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

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

76th Year, NO. 9 • 2 Sections

PALOS HEIGHTS

Three Navajo Hills neighbors vie for aldermanic seat

By Dermot Connolly

File photo by Bill Zars

President Ronald Reagan spoke to a crowd at Moraine Valley in 1988.

Moraine Valley reigns when it comes to political visitors

By Jeff Vorva Moraine Valley?

On this day it was more like More Rain Valley.

On Nov. 4, 1988 Moraine Valley Community College welcomed seated President Ronald Reagan who came to campaign for the George H.W. Bush/Dan Quayle ticket.

But the rally at the Valley almost didn’t happen because it rained.

And rained.

And rained.

It rained so badly, Republican congressional candidate Joseph J. McCarthy got soaked enough on his arrival to the Palos Hills campus that he was not a part of the Republican group of dignitaries on stage with Reagan.

But eventually Reagan’s helicopter arrived on campus and the show went on — eight years to the day that Reagan was first elected president.

Moraine is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and school officials have looked back on some of the political big shots who have come to campus over the years. Then-United States senator Barack Obama, Vice Presidents Dick Cheney and Walter Mondale, Governor Jim Edgar and Senator Paul Simon were a few of the many national, state and local politicians to stop by.

Supplied photo

Then-Senator Barack Obama was one of many politicians who spoke at Moraine Valley Community College over the years.

“It’s been an honor for the college to have such a varied array of politicians come to campus over the past 50 years,” said Moraine Valley President Dr. Sylvia Jenkins. “They came to campus for various reasons, but each gave our staff and students the chance to see democracy in action. It’s important See MORAINE VALLEY, Page 3

The only contested election in the Palos Heights City Council this year April 4 is in Ward 1, where incumbent Donald Bylut is running for a second term against two opponents, Daniel J. McCarthy and William Moran.

Coincidentally, all Bylut three live in the Navajo Hills subdivision.

But they don’t know each other well.

Bylut, 69, moved to Palos Heights from Evergreen Park after retiring in 2002 from McCarthy a 34-year teaching career at Reavis High School in Burbank. He served on two Evergreen Park boards.

He said that while there are still too many vacancies in the HarMoran lem Avenue business district, plans are in the works to address that. “We’re headed in the right direction,” said Bylut, noting that developer Michael Coogan is planning to redevelop several storefronts on the east side of the 12300 block of Harlem, similar to what he did across the street by turning the former Ben Franklin building into the Shoppes of Palos with residences on the second floor. He said Community Development Director Ken Busse is busy reaching out to attract new businesses.

Bylut said a big concern of residents in his ward and citywide is the vacant Dominick’s store on 127th Street. “I don’t know if it is an eyesore yet, because it is maintained.” But he said the city’s hands remain tied, because the privately owned building is leased

by Albertson’s, the parent company of Jewel, which is preventing another grocery store from moving in and competing with the Jewel about a

mile away near Harlem..

He said the city has accomplished a lot in the last four years, including the recent opening of the newly expanded Palos Recreation Center, which added a fitness center. He said the planned Spectrum Retirement Communities 180-unit senior housing development being built at the northeast corner of Route 83 and Harlem Avenue will also bring jobs and improvements.

“I’m proud of how we put the $6.3 million bond issue to a referendum to pay for it,” said Bylut, a member of the Recreation Committee on the board. “We also paid off the loan for the library improvements beforehand. We move slowly but responsibly here,” he said.

One of his opponents, McCarthy, 46, has few complaints about the current city leadership, but said he would bring new ideas to the City Council “I don’t have any specific agenda.

The city government runs pretty well, and everyone on the City Council is competent,” said McCarthy, a lifelong resident of the area. “I want to get active in the community. I think I would bring some new and different ideas to city government.”

“My goal is to stabilize and increase property values. The market has been declining. Property taxes are increasing but property values are going down,” said McCarthy, who grew up in unincorporated Palos Gardens. A graduate of Incarnation Elementary School and Marist High School, he is now a partner in the law firm of Goldstine & Skrodzki in Burr Ridge. The transactional attorney and real estate broker has an accounting degree from Loyola University and a law degree from Northern Illinois University. Last August McCarthy and his wife, Michelle, with their four young children bought his grandmother’s home in Navajo Hills.

“My wife and I decided to make our home here,” said McCarthy. “I am interested in good schools, economic stability and business growth, as well increasing property values.”

See PALOS HEIGHTS, Page 2

Palos Park again on the half-marathon route

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent

Its name has changed a few times since the inaugural race back in 2008, but the course for the run now known as the Southwest Half Marathon has not.

And that 13.1-mile route, which includes a portion of Palos Park, will remain the same as in the past when runners toe the starting line for the 10th installment of the race in approximately two months.

Village officials voted 3-0 Monday to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Palos Heights-based athletic store Running for Kicks and the Chicago Special Events Management

Company for the planning and administering of the half marathon and 10K race that are both scheduled for May 7. Commissioner G. Darryl Reed and Nicole Milovich-Walters were absent The race has previously been known as the Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon and the First Midwest Bank Half Marathon.

In its simplest terms, the intergovernmental agreement allows the races to traverse through Palos Park. Police Chief Joe Miller said he will have his officers on the course directing traffic on Route 83 from 80th Avenue to LaGrange Road from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last year, 15 officers, six police cadets and eight police vehicles were used. Running for Kicks

owner Mel Diab reimbursed Palos Park $4,200 to cover the staffing costs of the Palos Park Police Department.

“Traditionally we bring in pretty much our whole department,” Miller said. “It’s a big undertaking for us.”

Miller noted one of the department’s main jobs is to help direct vehicular traffic along the race route.

Approximately 1,000 runners competed in the two races last year. Mayor John Mahoney said he does not believe the race results in much of a financial gain for the restaurants and businesses in Palos Park, but it does put Palos Heights and Palos Park as well See HALF-MARATHON, Page 3

Regional correspondent will lace up to run Michael Gilbert, former staff writer for The Regional News and currently our longtime freelance correspondent, will trade work shoes for his favorite pair of Asics GT-2000s when he takes on the challenge of the Southwest Half Marathon May 7.

Gilbert, of Palos Hills, is an experienced runner who decided to take on the half-marathon not only as an athletic challenge, but to bring a first-person story about the race home to our readers.

“I can still recall covering the initial planning meetings for the half marathon back in 2007 at the Palos Heights Recreation Center,” he said. “I remember the

excitement everyone in the room shared for bringing this type of a race to the southwest suburbs.

During my tenure at The Regional and The Reporter, I’ve probably written about the race more than a dozen times. Now more than 10 years later, I’m looking forward to running my first Southwest Half Marathon.”

We’ll bring you updates in the coming weeks as Gilbert prepares for the big event. With more than 1,000 runners anticipated for this year’s race, we don’t know where he will finish in the standings but we know you’ll enjoy reading of his experience.

Michael Gilbert, who covers news for The Regional, will write about running in the 10th annual Southwest Half Marathon.

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2 Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Regional News

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Retail theft

DUI

Dawn M. Scott, 50, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft following her arrest outside Sephora in Orland Square Mall, 1:41 p.m.

Feb. 12. Police said she reportedly left the store with seven fragrance bottles worth $722. She was also cited for having possession of a theft-detection shielding device because police say the bag the fragrance bottles were in was lined with aluminum foil. She was held for a bond hearing.

Blanca S. Vasquez, 43, of East Chicago, and Manuel R. Martinez, 36, of East Chicago, Ind., were issued municipal violations for retail theft at Sephora in Orland Square Mall at 4:24 p.m. Feb. 12.

Police said Vasquez took merchandise worth $165 and Martinez took cologne worth $95. Vasquez was reportedly also wanted on an outstanding warrant from Lombard, and she was turned over to the custody of Lombard police. They are both due at a March 14 hearing at Orland Park Civic Center.

Patrick W. McPolin, 24, of Orland Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic accident at 9:13 p.m. Feb. 12, at 143rd Street and Will-Cook Road. He was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to provide information and failure to notify police. He is due in court on March 20.

Jamie M. McAdams, 45, of Orland Park, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 7:29 p.m. Feb. 13, in the 14200 block of Creek Crossing Drive. Police said her car went off the road and struck two trees. She was also cited for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and having a blood-alcohol count above .08. She is due in court on March 28.

Identity theft Asonji N. Gamble, 44, of Hillside, was charged with felony identity theft at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 12, at Kay Jewelers in Orland Square Mall. Police said she presented a fraudulent driver’s license with someone else’s personal information when applying for a store credit card. She was also charged with forgery and possession of a forged driver’s license. Two counterfeit $100 bills were found in her possession, according to police. She was held for a bond hearing.

Theft Alicia C. Maynez, 23, of Oak Lawn, was charged with theft at 12:48 p.m. Feb. 21, at Jared Galleria of Jewelry, 1531 S. LaGrange Road. Police said she was a store employee, and allegedly took three pieces of jewelry, including a $399 diamond ring that was returned.

She is due in court March 28.

Drug possession Daniel T. Harmon, 18, of New Lenox, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 7:22 p.m.

Feb. 8, in the 15900 block of South LaGrange Road. Police said he was

found in possession of two 0.5 grams of heroin. They said he and the driver, John A. Alsurakhi, 20, of New Lenox, were also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and hypodermic needles. Alsurakhi was also cited for improper lane usage.

Weapon possession charge Phillip R. Plechsmid, 22, of Homer Glen, was issued a municipal violation for unlawful use of a weapon following a traffic stop at 8:59 a.m. Feb. 12, in the 15800 block of South LaGrange Road.

Photo by Anthony Caciopo Police said he was carrying an illeOfficer Kevin Apostal (center) of the Palos Heights Police Department reviews participation in the upcoming gal switchblade knife. He was also Special Olympics fundraising efforts with Cadet Bridget Tolan (right) and Officer Tony Delaney. Not pictured are cited for driving without insurance, Officers Nick Belseth and Mike Mathis. disobeying a traffic control device and improper turning. He is due in court on April 4 for the traffic citations, and at a March 14 hearing at the Orland Park Civic for the municipal violations, including possession of drug paraphernalia.

Palos Heights police gear up to help Special Olympics athletes

Disorderly conduct John P. Keefe, 50, of Chicago, was charged with disorderly conduct at Citibank, 18 Orland Square Drive, at 10:35 a.m. Feb. 10. Police said witnesses reported seeing him throw papers around the bank vestibule and pounding on a customer’s windshield before the bank opened. When it did open, he allegedly came in shouting “bang, bang,” at employees and patrons, pretending his hand was a gun.

He is due in court on March 28.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS DUI Cheryl L. Slavin, 28, of Orland Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 9:20 p.m.

Saturday in the 12600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited for improper lane usage. She is due in court on April 13.

License charges Malachy M. Farrell, 37, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving with a revoked license following

a traffic stop at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in the 12100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having expired registration and no insurance. He is due in court on March 8.

Jeff Leach, 26, of Oak Forest, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:53 a.m. Feb. 22, in the 6500 block of West Route 83. Police said he was also wanted on outstanding warrants from Chicago Ridge, Bedford Park and Will County. He is due in court on March 8.

Avante A. Henderson, 23, of

Merrillville, Ind., was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:55 a.m. Friday in the 7600 block of West 135th Street. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage. He is due in court on March 30.

Tijuan Fambro, 34, of University Park, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6:49 a.m. Monday in the 7600 block of Route 83.

Police said he was also cited for improper overtaking. He is due in court on April 13.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK Elderly woman scammed out of $4,000 Police are investigating a “grandparent scam” reported by an 85-year-old Palos Park woman at 1:38 p.m. Feb. 13. The woman said she received a call at 9:30 a.m. that day from someone she believed was her grandson, saying he had been arrested in Las Vegas and needed bail money. She said someone else claiming to be a police captain then told her to pay for the $4,000 bail with Walmart gift cards. She said employees at the Walmart in Bridgeview refused to sell her that much, so she bought them at the store in Crestwood.

She said she then called the man back and gave him the numbers on the cards. Police said the victim was able to return some of the cards when her daughter found out what happened and called police, but some had already been used.

Outstanding warrants Kevin R. Kozel, 24, and Chris-

Palos Heights Continued from Page 1

He said he is an active member of the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been coaching his daughters’ various sports teams for the past six years.

McCarthy said he would use the knowledge he gained working for Arthur Anderson and Deloitte & Touche to find new revenue sources for the city.

“There are a lot of vacancies on the east side of Harlem. There are opportunities to expand there,” he said.

McCarthy and Bylut agree when it comes to keeping video gaming out of Palos Heights, as does Moran. “If it comes up for a vote on it again, I would vote against it again,” said Bylut.

“I am against video gaming in Palos Heights,” said McCarthy.

Moran, 66, a former Cook County corrections officer and Cook County commissioner for the 6th District, ran against the other 1st Ward alderman Jeffrey Key in 2015. He said he is not as happy as his opponents with the way things are being run now.

“I am for the Rec Center, but

topher W. Kozel, 22, both of Homer Glen, were arrested on outstanding warrants following a traffic stop at 11:02 a.m. Feb. 11, in the 9600 block of West 131st Street. Police said the men were in a vehicle driven by Ebony S. Clark, 21, of Markham, who was cited for having a damaged headlight and an expired license.

Police said Christopher Kozel was wanted on two Illinois warrants and Kevin Kozel had one.

Unlicensed driving

service complaint at 126th Street and 82nd Avenue at 4:21 a.m. Feb. 12. He told police he picked up three men and a woman from a bar in Chicago and drove them to the address they had given him in the 12600 block of 82nd Ave. The total fare was $75.50 but the woman allegedly handed him $20 before fleeing with her companions on foot.

By Anthony Caciopo Regional Editor

Summer games are already on the minds of a lot of people as our mild winter season—so far—creeps toward spring, but it’s THE summer games of the Special Olympics that law enforcement personnel from many local jurisdictions have their eyes on at this time of year.

The Palos Heights Police Department is again pitching in to support Special Olympics. It’s a global organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This year’s summer games will be held June 9 to 11 in downstate Bloomington and fundraising is already underway.

The department’s goal is $15,000 this year, a figure that would top last year’s total of $12,500.

“It’s something we really enjoy doing,” said Officer Kevin Apostal.

“We enjoy helping the athletes and also the family members. It’s a great program.”

Apostal is one of Palos Heights’ finest who will take part in one or more fundraising activities leading up to the games. The first effort, this coming Saturday, March 4 might remind officers we’re not quite out winter’s grasp yet, despite all the unseasonably mild weather we’ve been having this year.

“Our first event is the Polar Plunge, which takes place in Manteno, Illinois,” said Apostal.

“It’s one of 22 different plunges around the state.” Apostal and his fellow officers have dubbed themselves—perhaps not surprisingly—the Palos Plungers.

“So far, we have four or five officers signed up,” he said. “My brother is a state policeman and he’s coming out, too.”

Officers from Palos Park and

Orland Park will be diving in for a good cause that same day at the Manteno Sportsman’s Club, too.

“I just talked to one of our local Special Olympians and he said he’s deadlifting 270 lbs.,” said Apostal, who noted that Olympians have visited department headquarters in the past.

The next Special Olympics-related effort on tap is the popular “Cop on Top” event May 19 in which police climb to the roofs of participating Dunkin’ Donuts stores, with an officer stationed on the ground to collect donations.

Apostal says the Palos Heights department will definitely be represented locally.

Perhaps the most visible event, and certainly the most dramatic, will be a 13-mile run with a ceremonial Special Olympics torch on June 17.

“The torch run is our big thing,” said Apostal. “In the 1980s, Special Olympics started the torch run to get law enforcement involved,” he explained. “This year, we’ll start out at Private Bank (NW corner of Harlem Avenue and College Drive) and run 13 miles, all the way to LaGrange Road near Interstate 80.”

Officers will share the distance, exchanging the torch while running. The public is invited to run with the officers, although only law enforcement personnel will

carry the torch.

“Carrying the torch is a lot tougher than you’d think,” Apostal said, “but it’s an honor.”

Officer Tony Delaney, who is also taking part in fundraising, is no stranger to supporting Special Olympics.

“I’ve been involved in the torch run for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I have a friend who is a special education teacher and she’s had me and my brother, a fireman, talk with her kids.”

With three highly visible fundraising efforts on the calendar, Apostal and Delaney know the department’s efforts will catch the public’s eye. But both men urge people who might forget or who might not encounter the Palos Heights team to consider giving outside the actual events.

