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

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

76th Year, NO. 19 • 2 Sections

$1.15 million savings in store for District 230 High schools to get big internet boost

By Dermot Connolly Staff Writer

Photo by Jeff Vorva

The start of the 10th Southwest Half Marathon was crowded but Chicago’s Delilah DiCrescenzo (left, No. 51) and Crestwood’s Artus Bareikas (right, No. 18) broke away from the pack as DiCrescenzo won the women’s race and Bareikas won the men’s race on Sunday in Palos Heights.

Sunshine, speed, sore feet and smiles

By Dermot Connolly Staff Writer

The 10th Annual Southwest Half Marathon and 10K races were run under blue skies on Sunday, and the cool temperatures were judged perfect for running.

“Here in Camelot, the weather is always like this,” joked Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, as he welcomed everyone to his city before the races kicked off on Route 83. He did the countdown for the half-marathon at 7:30 a.m. Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett did the honors for the 10K Run/Walk 10 minutes later.

Next came the Walk, Run & Roll, sponsored by Southwest Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) for people with disabilities.

Approximately 100 children ran in the new Kids’ Dash, featuring races of various lengths for children between 2 and 10 years old. The free event, in which everyone received medals, was intended to make the10th anniversary more of a family event. Refreshments and live music were also part of the festivities. After Pastor David Gruthusen of Harvest Bible Chapel in Palos Heights got the day started with a prayer service, a rock band entertained the crowds during and after the races.

“We’re almost sold out of beer,” said Bridget Provost, a volunteer in charge of beer sales, at about 11 a.m. “We had a lot left over last year, when it was raining.”

See SMILES, Page 3

THE CHAMPS MEN’S HALF MARATHON: Artus Bareikas, Crestwood, 1:12.08 WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON: Delilah DiCrescenzo, Chicago, 1:21.31 MEN’S 10K: Roberto Ortega, Chicago Ridge, :38.53 WOMEN’ 10: Kim Weiss, Sugar Grove, :39.45

Regional writer sets personal best

By Michael Gilbert Correspondent

I don’t often check the weather app.

CBS Sports and YouTube typically dominate the data on my iPhone.

But for the last week I can only surmise I’ve tapped the application with the cloud overlapping the sun approximately 20 times. Each time my eyes would immediately find Sunday, the date of the Southwest Half Marathon.

Leading up to the 13.1-mile run it was the weather — not the distance —that was my biggest concern. Yes, 13 miles is a long way but it’s a distance I feel confident I can complete. How I felt when I got to the finish line, however, would have a lot to do with the weather.

When temperature creeps toward the 70-degree mark it is amazing how much more difficult the run becomes for me. I’ll gladly take the cold over the heat

Supplied photo

Regional News correspondent Michael Gilbert relaxes at home after running in the Southwest Half Marathon this past Sunday.

when it comes to running. Therefore, I can’t express how happy I was when each time I opened the weather app the Sunday forecast called for a low around 40 See WRITER, Page 2

A faster, broader information superhighway is on its way to District 230 high schools, as well as the Village of Orland Park, according to plans that target an anticipated implementation date of Aug. 1 for the schools.

And, according to District 230 officials, rebates plus intergovernmental agreements on related aspects of technology and networking may save District 230 a total of $1.15 million on the projects.

At the District 230 Board of Education meeting on April 27, members authorized the administration to sign a contract with First Communications to serve as a second internet service provider (ISP) in preparation for all students having Chromebook laptops in the upcoming school year.

Approximately 8,300 students attend the three District 230 high schools: Sandburg, 13300 S. LaGrange Rd. in Orland Park; Stagg, 8015 W. 1111th St. in Palos Hills and Andrew, 9001 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park.

Chief Technology Officer John Connolly explained that the district is in the third year of a fiveyear contract with Comcast as the primary internet service provider but more bandwidth is needed.

Currently, Comcast Internet is providing 1 gigabyte (GB) of bandwidth for students and 600 megabits per second for staff. According to information provided to the board, the student internet circuit is maxed out every day, depending on the period. First Communications will now provide another 1 GB of bandwidth into the primary data center in the Administration Building.

“Our students are increasing use of digital learning resources and devices. With our expansion of all four grade levels with Chromebooks next year, we needed to increase our internet bandwidth.

First Communications allows us to increase our bandwidth at a discounted price along with adding an additional ISP to increase reliability. For example, if Comcast

Internet goes down, we can function with First Communications and vice versa,” said Connolly.

The monthly cost of the additional 1 GB is $1,912.50 or $22,950 annually for a total of $68,850 for the 36-month contract, which has been budgeted.

But Connolly pointed out that the internet services are eligible for 50 percent discounts through the eRate program, which provides discounts to help U.S. schools and libraries get affordable telecommunications and internet access.

Therefore, although the district budgeted for the full $22,950 annual cost, an annual reimbursement of $11,475 is expected.

In a related move, the board also authorized the administration to sign a contract with G4S Secure Integration to upgrade wide area network (WAN) fiber for an implementation cost of $646,208.

This is also eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement through the eRate Program.

The stated goals of the WAN project, being undertaken in partnership with the village of Orland Park, are to increase bandwidth, save money and improve internet route flexibility and traffic management and security.

The initial cost includes installing fiber in conduit that the village had installed between 131st and 179th streets as part of the LaGrange Road construction project.

This would increase the bandwidth strength of the district from 3 GB to 10 GB, enough to meet the technology needs for many years to come, said officials.

The cost to the district may also be lowered by $88,000 pending some agreements with the village.

An Illinois State Board of Education grant of $323,104 is also under review.

“With the increase in bandwidth, we needed to increase our wide area network as well for internal traffic. This will provide a faster reliable network for our students at a discounted rate. This will also support future technologies as our self-provisioned fiber can See DISTRICT 230, Page 2

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra introduces new music director

By Jeff Vorva One of the big changes for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra came late last year when the group moved its six-concert series to Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights after the closing of its former home, Lincoln-Way North High School.

Another huge change came Tuesday, when the IPO introduced Maestro Stilian Kirov as its new music director effective in June.

He was the lone survivor out of

175 applicants for the job and he can’t wait to get started.

“We want to create more and more excitement for some extraordinary music here in our community,” Kirov said during a ceremony at the Flossmoor Country Club.

“We want to bring excitement, joy and inspiration to our audiences and to make sure that everybody knows that everybody is welcome to our concert hall.

“I look forward to making many, many musical journeys together.’’

The first Palos Heights journey

will come on Oct. 14 as the IPO kicks off its 40th season.

The Bulgarian-born Juilliard graduate holds a master’s degree in conducting from the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris and currently serves as Music Director for Symphony in C (New Jersey) and Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (California).

His previous symphonic appointments include Seattle Symphony (associate conductor), Memphis Symphony (associate conductor), Memphis Youth Symphony Program (music director)

and Chicago Symphony Orchestra (assistant conductor under Bernard Haitink), among others.

“IPO has found in Maestro Kirov a perfect blend of high artistic standards, dynamic podium skills, and a wide-ranging repertoire – combined with a friendly, approachable demeanor that exudes an infectious passion for classical music,’’ said IPO Executive Director Christina Salerno. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Kirov lead IPO into our 40th Anniversary and beyond.”

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Maestro Stilian Kirov, addresses the crowd at the Flossmoor Country Club Tuesday after he was introduced as the new music director for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

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2 Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Regional News

Subject charged with criminal sexual assault in Orland Park The Cook County States Attorney’s office has approved three charges of criminal sexual assault against William Jones, 21, of Evergreen Park, who allegedly committed criminal sexual assault Jones on May 4, 2017.

