and to register at 4481530. All programs are free and open to the public.

A full calendar of programs can be found at the library’s website www.palosparklibrary.org

• Spring Story Times – for children ages 2-5 year olds meet on Tuesday, March 10 thru May 5 at 10:15 a.m. at the Palos Park Public Library. Tiny Tots Story Time for children ages 2 and 3 year olds meet on Wednesday, March 11 thru May 6 at 10 a.m. Story Time prepares children for school by promoting language development and literacy skills. Enjoy stories, sing songs, create special crafts, and make new friends. Parents or caregivers must accompany child withoutdiscount discount service. without service. in the library during story time.

Seating is limited.

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• Children can visit the Youth ErikR RNelson, Nelson, Agent Agent Erik Department at the library and 10200S SRoberts Roberts Road Road 10200 Palos Hills, search for photos of Miss Robin Palos Hills,ILIL60465-1539 60465-1539 Bus: 708-430-7575 Bus: 708-430-7575 and her friends. All participants that erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com find Miss Robin and her friends will be entered into a special drawing to win a book about birds called “Nest” by Jorey Hurley. The winner will be announced on March 20.

P040036 StateFarm FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in NJ), Bloomington, IL P040036 02/04 02/04 State Automobile Insurance Company (Not in (Not NJ), Bloomington, IL • The library will host Kevin Kelly’s Magic Show on Saturday,

WE’RE PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY We understand what this community means to you and your family. It means Security, Togetherness, Strength, Caring and Friendship. This community is a place where you matter. This community is where you make a difference in peoples’ lives. We share these values. It’s our job to make sure you understand what’s happening in your community by bringing the issues that matter most to you clearly and responsibly.

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8 Thursday, February 26, 2015

HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE

HEALTH & FITNESSHEALTH BEAT

Natural ways to a good night’s sleep Dear Carolyn, I’ve been having trouble sleeping for months.

My doctor has offered to prescribe something, but I’ve read about the dangers of taking drugs for sleep and would like to avoid them if possible.

What are some natural things you’d suggest for helping with sleep?

Thanks, Don Dear Don, Chronic insomnia affects nearly 20 percent of Americans, and can be caused by a number of things, the most common of which is stress. There are a plethora of prescription sleep aids on the market, but many have been found to be habit forming along with having a slew of other side effects that include memory loss and depression.

Sometimes there is a need for pharmaceuticals, but it’s best to try to combat insomnia naturally.

The first thing I’d recommend are some lifestyle changes. It has been proven that people who exercise regularly have an easier time getting to sleep as well as a lower instance of insomnia.

Exercise can also help to reduce stress, which is often the reason we can’t sleep. Dietary changes like eliminating caffeine, or at least not consuming caffeine in the afternoon or later can help also.

It’s important to not look at the clock when you feel like you’re having trouble falling asleep, since it’s been found in research studies that watching the clock can actually make it harder to fall asleep. Watching the hours tick by just makes a person more worried about not being able to sleep, which in turn makes it even harder to fall asleep. Things like a sleep mask can be beneficial to some people, since they help to block out light and other distractions. A white noise generator, or sleeping with a fan on can help to drown out distracting environmental noises, making it easier to sleep.

Another thing that can be helpful in combating insomnia is to make a relaxing bedtime routine, which could consist of taking a warm bath with relaxing essential oils like lavender or doing a series of stretches set to relaxing music. Some people find that writing in a journal before bed helps to relieve stress by providing an outlet for pent up anxieties and frustrations.

There are also a number of natural supplements that can help with making it easier to fall asleep.

Valerian is probably the most well known sleep inducing herb, and with good reason. There have been a number of large-scale scientific studies which have confirmed valerian’s ability to help people fall asleep as well as improving the quality of sleep. Valerian has also been found especially effective in combating the insomnia that women often experience during menopause. Valerian has been found in studies to have similar effectiveness to prescription sleep aids, without being addictive.

5-HTP is a supplement that can be very effective in combating insomnia. 5-HTP is a metabolite of the relaxing amino acid L-Tryptophan that is contained in turkey and warm milk. The body converts L-Tryptophan to 5-HTP, which is then converted into neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is best known for its ability to help with relaxation while improving mood. Many people take 5-HTP during the day to help with anxiety and depression, but it is also very effective as a sleep aid, since often depression and anxiety are directly related to not being able to sleep at night.

Melatonin is another supplement that can be helpful for people suffering with insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the brain, which helps to regulate our sleep and waking cycles, known as circadian rhythm. Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of melatonin for helping with sleep. One study I found especial-

CAROLYN JOHNSON

PassHealthFoods.com

ly interesting was conducted at Oregon Health Sciences University on blind people. The blind often have sleep problems since they are unable to perceive the sun rising and setting, which helps to regulate the circadian rhythm. The study found that taking melatonin made a significant difference in the participant’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Another thought would be magnesium, since insomnia is one of the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can help to relax the muscles, which can help with sleep. Magnesium is also helpful for people with restless leg syndrome, most of whom also battle with insomnia due to the nature of RLS. To submit a question to be answered in a future column send an email to healthyanswersforlife@gmail.com or mail to Healthy Answers for Life c/o Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only.

The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

PICK OF THE LITTER

Separation anxiety: Avoid triggers Dear Readers, As a general veterinary practitioner I have spent the past 34 years answering too many behavior questions. I’ve done “alright� with most of my answers, but I am a lot more comfortable doing a C-section, treating a Cushingoid diabetic or discussing the pathophysiology of DIC or pancreatitis.

It has been my good fortune to know Marilyn Armstrong who trains dogs at the Oak Lawn Park District. Whenever I felt inadequate to properly address a behavior question, I could always punt and recommend the client contact her or one of her co-trainers.

My partner, Dr. Tassone, has a special interest in dentistry and behavior problems and has agreed to write a periodic article on common client behavior questions. Perhaps as times goes on we can get her to throw in some good discussions on dental issues as well.

Dear Dr. Tassone, I think my dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. He has scratched the back of my door, and the neighbors have been complaining about him barking all day. Even if I walk him prior to leaving and if I am gone only for a short time, I will still come home to feces in the house. I don’t want to yell at him for this, but he is ruining my house. I feel bad that he feels anxious when I am away. What can I do to help him? —-Kristen, Tinley Park Dear Kristen, Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. This is not shocking given that dogs are pack animals.

When left at home alone without their family, they can panic and experience anxiety. Separation anxiety can be made worse by moving to a new home, loss of another pet, or by lengthy separation from their family. Common symptoms include signs of destructiveness, house soiling,

excessive barking/whining, and drooling. The key to diagnosing these dogs with separation anxiety is that these signs occur immediately after their family leaves the home.

Destructive behavior is associated with the pet trying to escape and such destruction is usually near doors or windows. You may also see destruction of personal items. It is important to distinguish separation anxiety versus boredom (chewing, getting into trash, being destructive while the owner is still home, etc). The family may come home to feces or urine in the home.

House soiling usually occurs shortly after the family has left and should be distinguished from the family being gone for a long period of time.

Neighbors may report excessive vocalization while the owner is gone for the day. Barking, howling, and whining may continue for long periods of time. The owner may also come home to puddles of saliva from their pet drooling. The pet may have excess thirst from drooling and being anxious while the owner is gone.

Video monitoring is very helpful to determine exactly what the pet is doing while left unattended.

In mild cases, the pet may only pant, over-groom, or pace but this represents an unpleasant mental state for the pet.

Anytime a pet has a behavior problem, there are certain steps that can be taken to manage their anxiety. Avoiding the trigger, medical/ supplemental interventions along with behavior modification can help. Avoiding the trigger in a pet with separation anxiety is difficult because the family has to be able to leave their home. In severe situations, some dogs would benefit from going to a doggie day care facility so that they are not left alone all day.

There are short – and long-duration anti-anxiety medications. They are to be used along with a behavior modification program. Some animals may need a combination of medications and some may benefit from natural supplements. It

JOHN FLEMING

DVM • PrairieStateVet.com

is understandable that some people don’t want their pet to be medicated, but it does relieve anxiety. After all when a dog is diabetic, they need insulin to survive. There are a number dogs with anxiety that would certainly have a better quality of life if they were on an anti-anxiety medication.

The first step in behavior modification is to work with your pet on basic commands; sit, down, stay, and come. The key is to teach your pet to relax or settle and accept time without attention. Dogs should be given food puzzle toys and treats while resting comfortably in a safe area. It is important to prevent your pet from seeing you with your keys, purse, and putting your shoes on. Taking a shower and making coffee are other cues that the owner is about to leave, and you will want to avoid exposing your dog to these triggers.

Desensitization can be done by picking up your keys and then putting them back down without leaving. Counter conditioning can be done by picking up the keys and giving your dog a treat. Hyper attachment and clingy behavior should be discouraged. The family member should be the initiator of contact with the dog and demands for attention initiated from your dog should be avoided.

When first arriving back at home, ignore your dog until he is relaxed. Regularly scheduled play, walks, and training can be helpful to relieve anxiety. Keeping a television or radio on in the background may help the pet remain relaxed while alone. Behavior modification and anti-anxiety medication should go hand-in-hand to decrease the level of the pet’s anxiety.

Independence Junior High helps teen author boost a good cause From Heather Meskimen Each quarter nearly 100 Independence Junior High School students, staff, parents and families gather to discuss a novel and feast on a meal from one of the local restaurants in the area.

They call it Book Club.

When a unique novel made its way into the hands of the staff at the junior high in Palos Heights, they knew this Book Club meeting would be different.

Ravina Thakkar, a 15-year-old student from Plainfield, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. Her dream was to publish a novel. Together with The MakeA-Wish Foundation, Ravina’s book “The Adventure of a Lifetime,� was published in 2013.

Independence chose her book for the quarterly discussion and did some research on Cystic Fibrosis.

Through their research, students learned that small children with Cystic Fibrosis have a hard time saying the name of the disease. Instead, they say “65 Roses.� Inspired by this story, the Student Council of IJHS designed a contest called the “65 Roses Challenge.� At lunch, the Student Council officers sold roses that students could purchase and write a special message to give to other students. Each grade level was given the challenge of selling 65 roses. IJHS students surpassed their goal and sold 351 roses.

Thakkar was contacted and informed of the efforts of the students. She was so moved by the generosity of the students that she made an appearance at IJHS for the Book Club. She answered ques-

The Regional News

Eating smart seminar at Orland Township

tion for caregivers and physicians in the management of the disease.

Orland Township and Health Center Chiropractic will host a seminar on the benefits of eating smart on Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Learn how to read nutritional labels the smart way, how to avoid the top ten toxic foods and find their healthy alternatives and how to become a better shopper and get the most out of your nutrition. In addition, find out the truth about the hottest nutrition topics, such as organic foods, food budgeting and low-fat myths. A reservation is needed. Call 403-4222.

Smith free support groups for caregivers

Frozen shoulders seminar at Orland Twp. Orland Township and Flexeon Rehabilitation will host a seminar on frozen shoulders on Tuesday, March 3, at 11 a.m., at the township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Frozen shoulders, also known as adhesive capsulitis, are treated with physical therapy. Learn more about how to control the pain and improve range of motion, as well as exercises for strengthening and stabilization, posture education, joint mobilization, soft tissue modalities and customized exercise programs.

A reservation is required. Call 403-4222.

Gluten-free diet vs. celiac disease Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., will host a free celiac disease and gluten-free diet seminar on Tuesday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m.

A pediatric gastroenterologist and nutritionist will present topics on celiac disease, the benefits of a gluten-free diet and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Registration is required. Call 403-4222.

Palos Community Hospital annual Diabetes Fair Palos Community Hospital will host its annual Diabetes Fair for people with diabetes and their families from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Palos Community Hospital Auditorium, 12251 S. 80th Ave., Palos Heights.

Check-in is at 8 a.m.

During this year’s free event – “Get Moving, Get Control,�

Michelle Adams, an exercise physiologist, will share tips for living healthy and being active as key components to diabetes management.

Information about the extensive support services at Palos, including nutrition counseling and comprehensive diabetes program, home health care and physical therapy, also will be provided. Registration is required; call 226-2330.

The Palos Community Hospital Diabetes Program has earned continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association.

The nationally recognized program provides a continuum of care for people with diabetes, and educa-

Smith continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) plan programs for residents who take care of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, Smith Crossing in Orland Park will show a documentary titled, “Alive Inside,� about the effects of music on those with dementia. Afterward, an open discussion led by the social services and resident services directors will be held. Smith Crossing is at 10501 Emilie Lane (enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street). To reserve a place, call 3262300 or email familyandfriends@ smithcrossing.org.

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, Smith Village’s memory support coordinator will talk about “Positive Techniques for Successful Communication,� tips for interacting with those who cognitive loss. Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113th Place, in Chicago. To reserve a seat, call 773-474-7300 or email to familyandfriends@ smithvillage.org.

Before ending at 7:30 p.m., light refreshments will be served at both meetings.

Overeaters Anonymous Do you suspect food rules your life? Overeaters Anonymous (OA) may be the answer for you. It is not a diet club, but a fellowship of people recovering from compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively; bulimics and anorexics welcome. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins.

Groups meet at 10 a.m. on Fridays at Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church, 7059 W. 127th St., Contact: Judy 903-3595; and at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Faith United Methodist Church, 15101 S. 80th Ave. in Orland Park. Contact: Patsy, 773-251-3448.

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Supplied photo

Independence Junior High School Student Council President Matt Callahan is shown with author Ravina Thakkar during her recent visit.

tions from the students, staff, and parents and stayed to sign books.

The students presented her with a bouquet of purple roses (the col-

or for Cystic Fibrosis awareness), a card signed by all Book Club participants, and a check for $250 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL FOCUS

The Regional News

COMINGS & GOINGS Checkers plans six new Chicago locations Tampa-based Checkers is expected to open in Bedford Park and five other Chicago-area locations this year. Two more locations are expected to open early in 2016.

The fast-food chain returned to the Chicago market a few years ago after an aborted effort to move into the Chicago marketplace in the late 1980s. The eatery now has 18 stores in the Chicago area.

Five of the new stores will be owned by franchisees, including the Bedford Park location slated for a November opening at 6401 W. 65th St. Also expected to open this year are two franchise locations in Joliet, a franchise store in Calumet City and a franchise Southwest Side location somewhere on Western Avenue.

A corporate store is slated to open in August ay 6301 S. Ashland Ave. in the West Englewood neighborhood.

Two additional corporate-owned stores are expected to open early in 2016 at 5456 S. Pulaski Road and at 87th Street and South Lafayette in the Chatham neighborhood.

Checkers offers a basic menu of burgers, fries and shakes, and have no dining rooms because the chain focuses on drive-through customers. There is outdoor patio seating at all locations.

The company operates 804 restaurants in 30 states under the Checkers and Rally’s names.

BOB BONG job1usa.com. Resumes can also be sent to bwatkins@ job1usa.com.

Luxury day spa opens in Indian Head Park Crystal Point Spa, a day spa that features heated river stones and other holistic therapies, opened last month in Indian Head Park.

“Those of you who know me know that this spa truly is a labor of love,” said owner Majka Kolaczewski to the crowd during the spa’s grand opening. “It started out as a little dream so many years ago, and with a lot of hard work, determination and patience, it’s now a wonderful reality.”

Crystal Point Spa is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Monday hours are available by appointment.

For information, call 708-784-6215 or visit www. crystalpointdayspa.com.

Countryside issues business licenses Countryside last week issued a business license for King’s Eagle, a freight hauling company, at 6345 Joliet Road.

Lumber Liquidators, a company that specializes in floor coverings, is now hiring team leads and associates for its Chicago Ridge Mall location, which is set to open soon, according to the mall’s Facebook page.

Interested jobseekers should call 1-888-432-1776 ext. 0567 or fill out an online application at www.

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

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com and www.southlandsavvy.blogspot.com.

BUSINESS NOTES Employers from all industries who have position openings are sought for Moraine Valley Community College’s Spring Job and Internship Fair on Thursday, March 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., in the Moraine Business and Conference Center, Building M, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills.

Employer check-in is at noon, and the employer luncheon is at 12:30 p.m.

The fair provides an opportunity for employers to recruit diverse students, alumni and community members to fulfill employment needs, including hourly or salary jobs and paid or non-paid internships. Commission-only positions and undisclosed third-party recruiting will not be included.

The registration fee is $105 for a six-foot table and lunch for two recruiters. The fee for the spring

and fall fairs is $160. Registration and payment are due by March 12. To register, visit morainevalley. edu/jrc and click on Job and Internship Fair. Space is limited. For more information, call the Job Resource Center at 974-5737, or visit the website.

Meet-the-experts open house Marquette Bank will host a free Meet-the-Experts Open House at the Marquette Bank, 9533 W. 143rd in Orland Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.

Attendees will have a chance to speak with financial experts Kevin Knight, mortgage specialist; Pam Hollinger, financial advisor; and Gene Malfeo, commercial lender. The financial professionals will be available to answer questions about home financing, retirement planning and business lending at this public event. To register, call 873-3519.

CHAMBER CORNER Orland Chamber State of the Village luncheon The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce will hear Mayor Dan McLaughlin’s annual State of the Village Address during a luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at 11:15 a.m., at the Elements Conference Center & Banquets, at 16235 S. La Grange Road in Orland Park.

This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Lunch will be served and the cost is $35 per person. To RSVP, call the Chamber office at 349-2972 or visit the website at www. orlandparkchamber.org.

The Chamber is collecting village-related or business-related questions for Mayor to address during the event. Forward your queries to felicitas@orlandparkchamber.org.

Now that it’s Tax Season, you may want to pay close attention to every part of your financial picture because it’s important to understand the factors that affect your taxes. One area to be aware of is the “cost basis” of your investments.

Cost basis, also known as “tax basis,” is essentially your investment in a financial asset, such as a stock. Your cost basis is generally the amount you will use to determine your taxable profit or loss when you sell the investment.

Let’s look at an example. Suppose you bought 50 shares of XYZ stock for $1,000 several years ago. Now you decide to sell your shares and use the proceeds for a different investment, which you think will help further diversify your portfolio.

(Keep in mind that while diversification can reduce the impact of volatility on your holdings, it can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.) Your shares are now worth $1,500, so you will have a $500 gain — but will you be taxed on all of it?

To answer that question, you’ll need to review what has transpired with your investment since you bought it. You know that the value has gone up $500, but let’s also assume that, during the last few years, you received $150 in dividends and you reinvested the entire amount into your shares of XYZ stock. Your adjusted cost basis would increase to $1,150, rather than the original purchase price of $1,000. Since your sale price is $1,500, your taxable gain would actually only be $350 ($1,500 minus $1,150), rather than $500. Consequently, if you were to report your cost basis as $1,000 — your original purchase price — you’ll end up paying taxes on a bigger gain than is necessary.

And we’ve just looked at one isolated example. If you were to under-report the size of your cost basis on all your investments when you sell them, you could end up paying far more in capital gains taxes than is actually necessary.

Orland Park

Brady Susan Tr to Dalton Andrea A, 8817 Palos Springs Dr, $312,500.

Janulis Karyn Trust Tr 16043 to Palumbo Debra A, 16043 Broadwalk Ln, $275,000; Kenny Laura K to Nienuis Gale E, 15710 Old Orchard Ct, Unit #157101S, $115,000; Caraher Jeanne to Rhodes Bud R III, 15342 Aubrieta Ln, Unit #51, $145,000; Shapiro Donald to 66 Orland Sq LLC, 66 Orland Square Dr, $3,400,000; Voss Timothy to Kenny Stephen S, 15312 Catalina Dr, $293,000; Meinardus Shirley A Tr to Meinardus Michael A, 8857 131st Pl, $220,000; Obodzinski Gregg M Tr to Tarsauskas Linas, 15708 Liberty Ct, $186,000; Zavala Jose E Jr to Ortiz Michael J, 9031 Somerset Ct, Unit

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#4, $131,000; North Shore Holdings Ltd to Chow Fong, 15511 Westminster Dr, Unit #65B, $156,000; Rafter David to Stefanoski Aleksander, 15700 86th Ave, Unit #103, $88,500; TCF Natl Bk to Mikulec John Jr, 9408 166th Ct, Unit #9408, $175,000; Doherty Kristin M to Vasel Christopher J, 9217 Cliffside, Unit #53C, $146,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Ali Mahmmoud, 10538 Texas Ct, Unit #191, $169,000; Hewson Robert E Jr to Stalf James M, 14640 Oakley St, $305,000; Marvinac Thomas B to Laban Ahmad A, 10700 Tower Dr, $378,000;

Janus Mark J to Lawler Michael P, 13329 Strawberry Ln, $342,500; Gibbs Sheldon A to Schmid Alyce J, 16715 Elderberry Ln, $225,000; Griffin Terrence Ind Extr to Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr, 7318 152nd Pl, Unit #15, $106,000; Majik Enterprises Ltd Ps to Jezuit James C, 14407 S Blue Spruce Ct, $265,000.