“Anybody can donate at any time,” said Apostal.

‘I’ve been to the (Special Olympics) conference several years,” he said. “We meet the athletes and their families and if you don’t leave there with a tear in your eye, well…what a powerful organization. It really moves you.”

To help the Palos Height Police Department reach its fundraising goal, checks should be made out to “Special Olympics Illinois” and dropped off or mailed to the station at 7607 W. College Dr., Palos Heights, IL 60463.

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Yoel Barrios-Pena, 42, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 11:44 p.m. Feb. 13, in the 11800 block of Archer Avenue. Police said he was also cited for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Court information was not available.

Theft of service A cabdriver reported a theft of they kind of bamboozled people about how much it would cost,” he said, asserting that homeowners were told it would only cost them $33, but it costs some residents more than $100 or $125.

“It depends on how much your house is worth,” he said. “I went to all the meetings. They kind of pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes.”

He also said city officials could have prevented water and sewer rates from going up for residents if officials had gotten a better deal on the property now being developed into the senior housing development on Harlem.

“As a Cook County commissioner, I never voted to raise taxes,” he said. Moran also faulted Bylut for approving “too many zoning variances,” and allowing the massage parlor on 127th Street west of Harlem to open.

“They want all the businesses filled. But we don’t need businesses like that here,” said Moran.

The candidates have been invited to speak at a public forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at Independence Junior High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr., Palos Heights.

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Immigrants make an impact in 3rd District

By Bob Bong Immigrants are a sizable force in Illinois and the 3rd District in particular.

Almost 2 million immigrants call Illinois home and a large number of them reside in the 3rd District, which stretches from Bridgeport in Chicago west to DuPage County and south through Palos Park and parts of Palos Heights and Orland Park.

The newamericaneconomy.org website has weighed the impact immigrants have made in America and broken that information down to not only a state-by-state basis, but how their impact is felt in every congressional district in the country.

The results are staggering.

The website found that most immigrants who land in America are hardworking people who make key contributions in a number of areas from software development to metalworking. They start small businesses and get to work on realizing the American Dream.

Immigrant business owners in the district run the gamut, from cleaning companies to restaurants and immigrant workers range from cleaners to bakers to teachers and lawyers.

In Illinois, immigrants account for 14 percent of the state’s population but make up 22 percent of its entrepreneurs. In 2014, their businesses generated $2.6 billion in business income in Illinois.

A small example of local businesses owned by immigrants in the 3rd District include Wipe N’Kleen cleaning in Chicago, Country Cup Restaurant in Countryside, JMS Maintenance in Chicago and New Relax Inn and the Clayton Motel in Bridgeview.

Immigrants in the 3rd District hail from Ireland, the largest bloc of new arrivals in the district, Poland, Germany and Italy. Other large numbers of immigrants have landed in the district from Mexico, Greece and the Middle East.

Most immigrants settle near each other. The Irish tend to bunch up in Bridgeport and Beverly in the city. Poles seemingly prefer to stay in the suburbs. Mexicans have been moving into Berwyn, Cicero, Hodgkins and Summit, according to the website. Greeks like Palos Hills and Oak Lawn, while Middle Easterners have located to the Bridgeview area and beyond.

You can usually see what ethnic group is sizable in an area by reading the languages seen on businesses.

Signs saying “Polish spoken here” can be seen in Justice and Garfield Ridge, for example. Signs in Spanish dot the storefronts along 63rd Street and Archer Avenue, while Arabic language signs are increasingly common in Bridgeview, Worth and the Palos area.

Some key findings for the 3rd District include: • There are 151,176 immigrants living in the 3rd District • Immigrants make up 21 percent of the district population • Immigrants paid $1.1 billion in taxes in 2014 • Immigrants spent $3 billion in the district in 2014 • There were 6,129 immigrant entrepreneurs in the district Nationally, the website found that immigrants in most congressional districts are more likely to be of working age—defined as being between the ages of 25 and 64—than the native-born population. This allows them to contribute to U.S. entitlement

programs and also assume roles helping seniors as they age.

Nationally, immigrants are 17.2 percent more likely to hold a graduate degree than natives. They are also more likely to have less than a bachelor’s degree. This lets them assume positions at the high and low ends of the workforce that might otherwise remain unfilled, hurting local businesses or leading employers to relocate elsewhere.

Nationally, 19.1 million immigrants were eligible to vote in 2014—a group that could have a particularly important role in coming election cycles, given the narrow margins of victory that have decided presidential elections in recent years.

Immigrant families have long played an important role helping to build housing wealth in the United States. In recent decades, the more than 40 million immigrants collectively in the country increased U.S. housing wealth by $3.7 trillion. Much of this was possible because immigrants moved into neighborhoods once in decline, helping to revitalize local communities and make them more attractive to U.S.-born residents.

Nationally, immigrants earned $1.3 trillion in 2014 and contributed $105 billion in state and local taxes and almost $224 billion in federal taxes.

This left them with nearly $927 billion in spending power. Immigrants play an important role contributing to local economies both as consumers and taxpayers.

Immigrants nationally are 28 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs than natives. In 2010, roughly one in 10 American workers with jobs at private firms were employed at immigrant-founded companies. Immigrants similarly play an important role as entrepreneurs in the 3rd District.

Stagg HS intervention teams help students, faculty work better together

By Dermot Connolly Being part of a team is a big part of student life at Stagg High School, and not just the sports teams either.

Student intervention teams are now also part of the social and academic fabric at the Palos Hills high school. The work the teams do was spotlighted in a presentation by social worker Hillary Ortiz, Dean Kristyn Koss and guidance counselor Rich Kowalczyk last Thursday during the District 230 meeting at Stagg.

“It allows for the large school to feel a little bit more intimate,” said Kowalczyk, explaining that all students are assigned to either the blue, white or orange team, in honor of the school colors, as soon as they start school. A handful of faculty members are part of each team also, including deans, guidance counselors, social workers and teachers. He said the goal is for students to build friendly relationships with the faculty members, and feel comfortable going to them with a class or any problem they may have.

“At least two social workers are on each team. Each week (social workers) meet as teams to identify any students that might be struggling,” said Ortiz.

Incoming students receive t-shirts corresponding to their team colors, as well as welcome letters listing all the faculty members on their teams, who will remain with them throughout their four years at the school. The stu-

Moraine Valley Continued from Page 1

for us to honor our system of government and contributions of our great leaders.”

Regan’s appearance was the biggest.

He was in his final months as the U.S.’s top boss and he came in with 160 local policemen for protection, in addition to the Secret Service members surrounding him.

The party in the school’s gym was festive, complete with the Stagg High School band playing patriotic music as red, white and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling.

dents, too, stay on their respective teams throughout their time at the Palos Hills high school.

“On the first day of school, the freshmen meet their whole team,” said Koss. She said that as well as helping the students, the system also helps the faculty members on the teams to get to know the students on a first-name basis.

“From Day One, they have a sense of belonging,” said board member Denis Ryan.

“It really has helped bridge that gap between coming from an elementary or junior high school, and going to a much larger high school,” agreed Kowalczyk.

“It really begins in 8th grade,” said Stagg Principal Eric Olsen, explaining that incoming students are assigned to teams when they register for classes. “The transition process begins at that time.

The parents even get really excited (when their children are assigned to teams),” he said.

The teams also are encouraged to wear their colors during school events, and activities are often organized by team.

“It sparks a little healthy competition,” said Kowalczyk.

The team members are able to seek out the faculty members at any time, but many team-related activities occur during Period Two. Just as in Sandburg and Andrew, the other two District 230 high schools, Period Two is reserved for advisory, enrichment and intervention programs, which students can use according to their needs.

Following the presentation,

several board members pointed to an increased enrollment over the past five years in honors or advanced placement courses as one indication that intervention programs at all three schools are working. Superintendent James Gay cited the latest statistics that show a steady increase over the past five years in the number of students (3,720 or 48 percent of enrollment) who have requested at least one honors or advanced placement class for the 2017-18 school year. That is the same percentage, but about 35 more students, as are enrolled for the current 2016-17 year. This is up from 3,545 students (45 percent) in 2014.

“Overall, District 230 students are taking more challenging classes and their grades are improving.

We attribute this to the extensive support that is provided through the Period Two Advisory, enrichment and intervention programs as well as the additional supports provided in intervention centers during lunch periods,” said Gay. ​The percentage of students enrolled in basic level courses has also decreased, from 20 percent to 7.5 percent since 2013.​ “We’re really seeing students feeling more confident, and challenging themselves. And they are doing well in the higher-level classes,” said Gay. Gay pointed out that grades of D or F have also decreased over the past five years, with Ds dropping from 7.4 percent to 6.65 percent of all grades, and Fs decreased from 2.5 to 1.9 percent.

“It was the most wonderful thing being here and it was all very inspiring,” Worth resident Victoria Lukasiewcz told The Reporter.

“This was the first time I’ve ever seen a president in person and I had a seat right in the front. I’ll never forget it.’’

Another person who won’t forget that appearance is Wally Fronczek, who was in charge of logistics of the president’s visit.

He had one week to plan for it and had power meetings with Secret Service.

“He was a very well-liked sitting president and we were much smaller back then,’’ Fronczek said. “Our community was much smaller. His visit was the

biggest deal in town. Everybody was so thrilled to have him here and he was such a great speaker. People talked about it for years.’’

One of the promises Reagan made was to “stir up a storm” to allow presidents to serve more than eight years.

“Once I’m out of office and no one can accuse me of doing it for myself, I’m going to see if I can stir up a storm about changing that (amendment),” he said.

The former actor showed his comedic chops when promoting Bush.

“Call your brothers and sisters — your mother-in-law even!’’ he cracked.

3

Photos by Anthony Caciopo

Paul Otuwa (left) and Timothy Cowan of Wooden Paddle Pizza in Orland Park put the final embellishing touches on three different types of bruschetta just prior to the official opening of the Chefs’ Auction to benefit The Bridge Teen Center.

Chefs heat up the evening for benefit of local teen center

By Anthony Caciopo Regional Editor

The lights were low, the crowd festive and the aroma of delicious food was in the air at the 17th annual Chefs’ Auction Feb. 23.

But just like previous events, what was likely the most compelling reason for almost 300 people to attend was the opportunity to make an impact in the community.

For the third consecutive year, the beneficiary of the Chefs’ Auction was The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park, a nonprofit community center designed around the interests and needs of teens in the suburbs. The event was held at Orland Chateau, 14500 S. Lagrange Rd., Orland Park.

“I think it’s awesome that the community gets together to help The Bridge,” said Kathy Blazonczyk of Palos Park. “The Bridge is keeping kids off the street and occupied.”

Blazonczyk and her mother, Tish, enjoyed samples of signature dishes donated by chefs from more than a dozen local restaurants. Wine and craft beer were also part of the evening’s menu that satisfied 289 attendees, according to the event’s organizers.

“I think it’s even more wonderful that all these businesses in the community are willing to come out and donate their food and services for such a great fundraiser,” said Blazonczyk.

Savino Nuccio D’Argento, co-owner of RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurant in Orland Park, watched his employees prepare food in advance of the crowd and offered his thoughts about the importance of participating in the event, which his business has done for the fourth consec-

Half-marathon Continued from Page 1

as Palos Hills and Lemont in the spotlight.

“We have not done any studies on it because we don’t think there is a huge financial impact, but the race gains positive exposure for the Palos community and even Lemont,” Mahoney said. “I think it’s a good thing for the village.”

Both races start and finish at the Palos Heights City Hall on Route 83. The half marathon continues west on Route 83 until almost Archer Avenue where participants turn around in the parking lot for Camp Sagawau and return to the finish. The 10K race follows the same path except runners turn around for the finish line approximately three miles earlier near the McClaughry Springs Woods in Palos Park.

Miller said the initial concept for the race more than a decade ago was to “circle the Palos-Orland area” but that posed too many major logistical concerns.

“The problem was [the route] would have covered everything from LaGrange Road to Harlem and logistically it would just be impossible,” Miller said.

This year’s race will force the closure of Route 83 from 76th Avenue to Archer Avenue from 5 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m.

Those interested in registering for either the half marathon or the 10K can do so by visiting www. southwesthalfmarathon.com. The cost to run the half marathon is $65 while registration for the

Tish Blazonczyk (center), her daughter Kathy Blazonczyk (left), both of Palos Park and friend Laura Mateja of Orland Park sample food from one of the many local restaurants at the Chefs’ Auction benefit.

utive year.

“It’s about helping teens, especially with what’s going on with social media. Look at the suicide rate among teens now. Anything you can do to get a teenager happy is good work,” he said.

In addition to food and beverages donated by local restaurants, businesses and individuals from the area donated dozens of auction items.

With drinks and mini-plates of food in hand, attendees socialized and perused the displays of donated items destined for silent bidding after dinner and presentations. The evening’s proceedings generated approximately $48,000 for The Bridge Teen Center, according to Rob Steinmetz, co-founder.

“These events are great in terms of raising support,” he said. “However, it’s also a great ‘friend-raiser’. We’ve already heard from several people who attended the event and are now dropping items off at our thrift store and/or asking about volunteer opportunities. The dollars raised are impressive but the re-

lationships raised often prove to be most valuable.”

The Bridge Teen Center was conceived in 2005 when Priscilla Steinmetz, Rob’s wife, began laying out a vision for an organization that would officially open in 2010. Now located at 15555 S. 71st Ct. in Orland Park, The Bridge provides free afterschool programs and a safe weekend entertainment venue for students in seventh to 12th grade.

“Our programs are holistically-designed based on the interests and needs of teens in a suburban setting. We believe that we’re here to plant seeds, providing students with a place not just to be, but to become,” said Rob Steinmetz.

“Since 2010, we’ve reached more than 4,800 different students from 128 communities and have been recognized as a leader in our field at the state and national level.

“The support of all the people in this room tonight is how we not only survive, but thrive,” he continued. “These are investors in our mission, and we are incredibly humbled by their support.”

10K is $50.

In other news, the council voted 3-0 to allow businesses in Palos Park with liquor licenses to offer free samples of beer and hard liquor in addition to wine, the latter of which was previously the only alcoholic beverage that could be sampled for consumption.

The ordinance states a consumer is limited to three samples and each sample cannot contain more than a quarter ounce of hard liquor, one ounce of wine and two ounces of beer.

The impetus for the change stems from a request from Jewel-Osco who recently approached

the village about having samplings of alcoholic beverages at its location on 131st Street and LaGrange Road.

“Jewel-Osco recently asked the village to do some samplings and in review of the code technically they couldn’t do anything other than wine,” Village Manager Rick Boehm said. “This [amendment] is to allow them or any packaged liquor store in town to do samplings.”

The amendment pertaining to sampling follows the standards set by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Boehm noted.

4 Thursday, March 2, 2017

Trump’s war on the mainstream news media should be our war, too I’m not a big fan of the mainstream news media, which I define as the national press, (excluding the local community media).

President Trump’s attacks on the mainstream news media are justified and we should be supporting it.

The national news media lies. They exaggerate. They fuel racism and bigotry with their reporting. Their mantra “if it bleeds it leads” is the driving-force in determining what gets covered and what doesn’t.

In truth, the national news media is no longer independent, but owned by a small handful of multi-national conglomerates and corporations whose purpose is not fair reporting, but greed.

Many of you know I am Palestinian. I’m proud my father is from Jerusalem and my mother is from Bethlehem. I often joke that Jesus is my cousin.

Many people think I am Muslim, though I am Christian (Lutheran and Orthodox). I respond I am proud to be “Muslim by culture.”

I am also patriotic. I served during the Vietnam War, honorably and with distinction. I also served 12 years in the Illinois Air National Guard, too. Yet, all my life, this country has treated me as if I was a threat.

The day I was honorably discharged, the FBI launched an investigation into my life, “suspecting” I supported terrorism. After two years of wasting taxpayer money, their 40-page report concluded I was just an American concerned about improving the lot of my ethnic community.

Imagine as a child watching Hollywood movies that portrayed people who looked like my father, uncles and cousins as “terrorists” who were intent on destroying America and killing American civilians. That was in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Countering that anti-Arab bias is why I entered journalism in 1975, instead of becoming a doctor. I wanted to make the media accountable, informing the public by presenting both sides of important issues, like the Palestine-Israel conflict. We still don’t get that even today.

Every day, national newspapers publish columns and national TV hosts one-sided shows attacking Arabs, Palestinians and even Muslims. Yet there is no countering voice from Palestinians or Arabs.