Orland Park police said they received information on May 5 from a juvenile female victim that she had been the victim of a criminal sexual assault the night prior. Police said the victim stated that she has known Jones through Facebook for the past several years. On May 4 Jones asked the victim if she wanted “hang out,” according to police. The victim agreed and Jones picked

her up in his vehicle. Inside the vehicle, Jones sexually assaulted the victim, police said.

Orland Park police detectives arrested Jones at his home on May 5. On May 6, the case was reviewed by the Cook County States Attorney’s office, which approved the charges against him.

Jones appeared at a bond hearing Sunday where his bond was set at $750,000.

Oak Lawn man charged in Palos Township double-fatality car crash

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS DUI Christopher S. McShane, 33, of Crestwood, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 12:52 a.m. Friday, in the 7000 block of West 126th Street. Police said he failed field sobriety tests.

He was also cited for improper lane usage, said police. He is due in court on June 14.

Michael Turner, 36, of Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol at 2:20 a.m. Sunday, in the 12200 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he failed field sobriety tests.

He was also cited for aggravated speeding and driving without insurance, said police. He is due in court on June 14.

Illegal cellphone use

Caprice S. Lee, 25, of Calumet City, was charged with unlawMay 1, Sheriff’s Police were no- gation by detectives determined ful use of a data communication

By Dermot Connolly tified of a single-vehicle rollover that Rodriguez was intoxicated Staff Writer crash that occurred on eastbound at the time of the incident. ProsA 23-year-old Oak Lawn man 107th Street, about a mile west of ecutors said that Rodriguez and faces four counts of felony ag- 104th Avenue. Responding offi- his two friends had been drinking gravated driving under the influ- cers reported finding a black 2015 at an Oakbrook Terrace bar prior Continued from Page 1 BMW on its side, with one passenence of alcohol ger identified as Reginald Leslie, to the crash. Rodriguez allegedly following a and high of approximately 60. Of 28, of Evergreen Park, trapped lost control of his vehicle and spun May 1 crash in course, this is the Chicagoland so into oncoming traffic.

They said he under the front of the vehicle. unincorporated He was pronounced dead at the told police who found him that he the temperature can often fluctuate Palos Township that killed his scene. A second passenger, Piotr had blacked out. His blood-alcohol with little notice.

I was relieved while en route to two passengers, Przeslica, 22, of Hickory Hills, count was reportedly found to be the race to see a business’ elecfrom Evergreen was found unresponsive in the 0.163, twice the legal limit. tronic sign display the temperaPark and Hickfront passenger seat, police said.

Prosecutors said that Rodriguez ture at 44 degrees — a perfect Rodriguez ory Hills.

He was taken to Advocate Christ was convicted of misdemeanor Stephen RoMedical Center in Oak Lawn, DUI in 2014. If he is found guilty temperature for a nice, long run. driguez was being held this week where he was also pronounced of the current charges, he could in Cook County Jail in lieu of dead, according to prosecutors.

Setting a goal $500,000 bond set during his May Rodriguez, who was found in be sentenced to between six and My goal heading into the race 3 court appearance in Bridgeview. the driver seat, was treated at an 28 years in prison, they said. was to run the course under 1:45.

His next court appearance is Cook County Sheriff’s Depart- area hospital for minor injuries.

It’s not that 1:45 is a magical time scheduled for May 25, according ment officials said in a statement According to the Cook County in the half marathon world, but if that at approximately 1 a.m. on Sheriff’s Department, an investi- to prosecutors.

I could reach that time it would mean my pace would be under eight minutes per mile. I long struggled to break the eight-minute pace in 5K races so if I could do it in a race more than four times as long I would really feel as if Palos Park police are warning In another photo released by I accomplished something, even residents to lock vehicle doors af- the Palos Park police, the person if that pace would only leave me ter several home security cameras of interest is seen approaching, in the middle of my age group. recorded a person looking into or standing near, the front porch I knew running under 1:45 and opening unlocked cars early of a house. would be a lofty goal considering Monday morning.

“We are following up some my previous half marathon PR One photo released by the po- leads on a possible offender. We (personal record) was nearly two lice department shows the suspect are checking more home cameras minutes slower, but I figured it wearing a gray hooded jacket lean- in the area,” said Palos Park Police was something to aim for while ing into a car parked at Route Chief Joe Miller on Tuesday. He traversing through the Palos area.

83 and Highwood Drive. Police urged residents not to keep any I figured my aim was going to said nothing was reported missing valuables in their vehicles.

Supplied photo from the vehicle. The same person “See it, hear it, report it,” said Surveillance image of an uniden- be off the mark since I labored was also captured on surveillance Miller, encouraging anyone with tified man who police say they’d through a brief warm-up around video at 2:31 a.m. trying to get information about the shadowy like to question for his potentially the Palos Heights City Hall. I into vehicles in a driveway in the figure to contact his department suspicious, late-night appearances thought finishing 3.1 miles would be challenging enough on this day in town.

8300 block of West 116th Street. immediately by dialing 911. and could hardly imagine tacking on another 10.

But sometimes you can surprise even yourself and that’s what happened the morning of May 7 as I was able to complete the course Park, was charged with aggravated License charges Speeding charges in a time of 1:41.52, or a 7:47 speeding following a traffic stop at Jaclyn M. McHale, 25, of Palos Marcos Tulio Arita Ramos, per mile pace.

9:07 p.m. April 28, in the 12800 Park, was charged with speeding 24, of Cicero, was charged with following a traffic stop at 11:17 block of South LaGrange Road. driving without a valid license …3, 2, 1, Go! a.m. April 30, in the 8500 block Police said he was also cited for following a traffic stop at 7:22 While I felt sluggish during of West 131st Street. Police said driving without insurance. No p.m. April 25, in the 11900 block she threw a makeup bag out of court information was available. of South LaGrange Road. Police my five-minute warm-up, once Haitham Ali Saleh, 19, of Brid- said he was also cited for speeding. the gun sounded to start the half her window before pulling over, and was issued local citations for geview, was charged with aggra- He is due in court on June 12. marathon the adrenaline kicked in possession of cannabis and drug vated speeding at 1:56 a.m. April Dean R. Roggenkamp, 63, of and I found myself running at a 29, in the 12500 block of South equipment after a bag of marijuana Orland Park, was charged with 7:15 clip for the first half-mile. and two glass pipes and a grinder Pawnee Road. Police said he was driving with a revoked license at That pace would be fine for a were found in it. She is due in driving 71 mph in a 40 mph zone. 8:38 p.m. April 30, in the 10700 5K, but not a 21K. The course He is due in court on June 12. court on June 7. block of West 131st Street. Police soon opened up and I got into a Adam A. Musleh, 19, of Tinley said he is due in court on June 12. comfortable rhythm and finished the first three miles at right around the 7:40 minute per mile mark.

I knew the next few miles would be difficult. While I average around six miles per day it’s usually done in two, threemile stretches approximately 11 hours apart. I head out before work and then again when I get home, and I rarely exceed three miles at one time. As I hit Mile 4 I could sense my body saying to me “Hey, shouldn’t we be done by now? Shouldn’t we be in the recliner with our feet up?”

I told myself I needed to get to the halfway point at right around the 52-minute mark if I wanted a shot at breaking 1:45. In each half marathon I’ve run I always seem to get a second wind as I cross the midway point. Often my splits are better for the back half than they are for the first.