Palos Heights

Lake John J to Hornik Mary, 39 Sorrento Dr, Unit #39, $137,000; Selvek Stefan to Milewski Cynthia, 12820 S 71st Ave, Unit #202, $93,000; Riley Lindsey to Bagus Patti L, 12714 S Oak Park Ave, $198,000; Pkks Inv Services LLC 12443 S Melvina LLC to Sowa Paul A,

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Edward Jones Investments Fortunately, you probably don’t have to worry about constantly calculating cost basis on your own; if you’re investing with a financial advisor, he or she will likely provide you with statements that include these calculations.

Still, your knowledge of cost basis is important.

For one thing, you can choose which particular shares of an investment to sell first. In the above example, we looked at what might happen if you bought shares at one time and then sold the same shares a few years later. But if you purchase shares of the same investment at different times, you are almost certainly buying them at different prices — and these differences in price will affect your cost basis when you sell. So your decision on which shares to sell first — as expressed in different accounting methods, such as “first in, first out” (FIFO) or “last in, first out” (LIFO) — can be more, or less, beneficial to your tax situation. Your tax professional can help you make the right choices.

By learning the basics of cost basis, you will become a more informed investor — and you can help potentially minimize your tax burden.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, in Palos Heights.

His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Assessor Berrios seeks $14 million for taxpayers’ erroneous exemptions Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios’ office is seeking $14 million for erroneous exemptions taken by taxpayers. This billing was made possible due to a new law that was initiated

by Berrios.

“I think the success of the program has already shown us just how much this new law was needed,” Berrios explained.

“Previously, we did not have a law in place to help recover the money unfairly taken from erroneous exemptions or to deter this from happening in the future.”

The erroneous exemption law provides for the collection and distribution of unpaid property taxes, penalties and interest.

Close to $6.2 million will be returned to the local taxing bodies today as a result of the new law.

“Each year, Cook County taxpayers lose millions of dollars because people cheat or erroneously claim exemptions,” Berrios said. “At a time when

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.

9

‘Cost basis’ can affect your investment strategy

Lumber Liquidators coming to Chicago Ridge Mall

Employers needed for Moraine Valley spring job and internship fair

Thursday, February 26, 2015

12443 Melvina Ave, $220,000; Jankowski Susan Tr to Mandell Donna M, 12043 S Harold Ave, $243,000; Moritz William B Jr to Lambros Cynthia, 11 S Cedar Ln, Unit #A11, $160,000.

Palos Park

Pordugal Matthew to Saban Thomas D, 12512 S 86th Ave, $280,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Daniels Amy L, 12202 90th Ave, $1,175,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Slawski Dominique, 9743 Mill Drive East, Unit #B2L13, $130,000; Karlo Robin Anne Tr to Fisher Jann L, 11919 Will Cook Rd, $550,000.

schools and local municipalities are severely struggling with budget issues, it will be helpful for this money to go back to serving the community.”

Local taxing bodies located in each of the county’s 38 townships will be receiving some of the pool of money collected due to the erroneous exemptions taken. The total amount of money being distributed in each township varies depending on the amount of erroneous exemptions that were received.

In 2014, approximately $3.4 million was collected due to erroneous exemptions taken within the City of Chicago and approximately $2.8 million was collected for suburban Cook County.

By law, a person is allowed to collect an exemption only on the home that is his or her primary residence. This new law gives the Cook County Assessor the means to recoup funds from those who have improperly received homeowner, senior, disabled persons’

or disabled veterans’ exemptions.

The law also allows the assessor to administer property tax liens on the homes of those taxpayers who have received undue property tax exemptions.

Berrios proposed the measure shortly after taking office when his administration noticed a high volume of e-mails and anonymous phone calls reporting that people were improperly receiving exemptions. In the vast majority of those cases, the claims were proven to be true. The legislation was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate.

“I am extremely proud of the work and extensive research that went into the development of this new erroneous exemption law. It is sure to have a dramatic and positive impact not only on the struggling, budget-strapped local taxing bodies but on taxpayers throughout the county,” Berrios said.

— Cook County Assessor’s Office

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Feb. 23) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

RATES 4.000 3.250 4.000

APR 4.035 3.305 4.045

POINTS 0 0 0

United Trust Bank (as of Feb. 24) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES 3.990 3.125 3.125

APR 4.011 3.161 3.177

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 3.913 3.677 3.189

POINTS .25 .25 .25

Prospect Federal (as of Feb. 23) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 3.875 3.625 3.125

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

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10 Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES Alma Baca

Alma Baca (nee Kitowski) age 96, of Palos Park, died Feb. 18 at home. Beloved wife of the late Matthew. Devoted mother of Larry (Carolyn) Baca and Annamarie (Dr. Robert) Bara. Loving grandmother of Matthew, Lauren, Katie, Mary and Emily.

Alma was a member of Altar & Rosary Society at SS. Peter and Paul Church, past president of SS. Peter and Paul Friendship Club, Apostleship of Prayer, St. Catherine’s Sodality, member of Royal Neighbors and Friends of McKinley Park Library.

Visitation was held at the PalosGaidas Funeral Home, in Palos Hills.

Funeral visitation last Saturday until time of Mass, at Blessed Sacrament Parish at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 3745 S. Paulina-Chicago. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Please make donations to Alzheimer’s Assn.

Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800. Chgo. IL 60631.

Visitation was to be held at Van Henkelum Funeral Home in Palos Heights on Feb. 26. A funeral Mass is to be offered at St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights on Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. Burial is to be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth.

Mrs. Barber is survived by her son, Les (Sonia) Barber; her daughters, Deborah (Joseph) Janousek and Denise (Gene) Rosner; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Barber was born in Winber, Penn. She worked in the office at Sears. She was a longtime volunteer at Palos Community Hospital and a member of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club.

In lieu of flowers, gifts appreciated to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.

Jane C. Dong

Jane C. Dong, nee Wiersma, 57, of Orland Park, died on Feb. 17 at Palos Community Hospital.

Visitation was held at Colonial Frances N. Barber Chapel funeral home on Feb. 20.

Frances “Fran” N. Barber, 88, A funeral service was held at the of Palos Heights, died on Feb. 22 funeral home on Feb. 21. Interment at home. was at Orland Memorial Park Cem-

etery in Orland Park.

Mrs. Dong is survived by her husband, Martin; her sons, Matthew, Joshua and Jesse; four grandchildren, her brothers Jim, Robert, Dave and Joel Wiersma; her sisters, Bonnie Krisher, Judy Jankovic, Mary Wiersma and Kathy Vant Hoff and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Dong was born in Chicago Heights. She was an entrepreneur.

Marie E. Strutz

Marie E. Strutz, nee Andreotti, 88, of Palos Heights, died on Feb. 13 at home.

Visitation was held at Schmaedeke Funeral Home in Worth on Feb. 20. A funeral service was held at the funeral home on Feb. 21. Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth.

Mrs. Strutz is survived by her sons, Robert, Gary, Bradley and Randy; her daughters, Cynthia Pfeifer, Cheryl Hill and Janice Owens; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Strutz was born in Chicago.

She was a Realtor and teacher. She taught at Lourdes and Mount Assisi high schools.

Hot chili competition benefits local shelters To the altar of God from St. Alexander

Supplied photo

St Alexander School 8th-grade Boy Scouts George Madaras (left) and Michael Andrzunas participated in the Ad Altare Dei ceremony recently held at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Bishop Francis Kane congratulated the boys at the ceremony. The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic youth develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. The key aspect of the program is that the Scout grows in his spiritual experience and relationship with God and the church.

Together We Cope rolls out the red carpet Cope, the Tinley Park-based prevention agency that helps families in crisis stay in their homes.

This year’s event will feature a performance by painter Elliott From of ArtBeat Live, who will create a portrait to high-energy music while the audience watches. From’s one-of-a-kind piece will go to the highest bidder that evening.

Silent and live auction items will include great prizes like sports tickets and memorabilia, jewelry and airline tickets, among other items. Guests will be able to bid using their own smart phones or furnished tablets.

Tickets are $100 each or $950 for a table of 10 reserved in advance. The cost covers an elegant buffet dinner, open bar and an evening of dancing to the popular band, Connexion.

For the second year, C.D.E. Collision Center is the event sponsor.

“The dinner dance is always so popular with our supporters because it’s a fun evening with family and friends,” said Karen Moran, fundraising coordinator. “It’s also our biggest fundraiser each year.”

Of every dollar donated to Together We Cope, 93 cents supports client programs and services.

Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency that Submitted photo Artist Elliott From will create a painting for Together We serves 27 south suburban communities. In 2014, Cope at the Red Carpet Event dinner dance on March 6. TWC received its fourth four-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management.

One of the south suburbs’ most popular fundraisTo buy tickets or purchase an ad in the event ers will draw hundreds of supporters for a night program, go to togetherwecope.org or call Karen of dining and dancing at Odyssey Country Club Moran or Katlin Bewley at 708.263.0302. on March 6 in Tinley Park to benefit Together We —Together We Cope

SIMPLE GIFTS Neat Repeats Resale stores Volunteer Recruitment Days Neat Repeats Resale shops benefiting the Crisis Center for South Suburbia seek volunteers willing to share their compassion, talent and time five hours per week to make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence.

Volunteer Recruitment Days are planned on Thursdays, March 5 and 19; visit the stores in Orland Park at 9028 W. 159th St. or in Worth at 7026 W. 111th St.. Enjoy a tour, meet other volunteers, and learn more about Neat Repeats. For information, call the store manager: Orland Park 364-7605 or Worth 361-6860.

All sales at Neat Repeats Resale benefit the clients

served by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence.

Souper Bowl canned soup dropoff at Heights library The Palos Heights Public Library is participating in the Souper Bowl canned soup drive throughout February to help make cold winter nights a bit warmer for neighbors in need. Donated cans of soup will be delivered to the food pantries of both Palos and Worth Townships. The library is at 12501 S. 71st Ave.

Marquette Bank, a locally-owned neighborhood bank, recently held a Chili Cook-Off where employees faced off with their best chili recipe to help benefit local shelter organizations. Kevin McCarthy, Fraud Analyst at the Corporate Center, was awarded first place by a panel of judges in charge of deciding the best chili. The Cook-Off raised $395 for local shelter organizations and included donations from

employees to sample the different chili recipes.

“The Chili Cook-Off is a really fun way to get employees involved in the Neighborhood Commitment, and who wouldn’t want a warm bowl of chili in the winter,” Betty Kosky-Harn, Executive Vice President, said. “It gets employees in the giving spirit and we all enjoy delicious recipes in support of a worthy cause.”

The Chili Cook-Off is part of Marquette Bank’s Neighborhood Commitment, where each quarter the bank focuses on a different area of need: shelter, hunger, education and health/wellness. To learn more about Marquette Bank and its Neighborhood Commitment, visit www.emarquettebank.com/ neighborhood or call 1-888-2549500.

— Marquette Bank

Submitted photo

Several employees participated in the Chili Cook-off that raised $395 for local shelter organizations. Front Row (left to right): Anne Eckroth (Oak Lawn), Phillip Engstrom (Hoffman Estates), Judie Pacius (Burbank), Teresa Yanez (Bridgeview), Susan Erlain (Orland Park); Back row: Paul Eckroth (Oak Lawn), Kevin McCarthy (Chicago Ridge), Vickie Ellis (Frankfort), Jerry Magold (Orland Hills).

THOSE WHO SERVE Army Pvt. Christina S. Spence has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and

ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Spence is the daughter of Marcia E. Spence of Orland Park. She is a 2014 graduate of Sandburg High School.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Christ Lutheran Church Orland Park

4 – “A Fallen Angel.” Week 5 Two corresponding cloths that – “Reapers at the Final Harvest.” are widely separated geographiThe church is at 14700 S. 94th cally, but have remarkably similar Thursday Lenten communion Ave. (349-0431). markings and some believe may services at 11 a.m. (with lunch have been the burial cloths of Jesus after) and 7 p.m. today, March 5, Christ. Learn answers to questions Shroud of Turin event 12, 19, and 26, under the theme: about the shroud: How was the at St. Alexander Church “Angels Watch in Solemn Wonimage formed? Was radiocarbon der.” The evening Lent services St. Alexander Church in Palos dating wrong? Is it possible proof will take place in Duehr Memorial Heights will present a Lenten of Jesus’ Resurrection? Does the Chapel. meditation on the death of Jesus man of the Shroud match ScripWeek 1 – “Angels on Jacob’s Christ with an exhibition based ture? What is the link to the SuLadder.” Week 2 – “The Seraphim on the Shroud of Turin and the darium of Orvieto, Spain?

Surround the Thorne.” Week 3 – Sudarium of Orvieto at 7 p.m.

The church is at 7025 W. 126th “The Christmas Angels.” Week Wednesday, March 5.

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Heights Women plan gift of Rec. Center sign Members of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s Project Committee recently gathered at Mama Vesuvio’s East for dinner and to make plans for the club’s next community improvement project – an outdoor lighted display sign for the Palos Heights Recreation Center. The club plans to hold fundraising events over the next two years to raise the money needed for the sign at the expanded Rec. Center. Shown are (back row) Jen Case, club President Rose Zubik, immediate past president Barb Deckinga, Patt Bailey and Eileen Lunter; (front row) Kara Mintle and Diane Hoge, project chairwoman. Not shown: Pat Hogan. For more about this project, visit the club’s website: phwc.wordpress.com. The club’s Facebook page will keep the public updated throughout the project’s timeline. Anyone wishing to donate to this cause may contact the club by writing to the Palos Heights Woman’s Club, Attn: Diane Hoge, P.O. Box 128, Palos Heights, IL 60463

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The Regional News

Thursday, February 26, 2015

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

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CROSSWORD PUZZLES "Initialisms" Across

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16 "To a Skylark," e.g.

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17 Taco Bell competitor 19 "You are here" prop

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40 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Feb. 27, 1975

42 Eggy intake 44 Fine point

A malfunctioning space heater has tentatively been established as the cause of a fire on Feb. 20 that caused more than $50,000 in damages to this home at 7681 W. 124th Place in Palos Heights. Although the home is located in Palos Heights, the area is served by the Palos Park fire protection district. Firemen from Palos Heights and Worth assisted the Park firemen in controlling the blaze.

18 San ___ Obispo

40 Joseph's grandmother

47 Iditarod command

Down 1 Donne, for one

23 Unclassifiable

41 Failed intention

48 "___ greatest!" (Ali)

2 Toll unit for trucks

24 Function

43 "So what?"

49 Word before starter or control

3 Crude conduit

25 New York City borough

44 Invalid

50 Vacation spot

5 State support

45 Waterwheel reservoir

53 Religious ideal 54 Cat owner's purchase 58 Newsy network

4 Bustling commotion

26 Divide 27 Pricey event

6 Tornado, e.g.

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7 French airport

61 Belonging to him 62 Round table topic

30 Become inflated

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32 Spare site

51 Santos rookie of 1956

10 Contract signing

34 E, on a map

52 Lethal weapons

11 1995 World Series MVP

35 Medical photo

55 Bride's oath

37 Jazz banjoist Fleck

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38 Solidarity co-founder Walesa

57 TV's Turner

12 Common observation

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47 Mobster Lansky 49 Houston player, informally

9 One might be verbal

60 Domain for Charlemagne

46 Certain Mideast native

29 Canadian coffe chain

8 Toy-seller ___ Schwarz

59 "O come let us ___ him"

45 Abercrombie partner

13 "And so to bed" writer

(Answers on page 2)

Sudoku Puzzle #3270-M

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20 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Feb. 23, 1995

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Public art in the Southwest Suburbs: Where is art? The amount of public, or outdoor, art in the southwest suburbs is not high [Much more of it exists nowadays in Palos-Orland.] But public art is here for our viewing if we stop and consider it. Left: the sculpture “Archetypal Portal of Initiation” at Stagg High School in Palos Hills: Kenneth Burg, the sculptor, was an artist-in-residence at Stagg in 1987. His work is dedicated to the students of Stagg High School. Right: This Christiane Martens structure called “On to Brighter Orbits” stands almost as if in motion outside the Center for Contemporary Technology at Moraine Valley Community College. It was dedicated in April 1991.

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© 2009 Hometown Content

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The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

(Answers on page 2)

Medium

IMPRESSIONS

This isn’t the way we want to picture Ernie Banks I look at Ernie Banks a little bit in the same way I look at Jimmy Buffett.

These are two guys who have an image that’s hard to shake.

Buffett is the fun-lovin’ entertainer who is smiling and joking and singing songs about drinking and being in warm places. He is living the life a lot of us want to live. He is one big good-time guy.

Life is a great big party 24/7 for JB, right?

Few people are around him when he is out of the spotlight. We don’t get to see him when he is hung over, sweating out a fever or getting mad at the world because his Internet is acting up. We’re not around him to see human sorrow when he finds out the death of a loved one. The guy has been divorced and separated and we weren’t around to see him argue with either of his wives. And he has kids. We never got to see him have the pleasure of dealing with teenagers.

Nope, we just get so see the guy crooning about hanging around the beach and taking boat rides with some babes and rum drinks in tow.

What a life.

That brings us to Ernie.

Banks is the popular Cubs legend who died Jan. 23. Most of us remember him smiling with an unbridled joy for life and baseball. He made the optimistic and enthusiastic line “Let’s play two today” famous. He had rhymes for how the Cubs would do in a certain year.

Everything was great with Ernie. That was his image and that’s how we want to remember him.

You got the feeling that if someone ran over his foot with a car, he would yell “Hey, Mister, is your tire OK?’’ When he died, he was splashed on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Everyone interviewed had nothing but good words to say about Ernie.

I purposefully didn’t write about Ernie after he died. Even though I covered the Cubs for 10 years, my dealings with the man were not all that fun. I tried interviewing him about Sammy Sosa once and, while he was nice, his mind wandered and he would get distracted a little too easily and I could tell things weren’t in top working order upstairs and I felt bad.

Once, when the media gathered for a press conference with him, a media relations person had to talk to him like talking to a 5-year-old about how we were going to ask him questions and that he should pay attention to the questions and answer them.

that behind him in public and stay the same man of joy he was to us all is pretty special.

JEFF VORVA It was sad.

I’m happy to report, though, that he pulled it off with flying colors and he was great that day.

I didn’t want to reveal those stories after he died because I wanted people to remember the smiling guy who was a friend to all and never had a bad day in his life. I was preserving the myth. That’s something I don’t like doing, but in this case I thought it was right to just keep my stories to myself.

But now his family is coming out and punching holes in his myth.

Look, we all know the guy was a real human being with real problems like the rest of us. He wasn’t a cartoon.

But now his family is fighting over money, property and somehow his dead body is lost somewhere. It’s becoming a tragic joke and now we’re going to have a different view of Mr. Cub. It’s been brought out that he’s been married four times and I’m not sure I even knew that.

It’s being brought out that he filed for divorce from his fourth wife because of mental cruelty.

To quote another baseball line “Say it ain’t so!’’

There is a part of my brain that doesn’t want to register all of this. I can’t picture Ernie involved in a domestic situation so ugly that it came to that. I don’t want to think of Ernie screaming and cursing at his wife. I certainly don’t want to think of one of Ernie’s wives doing something so cruel that it would reduce him to tears or depression.

I don’t know where the truth lies, but either way it’s an ugly truth.

This story is wretched and it’s going to get worse and we will find out that Ernie was not always the happy-go-lucky smiling ambassador for baseball and that that there was reality behind the legend.

Maybe a little too much reality.

In one way, it hurts to think of the bad things that have gone on in Ernie Banks’ life.

In another way, the fact that he could put all

Let’s write about two: Remembering Wendell Kim One guy who was as despised as Banks was beloved was Wendell Kim, who was the team’s third-base coach in 2003-04. He died Feb. 15 of Alzheimer’s disease at age 64. Kim haters might have a cruel field day with jokes about that one.

He was known to some as “Wavin’ Wendell’’ for aggressively sending runners home and when some of them were thrown out, it caused Cubs fans to turn purple and pull the hair out of their head.

I liked the guy. You can have that silver-haired guy in the beer commercials dubbed “the most interesting man in the world’’ but for my money, it’s Wendell Kim. When I covered the Cubs for the Daily Southtown, we had a chance to talk about the fine art of coaching third base not long after I had to do it once for my son’s Orland Youth Association game.

To hear him talk about all the variables of who is running and where the ball is and trying to make an educated decision in seconds, this was not a dummy, even though that’s what many fans thought of him when Cubs were thrown out at the plate.

“Certain things you can’t control,” he said during a one-on-one interview with me in 2004 that appeared in the Southtown. “If a runner makes a wide turn and I’ve already sent him from second base — it’s too late. If he makes a sharp turn, he makes it by two steps. It’s not all up to me. I can just send him because I know the speed of the guy. But if he makes a wide turn, that’s tough. You’re losing two or three steps. That could cost you the game.’’