We’re excluded.

I’m proud this newspaper allows me to express my views; I always try to be fair.

Italian Americans, Blacks and Asians often tell me that Hollywood also slanders them, too.

Ah, but there is a difference. While the media portrays Italians, Blacks, Asians and other ethnic groups in a negative way, they also portray them in a positive way, too. Blacks have their own TV network. There are many TV sitcoms that present other ethnic and racial groups in a positive, and humorous light. But none that do the same for Arabs.

They are given a voice in the news media, but Arabs are excluded. In 1985, I was the only Palestinian journalist to work at a major American daily newspaper. I was told that I had to keep my views “on my side of the typewriter.” But not the other ethnic reporters. They were encouraged to write about their heritage and politics and history.

Arabs are isolated, excluded and demonized by the major media in newspapers, on TV, on radio and in Hollywood movies. It has an impact.

Arabs lobbied for years to get the City of Chicago to formally include Arabs and Muslims in the fight against racism. Mayor Harold Washington and Mayor Richard M. Daley supported our inclusion in the city’s Human Rights Commission. But as soon as he was elected mayor, Rahm Emanuel shut Arabs out and pulled the plug on the four-year-old Arabesque Festival, the city’s only Arab celebration.

Chicago honors the Irish, Italians, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and others with parades, festivals and city-sponsored events. But nothing for Arabs.

Emanuel feels no compulsion to respond to my queries for an interview about these and other issues, I believe because I am Arab.

I blame the news media. Their racist stereotypes and biased coverage of Arab issues poisons the minds of mainstream Americans, making it easy for Hollywood, TV, the media, and Mayor Emanuel, to exclude, ignore and ostracize Arabs.

To me, this isn’t about Donald Trump at all. It’s about making the mainstream news media accountable for its unprofessionalism, biases and racism. Too many reporters have turned their “objective” news reports into opinions and columns.

There’s a difference between “reporting” and what I do, writing a column that you know upfront is my opinion. Too often, news reports sound objective but really represent the reporter’s opinions.

It’s obvious in the biased coverage of President Trump, and in the coverage or Arabs.

Ray Hanania is an award winning political columnist and author.

He covered Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com

OPINION

The Regional News

RAY HANANIA

GUEST COLUMN

Proposed project might ultimately become parking lot Beware the “stalking horse” (a false pretext to mask or conceal one’s real intentions) development proposal for three land parcels on McCarthy Road in Palos Park.

I testified that the original traffic study for this project was shoddy, incomplete and professionally unacceptable. Using inadequate and misleading data, overlooking all school bus traffic, and failing to characterize the obvious dangers of the curve at 123rd Place, it essentially assumed (with no justification) traffic impacts that posed no problems. I stand by my assessment.

For more than thirty years I have practiced applied mathematics as a geographical systems scientist, in academia, for the U.S. Department of Energy and in the private sector. Below I address some economic geography and spatial truths that are easily overlooked with our focus on a single building.

The proposal makes no economic sense.

Doctors’ offices are now grossly overbuilt around Palos. Note the ever-multiplying for-lease signs along College Drive, Harlem Avenue, and in the block at Southwest Highway. The developer claimed that proximity to Palos Community Hospital was a plus. It is not! Agglomeration economies for doctors’ offices are indeed important, but they do not align with hospitals, they align with other doctor’s offices!

Agglomeration economies derive from the many advantages associated with doctors’ offices locating in close proximity to one another. This enhances customer access, and creates networks of familiarity and professional referrals which benefit specialists, and promotes more efficient comprehensive health care. Ancillary services similarly co-locate to their advantage, including outpatient services, physical therapy, scanning and diagnostics, dialysis and the like. This amplifies the customer-drawing power of one-stop-shopping. Offices near Palos Hospital are far too dispersed to

BENJAMIN SCHOEPFLE exhibit such agglomeration advantages.

To see vibrant economies of spatial agglomeration at work, witness the growing doctors complex at Palos Primary Care on West Avenue in Orland Park, or the University of Chicago’s genius location at 143rd and LaGrange Road. Area doctors get it. “Be there or be square!” To me, the proposed backwater location in Palos Park has a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding. The developers know this.

We must remind ourselves that once in possession of a variance, the developers are not obligated to build what they propose.

Given a variance, they can effectively do whatever they want with this land. The proposed development is a classic stalking horse. Given a variance there can be only one economic future for this land: A parking lot! This is a simple, undeniable economic reality.

There is a mosque directly across the street from the land parcels in question.

The fact that this is a mosque is relevant for six key reasons.

The Mosque has deep pockets; that is, the strong financial resources to successfully bid for use of this land.

The mosque requires additional parking.

They need it. They want it. They’ll bid for it. And they’ll get it. They will simply outbid all other competing land uses with offers that no sane person could refuse, regardless of any previous development plans.

The land parcel could support a 500-car parking lot, which is consistent with published statements of the mosque organiza-

tion, and useful for argument’s sake. Note: While some may claim that a stand-alone parking facility is not allowed in Palos Park, I consulted a lawyer, who said “I can assure you that we can achieve the desired parking, just be prepared to spend lots and lots of money.”

The mosque offers religious services, and this means “pulsed traffic flows.” Anyone who has ever been to church understands this parking lot phenomenon. Take an hour or so to fill, have a religious service, then take an hour or less to empty. This creates two distinct and strong traffic pulses.

The Islamic tradition calls for important religious services to be held on Friday.

This means that these traffic pulses will occur simultaneously with the highest volume time of weekly suburban traffic.

This mosque traffic will be new to the region, and thus superimposed over current traffic. (Current mosque traffic is essentially undetectable, as the mosque parking capacity is now minimal.)

Consider these periodic traffic surges: two hour-long pulses of 500 cars, each injecting one additional car into current traffic every six-to-eight seconds. From all directions they will converge like a funnel to McCarthy Road through Palos Park, which will become a gridlocked ribbon of steel, with exhaust fumes. Expect to spend one or two million dollars for additional traffic lights.

Spatial economics can be brutal. If Palos Park denies this variance request, and leaves this land-use as it has been for decades, for generations, as single-family dwellings…two years from today this town will look pretty much as it does now. If, however, Palos Park officials decide to grant this variance request, in two years you won’t recognize the place!

Benjamin Schoepfle, Ph.D. Palos Heights

READERS WRITE

Dear Editor, Most of us are familiar with the flight attendant’s routine instructions regarding securing one’s own oxygen mask before assisting children or others who might require help. The reason is pretty obvious. It might seem selfish to put your own needs ahead of others but in certain situations, if you don’t, the results could be tragically disastrous.

Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. This principle also applies to our nation. In order for our Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer country to benefit the people of The Business Side The News Side other nations, we must first act Donna Brown, Sales Director Anthony Caciopo, Editor to protect our own citizenry.

Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter Our new president understands Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director this and is taking the necessary Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer and important steps to do just that. He is enforcing immiSouthwest Regional Publishing gration laws that have long 12243 S. Harlem Ave. been on the books, and have Palos Heights, IL 60463 in fact been implemented by Phone: (708) 448-4000 our leaders in the past, though Fax: (708) 448-4012 unfortunately not in the recent Website: www.theregionalnews.com past under the leadership of the email: TheRegional@comcast.net previous president. This has Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sparked unbelievable, and what Deadlines I would label unreasonable, Editorial: Noon, Saturday • Advertising: 5 p.m., Monday outrage and protests.

It would appear that some Subscription rates: Local, delivered by mail, $48 a year in advance. Out-of-State, $58 a year. Single copies, $1. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE REGIONAL NEWS, people are angry that our 12243 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices. laws are being enforced and The Regional News cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material. USPS being enforced for their own 419-260 Periodical postage paid at Palos Heights, IL 60463 and additional post offices. protection and benefit. I Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Palos Heights, IL, 60643 and have not, however, heard the additional post offices under the Act of March 3, 1879. protestors mention the terror© Entire contents copyright 2015 Southwest Regional Publishing ist attacks that occurred on This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of the previous administration’s those who gave their lives to protect America’s watch—one per year! Those freedom of the press, whenever and however it attacks involved people who may be threatened. had immigrated to this country

or were homegrown products of not enforcing immigration laws or carefully vetting those coming from terrorist-sponsoring nations.

The Center for Immigration Studies analyzed data released

by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). From 2010 to 2016, ICE released 124 aliens who have been charged with 135 new homicides. Some have been released multiple times. In 2014, ICE released a total of 30,558 criminal aliens.

These aliens had already been convicted of 92,347 crimes before they were released by ICE. As of July 25, 2015, a total of 1,607 aliens had been convicted of a crime after being freed by ICE. The total number of new crimes for which these aliens were convicted after ICE released them was 2,560, including: 298 dangerous drug offenses, 185 assaults, 40 weapon offenses, 28 sex offenses, 10 sexual assaults, four kidnappings, two arsons and one homicide.

The numbers have escalated since the study. These numbers are appalling. One just has to look at Europe to see what happens when un-vetted aliens are allowed in. The crime rate has exploded exponentially and nationals are now fearful for their very lives.

Too many Americans have found out that they are now on ISIS kill lists (some I know personally) and wonder if or

when rogue terrorists (many have come here illegally but all came in totally un-vetted) will inflict harm on them and their families.

A recent Rasmussen poll found that 57 percent of U.S. voters (clearly the majority) favor the president’s temporary ban on refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen until the federal government proves its ability to screen out potential terrorists. Fifty-six percent favor a temporary block on visas prohibiting residents from these same countries from entering the U.S. until approved vetting measures are in place.

This plan balances America’s tradition of being a compassionate nation with the need for increased security in the age of terrorism.

U.S. law states that, “Whenever the president finds the entry of an alien or the entry of a class of aliens is detrimental to the United States, he can suspend or restrict the entry of such aliens as he sees fit.” President Trump

has focused on these particular seven nations because as ISIS loses ground, the tens of thousands of foreign fighters that flowed into Iraq and Syria to fight for the caliphate will be looking for other places to go. Those seven countries are the ones they most likely will choose. The ban will prevent them from moving from those nations to ours.

As difficult as it is to enforce unpopular laws, it is necessary to protect our citizens from predators and terrorists. I have to wonder at the mindset of people who don’t want our own nation to be as safe as possible. What is their real agenda and how far will they go to achieve it?

Not all our enemies are outside the gates. Globalists, anarchists and other anti-Americans reside among those of us who love our nation and want to keep her strong and secure. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

It is a price worth paying.

— Susan Tesauro, Palos Heights

Letters policy The Regional News encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published.

Include your address and telephone number for verification purposes. Limit letters to no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

E-mail letters to: theregional@comcast.net

The Regional News

FINANCIAL FOCUS

BUSINESS

Women must act to overcome financial challenges International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, celebrates the social, cultural and political achievements of women. Yet, women continue to face many challenges. For one thing, women still encounter gender-specific obstacles to their important financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. If you’re a woman, what can you do to get past these barriers?

Thursday, March 2, 2017

COMINGS & GOINGS

Jim Van Howe Edward Jones

First of all, you need to recognize them. Here are a few to consider: • Longer life spans – A 65-year-old woman is expected to live, on average, another 20.5 years, compared to 17.9 years for a 65-year-old man, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

That’s another 2½ years of life — and 2½ years more of expenses.

• Lower incomes – Women working full time in the United States typically are paid 80 percent of what men earn, according to Census Bureau data.

• More time away from the workforce – Men work an average of 38 years, compared to just 29 for women, according to the Pew Research Center and the Social Security Administration. The gap is largely due to women taking time off to care for young children and elderly parents. Women who work substantially fewer years than men will miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings and many years of contributions to 401(k)s or other retirement plans.

These statistics certainly are sobering — but they don’t mean you are powerless to improve your financial security. In fact, you can do quite a lot, including the following: • Boost your retirement plan contributions – Put in as much as you can afford to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan, and increase your contributions whenever you get a raise. And even if you have a 401(k), you may still be eligible to contribute to an IRA. • Invest for growth – Some studies have shown that women may invest less aggressively than men.

If you invest mostly in conservative vehicles, you may run the risk of falling short of your financial goals. To achieve these goals, you’ll need a reasonable amount of growth potential in your portfolio.

• Extend your working life – If you like your job, you may want to consider sticking with it a couple of years past when you initially thought you’d retire.

You’ll be able to add to your retirement accounts, and the extra years of work may help you increase your Social Security benefits. These payments are based on an average of your highest 35 years of earnings, so if you have a zero in some of these years, it will pull the average down. Consequently, your extra years of work may help erase those zeros. But even if you have a long, unbroken work record, your extended career can help you in regard to Social Security, because the extra money may mean you can afford to delay collecting benefits — Photo by Bob Bong and the longer you wait past 62, the bigger your checks will be — at least until you turn 70, when Mattress Firm is holding a grand opening sale at its new store at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park. they “max out.”

You’ll help yourself by becoming familiar with the special issues women face in meeting their long-term goals. As you know, women have met challenges successfully for a long time. After all, Mattress Firm has opened a new in three minutes.

Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did — The pizzeria is open from 11 store at 15970 S. Harlem Ave. in except backwards, and in heels. a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Orland Park in a new store where For more information, call (708) Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Budget and Avis once stood.

873-0606 The car and truck rental office Jones in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. Blaze Pizza Franchise Partner closed early last year and was 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. This arAdam Cummis said in a release, torn down. Avis and Budget then ticle was written by Edward Jones for use by your moved down the street to a tem“Chicago diners know Blaze oflocal Edward Jones Financial Advisor. porary trailer at 7420 W. 159th St. percent from the previous quarter fers a one of a kind, interactive experience, along with a plethora The new Mattress Firm is kit- dividend rate. ty-corner from a Mattress Firm The dividend will be payable of ingredient options to create the location in a former Sleepy’s mat- on April 3 to shareholders of re- perfect pie. We look forward to tress store, which was acquired by cord on March 17. As of Jan. 24, continued growth in the ChicagoMattress Firm.

Marquette had 1.1 million shares land area.”

For more information, call (708) issued and outstanding. out its 2017 list of top lawyers ers are represented by Del Galdo Marquette National is a di- Family Christian —Illinois Super Lawyers — and through his firm, which represents 444-4157. versified bank holding company closing all stores selected Del Galdo from among some of the largest municipalities, with total assets of approximately approximately 85,000 licensed Il- school districts, park districts, and Fifth Third Bank Just two years after Family $1.584 billion. The company’s linois attorneys. Just five percent other government units in Cook opening in Summit Christian was forgiven $127 milbanking subsidiary, Marquette of Illinois barristers are designated and DuPage counties. lion in debt by its creditors, the Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank, is a full-service, commuas “super lawyers.” It’s his sevIn addition to his government enth time being named a Super practice, Del Galdo also provides Bank, which closed seven of its nity bank that serves the financial chain of Christian-themed merChicago-area locations in January, needs of communities in Chicago- chandise announced last week that Lawyer by the magazine. election and policy advice as legal will hold the grand opening for a land, offering an extensive line of it would close all of its stores inConcentrating on the fields of municipal law, economic develop- counsel to numerous political cam- new branch in Summit on Friday, financial solutions, including retail cluding locations in Orland Park, banking, real estate lending, trust, Matteson and South Holland. ment, and government relations, paigns. A DePaul College of Law March 10.

The chain announced Feb. 23 The grand opening will take investments, wealth management Del Galdo founded and manag- graduate, Del Galdo frequently es Del Galdo Law Group LLC, lectures on municipal government, place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at and business banking to consumers it would close all 240 stores in 36 states and layoff more than a Berwyn-firm comprised of 20 economic development, and elec- 5640 S. Harlem Ave. in the for- and commercial customers. mer Krispy Kreme building, which Marquette Bank has 21 branches 3,000 workers. No timetable for attorneys who focus their practice tion campaigns.

Del Galdo was also named a Su- opened in 1998 at the site of the located in Chicago, Bolingbrook, the closings was announced. on government and public sector “We had two very difficult years law. More than one million taxpay- per Lawyer by Chicago magazine. Candlelight Dinner Theater but sat Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickempty for a number of years after ory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, post-bankruptcy,” president Chuck the doughnut store closed.

Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Bengochea said in a release. “Despite improvements in product The bank building has room Park, Romeoville and Summit. assortment and the store experifor a tenant. ence, sales continued to decline. In Blaze Pizza opens addition, we were not able to get CVS will close 11 stores in Orland Park ba Stephen A, 15120 El Cameno Katherine Way, $145,000; the pricing and terms we needed CVS Pharmacy announced it Ter, $385,000; Hearne Ruth to Healy Jennifer Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza opened from our vendors to successfully Dials Christopher J to Peisker A, 13210 Oak Ridge Trl, Unit will close 11 stores by the end its newest Chicagoland location in compete in the market. of March, but all are in the city Orland Park late last year.