Usually hearing the cheers from the spectators, and, if it’s an outSupplied photo and-back run like the Southwest District 230 Board President Rick Nogal administers the oath of office to Melissa Gracias (from left), Susan Dalton, Half Marathon was, seeing the Tony Serratore and Kate Murphy-Peterson at the April 27 meeting. All four were re-elected on April 4. lead runners fly by always seems to provide a boost.

An intergovernmental agree- conduit to 179th Street also will ment with District 135 is also need- help ongoing efforts to develop the Halfway home, Continued from Page 1 ed, because District 230 will be regional mixed-use campus along ahead of pace be expanded to match any grow- using part of District’s 135’s fiber the I-80 corridor.

I hit the halfway point at around conduit on 151st Street, to link the Before the meeting began, ing need. Timeline for this is next LaGrange Road conduit with the School Board President Rick 50 minutes and doing the math in school year.”

District 230 administration build- Nogal administered the oath of my head — which is more diffiConnolly noted that the WAN ing at 15100 S. 94th Ave. With office to Melissa Gracias, Susan cult than you might think when agreement will not be finalized all three entities sharing the cost Dalton, Tony Serratore and Kate running — realized I was a few until the intergovernmental agree- of the annual maintenance, and Murphy-Peterson, who were all minutes under my goal time. ment is approved by the Orland the 50 percent discount through re-elected without opposition on Miles 7, 8 and 9 were a breeze, Park Village Board. Frank Floren- eRate, District 230 is expecting to April 4. The board made no chang- which was reassuring considering tine, the director of technology for save $1.15 million on the project. es to the current leadership, reaf- how I was feeling about 30 minOrland Park, said he plans to bring “This will be a win-win situation firming Nogal as president, Gracias utes earlier. I was now at Mile the agreement to the Village Board for everybody,” said Florentine last as vice-president and Dalton as 10 and for the first time started for a vote at the June 5 meeting, week. He said that extending the secretary. to think about the finish line —

device following a traffic stop at 12:24 a.m. last Thursday, in the 12300 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving with a suspended license. She is due in court on June 14.

Kassie Kappel, 20, of Oak Lawn, was charged with unlawful use of a data communication device while driving following a traffic stop at 8:31 p.m. last Thursday, in the 12100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving with a suspended license. She is due in court on June 14.

Suspended license Scott G. Brngal, 33, of Orland Park, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:40 p.m. May 3, in the 12900 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having expired

registration. He is due in court on May 22.

Adam R. Lukow, 34, of Palos Heights, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 2:32 p.m. Friday, in the 7800 block of West Foresthill Lane. Police said he was also cited for driving with improper display of registration and driving without proof of insurance. He is due in court on May 22.

Unlawful alcohol possession Edwin A. Martinez, 18, of Bensenville, was issued a local ordinance citation for possession of alcohol by a minor after police reported finding him parked in front of a closed business in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue at 1:36 a.m. May 3. Police said two bottles of liquor were in his car. He is due at a hearing in City Hall on June 14.

Writer

Police seek Palos Park prowler

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK

District 230

Supplied photo

Friends and family members of Regional News correspondent Michael Gilbert pose for a photo at the finish line of the Southwest Half Marathon.

Pictured (front row, left to right) are Lexie Vernon, Andy Civettini, Laura Gilbert, (back row) Shana Sewick, Gilbert, Robert Gilbert, Joe Gilbert and Mitch Gilbert.

mostly how I would like to be there now. The adrenaline rush I had received a few miles earlier was long gone and a bit of general soreness was creeping into my legs. Considering I seldom run 10 miles it was understandable, but not exactly welcome.

At this point I was looking for a distraction to the task at hand while still trying to keep my legs moving. Thoughts about the Cubs first-inning pitching woes, the upcoming college football season and even the fact that my car is due for an oil change crept into my mind. I’m not a car aficionado in the least but apparently after nine miles I’d rather think about replacing my engine’s oil filter than running.

The mind games continued at Mile 11. Before the race I had grabbed a few energy gels to carry in my pocket in case I needed a little bit of fuel. I spent most of Mile 11 contemplating whether or not now was the right time to grab one. I’ve never noticed any additional energy from these gels but a lot of runners swear by them so I usually keep one or two in my pocket for the long races. I decided the effort of reaching into my pocket, removing the energy gel from its package, transferring it to my mouth and then reaching for a water to wash down the rather unpleasant taste of artificial cherry flavor would require more energy than I’d gain from the chewable square.

motivational tactic I could to keep from stopping.

Thankfully I have decent eyesight and the large, bright orange “FINISH” sign came into view.

I was able to use whatever energy I had left — believe me, it wasn’t much — and sprint home and finish a little more than three minutes under my goal.

After one of the nice and ever-present volunteers handed me a water and I was able to catch my breath, I headed back on the course to run the last quarter mile with my father who has been my walking/running partner for more than 20 years. I found him and my uncle, who also ran in the half marathon, looking strong approaching the finish line.

As I veered out of the finish chute my mind went back to 2007 when I was a general assignment reporter for The Regional News sitting in a meeting room inside the Palos Heights Recreation Center. It was there that I listened to Running for Kicks owner Mel Diab and former Palos Heights Alderman Jeff Prestinario unveil the plans for the half marathon.

Afterglow of a personal best

When I hit Mile 12 I told myself I was essentially four times around a quarter-mile track from finishing and receiving a fancy medal to add to my collection.

I looked at the clock and realized I could run the last mile in 11 minutes and still finish under 1:45. I hit the intersection of 119th Street and Southwest Highway and the general soreness turned to full-on pain. I was using every

At the time I thought there was no way I could ever see myself running the equivalent of Burbank to Oak Brook. Heck, I don’t even like to drive 13 miles, but now 10 years later I had run one and set a PR in the process.

So what does it feel like for a novice runner to finish a half marathon?

There’s a lot of soreness — the compression socks are on as I write this article — but the pride outweighs the pain. With that being said, I think the elevator will become my best friend at work this week.

Answers

Sudoku

Pain hits, end in sight

Puzzle on Page 7

Puzzle on Page 7

The Regional News

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Lipinski raps Trump at town hall meeting

By Tim Hadac

Photo by Anthony Caciopo

Gil Hede offers water bottles to runners as they prepare for the start of the race. Hede found more takers after the race than before.

Volunteers help SW Half Marathon run smoothly

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

Gil Hede no longer laces up his shoes to run but he was still part of the action at Sunday’s Southwest Half Marathon.

“I ran a whole bunch of marathons,” said the Palos Heights resident, “but now I can’t run anymore. I decided to help out.

It’s fun.”

Equipped with an armful of bottled water to give away, Hede waded into the crowd of runners as they assembled at the starting line of the 10th annual event on College Drive outside Palos Heights City Hall.

He was one of 139 volunteers working the event this year and, aside from the custom blue t-shirts they wore as identification, their participation didn’t cost a dime— but it was invaluable.

“With all the money that’s spent on the race, we really couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” said Bob Grossart, coordinator of the volunteers.

The Southwest Half Marathon isn’t just an ordinary volunteer gig.

Almost all volunteers spent hours on their feet, often in near-constant motion, and there was the wakeup time…that cold, dark wake-up time. The race began at 7:30 a.m. but volunteers were on the job at least two hours in advance, meaning most had to rise before dawn and head out the door into temperatures officially hovering

Smiles

Continued from Page 1 Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) continued his tradition of serving as grand marshal, and running in the half marathon. His wife, Judy, also ran this time.