Once after a mistake against the White Sox for all of Chicago to see, he was asked about the pressures of being a third base coach and he brought up an incident that happened when he was in his 20s and a group of thugs thought he ratted them out to the cops.

“I’ve already had a .38 (caliber gun) to my head,’’ he said. “That’s worse than anything I’ve ever known. This is still a game.’’

Hopefully his death was not too traumatic and that he can finally rest in peace, although there may be a few folks in the afterlife that better watch their tongues around him.

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Jeff Vorva

The wizards of WHATIZIT? were not snowed under this week as several correct guesses of the blades/paddles of a snow blower or snow thrower came rolling in. There was a fair amount who even knew it was a Toro.

Rick and Christeen Towner of Chicago Ridge were the first to blow the competition away with the correct guess and asked us how the shutterbug got into their garage to take the photo.

Other top throwers include Worth’s E.J. Oahueke, Robert Solner, Theresa and George Rebersky and Joanne Kenny, Evergreen Park’s Jan Merchantz and Henrietta Mysliwiec and Chicago Ridge’s Dan and Kathy Higgins and Dana Oswald.

Others sharp blades were Palos Heights’ Jeff Schiappa, Mary Alice Dahm and Jackie Miller, Oak Lawn’s Jane Foley and Mike Sutko, Orland Park’s Paul Cancialosi, Palos Park’s Al Forte and the Friday Night Ladies Poker and Snow Bunny Club of Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Oak Forest.

Schiappa suggested the owner of the pictured blower should clean the string out of the right axel or it will lock up. What was not revealed is that this was that the shutterbug bought the thing a few months ago and probably hadn’t used it more than three times when he ran over the dog’s leash with it. Mrs. Shutterbug wasn’t pleased. It took a few hours of work and swearing to fix that mistake.

Incorrect answers were of a car jack, a trunk release and a miter saw.

The clue to this week’s photo is: In some households, it just might replace the TV remote control as item that causes the most arguments.

Send those guesses to thereporter@ comcast.net with WHATIZIT in the subject line by Monday night. Don’t forget your name and hometown.

12 Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News

Lincoln and the Civil War exhibit at McCord starts with special event Civil War history returns to the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center with its Lincoln and the Civil War exhibit, from Wednesday, March 11 – Sunday, March 15.

This docent-assisted exhibit features photos, documents, uniforms, firearms, memorabilia and re-enactors to bring to life the history of this pivotal period of events in our country.

As a preview to the exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at

Thaw maybe in sight

McCord, David Carroll, a new addition to the exhibiting collectors this year, will give a PowerPoint presentation about Lincoln’s funeral in Chicago. Clark Street at the Thompson Center is barely recognizable in the photo of the funeral procession. A short talk about the collection of Lincoln photos will ensue. David Carroll recently won the National Abraham Lincoln Teacher Scholarship from the Lincoln Forum in Gettysburg, Penn. He has

been a photographic consultant for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield and for the Library of Congress.

Carroll will be displaying original unpublished images of Lincoln and will detail their history. There is no charge for his presentation.

McCord Gallery is at 9602 W. Creek Road (129th and La Grange Road), Palos Park. For more information, call 671-0648 or visit www.mccordgallery.org

Photo by Tim Hadac

With March just days away, Old Man Winter stubbornly held his white-knuckled grip on the area, with temperatures dipping into single digits. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, the wits at Richard Jakes & Associates, 12131 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, once again used their message board to lift spirits with a humorous quip. The current cold snap is expected to ease up this weekend, with temperatures predicted as high as the 30s on Sunday.

Lake Katherine vows to do its part to help save the monarch butterfly As the monarch butterfly falls dangerously into decline, staffers at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens in Palos Heights have vowed to make the plight of the ailing insect their main conservation project for 2015.

The announcement comes as the government joined forces with the National Wildlife Federation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation earmarking $3.2 million towards conservation programs to save Illinois’ state insect.

In the past 20 years, the monarch butterfly population has dropped from a billion to 30 million largely because of habitat destruction. Monarch caterpillars feed and lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed but the colorful flower is rapidly disappearing from the countryside due to the overuse of herbicides and decline of the native prairie.

Each September Lake Katherine celebrates the monarch migration down to Mexico with their much-loved butterfly festival. However, Lake Katherine’s efforts to educate the public will begin much earlier this year as they launch a series of initiatives to help the struggling butterfly population.

“The survival of this special insect deeply concerns us so last year we began a Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project,” said Lake Katherine’s Operation Manager Gareth Blakesley. “We have secured a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and will be planting native host plants and nectar feeders at the Supplied photo west end of the lake in spring.” Monarch butterfly photographed at Lake Katherine’s Monarch Festival In addition to the lakeside last September. restoration project naturalists at the center have ordered seed from nine different species of milkweed, which volunteers and Landscape Architects & Contractors staff are propagating at home.

The resulting seedlings will be planted in Lake Katherine’s prairie in late spring.

A native plant sale will also be held on May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Lake Katherine Drive (under the nature sign) with volunteers selling native host plants to encourage butterflies to thrive in local gardens.

“There are simple conservation efforts we can all make,” Blakesley added. “By planting milkweed seed, buying host plants or cutting down on the pesticides you use when manag• Snow & Ice Removal • Custom Hardscapes ing your lawn you are directly • Property Master Planning/ Phasing helping to save the monarch.”

Last month, the Illinois Toll• Ponds & Water Features way Authority agreed to work • Retaining Walls & Natural Stone alongside the Natural Resources • Landscapes Design Defense Council to plant milkweed along 286 miles of state • Garden Design & Lawn Maintenance roadways.

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Supplied photo

Photograph of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral cortege at Chicago on May 1, 1865. It depicts Lincoln’s hearse moving south on Clark Street and approaching the Sherman House Hotel, where Lincoln often stayed. Today it would be on Clark Street in front of the James R. Thompson Center approaching modern-day city hall. Photograph by Samuel Alschuler from the collection of David Carroll.

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The Regional News • The Reporter

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Charging hard under the board

New rules add to focus on safety

Stagg’s Josh Strama blocks Niko Kogionis’ shot here, but the Eagles’ sharpshooter and his mates eventually got the last say on Friday night as Sandburg collected a 62-54 triumph in Palos Hills. Story on Page 3.

NFSH tightens regulations nationwide for 2015 season

Photo by Jeff Vorva

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor

claim the title at their own regional and later beat third-seeded Bogan in the Argo Sectional semifinal before succumbing to top-ranked and eventual state champion Simeon.

Stagg, the last area team to win a regional in 2013,

Playing by the rules just got a little more involved.

In an ongoing attempt to reduce injury risks in prep football, the National Federation of State High School Associations expanded the provisions of unnecessary roughness to include contact with a defenseless player. The revision in Rule 9-4-3g was one of six changes recommended by the NFHS’ Football “As coaches, we Rules Committee at its January meeting need to always in Indianapolis and be promoting our subsequently approved by the organization’s sport by stressing Board of Directors. to the parents and The new rules go into effect nationwide student-athletes for the 2015 season. that safety is our The revised defense- No. 1 priority durless-player edict now states that “no player ing the season and or non-player shall offseason trainmake any contact with an opponent, including ing.” a defenseless player, — Brother Rice which is deemed un- coach Brian Badke necessary or excessive and which incites roughness.” According to Bob Colgate, director of sports and sports medicine at the NFHS and editor of the NFHS football rules, an example would be when a defensive player who was not in the vicinity of the ball is “blindsided” by a blocker on the offensive team.

Another safety-based change involves spearing, which will now be defined as “an act by any player who initiates contact against an opponent at the shoulders or below with the crown (top portion) of his helmet.”

“The committee spent considerable time discussing and clarifying expectations related to contact involving any player that is deemed excessive or unnecessary — including spearing — that may occur during play,” Brad Garrett, chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and assistant executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association, said in a statement. “Minimizing risks to players involved in these situations must remain at the forefront of the game.”

Local coaches who were asked their opinion didn’t disagree with the sentiment. Former Oak Lawn coach Sean Lucas, who’ll take over at Argo in the fall for the retired Jim Innis, welcomes the rule changes — assuming they are properly applied. He said the “defenseless player” designation, in particular, will

See SEEDS, Page 5

See RULES, Page 5

These seeds have much growing to do March Sadness The 10 area boys’ basketball teams are in jeopardy of being shut out in postseason championships for the second straight year. Here is a look at the last time each team won a regional title:

Stagg 2013 Marist 2012 Chicago Christian 2008 Richards 2008 Brother Rice 2003 St. Laurence 2003 Sandburg 2003 Shepard 2002 Oak Lawn 1988 Evergreen Park 1974 Source: IHSA records

Southwest • Section 2, Page 1

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

By Jeff Vorva Reporter Editor

It’s been a long season for many of the area’s 10 boys’ basketball teams, meaning a short postseason could await them.

For the second year in a row local programs are poised to be knocked out of action in the first week of the playoffs if seedings hold true. The Illinois High School Association announced its postseason seeds last Thursday and at the time they were revealed area clubs carried a combined 106-144 record.

Marist (20-7) and Chicago Christian (13-12) were the lone teams with winning ledgers. Richards was 12-12 and the other seven sported losing records.

One day later the Knights slipped back to .500 while the Bulldogs climbed to one game above the breakeven mark.

Marist was the only squad to draw a single-digit seed as the RedHawks were tabbed No. 6 in the 22-team Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional. If the seeds hold, Marist could battle third-seeded Thornwood for the Bloom Regional championship next Friday.

Regional play opens Monday with preliminary-round contests.

Despite the bleak seeding picture, however, it’s not a lost cause.

Don’t forget that the last time the RedHawks won a regional, in 2012, they were seeded seventh. They knocked off second-seeded Curie to

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist coach Gene Nolan’s image may be larger than life, but the RedHawks are a little less so within the Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional. Marist is seeded seventh, which is actually the highest postseason seed awarded to any local boys’ hoops program.

SPORTS WRAP

No fear: Yates brings home wrestling gold for Sandburg

By Anthony Nasella Sandburg wrestling coach Eric Siebert has had the privilege of observing some extremely talented performers during his many years in the sport.

When it comes to Eagles junior Rudy Yates, Siebert places the 126-pounder among a unique group.

“I’ve been around a lot of great wrestlers over the years — state champions, All-Americans and NCAA champions,” Siebert said. “What Rudy possesses is extremely rare. He is one of the biggest competitors I’ve ever seen in my life.

“When the lights are brightest and the most people are in attendance and everything is on the line, I’m just amazed that he has absolutely no fear whatsoever. He can compete at that moment where some tighten up or go in a shell or be[come] nervous.”

And Siebert’s statements were irrefutable after Saturday’s individual state finals in Campaign as Yates accomplished what no one else had in the

past three years. He captured the 126-pound title by scoring a 7-2 decision over three-time defending champ Kris Williams of Thornwood in the final match at that weight.

Yates (40-0), who finished fourth last season as a sophomore at Brother Rice, notched his second state title. He was one of six Sandburg wrestlers to place among the top five in their weight classes on Saturday.

“I was so focused the whole day,” Yates said.

“I try to calm myself down mentally before every match. Some kids I can look at and see they’re nervous and that pumps me up. When I’m under those lights and the crowd is excited, I feed off that.

“Wrestling against Kris, though, I know that he’s fearless and dangerous. He gave me a very tough match and I didn’t know I was a 100 percent winner until the referee raised my hands in victory.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg wrestler Rudy Yates captured a state championship in his weight class at Saturday’s finals. He defeated See WRAP, Page 6 a three-time defending champion from Thornwood in the title match.

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2 Section 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Sports brings music — and more music — to our ears

From August 9, 2007

Music has charms to soothe the savage beast. (I know I’m paraphrasing, but I refuse to use “hath” in any sentence I’m writing, and I’m not sure if any references to “breast” should be made by anyone but a health-beat reporter.)

And music also has a long history within the sports world.

Besides the singing of the National Anthem before every event — even the unimportant ones — fans at a ballpark or arena are subjected to a constant barrage of “tuneful” noise, ranging from organ-playing to piped-in, blaring-to-the-max, top-40 stuff.

It’s as if we’ll curl up and die if we’re faced with the sounds of silence.

Of the available options, I’m probably more partial to having an organist serenade me at the ballpark, assuming he or she actually possesses a sense of humor. Former White Sox organist Nancy Faust — she may still rank as current Sox organist, but I can’t afford to go to the ballpark and find out for sure — was quite adept in this area. She rarely missed an opportunity to tweak a beleaguered Sox opponent who was experiencing difficulties.

Seeing as how organists are on the decline and prerecorded dreck is fast becoming the norm, the same thing should apply to the persons in charge of sending that music through a stadium’s sound system. No more relying on “Celebration” or “Shout” or “The Chicken Dance” to entertain the crowd.

That’s too easy. Besides, we’re not at a wedding, unless we’re talking about the union of our hard-earned dollars and greedy corporate fingers.

Anyway, for those folks who just can’t get the hang of it, I hereby offer a few suggestions to bridge any gap between athletes and theme songs. Here are some which would be appropriate to play whenever jocks come to bat, line up for a kickoff or prepare to shoot a free throw.

• Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez — “New York’s Not My Home” by Jim Croce.

• Giants outfielder Barry Bonds — “I Want A New Drug” by Huey Lewis and The News.

• Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens — “The Old Man Down The Road” by John Fogarty.

• Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano — “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel.

• Colts quarterback Peyton Manning — “Armed And Extremely Dangerous” by First Choice.

• Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens — “I Go Crazy” by Paul Davis.

• Bears quarterback Rex Grossman — “Throwing It All Away” by Genesis.

• Bears linebacker Lance Briggs — “For The Love Of Money” by the O’Jays.

• Spurs guard Tony Parker — “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

• Lakers guard Kobe Bryant — “Nobody But Me” by the Human Beinz.

• Bulls center Ben Wallace — “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”

by Pat Benatar.

• Any Blackhawks player — “Losin’ End” by the Doobie Brothers.

• Soccer player David Beckham — “Kicks” by Paul Revere and The Raiders.

You get the idea, and the possibilities are virtually limitless.

It’d be neat, too, if the whole music-athlete thing would extend beyond your basic team sports.

For instance, I’d love to hear anyone at a golf course display enough nerve to break the quietness of a PGA event with a playing of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. How about “Anyone For Tennis?” by Cream at Wimbledon or “Face The Face” by Pete Townshend to welcome the tattooed Mike Tyson into whatever venue he frequents these days.

Sure, the whole thing’s silly, but so is the idea of having to be awash in sound 24 hours a day. Like John Lennon said, let’s give peace a chance.

Don’t remember the song? Here, let me play you a few bars ...

BARTOSH

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Christian players give Thornridge’s Slana Fisher-Carter little room for an escape route during last Tuesday’s Class 3A Brooks Regional game.

The Knights edged the Falcons 42-38.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Mustangs reign as regional champs again

By Anthony Nasella There was noticeable excitement around Evergreen Park High School last week and it had much to do with the recent accomplishments of the girls’ basketball team.

The Mustangs notched wins Nos. 20 and 21 en route to capturing their own Class 3A regional title on Thursday. And the 21st victory guaranteed a three-peat for the girls’ basketball program — as in three consecutive regional championships.

Evergreen Park started its tournament run on Tuesday with a 41-23 semifinal triumph over DuSable and capped the week with a 59-32 rout of STEM Goode Academy in Thursday's title matchup.

“To win three regionals in a row is quite an accomplishment for this program and especially for girls like Megan Pfister and Nicole Larkin, who have played for me all four years,” Mustangs coach Bruce Scaduto said. “It has a caused a lot of buzz around the school and the girls are on their high horse.

“The girls are also thrilled right now because achieving a 20-win season is a big milestone.

We’ve been getting more wins each year, and now we reached the 20-win mark. This team is playing well right now and happy where they’re at, [but] a sectional championship would be thrilling.”

Larkin (13 points) and LaShondra Johnson (10 points) gave Evergreen an offensive boost versus DuSable. However, the defensive performance was even more compelling against a foe that had just scored 70 points in its previous win against Gage Park.

“We saw them the night before and we saw they were playing [against] a zone defense,” Scaduto said of DuSable. “If we play a manto-man defense, we knew they weren’t going to get that many shots off. The girls came out and played very good defense — we put our best defender on their girl who scored 30 the game before.

“You never know what you’re going to get against Chicago Public [League] schools because they’re very athletic teams, but I just don’t think many of them play a man defense consistently.

They probably don’t play the basketball we play and I think that worked to our advantage [because] we took them out of their game.”

In the championship game against Goode Academy, Maddie Vojacek scored a team-high 18 points and Larkin added 12 to lift Evergreen (21-8). Goode had scored 51 points in a doubleovertime win over King in the semifinals and employing a man defense was again Scaduto's plan.

The veteran coach has also been impressed with the strides that have been made recently

by Johnson and Larkin.

“Nicole has really been coming around the past month or so, and that has really made a difference,” he said. “LaShondra has also come around since Christmas and started getting in her groove. All these girls are part of the mix and play well together.

“Megan can not only score, but we can count on her to do the other things — in the regional championship game she did everything but score.

She played defense, dished out assists [and] set up the offense. And Maddy is our tallest player, so we rely on her defense against taller opponents. ” If Evergreen were to advance to the title game of the Class 3A Brooks Sectional, it could go against Bogan, a team the Mustangs defeated last year in the playoffs.

“Eight or nine of the players saw the Bogan game last Friday and we got a good look at them,” Scaduto said. “Hopefully our matchup zone will work. This is a a big rematch and I’m sure they’re after some revenge.

“But Bogan has more to lose — they’re No. 1 and we’re No. 4. If you have an off shooting night, anything can happen. Bogan can shoot the 3, so we’ll be guarding the perimeter and hopefully can match what they can do.”

STAGG

The Chargers opened play in the Class 4A state tournament with a 63-54 victory over

Chicago Christian’s Emily Lemmenes gets by Thornridge’s Jayla McGhee last Tuesday in a Class 3A Brooks Regional playoff contest.

Thornwood last Monday in a Marist Regional quarterfinal. The host RedHawks, however, ended Stagg's stay on Wednesday by doling out a 68-25 defeat.

Chargers coach Bill Turner was thrilled to see his team put on its best offensive performance of the season in Monday's win. Stagg's point total was far above its per-game scoring average during the regular season.

“After averaging only slightly over 38 points per game on the season, four players reached double-digit scoring to secure the victory,” Turner said. “Jamie Ryan, who was 6-of-10 from behind the arc, made some big shots in the fourth quarter to hold off Thornwood.

To have a freshman step up like she did in her first state-tourney game bodes well for the future.”

Ryan finished with 22 points and four rebounds to lead the Chargers' balanced attack.

Also making their presences felt on Stagg's behalf were senior forward Mia DiGiacomo (17 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks), senior guard Alex Abed (11 points, eight assists, four steals) and junior guard Noor Elmosa (11 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals).

While Ryan scored from the outside, it was business as usual for DiGiacomo in the post as the Chargers took a 13-11 first-quarter lead.

They trailed 31-27 at halftime, however.

“We were not doing a good job of stopping dribble penetration by their point guard and gave up to many offensive rebounds," Turner said. "The game was being called pretty tight and there were plenty of fouls committed by both teams."

It was at the free-throw line that Abed asserted herself. She made 11 of 12 shots, which helped Stagg go 25-of-40 on the night.

“It is nice to see an 85 percent free-throw shooter get that many opportunities in a game,” Turner said. “She has been fearless attacking the rim all season long."

Elmosa, the fourth player in double figures, made two clutch 3-point baskets during the decisive third-quarter rally that was sparked

by Stagg’s defensive effort. The Chargers outscored the Thunderbirds 14-8 to take a two-point lead into the fourth.

Senior forward Katie Dwyer (six rebounds, three assists) found her Stagg teammates with a couple of nice passes after keeping several possessions alive with offensive rebounds.

The final period was dominated by Ryan, who scored 12 points.

“Thornwood shot 20 of 25 from the line,

and their talented junior point guard scored a game-high 35 points," Turner said. "We had our hands full trying to contain her, but we were able to shut down the rest of the team." *** Two days later against Marist it was a completely different story and the Chargers' season came to close with a loss.

“Not only did we have trouble scoring, but when you get out-rebounded and don't handle the ball well, you are asking for trouble,” Turner said. “We found ourselves behind early, trailing 24-4 at the end of the first quarter and 38-16 at the half.

Stagg did not have a basket in the first half and finished 3-of-31 from the field for the game.

“Marist put a lot of pressure on us and forced us into some bad shots,” Turner said. “They were very aggressive and physical, both on the glass and the defensive end. They were the No. 3 seed in the sectional for a reason."