Raymond J, 9129 Brookside Ct, #132102A, $153,000; “We have prayerfully looked at $300,000; The pizzeria in an outlot on La- all possible options, trusting God’s Willey Mark R Tr to Dudek of Chicago.

Bourjas Dany to Dreibelbis Ste- John E, 12506 S Austin Ave, The closings are part of a se- Grange Road at Orland Square plan for our organization and the ven, 15875 115th Ct, $342,000; $200,000; ries of closings of underperform- Mall opened Nov. 14. difficult decision to liquidate is Evans Lanardo K to Clarke-Paeing stores across the country.

CVS our only recourse.”

The Orland location is the latest Cook Mary Beth to Melicharek tow Patricia J, 15716 Liberty Ct, Anthony J, 12518 Mcvicker Ave, announced in December it would opened by Levy Family PartnerThe company was founded 85 $205,000; close 70 locations. years ago. ships, which has a deal to open $200,000; Malec Richard Adm to Kraynak None of the affected stores are 15 locations in the Chicago area.

Parker Cari A to La Morte JefAndrew J, 14121 Norwich Ln, in the south suburbs. The closest If you see a new business in It is only the third Blaze in the frey W, 12000 S 71st Ct, $205,000. store set to close is at 5360 S. Unit #103, $128,000; south suburbs. Other locations town or wonder what happened Brennan Patrick J to BryniarWestern Ave. in the Gage Park opened in Oak Lawn in 2015 and to an old favorite, drop me a line ski Bartiomiej, 8353 Cristina Ave, Palos Park neighborhood. at bobbong@hotmail.com.

Tinley Park last summer.

Nevins Mitchell L to Alpers $290,000; You can also catch up on ComThe company was started in Gruener Alesia D to Hathaway Gregory N, 15 N Woodland Trl, 2012 and now operates more than ings & Goings in other parts of Marquette National Joseph, 15700 86th Ave, Unit $295,000; 80 pizzerias in 20 states. Blaze the Southland at www.southlandincreases quarterly Vilimek Mark S to Christensen #G105, $137,000; specializes in custom-built pizzas businessnews.com and www.southAbdallah Magdee to Tadros Jonathan, 12621 Sedgwick Dr, dividend that cost about $8 and are ready landsavvy.blogspot.com Jeries, 13832 84th Ave, $260,000; $437,500; Marquette National Corp. anFifth Third Mtg Co to Jansen Grandview Cap LLC to Frtz- nounced that its Board of Directors David, 15639 Garden View Ct, patrick Odalis, 8450 116th St, declared a cash dividend of 42 Unit #22B, $96,000; cents per share, an increase of 12 $36,000.

Segaritis Joyce to Safi Ammar, 9229 Therese Ct, Unit #1401, $136,500; Dalton John Extr to Laski Sandra, 9312 Sunrise Ln, Unit C, $140,000; Kilcoyne Brian D to Krok John M, 17855 Massachusetts Ct, Unit #41, $187,500.

First Midwest Bank (as of February 27)

RATES APR POINTS Palos Heights 30-year fixed 4.125 4.160 0 Diombala Albert P to Malmon Mathew J Jr, 5 Lake Katherine 15-year fixed 3.375 3.430 0 Way, $145,000; Sanchez Sara Diombala to 30-year fixed Jumbo 4.125 4.170 0 Malmon Mathew J Jr, 5 Lake

Mattress Firm opens in Orland Park BOB BONG

CAREER & BUSINESS Magazine again names Del Galdo as one of state’s best lawyers A national legal magazine is out with its 2017 list of best Illinois lawyers and again named Michael Del Galdo as among the state’s best state, local and government Michael lawyers.

Del Galdo Super Lawyers magazine, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters, just rolled

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

Orland Park Drunen Ross G Van to Lesauski Joseph, 8121 Elizabeth Ave, $355,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Van Drunen Tamara, 14350 Mason Ln, $445,000; Coil Justin to Koliuskaite Aukse, 9826 Treetop Dr, Unit #2303, $118,000; Dorociak Adam C to Bregin Alex M, 10053 151st St, $250,000; Barbaro Joseph R Tr to Spengler Bruce, 10447 Eagle Ridge Dr, Unit #143, $237,500; Malzone Allison M to Bigott Christopher A, 14044 Cheswick Dr, $260,000; Sikora Robin M to Tumpich Deanne, 15714 Brassie Ct, Unit #157141S, $155,000; Brook Mark to West Kevin, 7621 Palm Ct, $203,500; Brook Howard to West Kevin, 7621 Palm Ct, $203,500; Stevenson William T to Dorman Warren P, 17814 Bos Dr, Unit #104, $176,000; ERP Investments LLC to Karpinskyi Vasyl, 9146 Greencastle Ln, $179,000; Ziemba Raymond J Tr to Ziem-

Answers

Puzzle on Page 7

5

IT’S TAX TIME ARE YOU READY?

Mortgage Rates Around the Area

Sudoku

Puzzle on Page 7

CALL A PROFESSIONAL

United Trust Bank (as of February 20)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.146 0

15-year fixed

3.375

3.411

0

10-year fixed

3.250

3.303

0

Prospect Federal (as of February 27)

30-year fixed

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.171 .25

20-year fixed

3.875

3.938

.25

15-year fixed

3.375

3.438

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

LIST YOUR TAX SERVICES HERE! Call 708-448-4000 and ask for Donna Brown for pricing, sizes and more information!

6 Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Regional News

HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE

Preventing hair loss in men and tart cherry for sleep

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Christ Lutheran Church in Orland hosts Lenten series

“At the Crossroads” is a Lenten series currently underway at Christ Lutheran Church, 14700 S. 94th Ave. in Orland Park.

The series began Ash Wednesday and will continue each Thursday of Lent: March 9, 16, 23, 30 Q: A friend sent me an article on the discovery and April 6., Service times are 11 of an enzyme that’s supposed to cause baldness in a.m. and 7 p.m. men. The article said that they are working on a The series explores God’s presmedicine that will block the enzyme, but there were ence in the critical crossroads of other natural things that could block it, too. It’s suplife, including loss, transitions, posed to be a miracle for male pattern baldness. I choices, uncertainties and diswondered if you’d heard of it and knew of anything PassHealthFoods.com appointments. “At these times that could block the enzyme and help with hair loss.

A: Several years ago, researchers at the University as being more efficient, meaning it took less time to faith and real life intersect, and of Pennsylvania published a paper on the discovery fall asleep and they had a better quality of sleep that we become more aware of our of a new enzyme, called PGD2 that prevents hair those who did not use the tart cherry juice. Cherry follicles from maturing. It was found that balding juice is a natural source of melatonin, which can men had much higher levels of this enzyme, which help to regulate the sleep cycle. inhibits hair growth. A prescription blocker of the Montmorency tart cherry juice has also been rePGD2 enzyme is said to be in the works, but it is searched with great results in helping to prevent many years from being released. and treat symptoms of gout, as well as reducing There are some natural products which have been inflammation in the body. Additionally, tart cherry researched to block the same “hair loss” enzyme; juice has documented benefits for heart health and quercetin, a compound found in citrus fruits, and muscle recovery. There have been over 50 different resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine. Both scientific studies published on the various benefits

By Joe Boyle have been found in research to be able to suppress of Montmorency tart cherry juice. the PGD2 enzyme, which is linked to male hair loss.

When taking tart cherry juice medicinally, it’s Human trafficking is as prevaThe research is very preliminary, however, and even important to look for an unsweetened juice without though studies have found quercetin and resveratrol added ingredients. Many cherry juices on the mar- lent today as it has ever been, and a to be effective in inhibiting the PGD2 enzyme, it ket are mixed with other juices like white grape to justice advocate said these victims does not necessarily mean they will help prevent make it sweeter, which is not a bad thing if you just come from all social backgrounds.

“Human trafficking has been or reverse hair loss. Both supplements are safe and are looking for a refreshing beverage, but if you’re beneficial to take, however, and some men may looking for tart cherry juice for health benefits, it’s around forever,” said Sr. Jeanne decide to begin taking the supplements to see if important to get the real thing. More than any other, Christensen, RSM, the justice they make a difference. Quercetin also has benefits we would recommend our Cherry Bay Orchards advocate for human trafficking for allergies and the immune system, and resveratrol brand of Montmorency tart cherry concentrate, since representing the Sisters of Meris well knows as a potent antioxidant with anti-in- it is the specific variety that has been in the most cy Hermanas de la Misericordia West Midwest Community out of flammatory anti-aging properties. research studies.

Kansas City, Mo. “Violence is the So, yes, there are natural products that can block the hair loss enzyme, but I would be hesitant to Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable key in human trafficking and that’s call them a “miracle cure.” Still, there’s no harm associates at Pass Health Foods, 7228 W. College how they control their victims.”

Sr. Jeanne was the guest speaker in trying it, since they are supplements which have Drive, Palos Heights. additional benefits for anyone.

Feel free to stop by last Thursday night at the Warde the store for more Academic Center at St. Xavier Q: I’ve heard that cherry juice can help you to information or advice. University in Chicago. She spoke sleep better. I wondered if that was really true, www.passhealthfoods.com on the topic of “Human Traffickand if so, if there is a certain kind of cherry juice This column makes no ing = Modern Say Slavery” before to look for. claims to diagnose, treat, a crowd of just over 150 people.

The majority of the victims of A: Yes, the Montmorency variety of tart cherry prevent, mitigate or cure diseases with any advice women are between the ages 18 juice has been shown in research to aid in sleep. For or products. Any health-related information in this example, one study gave participants an 8 oz. glass article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate and 24, according to Sr. Jeanne. of tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks. The responsibility for your choices and their effect on She pointed out that there are two group who took tart cherry juice slept an average your health are yours and before applying any ther- forms of human trafficking: sex of 84 minutes longer than a separate period when apy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should trafficking, in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud they took a placebo. Their sleep was also recorded consult your health care provider. or coercion; or labor trafficking, in which a person is forced into labor against their will.

According to Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery.

Sr. Jeanne said cases of human trafficking can occur at social gatherings and sporting events throughout the country. She menVery often alternative health the processes listed above, help tioned there had even been some advisors speak of the benefits of the body to create the level needed incidents at the annual College World Series in Omaha, Neb., various supplements. However, for assimilation. what seems to have been missed Other important vitamins are the where often a group of young are rules for taking supplements family of B’s. It is also explained women are checked into hotels to make them either synergistic there are coenyzme B vitamins and stay there for a couple of days.

“Some men feel free to do or more beneficial. that are more easily absorbed and what they want on the road,” Sr. In reading “Second Opinion’s some in that form are able to be Jeanne said. “If girls are registered Complete Healing Library,” it absorbed without going through hit me that very few people are cells!” PQQ, when taken along the liver. This is much better for in hotels with don’t disturb signs aware of how to make their vita- with CoQ10, gives synergy to those people with liver problems. that could be a sign of human mins absorb better, or work more both coenzymes. Working togeth- In order to see if your co-enzyme trafficking.”

Sr. Jeanne said these young proficiently when combined with er, PQQ along with CoQ10, help B’s are easy to absorb, look for prevent mitochondrial destruction women are in danger but are ofother supplements.

Pyridoxl-5-phosphate on the laten not in a position to seek help.

The first rule in taking vitamins, to help prevent aging. bel.

I just learned this and have Also according to the authors of “If a victim is at the hospital minerals, or amino acids, is to purLife Extension Magazine, “PQQ decided to begin this form of B with a predator, she is not going chase a quality product. Some vitamins. I am taking Complete vitamins are using older research, deficiency has a profound effect B-Complex with enzymatically to tell you the truth,” Sr. Jeanne on your genes — especially those said. “You need to separate the when in fact new research indicates active B vitamins. victims from these predators.” there are more absorbable formu- involved in cellular stress, cell sigOne B vitamin that is very Sr. Jeanne said the number of las. As an example, Coenzyme naling, transport of metabolites, difficult to absorb is B12. Many Q10 (COQ10) should be taken and of course, the creation of new doctors give injections to assure it trafficking victims in the U.S. is in the ubiquinol form. Ubiquinol mitochondria Specifically, PQQ is assimilated and utilized. There largely unknown. However, thousands of U.S. citizens, including is far more easily absorbed than deficiency negatively affects the are B-12 drops on the market that minors are estimated to be at risk the old ubiquinone form. Some expression pattern of 438 genes are methylcobalamin and should of human trafficking. While the less expensive formulas have only —but research has found that this be placed under the tongue. Aside number of trafficking U.S. viceffect is reversed after supplemena minimal amount of CoQ10, when from the shots, it appears to pro- tims may be unknown, 100,000 tation with PQQ.” the body needs more. Most phyAnother important vitamin (ac- vide some absorption.

U.S. children are commercially sicians recommend at least 100 The one thing that is stressed exploited every year in the U.S. mg. Yet, there are products on the tually a hormone) is Vitamin D. It market with 30 mg. and sometimes seems Vitamin D should be taken more than anything else is the The number may be as high as 50 mg. That does not mean the with a healthy fat in order to make need for probiotics and digestive 300,000, according to recent stalesser amounts aren’t helpful, just it more easily absorbed. The sun enzymes. When taking probiotics, tistics on human trafficking. is the best source for Vitamin D, I have found that those with the Ninety-eight percent of human that the body may need more.

When a patient is taking drugs but the sun isn’t always available most strains (mine is 33 strains) are trafficking victims are girls and to reduce cholesterol, CoQ10 is an in certain climates. For those who most helpful. Proper digestion is women. Ninety-five percent of absolute must, according to alter- are not on blood thinners, it should the key to absorbing nutrients of all victims experienced physical or native physicians. Some new re- also be taken along with Vitamin kinds, and alternative physicians sexual violence due to human search indicates another coenzyme K2 that acts as a traffic cop and stress that we work on digestion trafficking, according to statistics. helps CoQ10 work even more ef- directs the Vitamin D to the points as the basis of good health. As we “Fair trade helps cut down on age, we lose digestive enzymes human trafficking,” Sr. Jeanne ficiently in protecting the body’s where it is most needed.

The Complete Healing Library as well as many other necessary said. “Victims are of all backmitochondria. Life Extension Magazine, reported that research also explains, “Calcium, magne- nutrients. As always, any time you grounds and are not just minorities as far back as 2012 showed that, sium and many other minerals are are adding any type of vitamin or or the poor. Runaways ages 13 “the coenzyme pyrroloquinoline best absorbed when they are bound nutrient, always check with your or 14 could become victims of quinone (or PQQ) activates genes to citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or physician first. human trafficking. Don’t go to that induce mitochondrial biogen- the amino acid chelate.” It is exthe streets and be very careful Dee Woods can be reached at about social media.” esis — the spontaneous forma- plained that minerals need stomach tion of new mitochondria in aging acid in order to be absorbed, but deewoods10@cloud.com Predators often find girls of low

CAROLYN JOHNSON

Savior’s presence, strength and guidance,” said Pastor Raymond Rohlfs.

More information can be obtained by calling the office at Christ Lutheran Church at (708) 349-0431.

Explore marriage renewal at St. Michael Parish presentation in Orland Park Renewal of marriage is the topic of a program to be offered at 7 p.m.

March 13 at St. Michael Church, 14327 Highland in Orland Park.

“Dare to Dialogue” is presented

as part of the church’s Knowledge and Prayer Series. Organizers offer attendees the opportunity to “meet a couple brave enough to admit they forgot to communicate, and how they made their way back to ‘I Do’.”

Attendees will learn about Retrouvaille, a program that offers tools needed to recover a loving marriage relationship.

The Knowledge and Prayer Series is sponsored by the multi-parish “respect life” ministries of St. Bernard, St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of The Woods, St Michael and Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish.

Victims of human trafficking need to be comforted, supported

STOCK UP ON GOOD HEALTH

Research supplements for quality and how they absorb DEE WOODS

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Submitted photo

Sr. Jeanne Christensen, justice advocate on human trafficking for the Sisters of Mercy Hermanas de la Misericordia, speaks to a crowd of over 150 last Thursday at St. Xavier University on how to prevent human trafficking and help the victims of this crime.

self-esteem by talking to them at bars, restaurants, malls, rest areas, bus depots and train stations. Traffickers can be individual pimps (men or women), small families or businesses, loose-knit criminal networks, gang members, and national or international organized criminal syndicates.