After being introduced on the podium, the congressman pulled up his sweatshirt to show off the t-shirt with his original bib number 1 that he wore in the inaugural race. State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th), also an avid runner, was there again on Sunday, too.

Emcee Jeff Prestinario, who co-founded of the race with Mel Diab, recalled how Cunningham’s predecessor, Ed Maloney, helped make the race possible.

“It takes a lot to put this on,” said Prestinario. “The two of us told him (Maloney) what we needed, and while we were in his office, he called IDOT and got permission to close Route 83,” he said.

“I don’t have as much clout as him, but I’m a runner, and this is my fifth consecutive half marathon,” said Cunningham.

Diab, the race director, was pleased with the turnout, noting that 1,000 people ran in the half-marathon and 400 in the 10K. Palos Health sponsored the half marathon for the second consecutive year and CNB Bank sponsored the 10K. Diab thanked all the sponsors for their support.

“I say it all the time, but we couldn’t do any of this without them,” said Diab, who owns Running for Kicks shoe store in Palos Heights.

Prestinario thanked the runners as well, noting that they helped the event raise more than $225,000 for local charities over the last 10 years.

“Thank you so much. This means the world to everyone participating,” said Lori Chesna, executive director of SWSRA, as she accepted a check for the association before the races started.

Besides helping organize the event, Chesna was there to cheer on her husband, Bob, who has walked in the Walk, Run & Roll event for the past two years since suffering

3

below 40 degrees.

“It’s a big commitment,” said Grossart. “It takes a lot of energy to get up that day,” Hede, with his cargo of water bottles and a ready, contagious smile, didn’t seem to mind the hours. Nor did Dina Marlowe, one of the volunteers tasked with presenting medals to the finishers in the Southwest Special Recreation Association’s Walk, Run & Roll half-mile event for people with special needs.

“Their smiles are awesome, it just lights you up,” she said as she placed medals over the heads and around the necks of the racers.

“You can feel their achievements.”

Grossart noted that the number of volunteers this year was up by nine people compared to last year’s total of 130. Volunteer positions included course marshals, water station attendants, medal presenters at the finish line for the day’s multiple races, gear-check staff and registration resolution specialists who assisted runners who had missing electronic tracking chips which timed their performance.

Volunteer Paul Sarna joined his wife, Ellen and daughter, Jessica in the gear-check area, where runners dropped off personal possessions for safekeeping during the race. Each item was stored by the runner’s race number and the gear-check team supervised long, growing rows of items as the runners headed to the starting line.

“I found out about volunteering

through my employer,” said Ellen Sarna, a hospice nurse at Palos Hospital, 12251 S. 80th Ave. in Palos Heights. “I’ve always wanted to do this, but I was always working the day of the race,” she said, explaining that she has recently changed positions and no longer works weekends.

Grossart, the coordinator of volunteers, was quick to credit key colleagues in the recruitment effort including Lori Chesna, executive director of SWSRA and Bob Fabrizio, who handled student recruitment with his many contacts among area coaches. Students who volunteered earned nine hours of service time for their academic record.

Palos Hospital also was noteworthy for the number of volunteers it contributed, Grossart said, thanks to the efforts of Donna Nadelhoffer, the director of Volunteer Services.

“It’s a lot of work to get all the people lined up, and get them to show up,” said Grossart, who pointed out that each year the committee must anticipate and make provisions for people who volunteer but don’t make the event.

A personal touch offered before the race for the fourth consecutive year was a morning worship service. This year, the worship was led by Dave Gruthusen, Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Harvest Bible Chapel in Palos Heights.

Harvest has provided the service each of the last four years.

a stroke.

Many spectators and participants had high praise for the organizers as well.

“The energy is just great. I love the kick-off,” said Denise Allen, who walked over from her home near Lake Katherine to soak up the atmosphere.

“It is really great for the community too. It really brings a lot of people to town,” she said.

Lynn O’Brien, Mayor Straz’s daughter, was there with her children, Jack, 3, and Emma, 4.

“Jack wanted to come down and see what was happening,” she said, as her son laughed at the dancing of Astro, the Shepard High School mascot. Charlie Horse from Stagg High School and the Trinity Christian College Troll also provided entertainment and encouragement from the sidelines, especially for the Kids’ Dash runners.

“I’ve never done it before but this is much better than the city events,” said Britney Bowater of Palos Heights, after completing the 10K. “The course is flat and not as crowded,” she said.

Friends Adam Pirman of Crestwood and Erika Krachten and Karen Anderson of Tinley Park celebrated together after completing the 10K. Pirman said he enjoyed his first 10K, and Krachten said she was happy to be back in the event again after a five-year break. “This is the fifth anniversary of my grandmother’s death,” she said, explaining that she broke down during the race that year thinking of her. “I had a mental block I had to get through,” she said, crediting her friends for their support.

If the excitement of the youngsters in the Kids’ Dash was any indication, there will be no shortage of runners in future years, either.

Some of the younger kids were so excited they ran farther than necessary.

“We’ve got future half marathon runners,” said Prestinario, as the kids ran past the pylons where they were supposed to turn around. “I want to do it again,” said one girl.

“God willing, we will be putting this on for many more years,” said Diab afterward, as he chatted with

runners who stopped to thank him for another successful race.

“How can you not get up when you see the runners high-fiving and celebrating when they finish?” he said. “It makes it all worth it.”

As a somewhat conservative Democrat, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) has earned a reputation for building bridges to Republican colleagues in Washington.

Yet at a town hall meeting Tuesday night at Kennedy High School on Chicago’s Southwest Side, the congressman took his whacks at the nation’s most powerful Republican, President Donald Trump—much to the delight of a crowd of more than 100 voters, who interrupted his remarks with applause at least a dozen times.

Lipinski began his remarks by breaking the news that the President had just fired FBI Director James Comey—an announcement that brought gasps from some and a smattering of applause from others.

In a statement after the meeting, Lipinski said he finds the firing “very troubling. It is now even more important that we do everything possible to learn about Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. In March we learned that the FBI is investigating members of the Trump campaign for possible collusion with Russian authorities during the election. We must make sure that Director Comey’s firing in no way interferes with this investigation.”

The congressman noted that two months ago, he “called for an independent commission to

look into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Today I reiterate my plea for such a bipartisan investigative commission. This is not about re-litigating the election; this is about protecting our republic going forward. We must make sure that we do everything we can to help ensure confidence in our elections going forward and to find out whether anyone in the Trump campaign was involved in colluding with Russia. This should not be about politics; it should be about making sure our nation is secure, and about protecting and strengthening our democratic institutions.”

Lipinski noted that Trump rode a wave of voter dissatisfaction with the status quo to the White House.

“He promised a lot of things that appeal to the middle class, like ending bad trade deals, building our infrastructure, boosting manufacturing jobs,” the congressman said. “But so far, in his first four months in office, he has delivered policies that are not good for the country and not good for the middle class.”

Lipinski criticized Trump for appointing what he called Wall Street insiders to cabinet posts and other positions of authority overseeing commerce and finance policy for his administration.

He also rapped the President for his travel ban imposed temporarily on Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Lipinski drew applause when he

recalled how he had to intervene to assist several Iranian Christian converts who were stuck in China because of the ban.

The congressman also criticized Trump for what he said were attempts to slash the federal budgets for transportation, environmental protection and public education.

The strongest applause of the evening came when Lipinski noted that he voted against the American Health Care Act of 2017 (informally known to some as Trumpcare).

He criticized its backers for not releasing the text of the bill until 18 hours before it came up for a vote in the House of Representatives.