Abed (12 points), DiGiacomo (seven points, six rebounds, two blocks) and Elmosa (six points) did all of the scoring for the Chargers (7-22). DiGiacomo finished as Stagg's singleseason leader in blocked shots with 47.

“Mia altered a lot of opponents shots and we will miss that interior post play for sure next season,” Turner said.

Claire Austin tallied 12 points to lead Marist (21-8), which was knocked out of the tournament by Sandburg on Friday. The Eagles (24-7) gained their 61-57 triumph on the strength of 24 points from Sam Youngwirth.

Before winning the regional title, Sandburg whipped TF South 59-41 in a Wednesday semifinal behind Youngwirth's 27-point eruption.

RICHARDS

The Bulldogs defeated Shepard 60-54 last Monday in the first round of the Class 4A Lincoln-Way North Regional but lost 77-28 to Homewood-Flossmoor in the next day's semifinal.

Richards coach Jeff Kortz said his team started out shooting the ball well and establishing an inside lane versus the Astros.

“We built a nice lead and had it as much as 15 in the third quarter,” he said. “Give credit to Shepard. They battled back.”

Leading the way for the Bulldogs were Sydni Tears (21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals), Takesha Powell (16 points, seven rebounds, two assists), Halee Barker See GIRLS BASKETBALL Page 5

Photo by Jeff Vorva Oak Lawn’s Odeh Alshaikh motors up the floor with the basketball during the Spartans’ game at Richards Friday night.

Denied, but not downtrodden After falling to Rams, Bulldogs bounce Spartans

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor

There was no perfect 10, or even an imperfect one, awaiting Richards this season.

Extending their string of consecutive conference championships to 10 was going to require the Bulldogs to seek plenty of outside help. A series of early losses in South Suburban Conference crossover games saw to that, and they did themselves no

favor by dropping a Red Division decision to Argo.

So a clean sweep through the remainder of the league schedule was a must, as was the need for someone else to derail frontrunning Eisenhower, which held a two-game lead over Richards heading into last week’s action.

Shepard didn’t do it on Tuesday, though, and when the Bulldogs ran afoul of Reavis that same night their championship quest was officially denied.

“Obviously it was frustrating to us,” Richards coach Jevon Mamon said of his club’s 65-57 loss to the Rams. “We put together a solid [second] half. We kind of See BULLDOGS Page 5

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 26, 2015 Section 2

3

Writing a feel-good story

Win over Universal gives Astros lift

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor

he guided for so many years.

“Those are two excellent coaches over there that I have a lot of respect for,” Chiuccariello said.

“Jim Tracy has not lost a beat at all. He’s still into it.”

Chiuccariello pointed to a fourth-quarter sequence that illustrated the Rams’ willingness to do whatever was necessary to prevail. Desperate to try to reduce a seven-point deficit, the Astros were unable to pry the ball loose from Reavis, which patiently erased 40 seconds from the clock before anything happened.

Only a minute-and-a-half was left when Shepard got the ball back on a steal and it came up dry on the possession that followed.

The Rams did not get challenged any further.

Zack Haxel scored 13 points to lead the Astros, Kenjrick Watson tossed in nine and Kyle Longfield finished with seven points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

“It’s been one of those years,” Chiuccariello said. “There is parity in our conference, but we have not been able to break through.

I’m proud of our kids. I like the mindset and I’d love to see them finally break through.”

Ashkar (seven rebounds), Longfield (seven) and Marlon Perkins (five assists) all chipped in solid performances too.

Giving Shepard players’ spirits a boost required a fair amount of Eisenhower 76 heavy lifting.

Shepard 49 While the Astros, much to coach Tony Chiuccariello’s appreciation, Twenty-eight first-quarter points have never ceased putting forth on Tuesday got the Cardinals off good efforts this season, an overand running to another one-sided all lack of on-court success has victory. undoubtedly weighed on them.

Chiuccariello had told his playWhat everyone connected with the ers that three areas were of the utprogram sought was a feel-good most concern: turnovers, rebounds story of some sort. and shooting. All three failed Last Monday Shepard wrote Shepard at the outset. Thirteen one for itself. miscues in eight minutes underIt did so by putting together mined the Astros, who totaled 35 what might have been its best allon the evening, and they wound around exhibition to date. Not only up at a 23-3 disadvantage on the did the Astros beat visiting Univeroffensive glass. sal in a game that finally got played What those extra rebounds did after two earlier, weather-induced for Eisenhower was enable it to postponements, but the manner in launch nearly 100 shots. The Cards which they accomplished it was made good on only 30 percent of undeniably impressive. their 97 field-goal tries, but 17 of You want rebounds? Shepard the buckets came from beyond the snared 47 of them, compared to 21 arc. Shepard sank 43 percent of

by Universal. Assists? The Astros its shots, but attempted just 47.

Photo by Jeff Vorva “After the game, without [knowSandburg’s Zak Razik wraps his arms around the ball while lying on the floor as he attempts to maintain posses- distributed a season-high 21 of sion of it against Stagg on Friday night. Razik and the Eagles avenged an earlier SouthWest Suburban Conference those, which led to 45 percent ing] the exact numbers, you knew shooting. While not outstanding, Blue loss to the Chargers by scoring a 62-54 victory. Story on Page 3. it was a bad game [for us],” Chiuthe accuracy was light years ahead cariello said. “There was no point of the visitors’ 25 percent mark. in belaboring it. This is the best With so many numbers tilting group I’ve seen [the Cardinals] its way, Shepard had no trouble Shepard 70 have —they can shoot it, rebound securing a 70-35 victory. Unfor- Universal 35 well and they’re active on defense.” tunately for the Astros, there was Although it didn’t count in the Watson (13 points, three asno time to fully savor the win as SSC Red standings, that’s exactly sists) and Longfield (11 points, they took the floor the very next what the Astros did on Presidents 18 rebounds) were the Astros’ night and got shocked back into Day. Shepard led from the get-go best performers in a losing cause. an all-too-familiar reality by South and actually enjoyed its biggest Shepard ends the regular season Suburban Conference Red leader outburst in the fourth period when Friday at Argo.

By Ken Karrson Eisenhower, which administered the back-of-the-bench people were Sports Editor a 76-49 defeat.

Shepard 70 in the lineup.

Then on Friday Shepard returned Universal 35 The Astros outscored Universal What’s a little competition to the league wars and came up 27-8 in the final eight minutes. among friends?

Shepard scoring: Hampton 16, Gorshort again versus Reavis, although “We went to zone [defense] ski 11, Fitzgerald 10, Humphrey 8, Well, for Sandburg it was worthChiuccariello praised his athletes in the fourth to slow it down,” while because it brought about a after the 54-45 setback for having Chiuccariello said. “We made sure Smith 8, Watson 7, Ashkar 5, Perkins 3, Longfield 2. Rebounds: Smith lot of good feelings, something “played as hard as we could.” we weren’t pressing or playing too often missing within the Ea“They gave their absolute best man-to-man, but some kids who 10, Ashkar 7, Longfield 7. Assists: gles program of late. It’s not that effort,” Chiuccariello said. “For don’t [normally] get that much Perkins 5.

Sandburg has played poorly; quite the most part we moved the ball time got time and guys were just Eisenhower 76 the contrary in fact as it has seriand looked for good shots.” playing hard. It was good in terms Shepard 49 ously challenged every opponent The Astros (6-19, 0-12) con- of bench guys played most of the that has crossed its path, including nected on only 39 percent of them, game and it was nice to see some Shepard scoring: Watson 13, LongSouthWest Suburban Conference field 11, Perkins 5, Fitzgerald 4, Gorhowever. The Rams weren’t much smiles on kids’ faces.

Blue heavyweights Bolingbrook ski 3, Aguilar 2, Ashkar 2, Haxel 2, better (41 percent), but what the “It helps the spirits a little bit. and Homewood-Flossmoor. latter had working for them in Everyone left happy on Monday.” Humphrey 2, Newhall 2, Smith 2, But a batch of gut-wrenching Ogungbemi 1. Rebounds: Longabundance were free throws — losses — four of them came by Everyone, that is, except those field 18, Ashkar 9. Assists: Ashkar Reavis sank 22-of-29 attempts a total of just 10 points had unat the stripe while Shepard went individuals on the Universal ros- 3, Watson 3. derstandably left the Eagles feelter, who couldn't unearth many just 6-of-14. ing a little shaken and in need of The Astros did an adequate job positives from the experience. Reavis 54 Shepard 45 something positive to lift spirits. of overcoming their flaws and re- Isiah Hampton topped Shepard Enter District 230 sister schools maining close to the Rams, who with 16 points, but Kenny Gorski Shepard scoring: Haxel 13, Watson Andrew and Stagg. are coached by former Shepard as- (11 points), Billy Fitzgerald (10), 9, Longfield 7, Perskins 6, Gorski 4, Naturally, neither game was one sistant Jeff Smith. Also on hand is Malik Smith (eight points, 10 re- Ogungbemi 3, Newhall 2, Smith 1. in which Sandburg ever got comveteran Jim Tracy, who continues bounds), Roy Humphrey (eight Rebounds: Longfield 12. Assists: pletely comfortable, but in both to assist with the Reavis program points), Watson (seven), Tamer Watson 2. Blocks: Longfield 4. instances the Eagles had enough in their arsenal to finish the job.

A face mask-wearing Tommy Demogerontas ignored a broken nose well enough to pace Sandburg in scoring twice and his team used that production as the springboard to a 63-57 verdict over the Thunderbolts last Tuesday and a 6254 triumph over the Chargers on Photo by Jeff Vorva Friday.

Masked man Tommy Demogerontas, who played with a broken nose, drives Editors note: This story was inadvertently omitted “In the third quarter they came after us,” Daniels See EAGLES, Page 6 to the basket for Sandburg Friday night versus Stagg. said. “[But] I’m proud of the kids. We only gave up from last week’s sports section.

11 offensive rebounds, which was much better than the last time.”

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor Stagg 57 Rarely does a coach rank a loss ahead of a win Lockport 48 when it comes to unearthing something positive, but Perhaps understandably the Chargers’Wednesday and that represented John Daniels’ opinion last week.

Thursday practices weren’t up to Daniels’ standards, Mind you, Stagg’s boss wasn’t dismissing or downsomething he said made Friday’s game “a little scary.” playing the Chargers’ 57-48 victory over Lockport And when Stagg netted just seven first-quarter points ally led to an 18-10 advantage before the Class 4A state tournaBy Ken Karrson on Friday. He definitely relished it. But when it came at the end of one period and the ment gets underway next week. to measuring team growth and raising optimism and fell behind the Porters, his reason for concern apSports Editor hosts’ were up by 20 (37-17) at “There’s a mental aspect to all among everyone within the program, Tuesday’s 57- peared justified.

But Strama and Goral both deposited 3-pointers this and you want to be at your 48 SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue setback Marist learned the dos and Dons intermission. during the second period — Strama had seven points Not only was the RedHawks’ peak [entering the postseason],” he against Bolingbrook was what did the trick. of East Suburban Catholic Conin all in the session — and the Chargers roared into offense powerless against Notre said.

“Playing well on Wednesday, ference basketball Friday night.

What made that result so special? The fact Stagg What host Notre Dame taught Dame, Marist’s defense was equal- hopefully leading to winning, is had taken a 37-point defeat in its first encounter the lead by outscoring Lockport 16-6. They were up the visiting RedHawks was to not ly ineffective as it allowed the important. We can control play- with the Raiders certainly played a role, but so too by seven heading into the final frame and crack foul shooting by Contant (5-of-6) and Goral (4-of-4) in the expect anything easy when fac- Dons to fire away at a 53 percent ing well.” did the Chargers’ ability to hang with Bolingbrook last eight minutes ensured that a win would be secured. ing it. The Dons were unbeaten clip. That show of marksmanship until the very end of the rematch. Stagg was within Marist 63 That was part of an 85 percent performance at the line in league play entering their included a 7-of-15 from 3-point Hubbard 26 two of its visitors at the 2½-minute mark and then by the locals. matchup with Marist in Niles territory. got the Raiders to slow the pace.

Strama, Goral and Contant combined for all but 10 “There’s no way you win a and they stayed that way after What Notre Dame accomplished “We competed, the fans were in it and Bolingbrook of Stagg’s points. Joe Zaremba accounted for eight of game when you lose every sta32 minutes of play. at the RedHawks’ expense was was sweating,” Daniels said. “That was probably The RedHawks fell behind 9-2 tistical part of the game,” Nolan pretty much the same as Marist the best basketball game we’ve played all year. We the others, all after halftime. Strama and Goral also at the outset and never recovered, said. “Our biggest issue was we did opposite the Greyhounds last played out of our minds and almost beat Boling- snared 11 rebounds between them while Contant dished out six assists. eventually getting tagged with a couldn’t stop them, so we couldn’t Tuesday. brook — we were good enough to win.”

Daniels also liked that his players took three charges 68-44 setback that ranked as per- get a running game going and get Paving the way for the loOne reason the Chargers (11-14, 5-6) didn’t, in and out-rebounded the Porters overall. haps their most humbling in a anything in transition. At no point cals’ rout was Ferguson’s defen- Daniels’ view, was a sizable free-throw discrepancy.

The Chargers tangle with District 230 sister school 20-win campaign. Marist shot a did we really threaten — [almost] sive work on Hubbard’s Deonta While he is no stranger to seeing differentials in season-low 31 percent from the everything [for us] was one shot McReynolds, who had torched that area, what puzzled Daniels on this occasion Sandburg on Friday. While Homewood-Flossmoor and floor — including 3-of-17 on 3s and out.”

Richards for 29 points earlier this was that the more aggressive club was the one Bolingbrook aren’t about to be caught in the SWSC Blue standings, Daniels said a strong finish to the season by Malik Parker tossed in 16 points season. McReynolds was held to deemed less guilty of fouling.

— and surrendered a dozen ofStagg could land it in third place within the division. fensive rebounds to Notre Dame, to pace the RedHawks. Chamar 13 points while being guarded pri“We played a zone [defense] and Bolingbrook “Did anybody think we could [possibly] finish third, Hawks added 13 points and five which turned those into 12 points. marily by Ferguson, with a little took 19 free throws,” he said. “They were in a in front of Sandburg and Joliet [West]?” he said. “We “Notre Dame beat us in every rebounds and Jeremiah Ferguson help from Kevin Lerma. full-court, man-to-man press, they rode us and we were picked dead last by everybody — everybody. I way,” RedHawks coach Gene had nine points. Only three other Ferguson has become the Red- shot three free throws. We had 22 team fouls.” love that stuff. Respect is earned, not given, but you’d Nolan said. “They’re undefeated Marist players reached the scoring Hawks’ stopper and Nolan comWhat Stagg also had was a mostly healthy Jeff Goral, in the league and they showed column and none of them notched pares him favorably with the best who played hurt in the teams’ initial meeting. Goral think we’d have some of that because of what we’ve us exactly why Friday night. I more than two points. defenders that have ever played totaled 19 points and six rebounds to give the Chargers done before.

“These kids have done a good job. They really play was very impressed with how The outcome sewed up the at Marist. a boost and sophomore Josh Strama chipped in with 17 hard and I’m proud of them.” they play.

ESCC title for Notre Dame while “He’s very athletic and very points, five rebounds and five assists. Fellow sophomore “We did not play well and I the RedHawks suffered their third strong, but if that’s all a kid has John Contant added eight points and six rebounds.

Bolingbrook 57 think a lot of that had to do with consecutive league loss after win- that doesn’t make him a great deDaniels refers to the trio as his new “Big Three.”

Stagg 48 that. They’ve got size, length, ning their first five encounters. fender,” Nolan said. “What puts “Having Goral healthy helps [our cause] and Strama they’re unselfish and a lock-down Nolan said he and his players were [Ferguson] right at the top is his and Contant have grown tremendously,” Daniels said. Stagg scoring: Goral 19, Strama 17, Contant 8, Stratinsky defensive team — they give you “mindful of what was ahead. We effort and relentlessness in terms “We’re a completely different team than we were when 4. Rebounds: Contant 6, Goral 6, Strama 5, Stratinsky nothing in terms of open looks.” knew this stretch was coming,” of sustaining effort. That has been we lost nine of our first 11. We’re going to be a tough 4. Assists: Contant.

Nolan said this was “the first but that didn’t necessarily make a huge factor.” out in the playoffs.” time all year, from the start of the the defeats go down any easier.

Ferguson wasn’t the only thorn Stagg posted a field-goal percentage of 47, one of Stagg 57 game to the finish” that an oppoMarist concluded its regular in the Greyhounds’ side, though, its better efforts this season, but it was dogged by 18 Lockport 48 nent has completely controlled the schedule against St. Viator this as evidenced by the visitors’ total turnovers. Not only was that number 16 more than the Stagg scoring: Strama 19, Goral 15, Contant 13, Zaaction versus Marist (20-8, 5-3). past Wednesday and Nolan was Raiders committed, but the latter scored points off eight remba 8, Worst 2. Rebounds: Strama 6, Goral 5. AsThe Dons’ 9-2 getaway eventu- glad to get a chance right the ship See REDHAWKS Page 6 of the Chargers’ second-half miscues. sists: Contant 6.

District dynamos

Eagles knock off 230 mates Stagg, Andrew

It’s not a lost cause Chargers encouraged by defeat

The dos and Dons of basketball RedHawks no match for ESCC-leading Notre Dame

4 Section 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Chicago Christian’s Lexi VanRyn goes up for a shot last Tuesday in the Knights’ 4238 playoff win over Thornridge in the Class 3A Brook Regional.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Girls Basketball Continued from page 2

(seven points, five rebounds), Briana Kuchenny (six points, six rebounds), Andy Sonichsen (six points, seven rebounds) and Kennedy Brister (four points, five rebounds). *** Kortz couldn’t say enough positive things about H-F and its ability to take control of Tuesday's contest from the opening tip.

“H-F is loaded and I can see why they are ranked as high as they are and No. 2 in the sectional,” he said. “They have the whole package — quickness, strength, and aggressiveness. They jumped on us from the beginning and it was tough trying to dig our way out of the hole.”

The Bulldogs found themselves down 23-7 after one period, 51-13 at halftime and 68-19 at the end of the third quarter. Tears led the way for Richards with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Powell added six points and two assists while Barker chipped in with a pair of steals.

“The girls fought to the end,” Kortz said. “I am very proud of them — all of them.

"I am very thankful for the six seniors: Andy Sonichsen, Kennedy Brister, Jasmine Warr, Halee Brister, Briana Kuchenny and Brittany Huttner. I honor them for all they have done on and off the court over the past four years, mentoring and working with the younger kids and making the program better in numerous

The Regional News - The Reporter

Who’s in first?

Knights aren’t after falling to Trojans

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor

Abbott and Costello never quite got in agreement about who was on first, but there’s no dispute as to who was in first at the end of Friday night.

Both Timothy Christian and Chicago Christian shared a residence atop the Metro Suburban Conference East at the start of the evening, as did Illiana Christian. At least one club would become odd team out, and that team became the Knights.

Playing in front of a home crowd in Palos Heights and fresh off a hardfought win over Elmwood Park on Tuesday — their sixth in the last eight games — Chicago Christian players had every reason to be confident. Knights coach Kevin Pittman certainly was.

“By playing some pretty decent basketball, we put ourselves in [a ways. They have been wonderful good] position,” he said. “At home, student athletes and my coaching I liked our chances.” staff and I wish them nothing but But home court had been more the best in future.” of a disadvantage among MSC East squads this season — Chicago CHICAGO CHRISTIAN Christian’s victory over Illiana, for The Knights started the state instance, that created the first-place tournament on high note last Tueslogjam was collected in Lansing and day as they edged Thornridge 42the Knights had also topped Timothy 38 in a Class 3A Brooks Regional in Elmhurst earlier. And much to quarterfinal. Their postseason stay Pittman’s chagrin that unusual form was short, though, as Morgan Park held as the Trojans went on a late prevailed 68-36 in a Thursday 15-4 run to bag a 43-35 triumph that semifinal. allowed them to split the divisional Lexi VanRyn totaled 14 points crown with the Vikings. and 19 rebounds to spur Chicago Chicago Christian, which began Christian in its victory. Abbie play in the Class 2A Lisle Regional Bulthuis's eight points topped the this past Monday, finished the regular Knights (16-12) against Morgan season at 13-13 overall, 9-3 in the Park.

MSC East.

“The disappointment on our kids’ faces was just evident,” Pittman said.

QUEEN OF PEACE “It’s too bad, but the best thing we Kara Shimko scored 18 points can tell them is we’re not done yet.” and Sarah Spencer chipped in Denying Pittman and his guys 10 as the Pride (8-22) downed was longtime friend Jack LeGrand, Perspectives-MSA 65-20 last who coached at Chicago Christian Monday in a Class 3A Queen of before taking over at Timothy. In Peace Regional quarterfinal. Boan exchange of texts with Pittman, gan bounced the Pride 76-32 in LeGrand said the victory was “bitTuesday's semifinal. tersweet” because it came at the expense of a buddy.