Sr. Jeanne said that when authorities are able to crack down on human trafficking, some of these predators just change how they do business. She mentioned these predators use websites to lure girls and women. Sr. Jeanne said these predators have used the Backpage website to solicit customers.

“Reducing the demand is what we’re working on,” said Sr. Jeanne. “If you think something is suspicious, report it. Call law enforcement. If you are in the mall and see something you don’t like, report it.”

The U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking is a faith-based national network that offers education, supports access to survivor services, and engages

in advocacy in an effort to eradicate modern day slavery.

Sr. Jeanne presented a 20-minute film on two victims of human trafficking who have since turned their lives around and now assist victims.

“We just had a 20-year-old woman in our town who has disappeared and could be a victim of human trafficking,” Sr. Jeanne said. “She worked in a strip club.

Some of these girls in strip clubs are trying to make more money.

But it is not a good situation.”

This is why volunteers need to reach out these women and men, many of whom have been traumatized by what they have gone through.

“Be a voice and share with others,” Sr. Jeanne said. “Talk to men about showing respect for women.

If we respect women, you won’t treat them like a commodity.”

Anyone who has information about a possible victim can call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

Selected “Finest Funeral Service”

Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills

708-974-4410

www.palosgaidasfh.com

The Regional News

Thursday, March 2, 2017

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

STUDENT NEWS Orland teen in the running for top U.S. Presidential Scholars distinction Olivia Paraschos, a graduating senior at Carl Sandburg High School and resident of Orland Park, has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2017 U.S. Presidential Schol- Olivia Paraschos ars Program.

The candidates were selected from nearly 3.5 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2017.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 53rd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas:

academic success, leadership, and service to school and community.

It has since been expanded twice: First, to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts; and second, to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All of the chosen scholars are invited to Washington, DC for several days in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

Olivia is the daughter of Jeanie Paraschos.

State will exhibit photography of Palos Heights resident Amy Lee Amy Lee of Palos Heights is among six students at Moraine Valley Community College whose artwork was chosen for a year-long display in the Illinois Board of

SCHOOL NOTES Jerling Junior High students have big hearts for fundraising More than $6,000 was raised by a record 466 students at Jerling Junior High School, 8851 W. 151st St., Orland Park, for the American Heart Association recently.

Students participated in the annual Hoops for Heart fundraiser.

Eighth graders raised $1,601.

Seventh graders raised $1,636 and sixth graders raised the most money, coming in at $2,800 for a grand total of $6,122.

Students participated in a basketball tournament during the school day on Friday, February 10th. Those who did not want to play basketball were able to participate in other activities, such as jumping rope and hula hooping. The top fundraisers will receive complimentary tickets to a Chicago Wolves game in April.

Sculptures exhibit will be on display at SXU Art Gallery The exhibition “Reparations: Sculptures and Drawing” will be on display through Saturday, March 25 at the St. Xavier University Art Gallery, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The wood sculpture and drawing work of Barbara Cooper will be on display and will serve as the second exhibit installment of the spring semester. The exhibit will be closed on Monday, March 6 through Sunday, March 12 because of spring break.

Cooper showcases her artwork through observations of building processes in the natural world. Her

work is about taking something that grows, then goes through an industrial process, becomes waste material, and is then returned to organic form again through her artistic skill. She has a sustained interest in developing forms that express flow and movement within the context of space and structure.

The SXU Art Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Orland Chamber offers educational scholarships Three $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school senior students are being offered by the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce.

Applicants must be the children of an Orland Chamber member or whose parent is an employee of an Orland Chamber business.

High school students who are employed by an Orland Chamber business are also encouraged to apply. Chamber membership in good standing will be verified at the time of application.

Scholarships are based on student’s high scholastic achievement, as well as strong extra-curricular and community involvement.

Applications are available on the Orland Chamber’s website, www. orlandparkchamber.org.

All completed applications and supporting documents must be received by the chamber office, 8799 W 151st St. by end-of-day, Friday, March 31. Winners will be recognized at the chamber’s annual golf outing dinner in June at Silver Lake Country Club in

Higher Education (IBHE) James L. Across Applegate Student Art Exhibition 1 Bumper car, at times in Springfield.

7 Cookbook author Rombauer Lee took a photography class 11 Smoke at Moraine Valley, 9000 College 14 Lancelot’s unrequited lover Pkwy., Palos Hills, in the fall and 15 Assam products has four photos on display.

16 Barcelona bear “It was very energizing to have 17 Equipment for picnic commy work chosen. It makes me think petitions I should take more classes and 19 Grabbed a chair get even better at photography,” 20 Melee she said.

During the fall 2016 semester, 21 Ballet bend the IBHE sent a call to public and 22 State with five national private two- and four-year colleges parks to submit artwork. The selected 23 Embryo development sites art is displayed for the year in 26 Priestly vestment the IBHE lobby, conference rooms 29 Right Guard rival and hallways.

30 Old anesthetic “Having our student’s work 31 Willy Loman, in a 1949 play exhibited in Springfield is an ac34 Architect Jones complishment and reflects well 37 McDonald’s founder on both the creative abilities of 38 Make really happy our students and the quality of 41 Nobel Prize subj. instruction and studio facilities 42 “Cheers!” they encounter while studying at Moraine Valley,” said Tyler 44 Connections traced on anHewitt, Moraine Valley professor cestry.com of Studio Art. “For artists, having 46 Tiny amounts our work exhibited is valuable in 49 Chill in the air having it seen and encourages us 50 Denials to continue making creative piec51 Big name on Wall Street es. It also is something students 55 French friends can add to transfer applications 56 Elevator option to demonstrate their involvement 57 Horseshoe-shaped letter in the art world.”

61 Tried to get into an office 62 Lisa Simpson’s instrument 64 With 43-Down, what a criminal might be on 65 Augusta National’s __ CorOrland Park. ner 66 British Invasion star District 117 will hold pre67 Doesn’t lack kindergarten registration 68 Nothing more than Pre-kindergarten registration for 69 Its flag features a six-pointthe 2017-18 school year for the ed star North Palos School District 117 will continue through April 21.

Down Children must be born between 1 Weight room count Sept. 2, 2012 and Sept. 14, 2014 to be registered. Pre-kindergarten registration will be held at Dorn School, 7840 W. 92nd St., Hickory Hills, and Sorrick School, 7825 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Registration forms will be available on the District 117 website at www. ndp117.net. Registration forms are also available at Dorn or Sorrick schools.

Parents or guardians are required to bring their child’s birth certificate and proof of residency when returning the registration packet. Registration will be held at Dorn School for children residing north of 95th Street, and registration will be held at Sorrick School for children residing south of 95th Street.

All children will be screened in vocabulary, visual-motor integration, language and speech development, English proficiency, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, cognitive development, vision and hearing. Screenings will be held at Dorn on April 25 and April 28 at Sorrick.

Screening appointments will be available for the children after return of the registration packet, birth certificate and residency documentation. More information can be obtained by calling Dorn School, (708) 233-5600, or Sorrick School, (708) 233-8200.

Palos Woman’s Club will meet and offer special presentation

Support group available for grandparents raising grandchildren

The next meeting of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club will be held on Tuesday, March 7th at 7 p.m. at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. Members and guests will enjoy a program presented by member Jill Moss Stetson, a medical esthetician, titled “How to have beautiful skin at any age.” Refreshments will be served.

PLOWS Council on Aging is hosting a six-session support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. Each session will have a specific focus, including financial and legal assistance, building relationships and caring for oneself

2 Burn soother 3 Damon of “The Martian” 4 Mazda roadster 5 Inters 6 Classic auto 7 Novelist Calvino 8 Deliver from memory 9 Succeed 10 In the Gospels, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one 11 San JosŽ denizen 12 First name in gravity 13 Some black-clad teens 18 “This Is __ Tap” 22 Early Web forum 24 Title 25 City with two MLB teams 26 More than wonders 27 Carefree adventure 28 Connections traced on ancestry.com 32 Modern birthday greetings

33 “Can’t help ya” 35 Disco adjective 36 Tip jar fillers 39 Lease signer 40 “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” writer Carle 43 See 64-Across 45 Galaxy alternatives 47 Title for Bovary 48 Distracting bedmate 51 “Party on, Wayne” speaker 52 City on the Missouri 53 Sty denizens 54 Ugly campaign tactic 58 “ÀC-mo __?”

59 “The Wizard of Oz” family name 60 Skater’s maneuver 62 Impact sound 63 Geisha’s sash (Answers on page 5)

SUDOKU 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 5)

Rife & Associates Family Medicine expands their practice in Orland Park Rife & Associates Family Medicine celebrates 18 years in the southwest suburbs with additional space and a new healthcare provider

CLUB ACTIVITIES SENIOR NOTES

Submitted by Rife & Associates Family Medicine along the way. Knowledgeable and experienced guest speakers will provide additional information and guidance.

The first session will take place at 10 a.m. March 8, 2017 at the PLOWS office, 7808 College Drive, 5th Floor, Palos Heights. More information may be obtained by calling PLOWS at 708.361.0219 to register.

Palos-Orland League of Women Voters will meet March 11 The regular monthly meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Palos-Orland Area will be held on Saturday, March 11th at the Palos Heights Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave., Palos Heights.

Coffee is on at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Commissioner Sean Morrison will be the guest speaker. He serves as a Cook County commissioner for the 17th district as well as a forest preserve commissioner.

He will discuss his role on both legislative bodies.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that never endorses or opposes political candidates or parties. The league is dedicated to informing and empowering the electorate through voter registration and candidate forums. All league meetings are open to the public.

7

Rife & Associates Family Medicine is proud to announce a new member of their practice, Physician Assistant Cory Cunningham. Cunningham, formerly of the Palos Medical Group, has been practicing medicine for 16 years, following her graduation from Midwest University in 2001.

As a Physician’s Assistant, she is a trained medical professional, working under the supervision of Dr. Susan Rife. Cunningham

marks the sixth health care provider at Rife & Associates, with four physician’s assistants and two doctors on staff.

The expansion of their medical team also coincides with a new addition to the practice itself. “We’ll be adding 1500 square feet to our practice’s existing 4000 square feet,” said Rob Rife, Director of Operations. “With the new space we’ll be adding several new exam rooms to better serve our patients.”

The new addition is expected to be completed before the end of the month.

While Rife & Associates has

been providing primary healthcare services to the southwest suburbs since 1999, 2017 marks the 15th year that they have been at their current location at 108th Avenue and 163rd Place.

Rife & Associates has also recently been recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), a designation only achieved by a small percentage of practices in the U.S. PCMH practices combine teamwork and technology to improve care and the patient experience, and foster ongoing partnerships between patients and the health care team.

Serving Orland Park since 1999

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Photo by Joe Boyle

WHATIZIT? The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Round park.

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

We had several readers who realized that the logo of the kite can be found on the facade of the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum, 5100 Museum Drive., near the Oak Lawn Patriot Metra Station. The facility has hands-on play and learning rooms. Kids can go through various interactive rooms, exhibits and performances.

Responding correctly to last week’s photo quiz were Oak Lawn residents Cynthia Foulkes, Steve Rosenbaum and Sue Kozik. Also answering correctly were Palos Heights resident Chrystine Busch and Vince Vizza, of Evergreen Park.

Susan Rife, D.O. Mark McKeigue, D.O. Lindsay Gnade, P.A. Joelle Rickey, P.A. Cory Cunningham, P.A. Catie Dahl, P.A.

To establish with us as a patient, contact us at 708-873-1187 to make an appointment for a New Patient Physical.

We accept most insurance plans

Hours: Monday 8:30-6 • Tuesday 8:30-7 Wednesday 8:30-7 • Thursday 8:30-5 • Friday 8:30-4 10755 W. 163rd Place | Orland Park | 708.873.1187

8 Thursday, March 2, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Regional News

Orland Grasslanders (from left) Mike McNamee, Pat Hayes, Marnie Baker, Jeanne Muellner Stacey, Bill Fath, Liz Salber and Ralph Chichester represented all who contributed to the two big wins in contests held by the Forest Preserve of Cook County.

Orland Grassland places first, second in birding contests The Orland Grassland nature preserve earned top spots in two bird-related competitions held by the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC).

The contest was held March through December, 2016 to determine which Cook County nature preserve has the greatest number of bird species and which site had the greatest number of new birders. A “Frozen Grudge Match” was held January through Feb. 2017, to provide a complete year of data when added to the first competitions. Results will be published when available.

Orland Grassland took first place with the number of new birders. Local birder Mike McNamee walked the site daily and led bird hikes weekly on the preserve, which is approximately 1,100 acres. He was supported by many notable birders in the area, the Orland Grassland Volunteers, Moraine Valley Community College, and class visits from Andrew High School and Carl Sandburg High School.

With 194 species of birds recorded, Orland Grassland came in second place. Orland was up against a dozen competing nature preserves, including: Big Bend

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Fine Arts screens foreign film series The Palos Fine Arts will sponsor its foreign film series at the Palos Heights Public Library at 6:30 p.m. March 8. The award-winning German film “Phoenix” will be shown.

Nina Hoss and Ronald Zehrfeld star in the film about a disfigured Holocaust survivor who sets out to determine if the man she loved betrayed her trust. Steven Frenzel from Marquee Movie Presentations will moderate the discussion.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Runtime is 1 hr.

38 minutes. The library is located at 12501 S. 71st Ave.

Schedule youth and adult programs at Palos Heights Library Programs in March at the Palos Heights Library include, for adults: America, Coast to Coast at 6:30 p.m. March 9; Dyed in the Wool (Irish History) at 2 p.m. March 12; Chicago Mafia History at 6:30 p.m. March 28 and Mussels, Moonshine, Music: Mississippi Migrants in the 20th Century at 6:30 p.m. March 30.

Children’s programs on the schedule are Be Our Guest, 3:30 p.m. March 24; Alphabet Animals Drawing Class at 10 a.m. March 28; Don’t Be Afraid of a Clown at 10 a.m. March 31 and Performer Mary Macaroni at 10 a.m. April 1.

The Palos Heights Public Library is located at 12501 S. 71st Ave. More information about these and other programs can be obtained by calling (708) 448-1473.

Orland Park Public Library to feature World War I program A 10-part program exploring the history of World War I will be featured all month at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia.

“World War I and America” is a major initiative involving public programs in all fifty states, a traveling exhibition, a multimedia website, and the publication of an anthology of writings by Americans who experienced World War I. The initiative is made possible in part by a grant from The National

Lake (Des Plaines); Bunker HIll/ Yates Flatwoods/Caldwell Woods (Chicago); Burnham Prairie (Burnham); Busse Woods (Elk Grove Village); La Bagh Woods (Chicago) and McClaughry Springs Woods (Willow Springs).

Also, Miller Meadows (Maywood); Paul Douglas (Hoffman Estates); Perkins Woods (Evanston); Salt Creek/Bemis/Wolf Road Prairie (Brookfield/Western Springs); Skokie Lagoons (Glncoe/Winnetka) and Spring Creek Valley South (Barrington Hills). There are some notable preserve birding sites missing, including Bartel Grassland, McGinnis Slough and others, but the competition sites are those that had a team of birders that came forward to enter the contest.

The Busse site is noted for its woods but the Orland Grassland mud attracted a great number of grassland birds, including those threatened, endangered and uncommonly seen in the area. The mud at Orland Grassland South’s new restoration project attracted shorebirds never recorded at the site before that brought the number of bird species so close to Busse’s total.

Sightings included little blue

Pazaki on parade

heron, cattle egret, ring-necked pheasant, black-necked pheasant, black-necked stilt, American golden plover, Baird’s sandpiper, Smith’s longspur and many others.

The group congratulated all the new birders who came out to learn about the birds and Orland Grassland and to the experienced birders who helped them during the walks. Special thanks were offered by Mike McNamee to Pat Hayes and Bill Fath for leading the way at Orland Grassland and to all the volunteers for the health of the grassland, including Marnie Baker for promotion; Baker and Cindy Hall Crissey for leading walks; Diane Chin for the website; Mary Deback, Jen Snyder and Laura Kirby for fitting bird walks into their work at Orland Grassland; Jeanne Muellner Stacey, Ralph Chichester, Liz Salber, Joel Leff and Kathy Kingsbury for photography; and Gary Clinkman, Wes Serafin, Ron Blazek and Jeff Lyons for help finding birds.