Lipinski said the AHCA would raise costs for senior citizens, make health care access more difficult for people with pre-existing medical conditions, and amount to not much more than a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.

He predicted that the bill has no chance of passage in the U.S. Senate, and that both chambers would inevitably have to hammer out a compromise measure.

Noting that he voted against the federal Affordable Care Act (informally known to some as Obamacare) back in 2010 and has been a critic of some aspects of it, Lipinski said he opposed its repeal earlier this year. He said he wanted to keep Obamacare, but fix its shortcomings, one of which he said is a lack of cost control on prescription drugs.

Annual Palos Heights Chamber Expo spotlights local businesses

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

Business-building and networking was the focus last Saturday at the annual Health & Business Expo held by the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce.

The big gym at Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., did double-duty as the chamber event shared the ample facility with more than 1,000 registrants in the Southwest Half Marathon and 10K races who came in throughout the morning to pick up their pre-race materials.

“We’ve got a lot of space, a lot of flow,” said Mary Kay Spindler, executive director of the chamber. “Our members are having conversations, getting business.

I’m grateful for the connections being made.”

Spindler’s assessment was echoed by Dale Hofstra, owner of Hofstra Family Hearing at 12705 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos

Heights.

“It was a nice flow, especially at the beginning,” he said of the event. “Everyone is local and some of the runners stopped by.

We talked to them and some of their family members.”

Hofstra said he liked the contact being made with other expo participants, too.

“There’s some good interaction, business-to-business,” he said.

Stacy Schuble, the chamber’s new vice president, was working the event along with Spindler and Marty Linderborg, the chamber’s secretary.

“We’ve had a good turnout, about 50” exhibitors, said Schuble.

Walking the aisles at the expo, visitors encountered a wide variety of vendors.

“We like that it has a tilt toward a health fair-type of thing,” said Hofstra.

Anne Girzadas, Palos Heights Farmers Market manager, was on hand to greet people and inform

them about the annual market, now open every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Palos Heights municipal lot at 12217 S. Harlem Ave. “We’re one of only three farmers markets in the south suburban areas,” she said. “The expo is a good way for me to promote. I’ve walked around, talked with a lot of different vendors and made a lot of connections.”

Through her networking at last year’s expo, Girzadas said she was able to connect with someone who provided language translation services for a brochure Girzadas now uses for marketing. Girzadas has brochures in multiple languages as part of her promotional efforts for the farmers market.

Executive Director Spindler had high praise for the venue itself.

Shepard High School has hosted the expo for two consecutive years.

“I couldn’t be happier with the school and the support they’ve given us,” she said.

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4 Thursday, May 11, 2017

Wealthy Dems may beat wealthy Rauner Illinois has elected just two wealthy people to major statewide office in the last 20 years: Former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald and Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Both candidates won because they ran as firm, anti-establishment outsiders. Fitzgerald was best known as a state Senator in the 1990s for railing against the elders who ran his Republican Party, including many who had been supplying the GOP with loads of money over the years and who would use their positions to handsomely profit off of state business. Rauner also ran against his party’s insiders when he launched his campaign, dismissing them as bought and paid for by Springfield’s special interests.

What establishment party support both men did receive mostly came at the end of their general election campaigns. Their personal finances, which allowed them to self-fund, kept them free of establishment taint, and that independence gave both of them credibility as outsiders. As Election Day neared, some establishment GOP figures decided they’d better swallow their pride and get on board.

The establishment needed the insurgents more than the insurgents needed the establishment.

Billionaire Democrat JB Pritzker isn’t following this pattern as he campaigns for governor. Insiders, elected officials and politically connected union leaders have been jumping on his bandwagon from the get-go, usually after being impressed with Pritzker during one-on-one meetings.

The game plan seems pretty obvious. Pritzker doesn’t want those folks and groups endorsing Chris Kennedy, whose last name is still immensely popular and whose own connections over the decades would’ve guaranteed him support from his party’s elders if Pritzker and his infinite bank account hadn’t stepped in. Kennedy doesn’t have Pritzker’s kind of money, so Kennedy is perceived as needing support from the people and groups who fund and staff the party’s apparatus. At the moment, those folks are streaming toward Pritzker amid a cacophony of whispers (all denied) that House Speaker Michael J. Madigan is directing the traffic. Starve Kennedy of money and foot soldiers and maybe he’ll drop out.

Kennedy, whose personal wealth is substantial, but nothing like Pritzker’s, has made some half-hearted attempts to claim that endorsements don’t matter whenever he loses them. But he hasn’t yet embraced (or maybe doesn’t even recognize) the role that’s literally being thrust upon him. Kennedy’s originally preferred path of being the widely endorsed “inevitable” candidate is now owned by Pritzker. By default, Kennedy’s now the most prominent “outsider” in the race.

After almost two and a half years of Rauner’s rule, the government is in shambles. Rauner’s first campaign video back in 2013 complained that the state had “the highest unemployment in the Midwest,” and that’s still true today. He pointed to the state’s “lowest credit rating in America,” and that’s only gotten worse.

“Springfield is broken; $8,000 in pension debt for every man, woman and child,” Rauner bemoaned in the video. That figure is now $10,000.

So, maybe Illinois voters will yearn for someone who can work with Springfield to solve our massive problems and get us back to a semblance of normalcy after three populist governors in a row couldn’t get anything done. That appears to be where both Pritzker and Kennedy are going.

If Rauner doesn’t obtain a budget deal, he will simply run against the establishment again, claiming the evil powers that be (Speaker Madigan) have blocked him at every turn, but that he is “very close” to breaking their self-serving logjam. And, indeed, if he is re-elected after what could be four years of gridlock, the Democrats will have to start working with him. Democrats claim that Rauner hid his “real” agenda from voters in 2014. But that agenda is now crystal clear to everyone.

Almost half of Illinois Democrats voted for insurgent presidential candidate Bernie Sanders a year ago. A recent poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute showed that Gov. Rauner is slightly more popular than Speaker Madigan in Chicago, of all places.

So, an authentic, independent, populist message from the late Robert Kennedy’s sincere, accomplished and mild-mannered son could very well resonate.

One of the things you can’t help but notice in the press coverage of Kennedy’s Downstate appearances is the reports on crowd size. His family name is packing halls all over the place as locals come out to witness a part of history.

The obvious question is whether Kennedy can sustain this. His name and the hints of his family’s famous accent in his speaking voice are working like a charm for him right now. But will it last?

If he embraces a different direction, I think the answer could be yes.

OPINION

The Regional News

RICH MILLER

Why is my TV clogged with election ads?

You might be wondering why you’re watching the battle for Illinois governor play out in annoying TV commercials 10 months before the election.

That’s what happens when the state’s highest office is coveted by two billionaires and a multimillionaire: Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy.

Rauner, our stumbling, bumbling incumbent, is described as “an American businessman, philanthropist and billionaire politician,” and former investor in the Chicago Sun-Times, the failing newspaper that has been acting like Rauner’s campaign manager.

For example, knowing how people hate wealthy people like billionaires, the newspaper published a feature story questioning if Rauner is really a billionaire. It wasn’t criticism, people. You’re not that naïve, are you?

Rauner has been running commercials using duct tape to explain why Illinois residents are struggling to survive in an economy they’re told is good but that their bank accounts are screaming is bad.

This is a world in which a decent car costs more than most people earn annually.

Pritzker is described as an “American venture capitalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and private business owner” whose personal wealth is somewhere between $3 billion to $4 billion.