MOTHER McAULEY “If I had to pick anyone to beat The Mighty Macs' season came me, it’d be Jack,” Pittman said. “But to end last Tuesday in a 46-36 loss it doesn’t make it any easier.” to Crete-Monee at the Class 4A Pittman praised LeGrand’s stratMarian Catholic Regional. Molly egy of making the Knights have to O'Malley had 15 points to lead succeed with outside shooting. With Mother McAuley (11-18). the Trojans packed in a zone defense, Christian posted a forgettable OAK LAWN field-goal percentage of 30, which Lincoln-Way East eliminated included a 0-of-10 showing from the Spartans from the Class 4A Photo by Jeff Vorva beyond the arc.

Lincoln-Way North Regional by Sandburg’s Samantha Youngwirth, shown in a game earlier this season, “They came out and did the things handing down a 48-22 defeat last scored 24 points to lead the Eagles over host Marist in a Class 4A regional they needed to do,” Pittman said. game last week.

Tuesday.

“Their whole game plan was to muck

Cyclones put ISCC title on ice

By Maura Vizza A mid-February night was the perfect time for an ice-water bath.

At least that’s the way Moraine Valley College men’s basketball coach David Howard felt after receiving one last Thursday. The occasion was what made Howard cool with the cold — the liquid was deposited on him in celebration of the Cyclones’ clinching of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference regular-season title.

By defeating Elgin College 7764, Moraine was able to avoid a co-championship with Morton College and instead claimed an outright title. The Cyclones, who shared the 2012-13 crown en route to being the national runner-up in National Junior College Athletic Association Division II, became the conference’s first solo titlist in four years.

“I feel like God has shown us his favor right now,” Howard said. “This is unreal.

“One year ago we were tied for dead last; now we are the conference champs all by ourselves.

These guys worked so hard and really started to sacrifice and trust the coaches and their teammates.”

The men in green were aggressive from the start, causing the Spartans to commit turnovers that fueled some Moraine runs. The trio of Niko Cahue (21 points, six rebounds), Brian Townsend (15 points, 10 rebounds, six steals) and Ermias Nega (12 points, nine rebounds) spearheaded the Cyclones’ attack, which produced the team’s 11th victory in 14 conference outings.

The Cyclones now head into NJCAA Region IV playoffs with plenty of momentum.

“We are enjoying this moment, but we still have other goals to accomplish,” Howard said. “We want to ride this momentum right into nationals. We want to make the national tournament and make

a run for the title.” *** The Cyclones stayed on track for their conference championship by knocking off Prairie State College 74-67 last Tuesday in their final home game of the regular schedule.

Moraine led by as many as 14 points during the first half but saw its advantage shrink to four after intermission. Though close the Pioneers were unable to ever overtake the Cyclones, who rode strong performances from Cahue (18 points, four rebounds), Nega (16 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, two assists), Randall Rushing (13 points, two rebounds, two assists), Paul Ostruskevicius (nine points, two assists) and DJ Deere (six points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals) to success. *** Before embarking on the final leg of their ISCC slate, the Cyclones nipped No. 18-ranked South Suburban College 74-72 on Valentine’s Day. Two Townsend free throws supplied the winning margin as the Bulldogs misfired their final shot right after that.

Townsend finished with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds while Nega backed him with a 16-point, seven-rebound, two-assist stats line. Also chipping in for Moraine were Cahue (12 points, seven rebounds), Rushing (11 points, six rebounds, three steals) and Deere (nine points, five assists). *** Former Cyclones coach Dedrick Shannon will head west this summer to start a new job as the assistant coach for men’s basketball at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where several former Moraine athletes have continued their educational and sports careers. *** Two former Cyclones recently shared Mid-American Conference

up our offense and slow us down.

Quite honestly, I wouldn’t play us man-to-man either. We’re a shooter away from being a good zone team.”

But even without dead-eye marksmanship on their side, the Knights managed to construct a couple sevenpoint leads in the third quarter. Joe Bishop’s banked-in 3-pointer shaved Timothy’s second such deficit and the visitors ended the period with six unanswered points.

“I have to admit I was a little bit deflated about that [Bishop score],” Pittman said. “You can’t guard against garbage baskets; you have to live with those. But I think it really took something out of us.”

And if that didn’t, a later 3-ball by Ben Lodewyk likely did. Lodewyk’s 3 snapped a 30-all tie and was part of the Trojans’ closing surge. Timothy struggled from the floor too, but it offset its 34 percent shooting with a 9-of-15 effort at the foul line over the final eight minutes.

Trevor Wolterink was Chicago Christian’s lone double-digit man with 16 points, but neither he nor No. 2 scorer Daylon Washington (nine points) was able to find a consistent rhythm to his offensive game.

In addition to the Knights’ overall poor shooting, they were stung by a few untimely turnovers, including an unforced one while they were protecting a one-point edge in the fourth stanza.

Chicago Christian Elmwood Park

51 50

Pittman feared his players might be looking ahead to Friday before Tuesday’s contest had taken place, but the Knights appeared in control when they staked themselves to an 11-point cushion during the final quarter. Before the deal got sealed, though, Chicago Christian had to wait until a Tiger missed the last of three free throws that were awarded just prior to the clock running out.

While Pittman — who called a timeout between the second and third tosses to ice Elmwood’s shooter — would have preferred a less dramatic unfolding of events, he admitted he “liked the fact we lived [through] that.” Pittman felt the narrow escape was good preparation for what the Knights would probably encounter in the postseason.

Timothy Christian Chicago Christian

43 35

Chicago Christian scoring: Wolterink 16, Washington 9, Fitzpatrick 6, Spencer 4.

Clock strikes midnight on Argo

Mustangs win on free throw with .2 seconds left

By Ken Karrson Sports Editor Player of the Week honors.

Richaun Holmes, who left Moraine in 2012 to enroll at Bowling Green University, and Eastern Michigan’s Karrington Ward (2013) helped their respective clubs triumph twice. Holmes averaged 16 points on 61.9 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists and increased his blocked-shot total this season to 61. Ward, meanwhile, averaged a double-double of 18.5 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 77.8 percent of his free-throw attempts.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Cyclones women couldn’t duplicate their male counterparts completely, but the former did garner a piece of their first ISCC championship in five years by crushing Elgin 65-30 last Thursday. Moraine shared the regularseason crown with Oakton as both squads went 11-3 in league action.

Win No. 11 for the Cyclones came with little resistance from their foe, who fell behind 29-13 at halftime and then got outscored 10-0 at the start of the second half.

Nariman Jaber stole the show with 16 points, 16 boards and five steals, but Shavonne Lewis (11 points, five rebounds), Rachel Ruzevich (10 points) and Carly Tinley (nine) all lent a hand as well.

Next up for the Cyclones is the Region IV tournament. *** The Cyclones stayed on course for their championship share by slipping past Prairie State 58-54 last Tuesday in Palos Hills. The Pioneers had defeated Moraine by 10 points in an earlier meeting.

Offense was at a premium during the opening half and the Cyclones found themselves in arrears by nine (29-20) after 20 minutes. Megan Beckow scored twice when play See CYCLONES Page 5

Remember those free-throw woes that ultimately haunted Evergreen Park in a loss to Reavis the week before last?

They weren’t remedied completely when the Mustangs took on Argo Friday night, but one successful toss just before time ran out was enough to make Evergreen coach Pat Flannigan smile. When senior Isaac Matthews split a pair of chances at the stripe with .2 seconds left, the made foul shot provided the Mustangs with the boost they needed to slip past the Argonauts 4847 in a South Suburban Conference Red contest.

The win was a first for Flannigan against his alma mater.

“I’ve been on the wrong side of these, [but] we played well,” he said. “I saw some learning going on.”

Flannigan liked the fact Evergreen was able to make some adjustments on the fly. He pointed to one play that was capped by Tyler Sorbellini’s 3-pointer, one of three long balls the junior buried during the evening, as a good illustration of the Mustangs’ improved flexibility.

“We keep talking about, ‘Don’t be robots.

Play basketball and take what they give you,’” Flannigan said.

What Argo gave Evergreen (7-20, 2-10) was an opening. The Argonauts outscored the Mustangs in each of the first two periods but only by slim margins, meaning the visitors remained in the hunt the entire game.

And they did so without relying entirely on Matthews to carry the biggest load. While he delivered the deciding point and provided a balanced stats sheet, Matthews was asked to be more of a distributor than usual. He complied by giving Evergreen four assists to go along with 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals on the defensive end.

So who was supposed to pick up the scoring slack? Flannigan offered one suggestion to centers Darren Pritchett and Brad Ford.

“I said, ‘We need 14 points from the post — I don’t care how you divide it up,’” Flannigan said. “The kids started feeding them [the ball] and [Pritchett] wound up with 15 [on 6-of-9 shooting].”

Jordan Brown chipped a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to lend more assistance to the Mustangs’ attack. Evergreen only connected on 36 percent of its field-goal attempts and went 9-of-17 at the line, but it limited its turnovers to a below-normal baker’s dozen and

hauled in 36 rebounds.

Argo withstood everything well enough to be up by seven during the second half, but a key occurrence was the Mustangs’ ability to tally immediately after an Argonaut had put down what Flannigan described as “a monster dunk.”

“They couldn’t really get into feeding off that,” he said. “That made a big difference.”

Matthews’ last-second trip to the line was set up by David Langston’s steal with 16 seconds left and ensuing bounce pass. Flannigan admitted to “never wanting the game to be decided on a foul” but said it “was a pretty good call” after re-watching the play on film as it unfolded.

Evergreen’s varsity victory was accompanied by one on the sophomore level, a somewhat rare double play for the Mustangs.

“It hasn’t happened that often, so it was good for the kids,” Flannigan said. “I’m happy for the kids [because] they keep showing up. We’re in the business of building character too and they’re learning to compete when times are tough.”

Evergreen hosts Oak Lawn in both teams’ season finale on Friday.

Lincoln-Way West Evergreen Park

63 29

Conquering the Argonauts became an especially notable feat when considering what the Mustangs had done three nights before. Very little went right for them as they fell behind the Warriors 22-9 in the opening frame and got outscored in each of the remaining quarters, including 13-4 in the third.

Sorbellini’s four 3s gave him a team-best 12 points and Matthews added nine, but not much else was forthcoming. Evergreen was 5-of-17 from both two- and 3-point range, took only seven free throws, committed 19 turnovers and had just 18 turnovers.

Evergreen Park 48 Argo 47 Evergreen Park scoring: Pritchett 15, Brown 11, Matthews 10, Sorbellini 9, Langston 3. Rebounds: Brown 10, Matthews 7. Assists: Matthews 4, Moran 4. Steals: Matthews 3.

Lincoln-Way West Evergreen Park

63 29

Evergreen Park scoring: Sorbellini 12, Matthews 9, Brown 4, Smyth 3, Langston 1. Rebounds: Ford 3, Sorbellini 3. Assists: Brown 2, Matthews 2. Steals: Matthews 2. Blocks: Ford 3.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 26, 2015 Section 2

5

TRINITY SPORTS REPORT

Baseball begins as basketball fades away

By Amy Strong

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn players surround Richards’ Jaylen Catledge Friday night, but there was no slowing the Bulldogs sophomore as he erupted for 36 points to lead his team past the visiting Spartans in a South Suburban Conference Red matchup.

Bulldogs

Continued from page 2 came alive, but it came too late [to save us].”

What the Bulldogs’ later noisemaking did accomplish, however, was to put them in the proper frame of mind to face cross-town rival Oak Lawn Friday night. With sophomore Jaylen Catledge assuming one-man-gang status by producing a monster across-theboard stats line, Richards bounced back from the loss to Reavis to hand out a 63-50 setback to the Spartans.

“My approach as a coach was to put Tuesday night’s game in the past,” Mamon said. “We watched film so we could use it as a learning tool, but our attention was on how to send out the seniors [in their last home game]. We wanted the seniors to go out on a high note. Obviously emotions are high [against Oak Lawn] and it was just a great night.”

That was so for all the Bulldogs, but Catledge was transcendent. He finished with 36 points on 14-of16 shooting, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block.

“He has an opportunity to be a special player,” Mamon said. “I was really, really impressed with Jaylen. He was dominant Friday night and he’s obviously been a huge boost to us.”

Mamon wasn’t the only guy whose eyes were opened by Catledge’s handiwork.

“He was the story of the game — he put them on his back,” Spartans coach Jason Rhodes said. “I was blown away by how he played. It was just a monstrous game.

“We were throwing two guys at him in the second half, but we had no answer. He was getting to the rack or [grabbing] offensive rebounds and he was finishing through contact.”

Catledge’s explosive display, plus clutch work from Lucas White (nine points on 4-of-4 shooting) allowed Richards (13-12, 6-6) to deflate Oak Lawn’s plan to gum up the Bulldogs’ attack by trying to keep the ball away from Ameen Hussein as much as possible. Richards was ahead by 11 (36-25) at halftime and managed to maintain space between itself and Oak Lawn throughout the second half. “[Reavis] served as a wake-up call that [a win’s] not going to just be given to you,” said Mamon, whose team shot 57 percent, held Oak Lawn to 36 percent accuracy and forced 16 turnovers while committing only nine itself.

Richards’ Ameen Hussein tries to drive past Oak Lawn’s Joe Cosenza during Friday night’s South Suburban Conference Red contest. The Bulldogs knocked off the Spartans 63-50.

eficial to have on Friday when they close out the regular season at Eisenhower. The two District 218 rivals will be playing at a Cure For Cancer event, but that’s not the only motivational source into which Mamon plans to tap.

He’ll also remind his athletes of a lopsided defeat handed down by the Cardinals during Thanksgiving tournament play in November.

“We haven’t forgotten what they did to us,” Mamon said. “Emotionally, I want our guys to play with that chip on their shoulder.”

Oak Lawn (9-15, 3-9), which received double-digit scoring from Josh Prince (13 points, five rebounds), Odeh Alshaikh (12 points, five rebounds, two assists) and Jimmy Wiltzius (10 points) versus Richards, visits Evergreen Park in a regular-season finale on Friday. The Spartans hosted Lindblom this past Monday and Rhodes hoped to see an increase in intensity right away.

“They came out with a lot of energy,” he said of the Bulldogs on Friday. “They were more engaged than we were, which was disappointing. We’re not good enough to play without an edge.

“I didn’t feel like many of our guys took on the challenge of defending who they were assigned and there were several times where it didn’t appear we knew what we were doing, which was inexcusable. I don’t know what exactly to attribute it to — I thought we were past all that.”

“You’ve got to earn it. I think it Reavis 65 was huge [to come back strong].” Richards 57 By beating the Spartans, the Mamon thought the Bulldogs were Bulldogs regained some emotional juice, which certainly will be ben- missing some of those same ingre-

Cyclones

Continued from page 4 resumed to spark an 8-0 run that got Moraine back in the hunt. A Jaber free throw narrowed the gap to 42-41 a bit later, then Ruzevich’s steal and basket gave the Cyclones a lead midway through the second half.

Another tie was forged at 54, but Beckow broke it with a pair of charity tosses. Two more foul shots by Sharnita Breeze at the 10-second mark gave Moraine the deciding margin.

Seeds

Continued from page 1 is seeded 12th at Eisenhower. Richards is 13th, Brother Rice 15th and Oak Lawn 19th. Simeon earned the top seed and St. Rita is second.

The temperatures may indicate otherwise, but spring has arrived at Trinity Christian College.

At least that’s the sports calendar says.

While men’s basketball is now done until November, baseball has b e gun. Games are being played locally yet, of course, but the Trolls broke out the bats in Kansas as they squared off four times with Hannibal-LaGrange (MO) University.

Actually, the opposition did a greater amount of heavy swinging of the sticks as it twice scored double-digit runs. Those outbursts led to 10-4 and 16-10 victories on Saturday for the Trojans, who also pocketed a 5-4 triumph that same day. Trinity’s lone success was a 2-1 win in 14 innings on Friday.

Neither team tallied during the seven regulation frames of the season-opener, but the Trolls finally broke through in the top of the eighth when Joe McCaw drove in Kyle VanKalker. Hannibal-LaGrange matched that run in the bottom of the inning after loading the bases, but Trinity staved off a loss then by throwing another player out at the plate.

AJ Hyatt put the Trolls ahead in the 14th with his sacrifice fly and this time Hannibal-LaGrange had no response as a runner got stranded at third.

From there it was all downhill for Trinity, at least from a win-loss standpoint. Saturday morning’s 10-4 setback featured the Trolls falling behind 6-2 after the first two stanzas. The Trojans then put the contest out of reach with another rally in the sixth.

Trinity plated its last two runs in its final at-bat.

The Trolls couldn’t hold an 8-1 lead in Saturday’s second encounter. Hannibal-LaGrange equaled Trinity’s seven-run siege in the fourth with a duplicate assault in the sixth that created a 9-all deadlock.

Joshua Pieper’s RBI single regained the lead for the Trolls, but the Trojans answered in the top of the seventh with two hits that were combined to forge a 10-all tie. Into extra innings the teams went again after Trinity stranded two runners in scoring position, and Hannibal-LaGrange made the Trolls pay dearly for that shortcoming by scoring six times in the eighth to finalize the 16-10 verdict.

Fifth-inning hits by Hyatt, Lance Lammers, Max Zemaitis and Blake Kerzich helped Trinity bite into the Trojans’ 3-0 lead, but the latter — which had tallied once each in the first, fourth and fifth frames — got that deuce back in the sixth.

Those additional markers proved vital as Kerzich and JT Yocum had RBI in the seventh to put heat on Hannibal-LaGrange before time ran out on the Trolls.

Trinity Christian was slated to host Trinity International University in a doubleheader this past Wednesday and is supposed to take part in a round-robin event with the Trojans and Roosevelt University over the weekend, but all of the contests may be weathered out.

dients for portions of last Tuesday’s SSC Red clash with the Rams. While Catledge (21 points, 10 rebounds) and Hussein (19 points) presented Richards with a solid 1-2 punch, Reavis countered with a duo that amassed 55 combined points, many of them coming on high-percentage shots that Mamon had hoped to limit the Rams from taking.

“If you want to account for certain things and win games, you have to pay attention to details,” he said. “We didn’t stick to our game plan or communicate well and it came back to hurt us.

“We felt they were a drive-first team [with] attack-the-rim type players, so we looked to zone them up. But they were still able to get a lot around the rim. Offensively, we took a lot of quick shots — one-and-out [possessions] wasn’t what we wanted to do.”

Reavis was ahead by only three after one period, but the lead grew dramatically by halftime and the Bulldogs had a lot of ground to make up over the last 16 minutes.

While headway was made, the energy required to do so eventually TRACK & FIELD took a toll on Richards.

A total of six athletes earned All-America status, two individuRichards 63 als qualified for the NAIA Indoor Oak Lawn 50 Championships March 5-7 in GeRichards scoring: Catledge 36, neva, Ohio, and three more school records were set.

White 9. Rebounds: Catledge 8.

That was the list of accomOak Lawn scoring: Prince 13, Als- plishments by the Trolls track haikh 12, Wiltzius 10, Cosenza 9, Nel- teams at last weekend’s National son 4, Khater 2. Rebounds: Khater 7. Assists: Alsaikh 2, Khater 2.

Reavis 65 Richards 57 Richards scoring: Catledge 21, Hussein 19. Rebounds: Catledge 10.

Ruzevich tossed in 16 points to pace the Cyclones, but Beckow (10 points, 10 rebounds), reserve McKayla Smith (eight points, five rebounds, two blocks) and Jaber (seven points, 11 rebounds, three blocks) also played significant roles in the win. Jaber did so despite being plagued with early foul trouble. *** Turnovers were the Cyclones’ kryptonite in their 75-69 loss to South Suburban on Valentine’s Day. Moraine, which was ahead by as many as 11 during the

contest, led by five points with three minutes to go before falling victim to three consecutive turnovers. The Bulldogs capitalized on the miscues to grab a one-point edge. Some free throws sealed the deal for South Suburban.

Ruzevich (18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists), Jaber (14 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks) and Breeze (12 points, 10 rebounds) were the Cyclones’ ringleaders in defeat. Duneya Shatat couldn’t give Moraine a fourth double-double performer, but she did tally 15 points.

At the 21-team Bolingbrook Sectional, Sandburg drew the 10th seed and Shepard the 20th. Neuqua Valley and Bolingbrook were seeded first and second, respectively.

St. Laurence will host a regional in the Class 3A Julian Sectional but drew the 14th seed while Ev-

ergreen Park was seeded 19th in the 23-team tournament.

The Class 2A postseason started earlier this week and Chicago Christian was seeded fourth in the six-team Lisle Regional, which feeds into the El Paso-Gridley Sectional.