To obtain more information about Orland Grassland and the volunteers, or to express an in- South Side Irish Sunday terest in birding, visit www.or- is on tap at Gaelic Park landgrassland.org.

South Side Irish Sunday will be held March 12 beginning with a Mass at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.

The Mass will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed with an Irish breakfast. Admission is $9. Doors will re-open at 1 p.m. with four stages of continuous entertainment for the entire family. Admission for the entertainment is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 12 and under.

Entertaining in the Emerald Room is The Larkin & Moran Brothers at 1:30 p.m. The music is a blend of traditional and contemporary Irish songs. Arranmore brings its contemporary folk music with an Irish flair at 5:30 p.m. This group has compiled international success after it origins as an Irish pub band. They perform Celtic, folk and American music. The Dennehy School of Irish Dance will entertain with step dancing at 7:30 p.m.

The festivities in the Tara Room include 3 Men in Kilts on stage at 1:30 p.m. and Dirty Wellies at 6 p.m. A hot food buffet will also be available starting at 1.30 p.m.

Irish dishes such as Shepherd’s pie, corned beef dinners, fish and chips and various sandwiches will be available for purchase.

In the Carraig Pub, local favorites St. James Gate will perform at 1:30 p.m. and Kieran Byrne at David Trzcinski, president of the Library Board of Trustees and Kathryn 6 p.m. The Celtic Room hosts Sofianos, director of the Library, display the Palos Area Chamber of

Top: Beverly Barsch of Palos Heights beams as she takes a box of paczki from Doughs Guys employee Claire O’Neil.

Photos by Anthony Caciopo

COMMUNITY NOTES

Palos Park Library earns award Commerce’s 2017 Eugene Simpson Award for Outstanding Civic Improvement. The award is given to organizations that have completed building and renovation projects that enhance the Palos area. The library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd., underwent an extensive renovation last year.

Endowment for the Humanities.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the nation’s entry into the war in 1917, “WWI and America” brings members of the veteran community together with the general public in libraries and museums around the country. Participants explore the transformative impact of the First World War by reading, discussing and sharing insights into the writings of Americans who experienced it firsthand. A series of moderated discussions will provide opportunities for those who served in more recent conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan to bring their experiences to bear on historical events and texts.

The project illuminates for a wide audience the lasting legacies of World War I, and the similarities and differences between past and present.

This exhibit will be located on the 2nd floor, north end of the building along with accompanying WWI artifact collections from the

Left: Sharon O’Neil, co-owner of Doughs Guys at 12248 S. Harlem, Palos Heights, displays a tray of paczki, a Polish treat with sweet filling. Paczki Day, also known as Fat Tuesday in Mardi Gras tradition, marks the start of the Christian season of Lent.

Ridge Historical Society and from the Orland Park History Museum.

Individual segments include the exhibit opener “Johnnies, Tommies and Sammies,” 3 p.m. March 5; a roundtable discussion, 7 p.m.

March 7; “Over There: The U.S. Enters WWI” at 7 p.m. March 9; “Artillery Scout” an evening with author James Biller at 7 p.m.

March 15 and “Seven Months That Changed the World” with singer/ songwriter/historian Barry Cloyd at 7 p.m. March 17.

The month of presentations continues with a second roundtable at 7 p.m. on March 21; “A World Gone Mad” at 7 p.m. Mach 22; “Great Soldiers of the First Division” at 7 p.m. March 23; the film “All Quiet on The Western Front” at 6:pm March 24 and “The Rise and Fall of The Doughboy” at 7 p.m. March 30.

More information may be obtained by calling the library at (708) 425-5100.

children’s entertainment beginning at 1.30 p.m. with the Dublin Deceptions Magic Show. A Bit “o” the Magic follows at 3:30 and the Shamrock Shenanigans Magic Show is at 5 p.m.

More information can be obtained by calling Gaelic Park, (708) 687-9323, or visiting the website at www.chiagogaelicpark.org.

Queen will be chosen through Irish Festival at Gaelic Park A new queen and runner-up will be selected through the inaugural Irish Festival on Saturday, March 4 at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.

The newly selected Irish Festival queen will participate in ceremonies, contests, Irish Fest and all of the activities during the month of March. She will also be given the high seat atop the Gaelic Park float in the St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Gifts including a $750 travel voucher and many other prizes will be presented to the queen.

The newly elected runner-up will also participate in the activities and receive many prizes.

All single girls of Irish heritage, ages 18 to 26 (up to March 4) are invited to enter with a registration fee of $10. The deadline for entry is Friday March 3. Applications are available online at www.chicagogaelicpark.org or at Gaelic Park’s front office.

More information can be obtained by calling Gaelic Park, (708) 687-9323, or visiting the website at www.chicagogaelicpark.org.

Palos Heights candidates to speak at forum The League of Women Voters, in cooperation with the School District 128 PFA, will sponsor a candidates’ forum on Tuesday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. at Independence Junior High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr. in Palos Heights.

There are three candidates for the aldermanic seat in Ward One: Donald Bylut, William Moran and Daniel McCarthy. Ward One has the only contested election in the City of Palos Heights.

Eight candidates are vying for four positions on the District 128 Board of Education: Richard Facko, Kristin Restivo, Joseph Haberkorn, Jr, William Grady, Deanne Callahan, Roberta Hermanas, Ann O’Brien and Amy Lyons.

All candidates will present opening and closing statements and participate in a question-and-answer period. The league will provide a moderator who lives outside the area to ensure impartiality.

Palos Heights Channel 4 will tape the forum for multiple rebroadcasts until election day.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to working toward an involved and informed electorate.

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SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday,March March5,2,2015 2017 Thursday,

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

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

SSC RED GOES DOWN TO THE LAST 1.6 SECONDS

EP stands tall for first league title since ’94 6-foot-10 Drynan scores 27 points in historic win

By Aaron FitzPatrick Correspondent

The first part was done.

Evergreen Park disposed of the host Argo Argonauts 75-49 Friday night in Summit, and the win assured the Mustangs of at least a share of their first conference title since 1994 and only the third in school history. Michael Drynan, a 6-foot-10 senior, came up big with 27 points.

The second part came when Mustangs coach Pat Flannigan took out his phone and scrolled through his text messages.

“Oak Lawn beat Richards,” he said while looking at his phone with a satisfied smile on his face after finding out the Bulldogs were upset 66-64.

Now there was no sharing anything.

The Mustangs were sole possessors of the South Suburban Red conference championship with an 8-5 mark. It was their third boys basketball title in school history. Richards, which won 10 of the last 11 SSC Red titles, was second at 7-6.

“It’s been a special season.”

Flannigan said.

Friday night’s game followed the pattern of the 2016-17 season for the Mustangs to this point.

Evergreen Park got off to a slow start before putting everything together.

Despite a 1-24 record coming into the game, the Argonauts gave the Mustangs everything they had in front of a lively Senior Night crowd at Swanson Gymnasium. Argo led Evergreen Park in the first quarter and trailed by less than double digits at halftime before the Mustangs caught fire and pulled away in the second half.

The Mustangs connected on eight 3-pointers, including four from senior swingman Kyree Hannah (16 points). Hannah helped the Mustangs pull away from the pesky Argonauts with three bombs in third quarter.

“I’m happy that we can put something on a banner now,” said Hannah. “We knew at the beginning of the season that the chemistry was clicking. We just knew we were going to have a good season.”

While Hannah was dazzling outside, Drynan was damaging

Photos by Aaron FitzPatrick

Whether it was from the left side or right side, 6-foot-10 Michael Drynan of Evergreen Park made life miserable for Argo in a 27-point performance to help the Mustangs clinch their first conference title since 1994.

Spartans play spoiler role perfectly as they bring down host Bulldogs

By Tim Cronin Correspondent

The winning play didn’t go as planned.

Turnovers almost took them out of the game. The opponent’s parade to the freethrow line was perfect.

Yet, Oak Lawn’s Spartans still beat Richards on the Bulldogs’ home court on Friday night, depriving the hosts of an 11th South Suburban Red title in the last dozen years.

The Spartans’ 66-64 victory came about through the offensive tandem of seniors Rashad Johnson and Adem Osmani — and Adem’s younger brother, freshman Sami — plus a defensive effort that held Richards to one field goal in the final quarter.

To spring the surprise was not only immensely satisfying for Oak Lawn (1017, 6-8), it squelched the chance for a share of the conference crown Richards (12-14, 7-6) had coming in. That went to Evergreen Park (17-9, 8-5) via its 74-49 thrashing of Argo, the first gonfalon for the Mustangs since 1994.

“It’s a dream come true since my freshman year,” said Johnson, who led all hands with 30 points and added six rebounds and a trio of steals. “It feels good. Me and my teammates, we kept our heads in the game the whole day.

“I’ve been working on my attitude. I See MUSTANGS, Page 3 knew it was going to be a close game.

Rashad Johnson, shown in a game earlier in the season, nailed 30 points for Oak Lawn to help deny Richards of their 11th SSC Red title in 12 years.

Adem Ormani came up with a game-winning tip-in for Oak Lawn in a stunning win over Richards.

I knew what I’ve done with my records and stuff. I wasn’t going to let my team down. I promised them we weren’t coming out with a loss.”

That bold pronouncement was both dramatic and accurate.

“It’s always special to beat Richards, and really special to beat them on their home floor,” Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes said. “I kind of feel like we stole

it a little bit. But we made plays.”

The Bulldogs were quick-handed, forcing 15 turnovers, and were perfect from the line, making all 18 free-throws, with 10 from Jaylan Catledge (28 points, six rebounds). But on this night, perfection would not be enough.

“We knew what they had,” Richards coach Chris Passafiume said. “We came back pretty tough. A couple plays didn’t

Photos by Jeff Vorva

bounce our way, just basketball plays.

We tried to contain Johnson as best we could but couldn’t give him an inch.

“No title, but hopefully we can learn from that.”

The game was won on Adem Osmani’s tip rebound of Johnson’s missed shot on a drive to the basket with 1.6 seconds remaining. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way.

“For him to get that last tip was huge,” Rhodes said. “They took away both the first and second options. Off the inbounds, Adam Stallworth was intelligent to get it back to our best player (Johnson). That’s the thing with Rashad. When he attacks, there’s so much attention paid to him, we get a lot of second-chance opportunities.”

Oak Lawn had made up a four-point deficit with 1:18 to play, first on Johnson’s conventional three-point play and a 3-pointer

by Sami Osmani that created a 64-62 lead.

A pair of Catledge free-throws with 12.4 seconds left created the game’s fourth tie.

Oak Lawn had controlled the first 14 minutes, building a 31-21 lead, but Richards’ 11-0 run brought the hosts a 32-31 lead at the intermission. That momentum continued into the third quarter. Richards built an eight-point lead on Nate Stewart jumper with 1:32 left in the third, but Oak Lawn came back, tying the game at 54 via Johnson’s second straight 3-pointer early in the fourth.

CHICAGO FIRE 2017 PREVIEW

Fire wants to change image — and record

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The nice guys finished last.

The Fire had a Major League Soccerworst 7-17-10 record in 2016 and Michael de Leeuw, who joined the team in the middle of the season, said he noticed the team was “too nice” both on and off the field.

“Sometime you need some guys to say something,” de Leeuw said. “With what you saw last year…something needed to be said.

And when we play away, don’t be so nice against teams who are higher than us. Be aggressive. Get what you can get.’’

There is nowhere to go but up, and officials scrambled to mix in what they hope are Photo by Jeff Vorva The Fire and Arturo Alvarez (left) hope to be shoving teams around a quality impact players on the roster for 2017. little more after last year’s team had the worst record in the MSL and The season opens at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the Fire facing Columbus on the road. forward Michael de Leeuw said the team was “too nice.’’

The home opener is at 1 p.m. March 11 against Real Salt Lake at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

At this point, it’s hard to tell if the team will be less nice, but on paper it looks like it has the talent for a drastic improvement.

Some of the new faces to look out for are Nenanja Nikolic, Dax McCarty, Juninho, and goalie Jorge Rodrigo Bava “We have more guys who are champions,” second-year coach Veljko Paunovic said.

“They have more experience. We have guys who know how to deal with difficult situations. Every team goes through the long season facing different situations and challenges.

“You have to have guys on your team who know how to deal with those types of situations.’’

And there are still some quality players

returning, including David Accam, who led the Fire in scoring the past two seasons in MLS games with 10 and nine goals, respectively.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the old faces and the new faces playing together,” Paunovic said. “We’re very happy to start the season with the players we have. I believe we are in a very good spot right now.

We’ll have a lot of challenges — every team in the world has challenges. The preparation that we have made will be very important.

“We obviously have high expectations.

We believe we did a great job in the offseason with the acquisitions we have. It’s going to be a better team. It will be more competitive. It will be a team that will bring us a much better season and enjoyment.’’

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Few knew back in ’13 how far Yates and O’Connor would come

he kids — and young at heart oldsters — have been enjoying a social media project called Throwback Thursday, looking back at days gone by through words and photos.

Since our fine paper comes out on Thursday, I bring you the first — and possibly last — installment of Throwdown Throwback Thursday in honor of a couple of wrestlers from the South Side and the south suburbs.

Let’s set the Wayback Machine to not-so-way-back Dec. 19, 2013. Host Brother Rice was battling St. Rita in a dual wrestling meet.

At 113 pounds, a sophomore from Brother Rice took on a freshman from St. Rita.

At the time, wrestling insiders knew that Rice’s Rudy Yates and Rita’s Austin O’Connor were pretty special athletes. But the rest of the world had not caught on, yet.

So, the two went at it.

After three periods and a lot of grunting and groaning and locking and blocking, Yates had his arm raised after a 4-3 victory.

So this Thursday night Chicago Catholic League battle between a freshman and a sophomore defending Class 3A state champ turned out to be

T

St. Rita’s Austin O’Conner won four state titles.

He’s just the 15th wrestler in IHSA history to accomplish that feat.

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point the only time these titans battled each other at the Illinois High School Association level.

What they did that night was pretty cool. But what they have done since has been mind-blowing.

Yates finished fourth in the state at 113 that year, transferred to Sandburg and had not lost in his final two seasons. He went 91-0 with the Eagles and finished his career 167-3 with three state titles.

Yates is a freshman at Northern Iowa University. At 133 pounds, he won the Pat “Flash” Flanagan and Grand View open tournaments and finished fifth in the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open.

O’Connor just kept getting bigger and better since his battle with Yates.

The Lockport resident went on to become just the 15th wrestler in IHSA history to win four titles — his latest coming at 152 pounds on Feb. 18 in Champaign.

Photo by Jason Maholy

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Rudy Yates won three state titles and is a freshman at the University of Northern Iowa.

Like Yates, O’Connor finished his junior and senior year without a loss and finished his career with a 181-4 mark.

He is taking his academic and athletic career to the University of North Carolina.

The chances are good that few people were in the Brother Rice gym watching Yates and O’Connor go at it on Dec. 19, 2013. But a lot of people know who they are now.

Speaking of wrestling For the second straight year, no area team from the Regional/Reporter area made it to the state dual meets.

This comes on the heels of a sixyear streak in which either Sandburg or Marist made it to the final eight in Class 3A. This season, two area squads made it to the sectional, but Sandburg was

BOYS STATE SWIMMING

ousted by Marmion, 34-27 in Class 3A at Hinsdale Central, and Brother Rice was knocked off by Lemont, 43-33 in Class 2A at Oak Forest.

There is some returning talent in this area worth watching — especially Domenic Zaccone of Stagg, Hassan Johnson and Myles Ruffin of Brother Rice, Jacob Dado of Marist and Pat Nolan of Sandburg — so perhaps that streak can come to an end in 2018.

FOCUS ON COLLEGE SPORTS

Smiarowski has a sixth (place) sense in 200 IM

SXU scorching in first two rounds of CCAC tourney

By Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier’s women’s basketball team warmed up for a potential NAIA Division II National bid with a couple of convincing wins in the first two rounds of the Chicagoland Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Cougars, ranked third in the nation, stomped on Trinity Christian College, 100-52 on Feb. 22 in the opening round, and added a 104-72 victory over 16th-ranked Purdue-Northwest on Saturday.

SXU (29-2) was scheduled to face No. 1 St. Francis in Joliet on Tuesday and on Wednesday it awaited the NAIA to announce its 32-team national tournament, which takes place in Sioux City, Iowa, March 8-14.