Pritzker’s commercials are dominating television ad nauseum. “Touchy, feely,” they feature him smiling and slapping high fives with little kids as he introduces himself.

Kennedy doesn’t have to introduce himself. He’s been involved in social

Commend State Senate Passage of Automatic Voter Registration

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Dear Editor, I’d like to offer a big ‘thank you’ to Palos Health and CNB Bank and Trust, along with Mel Diab, Jeff Prestinario, Palos Heights and Palos Park police departments, Palos Heights Public Works, Cook County Forest Preserves, IDOT and the many (and I do mean many) volunteers and so many others who worked behind the scenes in once again

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service programs helping the needy for years. Likeable out of the gate, Kennedy is described as a “developer and nonprofit activist” whose family previously owned the massive Merchandise Mart building just outside the Chicago Loop.

The Kennedy name is a very powerful magnet for the one constituency that has the highest voter turnout: baby boomers, who remember his father, former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and uncle, President John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy is just a multi-millionaire, but all of them need to see a dentist. Rauner and Pritzker share the same goofy smiles, while Kennedy’s smile always looks pained.

Image means something but money is where the election battle will focus this fall when the candidates file their papers for the March, 2018 primary elections: Rauner as a Republican incumbent with no achievements, and Pritzker and Kennedy as rich Democrats.

Pritzker ran for office in 1998 losing to Jan Schakowsky, a popular progressive and one of the best Illinois members of congress. Kennedy thought about running in the past, but only made it to he position of chairman of the scandal-plagued University of Illinois Board of Trustees, appointed by former Gov. Pat “Who?” Quinn.

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

READERS WRITE

Dear Editor: I commend the Illinois Senate for passing Automatic Voter Registration, legislation which would secure and modernize our state’s Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newslet- voter rolls. The bill, SB1933, ter, and CapitolFax.com. passed with bipartisan support and now goes to the Illinois House.

Streamlining the voter registration process benefits all Illinoisans, making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. Democrats, Republicans and Independents can all get behind this measure that saves local governments money and saves voters time by limiting unnecessary interactions with Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. government bureaucracy.

I have always believed that Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer government should leverage techThe Business Side The News Side nology to keep voter rolls up-toDonna Brown, Sales Director Anthony Caciopo, Editor date, rather than put the burden Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter on individuals to re-register each Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor time they move, marry, or change Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director their name. The current system is Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer inefficient and inconvenient, and we have the tools to bring our Southwest Regional Publishing voter rolls into the 21st century.

12243 S. Harlem Ave. I urge the Illinois House to Palos Heights, IL 60463 swiftly pass this legislation and Phone: (708) 448-4000 call on the governor to sign it Fax: (708) 448-4012 into law.

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RAY HANANIA

But Pritzker can probably count on an endorsement from former President Barack Obama, who appointed his sister, Penny Pritzker as the U.S. Commerce Secretary, after making big donations.

Obama will need a lot of donations for his legacy, the Obama Center — don’t call it a museum — on the South Side in Jackson Park in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Woodlawn ranks 13th-worst when it comes to violent crimes in Chicago’s 78 neighborhoods. Jackson Park extends into Hyde Park, with one of the Chicago’s lowest crime rates, and South Shore, one of Chicago’s highest.

Is that why the Kennedy family decided to give Obama the 2017 JFK Profile in Courage Award this past weekend in Washington, D.C.?

Hmmmmm!

American elections are not decided by selecting the best, but by voters rejecting the “worst.” They vote based on who they dislike the most, and chose the other person. That’s how Donald Trump beat everyone else. You may not like him, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as the rest.

The only way Rauner can win is if Pritzker and Kennedy get too personal. Rauner is the guy most people dislike. He only won because people disliked Quinn more.

But Pritzker’s early big spending ad campaign could be his undoing. With so many ads, you have to wonder if Pritzker worries about the value of a dollar.

putting together an awesome race.

We even had ideal weather, too!

Kudos to the course volunteers for their encouragement, water and overall participation as they were up earlier than me in getting ready for the race. I participated in the event as a walker and finished the course in 2:57.

I tell everyone this race and our July Classic Car event puts Palos Heights on the map. Thank you again to all, and see you next year!

—Julie Pietrzak Palos Heights

Perhaps ‘Comply and Complain’ can prevent a future Ferguson Dear Editor: The newly released FBI report on “Comply and Complain” shows nearly every police official interviewed agreed that for the first time, law enforcement not only felt that their national political leaders [publicly] stood against them, but also that the politicians’ words and actions signified that disrespect to law enforcement was acceptable. Law enforcement officials believe that defiance and hostility displayed by assailants toward law enforcement appears to be the new norm.

We all realize since the incident in Ferguson, Mo. that law enforcement is under immense scrutiny, and has undergone undeniable change. We believe Comply and Complain affords people the best course of action during encounters with police officers.

Without a doubt we realize officers have the ability to influence the outcome of citizen contacts and not escalate a contact to confrontation. Should someone feel their constitutional rights have been violated, they may seek redress, remediation and remuneration after the fact. They can file a complaint against the officer

or even sue the department.

The prevailing message of Comply and Complain is that anyone who feels they’ve been treated improperly by an officer should initially comply with the officer’s instruction, but should not hesitate to subsequently complain about that treatment.

When asked, experts recommend citizens can defuse confrontations with police by complying first, then complaining later if they feel their rights have been violated. We recommend that during an interaction you comply with an officer’s commands at any scene; and if something unjust occurs, file a complaint after the fact.

An initial step toward addressing any concerns when someone is stopped by a police officer, is that the person can ask that a supervisor be called to the scene. Beyond that, the department has a specific procedure for the filing of a citizen complaint against an officer.

Those complaints are investigated and when appropriate, training, re training, corrective disciplinary processes and dismissal are utilized when deemed applicable.

We suggest motorists remain calm and comply with an officer’s wishes, and if a motorist has any issues with how the officer handled the situation, pursue it later through the proper complaint channels with police.

— Joe Miller Palos Park Chief of Police

Nation’s Law enforcement will be honored with candlelight vigil The 29th annual National Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil honoring fallen law enforcement officers will be held on Saturday, May 13 on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by the National Law

Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in conjunction with National Police Week May 14-20.

During the vigil, the names of 394 federal, state and local law officers added to the memorial will be recognized of which 251 are from historical research and 143 from 2016. Included in the records are 75 officers lost in search and rescue efforts in the 9-11 twin towers terrorist attack in New York City in 2001.

The vigil will include the reading of names added to the blue-gray marble memorial at Judicial Square, where now the known names total 21,153 since the founding of our nation’s law enforcement in 1791 under the Constitution of the United States.

National Peace Officers Memorial Day on Monday, May 15 was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 with an act of Congress to recognize all law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty for the safety and protection of all in our nation. On this day at the U.S. Capitol Building the president traditionally thanks all law enforcement officers on behalf of the American people for safeguarding the nation. This is followed by wreath-laying ceremonies, honor guards and somber bagpiper police units marching in the streets of Washington, D.C. “Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continued quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream,” said President George H. Bush at the 1991 dedication ceremonies of the memorial. Truly, this memorial that honors those who protect and serve is another one of the great sites in our nation’s Capital City.

— Dan Dwornik, Tinley Park

BUSINESS

The Regional News

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Thursday, May 11, 2017

5

Give mom a gift to help her financial future With Mother’s Day around the corner, you might wonder if you should go beyond chocolates and flowers this year and give Mom something that can help her far into the future. What sort of financial gift can improve her life?