Rules

Continued from page 1 need to be whistled both ways.

“You see defenders get called for the spearing penalty every season, but rarely do you see a running back get called who is essentially doing the same thing,” Lucas said. “Officials will need to understand the spirit of the rules and consistently apply them to game play on Friday nights. They also need to be able to accurately describe to coaches any gray areas that come up in the application of rules.”

According to Shepard coach Dominic Passolano, however, different gray areas may exist from official to official.

“The thing that concerns me is how inconsistent many of these crews are when they call our games,” Passolano said. “We are hurting for refs and it’s tough to find very capable guys who want to fill the need of being competent refs. From game to game you get a wide variety of skill levels and, to be honest, overall knowledge of the rules of the game.

“So when we have these rule changes come up and some of these

Christian College Athletic Association Indoor Championships hosted

by Cedarville (OH) University. Teamwise, Trinity’s women placed ninth in a 21-school field after accruing 39 points while the men were 18th among 19 participants.

A total of 17 females represented the Trolls in 14 events. Anna Bos and Ashley Jourdan moved on to the NAIA meet in the 5,000-meter and miles run, respectively. Both women took second, Bos doing so in a field of 24 in a time of 17 minutes, 48.78 seconds and Jourdan by clocking a school-record 5:07.24.

Courtney Kalous’s 2:19.86 effort in the 800 was also good for second place and eclipsed her previous best in the race, which was Trinity’s best as well. Kalous, Jourdan, Emily Dykstra and Jessica Disselkoen joined forces to supply the Trolls with a third in the distance-medley relay (12:23.04).

Trinity’s last two All-Americaearning performances came from Disselkoen in the 3,000 (fourth in 10:35.12) and Dykstra in the 55-low hurdles (seventh). Dykstra set a school record of 8.90 during a preliminary run. Also gaining points for the Trolls was the 3,200-relay foursome of Kasey Zaremba, Anna Spotts, Bos and Leah Van Tol, who placed seventh in 10:15.44.

Rounding out the list of Trinity competitors was Daisy Geurink, whose weight throw of 39 feet, 7 inches landed her in the 15th position.

The Trolls men amassed 10 points and Marcus Devers gained All-America status in the 400 with his runner-up finish in 51.17. Trinity’s other two points resulted eighth-place showings in relays.

The foursome of Michael Potter, Andy Boss, Seth Hamstra and Jason VanDeraa clocked an 8:39.38 in the 3,00-relay and Potter, Devers, Cody Velthuizen and Alex Clark teamed up to go 10:34.85 in the distance medley.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Trolls were unable to qualify for the postseason CCAC Tournament, meaning when Saturday’s 79-59 loss at St. Xavier University was finalized their 2014-15 campaign had reached an end too.

Trinity (10-20, 5-14) began with a 15-5 run as it nailed three 3-pointers in the first four minutes, but it was unable to sustain that momentum. The Cougars eased in front at 21-19 and were ahead of the Trolls by nine at halftime.

Trinity added only 24 points to its total over the last 20 minutes, so no comeback was forthcoming.

SXU outpaced the Trolls in every shooting category and on the boards. Cody Rhorer had 15 points, six rebounds and three assists to lead Trinity, which made good only 38 percent of its field-goal tries — 27 percent from 3-point range — and 57 percent of its free throws.

Trey Johnson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and Austin Halcomb tallied eight points. *** Three days before falling to the Cougars Trinity nipped Judson University 84-82 in Palos Heights.

The Trolls, who were burned for 57 first-half points and trailed by 17 at one juncture, prevailed by hitting a bucket in the final seconds.

The Eagles went 17-of-31 from behind the arc before intermission and only Trinity’s own 54 percent accuracy from the floor prevented the contest from being a runaway rules are based on the interpretations of the crews working your game, you get worried there will be inconsistencies from game to game.”

Colgate said the NFHS credits the implementation of the first spearing rule in 1971 with playing a dramatic role in injury reduction and expects the new rules to have similarly positive effects. But as Lucas, Passolano and Brother Rice boss Brian Badke all insisted, coaches must do their part as well.

“Coaches need to continue teaching the best practices of tackling and build consistent fundamentals for players to execute on Friday nights,” Lucas said.

“As is the case with any rules, coaches will adapt,” Passolano said. “We will adapt in how we are going to teach the game and make it work and safe for our kids.”

Badke agrees with his coaching brethren, saying “the game is changing to make it safer, and as coaches we need to accept the changes and be sure our kids understand the rule changes and stress the importance at practice on a daily basis.” Badke added, however, that for the good of the

for Judson. But it was a vastly different story after the break as the Eagles hit just 3-of-15 longrange shots.

Within the first seven minutes the Trolls had sliced seven points off its halftime deficit. Judson extended its edge back out to 13, but Trinity rattled off eight unanswered points to draw within five.

The Eagles did not score in the last 2:23 and a Rhorer layup with 1:03 remaining knotted the score at 82-all. Rhorer blocked an ensuing 3-point try by Judson and the visitors missed again after that, Joe Hehir corralling the rebound for the Trolls.

Playing for a last shot, Trinity got the ball to Jared Jones, who misfired on a 3. However, Rhorer was in position for a rebound and gamewinning putback. Rhorer poured in 37 points for the second time during February while providing 14 rebounds and six assists.

Jones netted 16 points, Johnson had 15 points and five boards and Hehir distributed seven assists. The Trolls clicked on 50 percent of their shots.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Despite an 0-2 record in the final week of the regular season, the Trolls (13-17, 7-1) placed fourth in the North Division and received an invitation to this week’s CCAC Tournament. Trinity met Judson this past Monday in a first-round tourney clash, with the winner advancing into Wednesday’s quarterfinals.

The Eagles dispatched the Trolls on the latter’s Senior Day last Wednesday. Trinity sprinted out to an early 14-4 lead, was up 22-10 midway through the opening half but eventually suffered a 64-57 defeat.

Judson had closed to within four points by halftime and a 9-3 run to begin second-half play maintained the Eagles’ momentum. The Trolls did regain the lead at the 8:37 mark, but the advantage was short-lived.

Judson used a six-point to go ahead by eight with 2:40 left.

Two free throws by Holly Boetsma had Trinity back within 60-57, but with only 18 seconds remaining there wasn’t enough time to rally in full. The Eagles sank four free throws to set the final margin.

The Trolls stayed close even though they shot just 32 percent from the floor. Perfect free-throw accuracy and a 45-34 edge on the glass helped Trinity stay afloat.

Boetsma had 21 points, most of which were supplied on 5-of-5 3-point accuracy. Caitlin Cody totaled 16 points and eight rebounds and Rebecca DeHaan wound up with six points, five rebounds and three assists. *** Trinity gave NAIA Division II No. 4-ranked St. Xavier University a pretty good test on Saturday, but the Cougars were able to complete a perfect journey through 18 CCAC contests by collecting a 79-68 win in Chicago.

The Trolls fell behind early but were in arrears by only three (30-27) with five minutes left in the first half and seven (43-36) at intermission. SXU used a 16-5 burst to put some breathing room between itself and Trinity and the Trolls never got any closer than 11 points after that.

DeHaan (14 points, 11 rebounds), Allie Paluchniak (11 points, six assists), Celina Wanta (10 points, five rebounds) and Cody (nine points, five rebounds) were the mainstays for Trinity, which shot 38 percent to the Cougars’ 44 but hung tough behind an 81 percent exhibition at the stripe and 43-38 rebounding advantage. sport itself it is incumbent upon coaches to make their priorities clear to everyone.

“As coaches, we need to always be promoting our sport by stressing to the parents and student-athletes that safety is our No. 1 priority during the season and offseason training,” he said. “I am concerned about the game and what the future holds for high school football.

“Less kids are playing grammar school football, which has hurt high school numbers already. There are a lot more options for these kids to play other sports, which is taking away from football.”

Among the other changes being enacted are ones dealing with free-kick formations, enforcement of dead-ball fouls and incidental face-mask penalties. In the case of the latter, a first down will no longer be awarded on such an infraction.

A complete listing all the rules changes, as well as those affecting prep soccer, is available at www. nfhs.org<http://www.nfhs.org.

Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the homepage and select either “football” or “soccer.”

NOTE: The Illinois High School Association contributed to this report.

6 Section 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Cougars script perfect ending to regular season Achievement has been a watchword for St. Xavier University women’s basketball ever since the program was formed nearly a decade-and-a-half ago, but the Cougars managed to accomplish something new on Saturday.

Never before had SXU run unscathed through an entire Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference season, but after knocking off Trinity Christian College 7968 on Senior Day at the Shannon Center that feat could be crossed off the list. Senior Morgan Stuut powered the NAIA Division II No. 4-ranked Cougars with her 20th double-double of the campaign.

Along with Stuut’s 14 points and game-best 19 rebounds, SXU (272, 18-0) benefited from a gamehigh 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from Suzie Broski.

The two upperclassmen joined fellow seniors Maloree Johnson and Margaret Wildner in getting honored for career contributions prior to Saturday’s tip-off. Johnson had five points versus the Trolls while Wildner provided two points and a blocked shot.

The Cougars’ other double-digit scorers were freshman guard Kara Krolicki (15 points, four assists) and sophomore guard Mikayla Leyden (14 points, six rebounds).

Junior center Caitlin McMahon helped out with seven points and three blocks.

“It was a good Senior Day game,” Cougars coach Bob Hallberg said. “Trinity played a much better game against us than the last time. We were ahead 45-8 at halftime in our first meeting; on Saturday it was 43-36. It was a good game where we had to play hard for the whole game.

“I didn’t start Caitlin McMahon and she still finishes with 14 points. In the second half we were an uncharacteristic 1-for-6 from three-point range and 4-for-17 for the game. That’s not been typical, but it all the more necessitates the need for good defense at all times, especially when our shots are off.”

After racing out to an 11-2 lead in the first six minutes, SXU saw Trinity claw its way back into contention.

Allie Paluchniak’s 3-point basket with just over five minutes remaining in the half narrowed the gap to 30-27, but the Cougars responded to the threat with a 7-0 surge fueled

by Johnson’s 3 and then closed out the session with a Leyden layup that kept the hosts in front by seven at the break.

SXU then got out on another run and held a 59-41 advantage following Broski’s jumper near the 14-minute mark. The differential stayed over 10 the rest of the way.

The Cougars began CCAC Tournament play this past Wednesday as the No. 1 seed.

“Our second season starts this week and the third season will follow at the national tournament,” Hallberg said. “We thankfully have the automatic bid [to nationals] wrapped up, but we want to secure the highest possible bid. We definitely don’t want to struggle this week.

“A top-four seed would secure us a place in the pairings where we wouldn’t have to play a game at 9 a.m. like we have in recent years.

To keep in the top four, we have to maintain and the conference tournament becomes important."

While there is plenty more SXU wants to achieve, Hallberg doesn't want to ignore what has already happened for his club.

“What else can I say besides finishing 27-2 and 18-0?" he said.

"There can’t be anything more positive to what has been an outstanding season thus far this year. It’s been an exciting season to put together such a good team that has performed so

Wrap

Continued from page 1 “This is definitely a high point in my 11 years of wrestling. The feeling of winning is indescribable.”

Yates said his confidence began to rise in the second period against Williams after securing a pair of points. Siebert said it was a thrill to witness such an intense match between two amazing competitors.

“It definitely was one of the most anticipated and marquee matches of the entire tournament,” Siebert said.

“There was a lot of hype and it definitely lived up to it. Rudy wrestled a great match and beat a great kid.

Nothing came easy, but he had a tremendous year.

“Rudy is absolutely fearless in the way he goes out and competes in the most pressure-packed matches.

That’s something that’s innate — it’s something you either have or don’t have, and Rudy has it.

“As a coach we try to bring that out of guys, but Rudy possesses it. It is internal and impressive — he’s on that level. With thousands watching, he’s ready to compete.”

Louie Hayes finished as a state runner-up for Sandburg at 106 pounds. The Eagles’ other placers

well together.

“The real key has been a lot of different players who have contributed to that success. We just need to keep playing well this week to show what we’re capable of doing.” *** Leyden registered a career-high 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead the Cougars to a 97-61 win over Roosevelt University last Wednesday at the Goodman Center in downtown Chicago. The triumph officially installed SXU as outright conference champion for 2014-15.

Stuut (15 points, 12 rebounds), Krolicki (15 points), McMahon (10 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks) and freshman Brittany Collins (10 points, four steals) also did their part for the Cougars, who constructed a 20-9 edge and were ahead by double figures for all but six of the game’s 40 minutes.

Besides its obvious offensive strengths, SXU flashed solid defense as well. It registered 15 steals and held the Lakers to 27 percent marksmanship (19-of-70) for the night.

“Once again we jump out to another big halftime lead,” Hallberg said.

“So much is said, and rightfully so, about Morgan and Susie. However, our two post players [McMahon and Collins] combine for 20 points and 15 rebounds. They were solid again and we had five players once again in double figures.”

“The secret of our success has been that teams can no longer just focus on Morgan and Susie like in previous years. Before it’s all they felt they had to do; now we just have too many weapons, whether they all score or not. We have weapons off the bench who can shoot 3s."

— Anthony Nasella

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Just in case anyone wondered if his exploits of the previous week could be classified as a twice-ina-lifetime experience, Jack Krieger put those thoughts to rest. While he couldn’t quite duplicate his 39 pointsper-game average, the senior guard’s total of 54 was still impressive.

And most importantly, Krieger’s continued excellence on offense extended the Cougars’ season-high win streak to five. He dropped in 28 to lead SXU past Roosevelt 8868 last Wednesday on the road and then returned to the Shannon for Saturday’s Senior Day and deposited 26 markers to propel the Cougars to yet another CCAC victory over neighboring Trinity Christian, this time by a 79-59 count.

“We told Jack it was all up to him again,” SXU coach Tom O’Malley joked. “I thought he had a chance to be [named] the best player in our conference, but he wasn’t. But in playoff situations you never know who’ll step up.”

The Cougars (19-10, 13-6) were in just such a situation this week as they began play in the CCAC Tournament as the No. 4 seed. Purdue University Calumet, which garnered a regular-season win over SXU, supplied the opposition on Wednesday.

The Cougars entered the postseason event with its best head of steam in quite some time. After Krieger earned Player of the Week honors in both the CCAC and NAIA D-II following his efforts in a pair of SXU conquests, he made sure there was no emotional drop-off before the conference tourney got underway.

Along with his 28 points, Krieger totaled nine rebounds and five assists against Roosevelt. Junior Stanley Moore and freshman Quinn Niego included Patrick Brucki (third at 182), Robbie Precin (fourth at 113), Tom Slattery (fifth at 160) and Brian Krasowski (fifth at 170).

“We brought seven kids down to state and six of them placed,” Siebert said. “We have 14 wrestlers in our lineup and we can boast six all-state wrestlers. That’s almost half of our lineup, so we’re very proud of that accomplishment.

“It’s speaks so much about our depth. It’s very gratifying as a coach to watch your kids accomplish that kind of success. It’s very special.”

BOYS’ SWIMMING

Stagg set pool records in two relays Saturday on its way to edging Brother Rice for the Lockport Sectional title. The Chargers earned their second straight sectional championship by outscoring the Crusaders 264-260.

For the first time after a close call last year, Zack Amendola’s twin brother, Nick, qualified for the state meet in an individual event. His second-place time of 52.62 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke beat the qualifying standard of 53.86.

To capitalize on the double scoring potential of the relays, Stagg coach Jason Carr used the top foursome of the Amendolas, Evan Johnson and

played key roles, the former doing so with a stats line similar to Krieger’s: 20 points, nine rebound and five assists. Niego sank five 3s en route to a career-high 18 points and augmented his scoring with five assists.

As a team the Cougars, who never trailed, clicked on 54 percent of their field-goal tries. Also heard from was freshman Larry Motuzis, who anchored SXU on the boards with a dozen rebounds.

“We’re a different team than we were earlier in the year,” O’Malley said. “It starts with Jack Krieger and his ability to recognize and be able to manipulate himself into situations.

That makes other people better. If teams think they’ll just double-team him, we’ve got enough weapons where they’ll pay for that.

“I throw around compliments like sewer covers, but there’s been terrific [overall] improvement in the five or six games for sure. Part of it [happens] when your team comes together — you’re moving the ball better and having the balance we’ve had helps. I look at the people we have on the floor right now and they’re playing well together.”

Consecutive 3s by Krieger and Nieto plus Moore’s layup handed the Cougars an 8-0 lead within the first minutes and Roosevelt was forced to chase from that point forward. The lead stood at 19-3 just four minutes later and SXU got up by as many as 23 points before the Lakers ended the opening half on an 11-0 burst.

Roosevelt’s deficit dipped to seven early in the second half before another Niego long ball jump-started a 12-2 Cougars blitz. The Lakers never got within single digits again as SXU posted a 58 percent accuracy rate over the last 20 minutes. *** Krieger is the lone senior on the Cougars’roster, so it was appropriate he was an impactful performer on Saturday as SXU kept O’Malley’s record against Trinity spotless.

“I think the good Lord for that,” he said of the Cougars’ ongoing success versus the Trolls. “I see those guys play against other people and shoot the lights out.”

This time it was Krieger providing the biggest offensive highlights as he racked up a game-best 26 points to go along with nine rebounds. But he didn’t have to do it alone — Motuzis (12 points), junior Mitch Uratchko (12) and Niego (11) all tallied in double figures and Uratcko also gave SXU a presence on the glass with 10 rebounds.

The Cougars out-rebounded Trinity 44-32 and was guilty of only six turnovers. Despite all those advantages, though, SXU slipped behind early as the Trolls netted 15 of the contest’s first 20 points.

Uratchko’s layup shifted momentum in the other direction as it led to a 14-4 spurt that pulled the Cougars into a tie 12 minutes before intermission. After Kyle Huppe buried a couple free throws, SXU held its first double-digit lead. The margin was nine (44-35) at halftime, but the Cougars quickly re-established a double-figure cushion kept it firmly in command.

“Anytime you’re coaching, you always say there’s only game that’s important — the next one,” O’Malley said. “For the first time in a while, we were able to focus on each game as it came up on the schedule. Hopefully we can continue to do that.”

And O’Malley also hopes that Uratchko’s display against Trinity, as well as some occasional bright spots provided by Tony Core, indicate that SXU will make itself tougher to handle around the interior.

“This year we developed into a team that relied on the 3-ball a lot,” O’Malley said. “But if we get some [scoring] help inside, we’ll be that Lucas Smiarowski in all three relays.

It paid off in three wins.

The group opened the meet with a pool-record 1:34.17 in the 200-medley relay and set another pool standard of 1:25.46 in the 200-freestyle relay. The foursome nearly made it three records with a winning time of 3:08.62 in the 400-free relay to end the meet.

In addition to the relay points Stagg got first places from Smiarowski in the 200-individual medley (pool-record 1:53.63), Johnson in the 50-free (21.38) and Zack Amendola in the 100-butterfly (51.35).

Sandburg was a close third at Lockport as it totaled 251 points.

Sophomore Aiden Farley qualified for state twice by winning the 200and 500-frees in respective clockings of 1:45.72 and 4:43.85.

Advancing as well as individuals were Jake Gobielle, who touched out first in the 100-free (48.28) and Kevin Stratton, who set the winning pace in the 100-backstroke (52.23).

The team of Stratton, Dylan Comiskey, Josh Lang and Gobielle also broke the pool record for the medley relay (1:35.76) in qualifying for state.

Shepard was fifth at Lockport with 99 points.

GYMNASTICS

Two members of Sandurg/Stagg,

Community Sports News

much tougher. We all realize Tony MARIST’S FORD WINS HEAVYWEIGHT WRESTLING TITLE has tremendous talent and he can get Football is in Jake Ford’s future, but his biggest presence in the present you some points when he’s playing was on a wrestling mat in Champaign. well.” — Ken Karrson There, the Marist senior completed a superb 45-2 wrestling season by capturing the heavyweight state championship. Ford, in only his second year VOLLEYBALL as a wrestler, defeated Hinsdale Central’s Matt Allen 1-0 in the title match.

Senior middle blocker Sam Kull Ford, a 6-foot-8, 315-pounder, will attend South Dakota State in the fall. had 10 kills and a pair of service In his final prep football season, he earned all-area honorable mention from aces, but the Cougars could not keep this paper as an offensive lineman. pace with No. 7-ranked Warner (Fla.) Brother Rice’s Julian Blanco was fourth at 126 pounds. Winning that University in a nonconference, neu- weight class was former Crusader Rudy Yates, now a student at Sandtral-site match at the Robert Morris burg. Yates defeated three-time defending state champion Kris Williams University Athletic & Convocation of Thornwood 7-2 for the crown.

Center Friday in Arlington Heights.