The Cougars scored 34 points in the first quarter against Purdue-Northwest and scored 100 or more points in four of their previous five games. Junior guard Kara Krolicki had 24 points and six assists. Former Stagg star Casey McMahon had 12 points off the bench.

Against Trinity, Krolicki had 20 points and Mikayla Leyden broke the school’s single-season assists record with 172 in the victory.

Men’s basketball: Despite 24 points and seven rebounds from freshman guard/forward Jack Brody, fifth-seeded SXU ended its season Feb. 21 with a 91-77 loss to No. 4 seed Olivet Nazarene University in the first

By Jeff Vorva Sport Editor

Sports Editor

For the second time in three years, senior Stagg swimmer Lucas Smiarowski earned a top-six finish in the Illinois High School Association state meet.

As he did as a sophomore, Smiarowski claimed sixth in the 200 IM with a time of 1 minute 51.29 seconds Saturday at the state meet at New Trier High School. It helped erase a disappointing showing last year in which he was disqualified in the event.

For the first time in his career, the Charger star also earned a top-12 finish in the 100 breast event with an 11th-place finish of :58.39.

The weekend was not without drama for coach Jason Carr and his Chargers.

The 200 free relay team, which was seeded third in the state via sectional times, was one of three teams to DQ in that event. The other two teams disqualified were Waubonsie Valley (seeded 10th) and Oak Park.

Brad Peterson, Rafal Jezierski, Tommy Witek and Mike Kotas qualified for state but did not make it to the second day of action.

The Chargers finished 30th as a team —

Fire

Continued from Page 1 The preseason ended Saturday with an impressive 4-1 victory over defending Eastern Conference champion Toronto,

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Stagg senior Lucas Smiarowski, shown at the Lockport Sectional, finished sixth in the state in the 200 IM for the second time in three years and took 11th in the 100 breast.

the best in the area.

Sandburg, which won the Lockport Sectional, was not far behind at 35th.

Senior Aiden Farley, who is heading to Michigan State in the fall for swimming and academics, closed his impressive high school career finishing ninth in the 500 free (4:32.09) and 11th in the 200 free (1:41.45).

Farley was seeded 14th in the 200 free so he jumped up a few spots over the weekend for the right to earn a second medal.

Sandburg coach Jim Caliendo finished the boys swimming portion of his career with a two-day stay in Winnetka thanks to Farley. Caliendo, who is retiring after 23 seasons with the Eagles, will coach the boys water polo team in the spring before he calls it a career.

Other Eagles who participated in the

and the Fire finished with a perfect 6-0-0 mark. DeLeeuw had two goals in Saturday’s game.

But that’s the preseason.

“Now the real stuff is coming.” Paunovic said.

“I think everyone did very well. What we have to do now

Sandburg senior Airden Farley earned two top12 finishes in the state.

state meet but missed the top-12 cut were Joey Jenkot, Marty Blake, Nick Jackson, Cooper Reiher, Kyle Fox and Carter Thoss.

as a club once we come back is do everything to keep that mood that we are in, the positivity that we have, the expectation and hard work. We have to support the players and give them everything they need to recover and start well

this season.”

DeLeeuw, who said a playoff bid is a realistic goal for the team, enjoyed the winning in February and hopes it continues.

“It’s good for our confidence, but at the end, every team is starting at zero,” he said.

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round of the CCAC tournament in Bourbonnais. The team finished 16-15.

Baseball: The Cougars swept Brescia University (Kentucky) 9-5 and 13-10 in a doubleheader in Owensboro, Ky. Freshman Ben Zordani had five hits in the twinbill for the Cougars (2-4) and drove in five runs.

Football: The Cougars signed four players, including Brother Rice defensive lineman Luke Malopsy, an Oak Lawn resident.

“Luke lives right down the street from Saint Xavier and it is always nice to get a local player,” said SXU coach Mike Feminis. “He has played both sides of the ball, so we will see how spring ball and recruiting shakes out then plug him in where we need him the most.”

The team also signed Carmel offensive linemen Joey Ptasienski, Phillips defensive lineman Xavier Nash and Lincoln-Way Central defensive lineman Jack Grove.

Trinity Christian College

Men’s volleyball: TCC snapped a four-match losing streak with a five-set win over Adrian (Mich.). Mike Karl led the Trolls (7-5) with 16 kills, 12 digs and three blocks.

Baseball: The Trolls went 1-3 in two doubleheaders against Harris Stowe over the weekend in St. Louis to even their record at 7-7. Zack Jones and Luke Weston homered in the team’s only victory — a 14-9 triumph.

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SPORTS

St. Alexander volleyball team wins Marist tourney

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The St. Alexander girls seventh-grade A volleyball team won the Marist Tournament on Feb. 20 in Chicago. Close to 140 teams participated in the 17th running of the tournament in five grade divisions.

Members of the championship team are Lily Ceretto, Grace White, Mary Englehart, Kate Boyle, Tess Enright, Lauren Ziel and Erin Helsdingen. The team is coached by Katy Helsdingen and Terri Englehart.

Smart athletes Glock G17

The Illinois High School Association named its all-state academic team and no one from the area was selected. However,

three athletes were honorable mentions — Stagg’s Cara Mahoney, Shepard’s Caleb Washington and Mother McAuley’s Michaela Dwyer.

Shooters host tryouts The South Side Shooters girls third through 11th grade tryouts are March 7 and March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, Building G. Players need to attend just one night.

For more information, contact Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150 or visit www.shootersbball.com.

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St. Alexander’s seventh-grade volleyball team took first at Marist.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017 Section 2

BOYS REGIONAL BASKETBALL

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards St. Laurence Sandburg Shepard Stagg

W-L

23-5 20-8 18-9 25-3 11-17 13-14 13-15 13-13 13-14 18-8

3

STREAK

W1 L1 W5 W4 W3 W1 W3 L4 W2 W3

NEXT

IHSA 4A Regionals Season completed IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals

* Records through Monday, Feb. 27; compiled by Jeff Vorva.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

After knocking off Homewood-Flossmoor twice this season, including Thursday, Stagg coach John Daniels, his play board and team all hope to make a deep run into the playoffs.

GIRLS Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Queen of Peace Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg

W-L STREAK

19-9 21-8 28-5 22-9 17-14 28-4 13-14 11-18 10-22 11-17

L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1

NEXT

Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season

completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed

* Compiled by Jeff Vorva.

STATE BASKETBALL POSTSEASON

Tough Thursday for Marist’s girls, a frustrating Friday for CC boys High five! Quintet Despite sectional defeat to H-F,

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Shepard’s Joe Newhall drives for a layup in the Astros’ regional victory over Eisenhower Monday in Blue Island. Shepard was one of five area teams to play in the quarterfinals and all five teams won.

RedHawks enjoy senior moments

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

With 2:19 to play and her team trailing Homewood-Flossmoor by 22 in the Class 4A Shepard Sectional title game, Claire Austin, who’d gone to the bench with her fourth foul two minutes earlier, was among the players summoned back to the court by coach Mary Pat Connolly.

With 59.5 seconds left in what would become a 63-45, seasonending loss, Austin, Caily Landers, Julia Ruzevich, Maggie Robertson and Kate Ruzevich were pulled from the game en masse.

Marist’s cheering section began a hearty chant: “Thank you, seniors!”

In the aftermath of the RedHawks’ second straight Illinois High School Association sectional title game loss to the Vikings, Connolly echoed the sentiment.

“I just wanted them to all go out together,” Connolly, Marist’s girls coach since the school went co-ed in 2002, said. “They’re a great group of seniors — the best group of seniors I’ve ever coached, by far.

“Their work ethic every single day in practice, their character. They were great leaders on and off the court for Marist High School. They were fun.”

Dabbing at tears as she went to the bench, red-eyed discussing it later, East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year Julia Ruzevich recounted

the moment.

“Maggie looked at me and said, ‘We started together, we’re finishing together,’ ” Ruzevich said. “It was sad, because we were down. But it was a great feeling to end it with my sisters.

We’re a family.

“This is a team I’m never going to forget. It’s pretty tough walking away from this.”

H-F (23-2 heading into supersectional play), ranked No. 4 in the state in 4A by the Associated Press, makes it tough on everybody. Seventh-ranked Marist (28-5), despite a quick start, was no exception.

The RedHawks, with Austin scoring all their points as they jumped out to a 7-4 lead, grabbed their last lead at 17-15 with 6:24 to play in the second quarter. From there, H-F went on a 14-2 run and the RedHawks never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Photo by Jeff Vorva Austin led all scorers with Things were not easy for Marist’s Claire Austin or her teammates in Marist’s 19 points, while Julia Ruzevich sectional final loss to Homewood-Flossmoor on Thursday. added 12 and Abigail Callahan seven points and a team-high Marist turned the ball over of a sudden, we stopped fastseven rebounds. H-F was led by seven times in the final three breaking — and H-F turned Missouri-bound Nadia Chanel minutes of the first quarter. Off their pressure up a little bit.

Green with 18 points, Karli Seay of pressure or in the half-court, They were a better team than us added 12 and 6-foot-5 Arizona H-F had little trouble getting tonight.”

State-bound Eva Rubin had 10.

But the RedHawks, who won to the basket, making 23-of-44 “They’re just really tall and field-goal attempts mostly from their first ESCC title since 2012, have great ball-handling skills,” close range. captured a regional and matched Austin said.

“We played zone all year,” the third-highest win total in “Their pressure was really Connolly said. “That wasn’t program history, were special in good,” Julia Ruzevich said. “We working, so we went man and their own right. wanted to go in there handling they were beating us off the drib“A lot of teams have (chemisthe pressure, staying composed, ble. H-F was too quick for us. try) on the court,” Austin said. but we really couldn’t do that.”

“Their pressure got to us. All “We had it on and off the court.”

Watseka stunningly closes out Knights Sports Editor

Mustangs

Continued from Page 1 inside.

“We told him, ‘You’re special,’ ’’ Flannigan said. “We said, ‘Start believing and start being special.’ And tonight he was special.”

Drynan wasn’t just special, he was almost

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

By the time Friday’s games are over, there may not be very many area teams alive in Class 3A or 4A regional action.

But Monday night? That was a perfect night for the area.

Five area teams — including four from the South Suburban Red Conference — played first-round games, and all five advanced to the semifinals.

Oak Lawn had to do the most sweating.

The team that knocked off Richards on Friday to prevent the Bulldogs from winning the SSC Red, had a wild battle with Reavis before finally coming up with a 67-60 double-overtime victory at the Class 4A Homewood-Floosmoor Regional. Rashad Johnson led the Spartans with 20 points and Adem Osmani added 17. The Spartans were scheduled to challenge Brother Rice in Tuesday’s regional semifinals.

The other four games on Monday night were not as tough.

Shepard’s Marquel Porter scored eight of his team’s first 12 points as the Astros took a 12-2 lead and never looked

back in beating Eisenhower, 61-46, at the Eisenhower Class 4A Regional. Porter finished with 21 points and Chris Harrison dropped in 14. The Astros were scheduled to face national power Simeon on Tuesday.

Richards shook off its disappointing loss to Oak Lawn and smashed Kennedy, 94-56, at its own Class 4A Regional and was scheduled to take on Thornton on Tuesday night.

Evergreen Park, which is enjoying one of its best seasons in school history, beat Chicago Noble/Johnson 69-47 at its own Class 3A regional and was scheduled to face national power Morgan Park on Wednesday night.

Finally, St. Laurence used 15 players and all 15 scored in an 87-30 win at its own Class 3A Regional. Zion Fortune had 10 points in the first quarter to help spark the Vikings, who were scheduled to play Urban Prep Englewood on Wednesday.

Possible matchups Friday night include Brother Rice against Homewood-Flossmoor at H-F, Marist against Thornton Fractional North at Thornton Fractional South, and Stagg against Simeon at Eisenhower.

Senior Josh Decker buries his head after Chicago Christian was stunned by Watseka on Friday night in regional title action.

By Jeff Vorva Everything was lining up Chicago Christian’s way for a second straight Class 2A regional boys basketball title.

The Knights came into the Momence Regional title game with a 10-game winning streak. They didn’t have to worry about a home-court disadvantage because Watseka knocked off Momence, 73-72, in the semifinals. Also, Watseka came into the tournament with a three-game losing streak.

On paper, Chicago Christian was a heavy favorite.

Ball that paper up with your hands and throw it in a nearby trash can.

Watseka came out red hot and held off several Chicago Christian comeback attempts in a 74-63 victory played at the Momence Junior High gymnasium because… well…it’s bigger than the Momence High School gymnasium.

“We weren’t ready at all for this (losing in the regional final),” a stunned coach Kevin Pittman said. “I’ll tip my hat to that team (Watseka). We’ve seen them play in person. We’ve seen them play on film.

They played the best game that I’ve seen them play. They saved it for us. Sometimes that happens. Everybody comes in here on equal footing.’’

The Knights (20-8) had their most mo-

of area teams win Monday matchups

Photo by Jeff Vorva

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mentum in the closing four minutes as they shaved a double-digit deficit to 6057 with 3 minutes, 49 seconds left in the game. But Blake Castonguay, who is listed at 5-foot-6, buried a huge 3-pointer to give Watseka some breathing room.

A second-quarter banked buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Watseka’s Brendan Fletcher to put his squad up 37-26 showed what type of night it was going to be for the Knights.

Jack Ellison led the Knights with 20 points while Malik Parker had 16 and Isayas Arias chipped in with 12.

What hurts the Knights is that this was a tournament-tested team with eight seniors on the roster. Ellison, Arias, Aidan Crotty and freshman Micah Schnyders are the only underclassmen on the roster so next year Pittman will be filling some vital roles with newcomers.

perfect. He made his first eight shots en route to a 27-point performance on 12-of-14 shooting.

“It feels pretty good,” Drynan said after the game about winning a conference title in his senior year.

As for the rest of the season, the Mustangs still feel there’s more to accomplish.

The Mustangs (17-9 overall) opened play Monday in their own Class 3A Regional and

picked up the 13th seed. Seeding-wise, they were in line to play No. 1 Morgan Park on Wednesday.

“It’s been a great group of kids to work with and we don’t think we’re done,” said Flannigan. “We’ve got a tough seed.

We’re in an all-city sectional and we don’t get a lot of respect so we’ve got to earn it. If we can knock out Morgan Park it gets easier.”

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Section 2 Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from a crazy week of postseason action

All eyes were on Marist’s Claire Austin’s (No. 15) shot against Marian Catholic in the Shepard Sectional semifinals on Feb. 21.

Chicago Christian players watch as Watseka players go crazy after winning the Momence Class 2A Regional Friday night. Last year, it was the Knights who celebrated after winning a regional title at Illiana Christian.

Mother McAuley’s Grace Hynes is closely guarded by Homewood-Flossmoor’s Aireal Dickson in a Feb. 21 sectional semifinal in Palos Heights.

Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson puts the finishing touches on a pin against Lemont on Feb. 21.

Queen of Peace’s Jovanna Martinucci is triple teamed in a loss to Simeon on Feb. 20 at the De La Salle Class 3A Sectional. It was Peace’s last game as the school will close after this school year.

Photos by Jeff Vorva (unless otherwise indicated)

Brother Rice wrestling coaches stand and sit during a heavyweight bout against Lemont on Feb. 21 during the dual sectionals.

Although there were plenty of tears after Thursday’s loss to Homewood-Flossmoor at the Class 4A Shepard Sectional, Ally Corcoran (10) and Stefanie Schied (13) shared a light moment seconds after the game ended.

Supplied photo

Marist’s Stephanie Scheid (left) and Mother McAuley’s Tara O’Malley receive congratulations from Shepard Athletic Director Curry Gallagher on Thursday after they took first and second, respectively, in the 3-point shootout. Scheid was the sectional champ with nine baskets and O’Malley had eight.

Junior guard Tomei Ball, right, poses with Oak Lawn’s Tara Hill after SXU beat Trinity Christian on Feb. 22 in an opening round CCAC Tournament game that was also Hoops for Hope night. Bell organized the event and proceeds are helping Hill, an SXU student who has a rare bone and soft tissue cancer, and her family.

Trinity Christian College’s Kara Cunningham tries to get by a couple of St. Xavier University defenders during the first round of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament on Feb. 22 at the Shannon Center.

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W4 Plaintiff, -v.NANCY DIAZ, PONCIANO ALVARADO, ARGENT MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 05896 9135 S. 87TH AVE 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 June 21, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9135 S. 87TH AVE, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-312-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $345,061.30. 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, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C14-12785. 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.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C14-12785 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 15 CH 05896 TJSC#: 37-1601 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.