You could, for instance, encourage your mother to fund her IRA. As long as she has any earned income, she is eligible to invest in a traditional or Roth IRA (although a Roth IRA does have income limits which, if exceeded, will reduce and eventually eliminate contributions). In 2017, the IRA contribution limit is $5,500, or $6,500 for individuals 50 or older. Traditional IRA contributions may be deductible, depending on one’s income, and earnings can grow tax deferred. Taxes are due upon withdrawal and withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but earnings are distributed tax-free, provided an investor has had the account at least five years and doesn’t start taking withdrawals until age 59½.

You can’t contribute directly to your mother’s IRA, but you can give her money to use for that purpose, if she chooses. And since she has until April 17, 2018, to fully fund her IRA for the 2017 tax year, your gift now may help make it that much easier for Mom to “max out” on her account.

Here’s another suggestion: Consider helping Mom pay one or two months’ worth of insurance premiums.

It’s possible that your mother is paying for multiple insurance policies, like life insurance and disability or long-term care insurance, so any financial help on your part would be valuable.

You might also want to give Mom some tips on how she can help maintain her financial independence throughout her life. If she ever needed some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home or the services of a home health aide, the costs could be extremely high, and Medicare typically pays little of these expenses.

Jim Van Howe Edward Jones

So you might want to connect her mother with a financial professional, who can provide strategies for protecting her from long-term care costs.

Here’s one more suggestion: Give a gift to a charitable organization your mother supports. Even though you’re making the gift in Mom’s name, you should be able to reap some benefits yourself, even apart from the good feelings you’ll get by helping a charitable group. As long as the charity has 501(c) (3) status (named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that governs such groups), your gift can offer you tax advantages. On the most basic level, a gift of cash can earn you a tax deduction.

So, for example, if you are in the 25% tax bracket, and you give $1,000 to a qualified charity, you will be able to deduct $250 from your taxes.

You may be able to get even more tax benefits if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, to a charity. If you give appreciated stocks you’ve held for more than one year, you can deduct the value of the securities, based on their worth when you make the gift – and neither you nor the charity will have to pay capital gains taxes on the donated investments.

Your mother has done a lot for you. This Mother’s Day, show her you appreciate her efforts.

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

COMINGS & GOINGS

Farm-to-table restaurant offers healthy food in Homewood The Redbird Café, a new farmto-table restaurant, has opened in Homewood at 2057 Ridge Rd. Redbird Cafe currently serves breakfast and lunch. Dinner hours may be added.

Owner Kim Nolen says she aims to provide healthy, locally produced food for the south suburban community.

The space at Redbird includes artwork by local artists Annie Lawrence and Erin McLeod. Students at Homewood-Flossmoor High School provided additional artwork.

In addition to regular tables, Redbird features a long community table that is designed to have strangers break bread together.

Hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, but the full menu is only available until 2 p.m. There is a separate brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Dot Foods opens distribution center A food distributor from downstate Mount Sterling held a grand opening in south suburban University Park last week for its 10th distribution center.

Dot Foods is the nation’s largest food industry redistributor, accord-

BOB BONG ing to company officials. On May 4, it opened a 191,000-square-foot facility at 251 Central Ave. The company supplies more than 118,000 products from 835 food manufacturers to food distribution companies, which in turn send the foodservice, convenience, retail and vending products to grocery stores and supermarkets and other retailers in 50 states and 25 countries.

“We buy in bulk and send items to distributors throughout the area,” said Chicago-area General Manager Mike Ford.

Dot employs more than 150 people at its new facility. More than 100 of those were hired within the last year, with the remainder being employees who transferred from the company’s former Joliet operation. Dot Foods Chicago is hiring both Regional Class A company delivery drivers and warehouse order selectors with a goal of employing 350 people by 2020.

“We were worried about finding workers with the right skills, but the employees we have found have been great,” said Dick Tracy, the company president. “We’re still looking for good employees as we expect to triple the number of jobs as we expand.”

Ford said Dot expects to double the size of the warehouse by 2020, which would make it the second largest in the company behind only the main complex in Mount Sterling.

The University Park facility was purchased in 2015 from Reinhart Foodservice and includes dry, frozen and cooler warehouse space.

“We started looking about three years ago,” Ford said. “Normally, we would have built a distribution center from scratch, but Reinhart said this site was available and it was about as close to something we would build ourselves as we have ever seen.”

To learn more about careers at Dot Foods visit DotFoods.com/ careers. For more on opportunities available with Dot Transportation, visit DriveForDot.com.

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

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

Orland Park Mr Fresh Start LLC to Runo Klaudia, 9130 140th St, Unit #202, $107,000; Mladic Susan Adm to Roseland Scott A, 8144 Collette Ct, $180,000; Taltsidis Denise to Plascencia Jose Humberto, 8814 Butterfield Ln, $269,000; Navarro Gail L Tr to Topor Krzysztof, 15039 80th Ave, $275,000; Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp to Edward Gal Rentals Inc, 13950 91st Ave, Unit #204, $52,000; Francis Joseph M to Gordon Wanda, 16040 Crystal Creek Dr, Unit #160402A, $137,500; Bleskin Mary Tr to Chicago Title Land Trust Co Trust, 13827 84th Ave, $290,000; Obryan Carol to Barker Jaime, 16601 Grants Trl, $197,500; Martens Howard J to Alqaq Ah-

mad, 15713 Lake Hills Ct, Unit #157132N, $190,000; Zaagman Viola J to Hoekstra Thomas C, 7338 154th St, Unit #547338, $125,000; Cancialosi John Tr to Rimkus David K, 17214 S Doe Ln, $472,000; Clavio Fred Jr Tr to Beer Esther R Tr, 9726 Hummingbird Hill Dr, $325,000; Rasmussen Brian K to Large Mallory, 9049 Fairway Dr, $209,000; Seef Michael Tr to Lindroth Garret C, 14916 Huntington Ct, $229,500; Arrigo Richard V to Plannery Patrick M, 8253 Highgate Ct, $339,000; Teschler Sylvia to Fila Ewa, 13845 86th Ave, $203,500; UG Orland Pk IL LLC to QEH 29 Orland Sq Dr LLC, 29 Orland Square, $6,425,000; V Mortgage Reo I LLC to Miseviciute Jurgita, 10150 Hyacinth Ct, $140,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Ou Zhen Yu, 13455 Feather Ct, $254,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Grieco Michael A, 7305 157th St, Unit

#73052B, $80,000; Nationstar Mtg LLC to Brodzinski Edward, 16952 Blue Heron Dr, $275,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Cirrus Inv Grp LLC, 15109 Saint Andrew Ct, $192,500.

Palos Heights Shannessy Joan to Romanowski Kati L, 26 Parliment Drive West, $155,000; Wagner Jay S Tr to Ceno Ashley L, 6740 W Edgewood Rd, $235,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Boyce Mary Kathleen, 12320 Natchez Ave, $245,000; Sweeney Michael J Tr to Weber Nick J, 12242 S 68th Ct, $370,000.

Palos Park Goebel Amy A Tr to Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr, 12408 Hobart St, $430,000; Riley Raymond M Tr to Kattos George, 11560 Old Prague Path, $240,000; Slabenak Linda to Lukaszczyk Katarzyna B, 7842 Oakridge Dr, $380,000.

Supplied photo

Palos Heights women ready for flower sale

The Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s Conservation Committee met recently to finish plans for the club’s annual flower sale, set for Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city lot on the east side of Harlem between 122nd and 123rd Streets. Busy Bee landscapers will bring extra plants and vegetables to accommodate drop-in shoppers. Ready for the sale are (from left) Kim Prokes, Nancy Westland, Joanne Ferneau, chairman, and Sharon Collins. Committee member Sharon Vojtek is not pictured.