Five other Eagles placed among the top five in their respective divisions, SXU (5-7, 3-4 Great Lakes Con- including Louie Hayes, who was runner-up at 106. ference) lost 25-15, 25-19, 25-12 to the Royals, who stayed hot offen- RICE SECOND TO STAGG IN SWIM SECTIONAL Brother Rice wound up four points shy of Stagg (264-260) in a swim sively throughout the match. Warner put down 43 kills while commit- sectional on Saturday, but there were no regrets for the Crusaders.

That’s because they had already banked the program’s first conference ting just six hitting errors, which translated into a glossy .457 attack championship in 20 years. Rice ruled over the Metro Catholic Athletic Conference thanks to a number of event victories. Taking firsts in solo percentage.

Also playing well for the Cougars events were Tom Davey (200-yard individual medley), Solomon Gienosky in defeat were sophomore outside (100-backstroke) and James Ryan (100-breaststroke).

Various combinations of that trio, Luke Healy, Aaron Payne and Cole hitter Dan O'Keefe (eight kills, teamhigh seven digs), sophomore outside Gienosky also teamed up to bag relay wins for the Crusaders. hitter Sean Barry (six kills, five digs) and sophomore setter Moises Lopez SOUTHSIDE SHOOTERS TO RUN SPRING TRYOUTS The Southside Shooters boys' basketball club will conduct spring tryouts (team-leading 28 assists, four digs).

SXU returned to action this past on Tuesday, March 10, at Moraine Valley College's "G" gymnasium building.

A session for players in grades 5 and 6 will run from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday when it hosted fourthwith one for players in grades 7 and 8 to follow from 7:30-8:30. One team ranked St. Ambrose University. is being formed at each grade level to play the spring season, which goes *** Kull was also an individual force from March 16-May 16.

For more information, contact Bill Finn at 508-0170 or Coachfinn34@ last Thursday as well with match bests of 18 kills and seven assisted yahoo.com. blocks, but another ranked foe — No. 10 Robert Morris — played through the same amount of points and that to record a 20-25, 25-23, 26-24, one extra rebound, Andre Hardin 25-18 GLC victory at the Shannon scored eight points and both MauContinued from page 3 Center. The Eagles rallied from a rice Commander and Brian Barry 24-21 third-set deficit to go up 2-1 of 22 turnovers. Hubbard never finished with six points and three in games.

O’Keefe backed Kull with 12 kills, scored more than eight points in assists.

10 digs, four assisted blocks and any quarter and was chasing 14 Marist 63 two aces. Freshman middle blocker points by halftime.

“That 14-point deficit seemed Hubbard 26 Bradley Gadek (seven kills, two total blocks), sophomore libero Dominic liked it was more,” Nolan said. Marist scoring: Ferguson 12, Villa (15 digs) and Lopez (40 as- “It’s not just the number of points, Hawkins 12, Hardin 8, Barry 6, Comsists, five digs, three total blocks also but the number of possessions in mander 6, Hill 5, Brown 4, Parker 4, Lerma 3, Dunican 2, Reynolds 1. Reperformed well in a losing effort. the game [that matters].” bounds: Hawkins 5. Assists: Barry 3, There weren’t enough of those in Sophomore right-side hitter Paris McFall paced Robert Morris with the second half for the Greyhounds Commander 3. Steals: Commander to make real inroads. Marist stayed 2, Ferguson 2.

17 kills and four aces. on course by shooting 45 percent *** 68 Seven kills and three total blocks, and keeping its turnover count to Notre Dame Marist 44 only 11. including two solos, from Kull were In addition to his shadowing Marist scoring: Parker 16, Hawkins enough to boost the Cougars to a 2510, 25-22, 25-18 GLC road victory of McReynolds, Ferguson aided 13, Ferguson 9, Barry 2, Brown 2, over Calumet College of St. Joseph the RedHawks with 12 points Weaver 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 5. and four rebounds. Hawkins had Assists: Barry 3, Hill 3. last Tuesday in Whiting, Ind. With Gadek (six kills, four total blocks) and Barry (five kills) also the season’s low points]. The kids strong along the net, SXU totaled have done a nice job.”

32 kills as a team while committing Continued from page 3 Daniels said he was happy for only 11 hitting errors. That gave the Allen.

Cougars a .292 attack percentage for Stagg had defeated the Eagles “I don’t know if people want me the match. Lopez (11 assists, three by 10 in an earlier SWSC Blue to hate [the Eagles] because they’re total blocks) and Villa (13 digs, four confrontation, but Sandburg had rivals, but it’s a healthy, fun rivalry,” aces) also lent a hand in the win. one important thing going for it Daniels said. “There’s no ill feelings. in the rematch.

The kids are friends and I love their WOMEN’S SOCCER “The difference in this game was program and their players.

Lake Central (Ind.) High School we were able to hold Jeff Goral “It’s not a bitter thing and I’m student-athletes Jillian Doan and under 19 points in the first half,” glad it’s that way. It’s what high Abigail Peppin both signed letters Eagles coach Todd Allen said. school basketball is supposed to be.” of intent to continue their educational Goral spearheaded the Chargers’ The Chargers faced Joliet Central and athletic careers at SXU in the fall previous performance by tallying a this past Tuesday and conclude their as members of the Cougars women’s game-high 26 points. This time, with regular season versus Joliet West on soccer team.

Sean McShane assigned to him on Friday. Sandburg closes out with Doan is a center midfielder while defense, Goral was limited to 14 H-F and Bolingbrook, the latter due Peppin plays as both a defender and points, the same as sophomores John to visit Orland Park Friday night. an outside midfielder. Both players Contant and Josh Strama. are coached by Shawn Thomas at “He’s one of the best players in Sandburg 63 Lake Central and also members of the conference and we made him Andrew 57 the Three Lions United Club Team work for his points,” Allen said of The T’bolts are in the midst of under the direction of Mike Rance. Goral. a less-than-spectacular campaign, “Jill has been a staple in the central Allen got no argument from midfield for her high school and club coaching counterpart John Daniels. which gave Allen all the more reason to be wary of them last Tuesday. team and we are anticipating her to “They locked Jeff and frustrated do the same at St. Xavier,” Cougars him early,” Daniels said. “They Simply put, he knew success against coach Evan Strehlau said. “She also made it difficult [for him] to catch the Eagles would rank as a definite season highlight for Andrew. had the honor of being a part of the and face [the basket].”

And when the T’Bolts nailed 6-offootball team at Lake Central, which McShane also helped out offen10 shots in the opening frame, they only adds to her toughness. Jill will sively with 11 points, nine of which bring a lot of talent and leadership came on three 3-point buckets. He pushed Sandburg into an early hole.

“I know their record isn’t real to our soccer program as we look was one of four Sandburg players strong, but they came out and shot forward to 2015. in double figures along with Demo“Abigail is a strong defensive gerontas (14 points), Niko Kogionis the ball real well,” Allen said. “I player who can read the game very (12) and Peter Paxinos (10). Zak thought Andrew played really well.”

The turning point, in Allen’s view, well. She is another good defensive Razik contributed seven points. was a third-quarter sequence that addition and we will be looking for Allen said a “21-point first quarter her to step up and help us solidify kind of set the tone” for the Eagles began with Kogionis’ three-point play, which lifted the Eagles into a our backline.”

(10-14, 5-7), but even more tell34-33 lead. At the end of that play, ing was a second period in which the T’bolts’ bench drew a technical four different players — none of freshmen Maddy Roe and Holly foul and Kogionis nailed two more them named Kogionis — sank a Chudzik, competed at Friday’s state charity tosses.

3-pointer. Delivering on Sandburg’s prelims in Palatine.

Demogerontas’ hoop concluded behalf were McShane, Paxinos, Mo Roe finished 21st among 32 comthe ensuing Sandburg possession and Abed and Kristijan Ristovski. petitors in the all-around, which was then Paxinos drilled a 3-pointer after “The first game we were able to not high enough to reach the cutoff the Eagles’ defense made a stop. The do some good things defensively,” for advancement to Saturday’s finals. rapid 10-point flurry put Sandburg Daniels said. “[Here] they got a She registered a 9.3750 in the vault, in control. couple bounces early and they hit 9.2250 on the bars, 8.8000 on the Demogerontas netted eight points some shots. Six different kids hit a 3 balance beam and 8.8500 in floor during the third stanza, part of a and seven kids scored — I haven’t exercise for an average score of 24-point, five-rebound outing for had seven kids score [in the same 9.0625 and an all-around total of him. Kogionis (16 points) and Razik game] all season.

36.2500.

(10 points, five assists) were other “I have a lot of respect for Todd Chudzik, who competed in floor key individuals for the Eagles, who and I’ve been saying all year they’re exercise, was 31st with an average hit 24-of-45 shots, committed only a solid team. I was disappointed score of 8.525. seven turnovers and scored their 63 in the way we played early, but it points on just 59 possessions. *** wasn’t our night.”

The T’bolts wound up going 23Shepard’s Skylor Hilger also comThe Eagles were ahead by 12 of-42 from the floor. Two players acpeted on Friday and was 26th in the at halftime and seven after three all-around. Her totals of 9.1250 in quarters. Stagg (11-15, 5-7) never counted for all but 19 of their points. the vault, 8.7750 on the bars, 8.8500 faded away, but the game remained Sandburg 62 on the beam and 9.2250 in floor a two-possession affair pretty much Stagg 54 exercise gave her an average score until the end. of 8.9938 and all-around point count Sandburg went 21-of-39 from Sandburg scoring: T. Demogeronof 35.9750. the field, including 11-of-14 from tas 14, Kogionis 12, McShane 11, Paxiinside the arc. The winners drilled nos 10, Razik 7, Abed 5, Ristovski 3.

Stagg scoring: Contant 14, Goral a total of 10 3s.

GIRLS’ TRACK “I always enjoy competing 14, Strama 14.

Shepard’s Chaz Wells set a meet record in winning the long jump (17 against Stagg because John always feet, 9½ inches) and also was part of prepares his kids well,” Allen said. Sandburg 63 the top foursome in the 800-meter “[But] there are no surprises. It Andrew 57 relay (1:50.82) as the Astros (109 comes down to the kids executing. Sandburg scoring: T. Demogerontas “I’d like to say our kids deserved 24, Kogionis 16, Razik 10, Abed 5, points) secured first place at Saturday’s Huey Johnson Memorial Invi- [the victory] because they never McShane 5, Paxinos 3. Rebounds: tational hosted by Bloom Township. gave up and kept fighting [during T. Demogerontas 5. Assists: Razik 5.

RedHawks

Eagles

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448-6175 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5 Sat. 9 to Noon

Thursday, February 26, 2015

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MRF ILLINOIS ONE, LLC Plaintiff, -v.RICK SUMERA, AMERICAN CHARTERED BANK, CHARLES QUINN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 14 CH 006743 9100 S. 87TH AVENUE 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 November 17, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 13, 2015, 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 9100 S. 87TH AVENUE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-311-010. 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 14-13-33828. 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. 14-13-33828 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 006743 TJSC#: 34-21033 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.

I644108

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JAMES J. MCINTYRE, LAURA L. MCINTYRE, FIRST BANK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA, P l a i n t i f f V .

MANUEL CASTILLO; GLORIA CASTILLO; BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA; CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A.; D e f e n d a n t s 10 CH 18827 Property Address: 12650 SOUTH 76TH AVENUE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Shapiro Kreisman & Assoc. file # 10-035969 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure s a l e s . ) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on September 4, 2014, Kallen Realty Services, Inc., as Selling Official will at 12:30 p.m. on March 26, 2015, at 205 W. Randolph Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real property: Commonly known as 12650 South 76th Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463 Permanent Index No.: 23-25-302-012 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a dwelling.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

The judgment amount was $648,740.37. Sale terms for non-parties: 10% of successful bid immediately at conclusion of auction, balance by 12:30 p.m. the next business day, both by cashier's checks; and no refunds.

The sale shall be subject to general real estate taxes, special taxes, special assessments, special taxes levied, and superior liens, if any. The property is offered "as is," with no express or implied warranties and without any representation as to the quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff.

Prospective bidders are admonished to review the court file to verify all information and to view auction rules at w w w . k a l l e n r s . c o m .

For information: Sale Clerk, Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC, Attorney # 42168, 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015, (847) 291-1717, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays o n l y .

I645917

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448-4002 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5 Sat. 9 to Noon

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Defendants 11 CH 026223 10570 KINDLING COURT PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2015, 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 10570 KINDLING COURT, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-32207-010. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-11-23127. 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. 14-11-23127 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 026223 TJSC#: 35-374 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.

I644795

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK SUCCESSOR B Y MERGER TO MIDAMERICA BANK, FSB; Plaintiff, v s .

WALTER LESNICKI; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND N O N R E C O R D CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 12 CH 15256 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on November 10, 2014, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 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 property: P.I.N. 23-13-204-012-0000.

Commonly known as 10441 South 75th Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

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: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the sale.

For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 1207555.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I645243

There’s something for everyone in the Classifieds!

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., P l a i n t i f f V .

ELIZABETH PACURA; STONY CREEK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, D e f e n d a n t s 10 CH 25926 Property Address: 6 WEST STONEBRIDGE COURT UNIT A PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE C O N D O M I N I U M Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC file # 10-036585 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure s a l e s . ) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on April 22, 2013, Kallen Realty Services, Inc., as Selling Official will at 12:30 p.m. on April 2, 2015, at 205 W. Randolph Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real property: Commonly known as 6 West Stonebridge Court, Unit A, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Permanent Index No.: 23-14-400-071-1055 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a dwelling.

The property will NOT be open for inspection. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

The judgment amount was $ 244,902.07. Sale terms for non-parties: 10% of successful bid immediately at conclusion of auction, balance by 12:30 p.m. the next business day, both by cashier's checks; and no refunds.

The sale shall be subject to general real estate taxes, special taxes, special assessments, special taxes levied, and superior liens, if any. The property is offered "as is," with no express or implied warranties and without any representation as to the quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff.

Prospective bidders are admonished to review the court file to verify all information and to view auction rules at w w w . k a l l e n r s . c o m .

For information: Sale Clerk, Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC, Attorney # 42168, 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015, (847) 291-1717, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays o n l y .

I646686

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY D I V I S I O N BEAL BANK USA P l a i n t i f f , v .

TOMASZ SLABY D e f e n d a n t s 14 CH 13596 9001 WEST 89TH 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 November 25, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 24, 2015, 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 9001 WEST 89TH STREET, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-03-216-001-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with a detached 1.5 car 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 PA1405531. 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. PA1405531 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 13596 TJSC#: 34-20495 I645505

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The Regional News

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Real Estate

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Section 2

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34

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Your Palos Realtor

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®

(708) 448-6100

Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

708-369-9327

Palos Park, IL 60464

“Follows Me Everywhere!” ®

Serving Your Community for 30 Years

Tom Maloney, Selling or Buying?

“10 in the Park” RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

For Sale #

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CHRISTIANA TRUST, A DIVISION OF WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT AS TRUSTEE OF ARLP TRUST 2 Plaintiff, -v.KENNETH STOKLOSA A/K/A KENNETH DANIEL STOKLOSA, ALICE STOKLOSA A/K/A ALICE JOAN STOKLOSA, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, AS PURCHASER OF THE LOANS AND OTHER ASSETS OF WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, F/K/A WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LONG BEACH MORTGAGE COMPANY FROM THE FDIC, ACTING AS RECEIVER FOR THE SAVINGS BANK AND PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT Defendants 11 CH 004132 10940 E. EASTWOOD 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 December 18, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 20, 2015, 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 10940 E. EASTWOOD DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-304-016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-11-02625. 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. 14-11-02625 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 004132 TJSC#: 35-542 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.

I644882

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.

Expect the Best

1 in Sales in Palos Park & Palos Heights

Call Tom Maloney at

(708) 903-9865

CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD! 708.448.4000 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR5 Plaintiff, -v.MONIKA CHMURA, MIROSLAW JACEK CHMURA, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., TREETOP CONDOMINIUM #39, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 14 CH 010731 9910 TREETOP DRIVE UNIT #3E 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 December 22, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 24, 2015, 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 9910 TREETOP DRIVE UNIT #3E, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-16-209-050-1005. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-04487. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-14-04487 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 010731 TJSC#: 35-640 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.

I645525

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-2 Plaintiff, -v.WASFI TOLAYMAT, CYNTHIA R. TOLAYMAT AKA CYNTHIA TOLAYMAT, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR AEGIS FUNDING CORP, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, KHALIL OUYUON, ENTERPRISE LEASING CO OF CHICAGO D/B/A ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 11 CH 5840 7911 WEST 101ST STREET 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 July 11, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 25, 2015, 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 7911 WEST 101ST STREET, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-12-306-004. The real estate is improved with a two level, red brick, single family house; 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 PA1037061. 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) 4765500 Attorney File No. PA1037061 Attorney Code.

91220 Case Number: 11 CH 5840 TJSC#: 35-2831 I646616

8

Section 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Real Estate

The Reporter Newspapers

Property Listings

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.KATARZYNA J. STASZEL, THE SKYLA CONDOMINIUMS Defendants 14 CH 001499 8720 S. ROBERTS ROAD UNIT #3N 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 May 29, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 26, 2015, 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 8720 S. ROBERTS ROAD UNIT #3N, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-207-025-1012.

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

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. 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 14-13-32614.

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. 14-13-32614 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 001499 TJSC#: 35-2904 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.

I646881

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 2004-R1 Plaintiff, -v.DAWN FRY AKA DAWN T. FRY, TONY FRY Defendants 10 CH 18183 9348 SOUTH 87TH AVENUE 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 3, 2010, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 23, 2015, 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 9348 SOUTH 87TH AVENUE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-302-037-0000. The real estate is improved with a brick house; attached 2 car 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 PA1009527. 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) 4765500 Attorney File No. PA1009527 Attorney Code.

91220 Case Number: 10 CH 18183 TJSC#: 35-71 I645342

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For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC. Plaintiff, -v.VITA ZIGMANTIENE, RIVIERA REGAL I CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, RIVIERA REGAL CONDOMINIUM UMBRELLA ASSOCIATION Defendants 13 CH 004514 11123 S. 84TH AVENUE UNIT #1B 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 December 10, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 12, 2015, 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 11123 S. 84TH AVENUE UNIT #1B, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-23-200-026-1068. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-01879. 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. 14-13-01879 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 004514 TJSC#: 35-57 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.

I644091

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For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC; P l a i n t i f f , v s .

MICHAEL REMES; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MICHAEL REMES, IF ANY; U N K N O W N OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 14 CH 13607 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 Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-12-105-013-0000.

Commonly known as 7823 West 98th Place, Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

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 Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W 1 4 1 5 5 7 .

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I646821

DONATE STUFF. CREATE JOBS.

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DONATION CENTER, GO TO GOODWILL.ORG

For Sale Tuesday

12p.m.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.JUDY PETTAS, AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS, INC., MUIRFIELD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 10 CH 20514 10630 CHURCHILL DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 19, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 20, 2015, 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 10630 CHURCHILL DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-206-014. 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: 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 PA1119349. 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. PA1119349 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 10 CH 20514 TJSC#: 34-21875 I645106

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The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Out & About

Section 2

9

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

Children’s Farm opens for spring The Children’s Farm reopens for the spring season this Sunday, the first day of March. The Children’s Farm is located at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Throughout March, the Children’s Farm will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m.

Visitors to the farm can tour the barns and see the farm animals. New piglets, lambs, goat kids, calves, bunnies, chicks, and ducklings are due to arrive this spring. Families are invited into each animal pen by a farm volunteer who helps children to touch and learn about the animal.

According the Farm Director Amy Didominicis, the farm is a hands-on opportunity for children to experience the life of the farm.

Admission to the farm is $6 per person. No reservations are required on the weekends from 1 until 4 p.m. The farm is also Supplied photo open for group tours by advance A volunteer tour guide holds up one of the farm’s hens to show visitors at reservation. For more, call The the Children’s Farm in Palos Park, which reopens this Sunday.

Center at 361-3650.

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS This Week Palos Village Players’ ‘Gods of Carnage’ The Palos Village Players will present their first play of the 2015 season, “Gods of Carnage,” by Yasmina Reza (translation by Christopher Hampton).

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27, 28, March 6 and 7, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. The one-act play will be performed in the Little Theater of Palos South Middle School, 131st and 82nd Avenue.

Winner of the 2009 Tony Award, “Gods of Carnage” is a “streamlined anatomy of the human animal…delivers the cathartic release of watching other people’s marriages go boom… The play is a study in the tension between civilized surface and savage instinct…”

A playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.

Tickets are $18; $15 for students and seniors, and can be reserved by calling 877-PVP-TIXS (877-7878497). Anyone who attends the Sunday matinee and eats lunch at Hackney’s Restaurant, 123rd and LaGrange Road, can reserve their theater tickets and receive a $5 discount on the cost of their meal by calling Hackney’s in advance at 448-8300.