I715428

Thursday, March 2, 2017 Section 2

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP 2002-HE2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-HE2; Plaintiff, vs.

PILARITA G. ESPINOSA; VICTOR F. ESPINOSA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PILARITA G. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VICTOR F. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 6599 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 14, 2017 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. 23-14-115-024-0000.

Commonly known as 8530 West Broadmoor Drive, 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: 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 WA16-0071.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I714741

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

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

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Section 2 Thursday, March 2, 2017

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The Regional News - The Reporter

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

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additional programs on the March schedule can also be obtained at that number.

Early March programs announced at The Center

• “Log Cabin Art for Kids” will be held for six Saturday mornings beginning March 4, The times are 10 to 11:30 a.m. for children in kindergarten through second grade and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids in third through eighth grade. Instructor Ruth Augspurger will demonstrate a world of art and nature for kids. Classes are held at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts studios and outdoors. In each session students will work on a variety of art projects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery and more. The sessions end with an art show. Class fee is $85, which includes all supplies.

• “Communion Sunday” is offered March 5 at the Wayside Chapel services at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to set up Communion as well as help distribute it. Those interested may contact Chris Hopkins at (708) 361-3650. All are welcome.

The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic cup and gluten-free bread. Communion Sunday is held the first Sunday of each month, except December.

• Tai Chi instruction will be offered from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 5. Tai Chi is a moving meditation intended to create energy, balance and serenity.

Instructor Trudy Erickson has been studying and practicing Tai Chi for more than ten years. The class will run for six weeks. Reservations are required.

Each class is $7, payable upon attendance.

• Silver jewelry classes will run for six consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Instructor Wendy Martin will teach participants to create beautiful pieces of sterling silver jewelry such as pendants, earrings, pins, bracelets and more. Beginning students learn to saw, file, solder and polish in their first introductory projects.

Martin will help experienced students learn advanced techniques as they design their own jewelry projects. Previous lapidary students may bring polished stones and learn to set them into silver. Class fee is $100. Students can expect to pay $40 to $50 in silver costs, to be paid directly to the instructor in class. Advance registration is required.

The Center is located at 12700 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Park. Reservations that are required for the activities above can be obtained by calling The Center at (708) 361-3650. Information on many

Diverse lineup of activities at Bridge Teen Center

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park, is offering the following programs.

• “Jeopardy Night with Rock Bottom” will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 3. Students are invited to come with their friends and play live Jeopardy.

Free food samples will be provided by Rock Bottom.

• Hydroponics gardening with Trinity Christian College is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. March 7. Students will learn how hydroponic gardening works.

• Cooking the classic Southern dish of chicken and waffles with Chef John from the Harvest Room restaurant in Palos Heights will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 7. This activity is open only to high school students.

• “Soul Café: International Women’s Day with Mrs. Illinois International” will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 8. Mrs. Illinois International will spend the afternoon with students and share her story as a young lady who overcame bullying. This event is open only to girls.

• “Fashion Design with Pink Slip Boutique” is scheduled from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 8. Students will learn the artistic concepts behind unifying colors and patterns, and what makes the perfect look.

• “Project Serve: Thrift Store” will have students spending the afternoon sorting, cleaning, and shelving donated items at The Bridge Thrift Store next door. The activity runs from 4 to 6 p.m. March 9.

• “Advanced Writing: Overcoming Writer’s Block” is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. March 9. Students will connect with an experienced writer about writer’s block and how to overcome it.

• “Bring a Friend Night with The Connor Brown Band and Costco” will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 10, Students are invited to come and play multiple partner-themed games and enjoy live music performed by The Connor Brown Band. Free food samples will be provided by Costco.

The events are free for teens in 7th through 12th grade. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 532-0500 or visiting www.thebridgeteen center.org.

With ‘Lego Batman,’ IMAX makes big commitment to family movies

By Brent Lang Producer Dan Lin got the idea to make a movie involving Legos after watching his son construct elaborate fantasy worlds. “He was talking to his Legos as he played with them,” says Lin. “There was such a grand adventure taking place in his mind.”

Last weekend, Warner Bros.’

“The Lego Batman Movie,” the latest installment in the family film franchise, opened in theaters, doing a smashing $55.6 million at the box office. Unlike 2014’s “The Lego Movie,” this spinoff will unfold in the widest screens of all — Imax.

“We’re trying to capture kids’ imaginations,” says Lin. “We want these worlds to be immersive, and showing these films in Imax helps with that.”

Getting to this point required a course correction. Imax turned down the first Lego movie and has declined to show other animated and family-skewing titles, believing them too far removed from its core fanboy audience.

While becoming the de facto choice for “Star Wars” adventures and live- action comic-book adaptations, Imax has more or less ignored movies plugged at young children.

“Over the last couple of years we have missed some titles that we regret,” says Greg Foster, CEO of Imax Entertainment. “We made a line-in-the-sand decision not to do family-oriented titles, and that has been a mistake.”

No longer. This year, Imax has committed to showing another spinoff, “The Lego Ninjago Movie” with Jackie Chan, and Disney’s live-action version of “Beauty and

Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS

Batman voiced by Will Arnett in a scene from the animated movie “The LEGO Batman Movie” directed

by Chris McKay.

the Beast.” At least two other family titles will be offered, Imax says, declining to release names.

The pivot comes as studios are investing heavily in cartoon and CGI properties.

NBCUniversal, for instance, shelled out nearly $4 billion last year to buy DreamWorks Animation, and Sony, Paramount, and Warner have spent millions ratcheting up their animation divisions.

Audiences like what they’re selling: Five of the 11 top-grossing domestic releases in 2016 were animated — a group that includes “Zootopia,” “Sing,” and “Finding Dory.”

“We’re ultimately responding to the marketplace,” says Foster. “We need to play these blockbusters.

It’s a business we need to be a part of.”

But Jeff Bock, an analyst with Exhibitor Relations, questions whether families will shell out extra to see films in Imax. The company typically charges $5 to $6 more than the average ticket price; 3D films cost an additional

$2 or so. Other so-called premium formats have not done well among moviegoers with kids, because of both the higher price and youngsters’ discomfort with wearing 3D glasses.

“You’re talking about four tickets costing you $80,” Bock notes.

“If you have a lot of discretionary cash, all right. But it’s like buying the biggest car — does it give you more mileage?”

Imax does seem to be making concessions to audiences’ desire to economize. Domestically, Imax showings will be almost exclusively in 2D. While Imax touts its shift to family fare, Warner Bros. argues that “The Lego Batman Movie” is for more than just kids. “It’s not only for 8-year-olds; we’re going to get 18-year-olds, 38-year-olds, and probably 88-year-olds,” says Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution. “There’s enough hip and cool stuff and humor for older audiences.”

In the past, Imax has sometimes swapped in family films in their second or third weeks of release for superhero or sci-fi titles that have faltered. Going forward, the company wants to be part of movies earlier in the process, allowing the studios to highlight Imax in posters and television spots.

Lin, too, sees an advantage in partnering with Imax on the ground floor of future Lego movies. He hopes to one day use Imax cameras to shoot sequences, just as Christopher Nolan and J.J. Abrams did on “The Dark Knight” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” respectively.

“That’s the dream,” Lin says.

“But first we have to convince the studio to let us.”

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.

STARTING THIS WEEK:

“MOONLIGHT”: Up for eight Oscars including best picture, director-screenwriter Barry Jenkins’ gritty, widely acclaimed drama traces the life of a young black man at different stages in his struggles, which owe in large part to his troubled relationship

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

with his crack-addict mother (Naomie Harris, in a stunning performance light years removed from her work opposite Daniel Craig’s James Bond). An empathetic drug dealer (Mahershala Ali, also superb) becomes the youth’s rather surprising counsel, with Janelle Monae a standout as well as the pusher’s girlfriend. Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes share the central role. **** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “DOCTOR STRANGE”: A skilled but self-involved surgeon, played ideally by Benedict Cumberbatch, has to chart a new course for himself after a car ac-

cident robs him of the use of his hands in this compelling Marvel adventure fortified considerably by mind-bending special effects.

He gets inspiration from Far East mystics (Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor), but also picks up an enemy who trails him back to New York with havoc in mind. Director Scott Derrickson’s cast also includes Rachel McAdams as Dr. Stephen Strange’s ex-girlfriend. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “ALLIED”: Brad Pitt and “La Vie en Rose” Oscar winner Marion Cotillard generate their own take Continued on page 8

Once the chips have cooled off, arrange them in a shallow bowl for each guest.

Dreamstime.com

A snack for a special occasion

By Wolfgang Puck Chips and dips are a favorite treat for any occasion. But most people put no more effort into them than a quick trip to the convenience store, followed by opening a bag and removing the lid from a jar. So, why should you go to the trouble of making them yourself?

First of all, it isn’t that much trouble. If you own an inexpensive electric countertop deep fryer, or just a heavy pot and a clip-on deep-frying thermometer to help you regulate the temperature, you have all the specialized equipment you need. (Although a mandoline, a very reasonably priced manually operated slicing tool or a food processor will make it easier to slice the potatoes easily and uniformly for even cooking.)

But the main reason to do it yourself is the result you get. The beautiful chips have incomparable golden crispness and deep potato flavor; and the dip tastes rich, creamy and tangy like nothing that comes from a jar.

Please give the recipe a try for any special occasion.

HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS WITH WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP Serves 4 to 6 WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP: • 2 1/4 cups (610 mL) whole milk • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4 tablespoons all-purpose

flour • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Pinch cayenne pepper, optional • 8 ounces (250 g) organic blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Maytag blue, crumbled POTATO CHIPS: • 1 1/2 pounds (750 g) baking (Idaho) potatoes, peeled • Peanut oil, for deep frying • Kosher salt • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish First, make the warm blue cheese dip: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk almost to a boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

Stirring with a wire whisk, gradually sprinkle in the flour, whisking until smooth. Cook, while whisking steadily, for 5 minutes, until the mixture forms a thick but still pale paste, a roux.

To prepare a bechamel sauce, while whisking the roux continuously, slow pour in 2 cups of the hot milk. Raise the heat slightly and, still stirring, bring to a boil.

Adjust the heat to maintain a bare simmer. Season with salt and pepper — and, if desired, a hint of cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until creamy, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes: Using a mandoline resting securely over a bowl of cold water, cut the potatoes into wafer-thin slices no more than 1/16-inch

thick; or use the thin slicing disc on your food processor, or very carefully slice the potatoes with a sharp knife, putting the slices in the water. Let the potatoes soak for a few minutes.

While the potatoes soak, fill an electric deep fryer or a large, heavy pot with at least 4 inches (10 cm) of the oil. Heat the oil to 360 F (180 C) on the deep-fryer’s thermostat or on a deep-frying thermometer.

While the oil heats, drain the sliced potatoes in a colander. Using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, pat the slices until all of them are completely dry on both sides.

When the oil is hot, cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding — separating the slices with your fingers as you add them potatoes carefully to the oil — until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. With the deep-fryer basket or a long-handled skimmer, transfer the potato chips to paper towels to drain. Immediately season with salt.

Whisk the remaining hot milk into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add 6 ounces (185 g) of the cheese, stirring until it melts. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

Arrange the chips in shallow bowls. Drizzle some of the sauce over them, transferring the remainder to a separate bowl or sauceboat to serve separately for dipping. Garnish the chips with the remaining crumbled cheese and the chives. Serve immediately.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): When someone tries to rattle your cage you may be tempted to rattle back. You’ll get the most satisfaction from visiting new places and meeting people in the upcoming week, but may be reckless about risks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Direct your energy. An organized plan of action can lead to accomplishment in the week ahead. You may be wiser than usual when dealing with financial matters and more skillful in complicated negotiations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The best things in life always take time. Tame your impatience in the week to come. The object of your affection can serve as a calming influence. An informal chat with a colleague could dissolve misunderstandings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Two’s company, three’s a crowd.

It may be difficult to spend quality time alone with someone you love in the week ahead because there are too many others begging for attention. Remain devoted to a relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do your own thing. Your friendly outgoing manner could attract new people and friends. You might be able to slip out from behind the bars that block your freedom and act independently in the week to come.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s time to clear the air. There is a tendency to appear too serious when playfulness is in order and vice versa. Someone who seems to want sympathy might not appreciate your helpfulness

in the week ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be surrounded by energetic go-getters. You can feed off their positive energy without engaging in unnecessary risks. Don’t expect too much, too soon, from a potential romantic hookup this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take your time. Avoid becoming involved in trivialities and keep focused on your most important goals in the week ahead. You may incur unnecessary expenses in the upcoming week that you regret later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A spoonful of sugar can be addictive. Be sweet and charming to please a special someone or use your people skills to smooth out a business transaction. You may receive public notice in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid sending mixed signals.

In group settings you may overreach the limits of your authority and may end up as the odd man out in the week ahead. Mind your own business, not other people’s business.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Concentrate on building a solid framework for a lasting relationship in the week ahead.

No matter what your objective or whether you are a workaholic or a homebody, two heads will be better than one.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): There is a New Moon in your sign today. This may offer a subtle change of direction as the week unfolds. Your social skills are in tiptop condition so you’ll have no trouble developing new contacts and connections.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN Continued from page 7 on many “Casablanca” themes in this elegantly filmed (by cinematographer Don Burgess), reasonably effective romantic adventure from director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”). The stars play spies who have definite trust issues while teamed on a top-secret World War II mission, but they ultimately surpass their assigned charade by falling in love and marrying. That doesn’t stop the suspicions, though, and professional duty may end up surpassing personal considerations for them.

Also featured are Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex”), Jared Harris and Matthew Goode (“Downton Abbey”). *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “RULES DON’T APPLY”: In his return to the screen — after many years — as director, screenwriter and star, Warren Beatty plays legendary billionaire Howard Hughes, an influential figure in general ... but, in the case of this story, more specifically where an aspiring actress and her chauffeur (Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich) are concerned in the Hollywood of the late 1950s. A relationship between the young couple is forbidden by Hughes’ edict, but that doesn’t stop their mutual attraction from taking root. The impressive cast also includes Annette Bening (the real-life Mrs. Beatty, of course), Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Candice Bergen, Ed Harris, Martin Sheen and Oliver Platt. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; music video; photo gallery. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “SHUT IN”: A recently widowed psychologist (Naomi Watts) and her stepson (Charlie Heaton) find themselves terrorized at their New England home in this thriller.

The young man has been left paralyzed by the accident that claimed the life of his father, and as if being on their own during a fierce winter storm isn’t scary enough, they come to believe someone intends to do them harm ... and

has gotten inside the house with them. Jacob Tremblay, a veteran of mother-and-child-in-peril tales thanks to “Room,” and “Chicago Med’s” Oliver Platt (playing a doctor here as well) also appear. *** (PG-13: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “CHRONIC”: Tim Roth never takes the easy way out with his roles, and writer-director Michel Franco’s drama — which earned a Cannes Film Festival Award for its script - stands as yet another testament to that fact. The actor plays a depression-battling private nurse whose dedication to his patients is all-encompassing, to the degree that he gets as much from them as they do from him ... and perhaps more. The cast also includes Bitsie Tulloch (“Grimm”) and actor-playwright Michael Cristofer (“The Shadow Box”), as well as the late Joe Santos (“The Rockford Files”) in his final screen role, but there’s little if any doubt that this project belongs to the compelling Roth. *** (R: AS, N, P)

rell); Jeffrey Dean Morgan also stars. (R: AS, N, P, V) “MASTER OF NONE: THE

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KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

“THE EYES OF MY MOTHER” (March 7): An ex-surgeon (Diana Agostini) lives an isolated life with her daughter (Olivia Bond) until a visitor arrives. (R: AS, N, P, V) “INCARNATE” (March 7): A self-styled exorcist (Aaron Eckhart) mind-melds with victims of possession in trying to save them.

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “JACKIE” (March 7): Oscar nominee Natalie Portman plays Jacqueline Kennedy in the immediate aftermath of her president husband’s assassination. (R: AS, P, V) “MOANA” (March 7): The animated, Oscar-nominated Disney feature finds the daughter of a Polynesian island’s ruler (voice of Auli’l Cravalho) trying to reverse a curse. (PG: AS) “SOLACE” (March 14): A psychically skilled FBI consultant (Anthony Hopkins) goes up against a serial killer (Colin Far-

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