Encore Concert Band free winter concert The Encore Concert Band continues its 16th concert season with a winter concert at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Mokena Junior High School, 19815 Kirkstone Way in Mokena.

This free concert will feature The Moldau by Smetana, Grainger’s Molly on the Shore, Bells Across the Meadows by Ketelbey, A Gershwin Tribute to Love and many other selections. For more information about the Encore Concert Band and the complete concert schedule, visit www.encoreband.org.

Band members range in age from high school students to adults. Musicians interested in joining may sit in with the band at a weekly rehearsal at 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Mokena Junior High School in Mokena. For information on scheduling a concert in your area or joining the band, call Rachel Ozark at 437-7051, email info@encoreband.org, or visit the website, www.encoreband.org.

The Center Empowering women luncheon

more, call The Center at 361-3650.

Family pottery house workshop A pottery class for families will be hosted at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts on Wednesdays, March 4 and 11, 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The Log Cabin Art Center is located at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Instructor Heather Young invites families, or adults without children, to make terra cotta clay houses on March 4 and to come back to glaze their creations on March 11. The houses can be replicas of the families’ homes or vacations homes or dream homes. The class fee is $18 per person and includes all supplies and two kiln firings. Advance reservations are required. Call The Center at 361-3650.

The Bridge Teen Center upcoming events • Robotics – today (Thursday) 4 to 5:30 p.m., The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a program with the Illinois Institute of Art to teach students how to design and construct a real robot.

• Sign Language – 5 to 6 p.m. today a program to teach students the basics of sign language.

• Parent Program: Pressure to Succeed – 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, a parent program to talk about how parents can prevent drug abuse in their teen’s life. This free is open to the community. Free salad and pizza from Nonna’s will be served.

• Battle of the Bands – 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Friday, second annual Battle of the Bands with live music from Behind the Heart, Terraplane, Suspicious Gentlemen and Sugar Rush. During the night students will also get the chance to play games, win prizes and enjoy free food from Outback Steakhouse.

• The Great Divide: Divorce – 4 to 5 p.m. March 3, 10 and 17, a three-week program to allow students to support each other while learning how to live joyful lives and work through the challenges that come with difficult family situations.

• 3D Printing – 4 to 6 p.m. March 3, 10 and 17, a program with Moraine Valley Community College to teach students how to print a 3D object like a phone case.

• So You Think You Can Dance – 4 to 5 p.m. March 4, 11 and 18, a three-week program with Elite Dance Academy to teach students how to dance to several different styles of music.

• Papier-Mache – 4 to 6 p.m.

March 4, program will teach students how to make an art piece from papier-mache.

• Project Serve: Mats for the Homeless – 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 5, The Bridge Teen Center will host a program with Sandburg High School’s Key Club to turn a pile of grocery bags into mats for the homeless.

• Culinary: Kolaczki – 4:30 to 6 p.m. March 5, a culinary program to teach students how to make a popular Polish pastry.

These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more, call 532-0500 or visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org.

The empowerment of women around the world is the topic of a DVD to be shown at a luncheon on Tuesday, March 3, from noon to 2 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

The documentary film “Half the Sky: turning Oppression into opportunity for Women Worldwide,” follows courageous individuals wh9o are doing extraordinary work to empower women in six different areas Junior Farmers Classes of the world. These are stories of remarkable courage, dramatic transNew four-week sessions of Junior formation, and enduring hope.

Farmer Classes will begin at The The luncheon costs $18 and re- Children’s Farm at The Center on quires advance reservations. For Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and

Upcoming

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS

This is one sequel not to take a dip in

“Hot Tub Time Machine 2” is not as bad as one might expect. The original was highly enjoyable and the sequel is enjoyable at times. The original worked as a nostalgic look into the past, while the sequel partially takes place in the future - a future that looks oddly the same as the present except with self-driving cars.

With John Cusack making the right decision in deciding not to reprise his role for the sequel, this film has no one to steer it away from the endless just happens to be on TV a lot - there is a hot tub sophomoric humor. The first film worked because that also just happens to be a time machine. Apof John Cusack, and that’s not to say he is the parently you need to get really drunk and toss in lone reason this film doesn’t work. It has plot and some fancy compound for it to work. Why can’t acting issues that even he couldn’t have saved, but you be sober? Who knows? one would think he would have made this better.

Chevy Chase reprises his role as a magical hot Now it’s time to stop fawning over John Cusack tub repairman. He’s not on screen long, but its and talk about the people actually in this film. All long enough for us to see that he is a shell of the the other main characters get brought back: Craig person he once was.

Robinson, Rob Corddry, and Clark Duke. They Originally scheduled to be released on Christmas even bring in Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) Day, this was delayed so it wouldn’t interfere with to play the son of John Cusack’s character. With “The Interview.”

Cusack out, the new lead is a very abrasive Rob We know how that turned out, with it not even Corddry. The film needs someone to take control making it to theaters and being released straight to of the movie and Corddry just doesn’t have that. video on demand. The delay probably won’t help Maybe Cusack could have been that guy.

HTTM2 at the box office either like they planned.

Basically this film centers around Lou (Corddry) Was a sequel needed here? The answer to that is getting shot somewhere that is not going to be obviously no. It’s not as bad as you might think, mentioned here. The crew decides they need to go but this is one movie that is ultimately not worth back in time to try and figure out who shot him. spending any money on. If you wait for it to be Instead of going back, in time they actually end up on TV this might be a film to take a dip in, but going to the future and the year 2025. In the future, ultimately this is one hot tub you might want to Wednesday, March 7 through 11. a bunch of random stuff happens with some of it pass up.

The Children’s Farm is at 12700 being funny and most of it being just plain stupid.

Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

For those who haven’t seen the original - which —Tony Pinto’s grade: C Junior Farmers is an opportunity for children, age 3 to 12, to learn about and enjoy the life of the farm.

The highlight of the spring season is the opportunity to prepare for the arrival of the farm’s baby goats, (NOTICE: Ratings for each film son Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason with their children. What transpires lambs, and calves, to build nests begin with a ‘star’ rating — one Sudeikis) have a new reason to rattles the family emotionally as for the chickens, ducks and geese, star meaning ‘poor,’ four mean- get mad — and vengeful — in well as physically. DVD extra: and to help the farm get ready for ing ‘excellent’ — followed by the this comedy sequel, as their idea “making-of” documentary. (R: the warmer weather.

Motion Picture Association of for an innovative shower device AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “BEYOND THE LIGHTS”: A The Junior Farmer program is led America rating, and then by a is stolen by a purported investor by veteran Children’s Farm program family-viewing guide, the key for (Christoph Waltz). The trio then new music sensation — played by coordinator Kay Ardizzone. decides to kidnap the thief’s son Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who became which appears below.)

Junior Farmer classes meet one STARTING THIS WEEK: (Chris Pine), intending to use the something of a sensation in her hour each week. Classes are avail- “WHIPLASH”: Now up for Os- ransom to bail themselves out of own right for this performance — able for children ages 3 to 6 on cars for best picture and support- their financial woes. The main gets a respite from the demands Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, ing actor (J.K. Simmons, recently stars’ camaraderie still goes a of sudden fame from the policeat 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and on a Golden Globe Award winner), long way here. Jennifer Aniston, man (Nate Parker, “Red Tails”) Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. writer-director Damien Chazelle’s Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and assigned to watch over her in this Classes for children ages 6 to 8 meet superbly intense drama examines Lindsay Sloane also reprise their romantic drama. Her mother and on Saturday at 2 p.m., and for ages 6 the relationship between a music roles from the first film. *** (R: his father (Minnie Driver, Danny through 12 on Monday, Tuesday and student (Miles Teller) and a re- AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Glover) have concerns about the Wednesday at 4 p.m. Children age lentlessly demanding professor Demand) relationship, but the new couple is 9 to 12 meet on Saturday at 3 p.m. (Simmons). Despite the oppressive “SONS OF ANARCHY: SEA- determined to get past any and all The cost of the four-week program circumstances, the young drummer SON SEVEN”: For anyone fa- hurdles. The film’s Diane Warrenis $52. Advance registration is re- takes what he learns to heart, to the miliar with creator and executive written song “Grateful” is an Oscar quired. Call The Center at 361-3650 degree that the teacher may end up producer Kurt Sutter’s series, it nominee. DVD extras: “makingor visit www.thecenterpalos.org. standing in his way. Paul Reiser should be no surprise that a sense of” documentary; theatrical trailer; and Melissa Benoist (“Glee”) also of dread hangs over the final epi- deleted scenes. *** (PG-13: AS, Memoir writing workshop appear, but the picture’s biggest sodes of this series about a mo- N, P) (Also on Blu-ray) COMING SOON: “THE triumph is in providing veteran torcycle club frequently caught up A memoir-writing workshop is character actor Simmons with an in violence. The death of his true CAPTIVE” (March 3): Eight offered at The Log Cabin Center unforgettable role that’s immedi- love leaves Jax (Charlie Hunnam) years after a young girl vanished, for the Arts, 12700 Southwest High- ately among his career hallmarks. bent on vengeance, not realizing new clues surface in director Atom way, Palos Park, on six Thursday **** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray how close to home his target is — Egoyan’s melodrama; Ryan Reynand setting up an expectedly tragic olds, Scott Speedman, Mireille afternoons, beginning March 5 by and On Demand) Personal Historian Beth LaMie of “BIG HERO 6”: An Oscar showdown. Katey Sagal (Sutter’s Enos and Rosario Dawson star.

Kankakee. nominee for best animated fea- wife), Jimmy Smits, Kim Coates (R: AS, P) “FOXCATCHER” (March 3): From 1 to 3 p.m., students write ture, this Disney treat works in the and Drea de Matteo are among memoirs or family stories. Using theme of modern technology to a others wrapping up their roles. *** An Olympic wrestler (Channing writing prompts, exercises, and big degree. When danger invades (Not rated: AS, N, P, V) (Also Tatum) joins a wealthy benefactor’s (Academy Award nominee techniques to capture memories, their atmosphere, an inflatable ro- on Blu-ray) “FORCE MAJEURE”: Writ- Steve Carell) team; Mark Rufparticipants learn to organize their bot and a young genius (voices of thoughts and experiences and how Scott Adsit and Ryan Potter) com- er-director Ruben Ostlund’s much- falo, Oscar-nominated as well, to elicit stories from other family bine their abilities, with some other praised and seriocomic — and also stars. (R: AS, P, V) “THE BREAKFAST CLUB: members. youths given special traits to help Cannes Film Festival prize-winThe Memoir Writing class fee is fight the threat. Damon Wayans Jr., ning, and Golden Globe-nominated 30TH ANNIVERSARY” (March $90 per person paid upon registra- James Cromwell, Maya Rudolph — tale gives a Swedish marriage 10): Cast members Anthony Mition, plus a $10 workbook fee to be and Katie Lowes (“Scandal”) also the same uncertain conditions gen- chael Hall and Judd Nelson provide paid directly to the instructor in class. are heard. *** (PG: AS, P) (Also erated by an avalanche while the a commentary track for this Blucouple in question (Johannes Bah ray marking the film’s three-decade Students should bring a notebook on Blu-ray and On Demand) “HORRIBLE BOSSES 2”: Kunke, Lisa Loven Kongsli) is on or pad of paper and their favorite writing instruments. Advance reg- Buddies Nick, Dale and Kurt (Ja- a skiing outing in the French Alps Continued on page 10 istration is required. Call 361-3650.

TONY PINTO

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN

Labyrinth Group labyrinth walks will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday morning, March 7, at 8 a.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

The labyrinth, a large outdoor circular stone path for spiritual meditation is located at the north end of The Center parking lot. In addition to the group walks focused on welcoming in the new year, the labyrinth is available for individual walks at any time during the month.

There is no cost to those wishing to walk the labyrinth and no reservations are necessary. The walks will take place rain or shine. For information, call Pastor Chris Hopkins 361-3650.

Center Cinema “Sunset Blvd.” will be shown on Friday, March 6, 6:30 p.m., as part of the monthly Center Cinema series at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

William Holden plays a struggling screenwriter who has a dangerous relationship with a fading silent-movie star, played by Gloria Swanson. The film was nominated for eleven Oscars and won three. A discussion follows the movie. Free popcorn is served. No fee is charged but pre-registration is necessary. Call The Center at 361-3650.

10 Section 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Regional News • The Reporter

Out & About

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

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take the time to test relationships.

Those you admire may bring a smile to your face, but don’t fall recklessly in love. Don’t push for a commitment or make irrevocable decisions in the first half of the week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t be discouraged by delays or setbacks in the week ahead. Even if your heart says “yes,” wait until for a better time to make promises or proposals. People may find excuses to back down later.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): This too shall pass. You may be tempted to fold like a tent when faced with adversity or someone’s cold shoulder. By the middle of the week, however, things will be looking up, so just remain patient.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The atmosphere could take a somber turn in the first half of the week, so don’t push your luck.

Get your priorities in order and be

sure to live up to responsibilities.

Avoid conflicts with close friends.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep that nose pressed to the grindstone.

Move social matters to the back burner in order to work hard and impress the boss. Put off major decisions and avoid taking initiatives in the early part of the week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If you ignore molehills, they won’t turn into mountains. Remain sensitive to the moods of grumpy people, who may pop into view during the first half of the week.

Be smart to avoid conflicts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The best choice this week might be not making a choice at all. If you ignore your obligations or forget to return a phone call you could invite disapproval. Don’t let communications break down.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sit back and let other people spin their wheels in the week to come.

No matter how much aggravation you experience, don’t give up or slam a door behind you that might

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

lock you out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t magnify problems or you could make a crucial mistake early in the week. The best way to deal with criticism and a spate of temporary turmoil is to stay cool, calm and level-headed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Love can’t be measured in dollars and cents. Your tendency to be exacting is better used to balance the checkbook, not with people.

Avoid misunderstandings or crucial discussions early in the week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): No matter what is dished out, you can take it. The next few days could try your patience, but it’s best to sit on your hands and avoid drastic reactions. Honor responsibilities and obligations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It’s the stiff and unbending tree that breaks in a storm. Avoid being rigid and don’t be too much of a stickler about the rules early in the week. You may need to be precise, but give others some leeway.

TOP POP SINGLES

TOP POP ALBUMS

1. Uptown Funk!, Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars, Elektra 2. Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran, Atlantic 3. Take Me to Church, Hozier, Columbia 4. Sugar, Maroon 5, Interscope Records 5. Blank Space, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records 6. FourFiveSeconds, Rihanna, Kanye West, Paul McCartney, Roc Nation 7. Lips Are Movin, Meghan Trainor, Epic 8. I’m Not the Only One, Sam Smith, Capitol Records 9. Love Me Like You Do, Ellie Goulding, Interscope Records 10. Shake It Off, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records

1. 1989, Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records 2. Now 53, Sony Legacy Fotolia.com 3. X, Ed Sheeran, Atlantic Stir-fried noodles go well with pork, chicken, shrimp or tofu.

4. In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith, Capitol Records (Universal) 5. Reflection, Fifth Harmony, Epic 6. Title, Meghan Trainor, Epic 7. Shadows in the Night, Bob Dylan, Columbia By Wolfgang Puck • ¼ pound (125 g) broccoli, crowns cut 8. he Pinkprint, Nicki Minaj, Motown/Universal into small florets, stems cut diagonally 9. V, Maroon 5, Interscope Records into thin slices One of the things I love about Chinese noodle 10. Wallflower, Diana Krall, Verve Music Group dishes is how quick and easy they are to make, • 1½ tablespoons thinly sliced scallions • ½ tablespoon finely chopped ginger yielding delicious, beautiful results with very little • ½ tablespoon finely chopped garlic effort. So I’d like to share with you a dish you can • Kosher salt make in minutes to enjoy at home: My recipe for • Freshly ground black pepper Stir-Fried Pork and Vegetables with Whole-Wheat • 4 teaspoons Chinese plum wine Noodles.

• ¾ cup (185 ml) organic low-sodium This recipe is a streamlined version of some 1. Montevallo, Sam Hunt, MCA chicken broth or vegetable broth 2. Old Boots, New Dirt, Jason Aldean, Broken Chinese noodle dishes you might know. In place • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or fresh of the usual mein noodles, I’ve substituted easy-toBow lime juice 3. Greatest Hits: Decade#1, Carrie Underwood, find dried whole-wheat spaghetti or linguine, which • ¼ cup (60 ml) bottled hoisin sauce deliver extra fiber and a satisfying robust flavor.

Sony Music Nashville • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish 4. Anything Goes, Florida Georgia Line, Big Using a nonstick wok or skillet makes it easier Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. to stir-fry with just a little oil to help ingredients Machine Records 5. The Outsiders, Eric Church, Universal Nashville brown and prevent sticking. Accompanied by lots Add the pasta and cook until al dente, tender but 6. Man Against Machine, Garth Brooks, Sony of fresh vegetables, lean pork tenderloin is the main still slightly chewy, following the manufacturer’s protein here, but you could substitute fresh peeled instructions. Drain and set aside.

Music Nashville In a large nonstick wok or skillet, heat the oil 7. Platinum, Miranda Lambert, RCA Records and deveined shrimp or strips of boneless skinless chicken breast. And, for a vegetarian or vegan ver- over high heat. Add the pork tenderloin strips and Label Nashville 8. Crash My Party, Luke Bryan, Capitol Nashville sion, feel free to use cubes of well-drained firm stir-fry them, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula, until lightly seared on all sides, about 3 9. Bringing Back the Sunshine, Blake Shelton, tofu and use vegetable stock.

Warner Bros.

My recipe yields four generous servings. For minutes. Add the mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, larger gatherings, you could easily accompany it broccoli, 1 tablespoon of the scallions, and the ginger with a variety of other easy, healthy dishes; or and garlic; stir-fry for 3 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove the meat and simply stir-fry in batches and enjoy! vegetables from the pan and set aside.

Add the plum wine and deglaze the pan with a STIR-FRIED PORK AND VEGETABLES wooden spoon, stirring and scraping to dissolve the WITH WHOLE-WHEAT NOODLES pan deposits. Bring to a boil over high heat and Serves 4 cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 1 • ½ pound (250 g) dried whole-wheat minute. Add the broth and continue to boil until the spaghetti or linguine liquid has thickened slightly, 2 to 3 minutes longer.

• ½ tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil Add the cooked pasta and the reserved meat and • ¾ pound (375 g) pork tenderloin, vegetables. Stir in the rice wine vinegar and hoisin trimmed of excess fat, cut into thin strips and toss together briefly, just until heated through.

• ½ pound (250 g) fresh shiitake Correct the seasonings, if necessary, with more salt mushrooms, stems removed, caps and pepper. quartered Mound the meat, vegetables, noodles and sauce in • ¼ pound (125 g) carrots, cut into thin individual plates or bowls or a large serving bowl. julienne strips Garnish with the remaining chopped scallions and • ¼ pound (125 g) asparagus, trimmed and the cilantro leaves. Serve immediately. cut diagonally into thin slices

TOP DVD RENTALS

1. John Wick, Summit Entertainment, R 2. Fury, Columbia Pictures, R 3. The Maze Runner, 20th Century Fox, PG-13 4. A Walk Among the Tombstones, Universal Pictures, R 5. Get On Up, Uninversal Pictures, PG-13 6. The Equalizer, Columbia Pictures, R 7. The Judge, Warner Bros., R 8. This Is Where I Leave You, Warner Bros., R 9. Annabelle, New Line Cinema, R 10. No Good Deed, Sony Pictures, PG-13

Enjoy a light and healthy Chinese noodle dish

TOP COUNTRY ALBUMS

Videoview

Continued from Page 9 milestone. (R: AS, P) “OUTLANDER: SEASON 1, VOLUME 1” (March 3): Based on Diana Gabaldon’s books, the Starz romantic-adventure series features Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe.

There’s no place like USA.gov.

Log Cabin pottery class

Supplied photo

A six-week Stoneware Pottery Class will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Under the guidance of potter and naturalist Karen Stasky, shown throwing a pot on one of the pottery wheels, students make strong professional-looking stoneware pottery, often embellished with nature designs. Students create beautiful stoneware bowls, mugs, and vases, in additional to interesting decorative pieces. New students learn a variety of hand-building techniques and returning students can learn to throw pots on one of the studio wheels.

The pottery class costs $90 plus a $15 materials fee for six weeks. Registration is required. Call 361-3650.

It’s the official source of federal and state government information.

It can make you as all-knowing as the Wizard of Oz.

(Not rated: AS, V) “THE RED TENT” (March 10): Shown recently on Lifetime, the biblical drama stars Minnie Driver, Morena Baccarin, Rebecca Ferguson and Debra Winger. (Not rated: AS, V) “THE SOUND OF MUSIC: 50TH ANNIVERSARY ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDI-

TION” (March 10): The halfcentury movie milestone of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical is marked; Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star. (G) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.