Adopt-a-Pot seeks sponsors Sponsorship is open for a new season of a popular beautification effort around Palos Heights called the Adopt-a-Pot Flower Planting Program.

“Contribute to the overall ambiance of our city’s landscape and shopping experience and enjoy the community spirit,” said program organizers via a news release.

The sponsorship fee is $80 per pot and the goal is to place 55 pots around the city.

“Last year we had 44,” said Denise Hyker, co-chair of the Adopt-a-Pot program, who explained that the effort began much more modestly, planting flowers at the base of trees.

“We’ve been around a long time,” she said of the beautification effort, “and it has blossomed into what it is today.”

Businesses, groups and families are welcome to sponsor a pot and/ or help plant flowers. The planting will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 20 in the parking lot of the Palos Heights community pool, 7607 W. College Dr., directly south of city hall.

“We’re looking for people to come out and have some fun with the planting,” said Hyker of the May 20 event.

Adults, teens and even members of a local Brownie Troop have helped with the planting project.

“A lot of people pull together to give back to the community,” she said.

The pots will be placed around the city shortly after the planting is complete.

Ed Dombrowski, chair of the

Palos Heights Beautification Committee, said that more information about sponsorship and the planting

event can be obtained by emailing him at emdl@msn.com or calling 708-825-7775.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of May 1)

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

RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.035 0 3.250 3.305 0 4.125 4.170 0

United Trust Bank (as of May 9)

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

RATES APR POINTS 4.125 4.146 0 3.375 3.411 0 3.375 3.428 0

Prospect Savings Bank (as of May 9)

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

RATES APR POINTS 4.000 4.069 .25 3.875 3.970 .25 3.250 3.370 .25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

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The Regional News

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Jonathan Beyer to headline concert in Orland Park An evening of opera, musical theater and other songs—featuring acclaimed baritone Jonathan Beyer— is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 2 at The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, 13401 S. Wolf Road.

The concert will include guest soloist Amanda Crider, a Sandburg High School graduate.

DEATH NOTICES

Tickets are $20 and available weekdays in the church office.

For details, phone (708) 448-8142.

Phil Keaggy to perform in Orland Park Look Up Productions has announced that acclaimed Christian-music singer, songwriter and guitarist Phil Keaggy will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 21 at Calvary Church, 16100 S. 104th Ave., Orland Park.

Keaggy’s lyrics and melodies have won him several Grammy nominations, as well as numerous Dove Awards, the highest honor for Christian musicians, during his more than 40 years in the music industry. For three years in a row, he was voted one of the top fingerstyle guitarists by Guitar Player Magazine readers.

Tickets start at $15 and are available at itickets.com/events/376081 or by calling 1-800-965-9324.

Richard Pfister

Services will be held today for Richard W. Pfister, 85, who died Sunday at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church,

6850 W. 159th St., Tinley Park.

Funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Pfister, formerly of Orland Park, was a retired paper salesman.

He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1949 to 1952.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda (Dean) Kueker, Diane Thomas and Beth (David) Sieglinger; sons, David (Julie) and Eric (Judy); brother, James; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a niece and a nephew.

HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE

CBD oil: A legal alternative to medical marijuana Q: I’ve heard so many things recently about CBD oil for chronic pain, but I didn’t really know much about it and if it really worked. Do you have more information?

A: CBD (Cannabidiol) is an extract from the hemp plant, which has similar chemical and health properties to the THC (the psychoactive extract of the plant known for its “high”) in marijuana, but without the mind-altering effects.

THC from medicinal marijuana and CBD from hemp have been shown to have similar benefits for pain relief and help with anxiety (including PTSD) as well as very impressive results with seizure disorders in children (especially drug-resistant epilepsy).

CBD has also shown neuroprotective effects for degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more.

CBD oil is probably best known for its benefits for pain relief, like medicinal marijuana, especially for people who have unsuccessful results with conventional pain medication. In one large-scale survey by Project CBD, participants who had used both THC medical marijuana and CBD extract from cannabis reported that there were no significant differences in pain relief between THC and CBD. In the United States, medical marijuana and all extracts from the cannabis plant are illegal for use without a prescription. Because of this regulation, CBD oil available in this country is sourced from the hemp plant. CBD oil ranges vastly in quality, potency and effectiveness. Conventionally grown CBD from hemp can also have a large amount of toxins in it because hemp is naturally a “bio-accumulator” plant, which means that it draws toxins from the soil.

Because of this, we’ve been careful in the types of CBD oil that we’ve decided to carry in the store, and have chosen the brand Green Gorilla, a high-quality CBD extract consisting of entirely

CAROLYN JOHNSON

PassHealthFoods.com

organic ingredients. We have it in two strengths: a 150mg product which is considered a daily dose for overall health, and a 600mg product which is what is recommended for acute issues and pain relief.

We would very much recommend trying our new CBD oil from Green Gorilla. Also, it is fast-acting.

Results of the 600mg dose are usually seen within 20 minutes for pain relief. Last, our CBD oil is completely safe for drug testing. The amount of THC (the compound in marijuana that shows up on a drug test) in our Green Gorilla CBD is 0.003%, so there is absolutely no worry about any problems with a drug test, which I can’t say is the case with all CBD oils on the market.

Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable associates at Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive. Feel free to stop by the store for more information or advice. www.passhealthfoods.com This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours. Before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

HEALTH BEAT Palos Twp. sets health fair A range of head-to-toe services will be offered at a health and resource fair set for 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday June 28 at Palos Township headquarters, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Admission is free. Some services will be offered for a fee.

Those attending are asked to pay with a check or credit card, as well as bring Medicare Part B or other insurance cards.

Little Company of Mary Hospital will offer Vitamin D screenings

for $25, heart screenings for $65, and thyroid screenings for $15.

Walgreens will offer pneumonia, menactra and Tdap vaccinations.

For more information on the event, call (708) 598-2441.

Palos Park Police offer bike helmets to kids The Palos Park Police Department is giving away helmets to local children as part of the National Children-N-Safety program.

Helmets can be picked up at

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police headquarters, 8999 W. 123rd St. For more information, contact Chief Joe Miller at (708) 671-3770.

Head injuries and falls from bicycles are often the main reason children visit emergency rooms during the summer, Miller said in a statement. Police hope that by issuing the helmets they can prevent head injuries to children riding bicycles.

Photo by Smith Crossing

Renee and Donald Voss are sweet on Hershey’s Ice Cream flavors served at Smith Crossing.

Smith Crossing residents get the scoop on ice cream, alligator and exotic fruit Once a month, Smith Crossing executive chef Davis Knight hosts a workshop called “Cooking with the Chef.” His goal is to introduce residents of the life plan community located at 10501 Emile Lane in Orland Park to new and interesting foods, everything from octopus and alligator to rambutan, an Asian fruit with hairy, red skin. During these educational food demos, residents also meet the community’s food vendors—“so they can learn more about where their food comes from,” Davis said.

The workshops usually draw anywhere from 10 to 30 participants, but when representatives from Hershey’s Ice Cream recently came to offer samples, more than 50 residents attended.

Seated in the main dining room, the group started by tasting an ice cream sandwich with a generous scoop of Serendipity Vanilla, one of 108 flavors.

Next came a scoop of Salty Caramel Truffle, a hands-down favorite of Renee and Donald Voss who moved from to Smith Crossing from Orland Park. “Our chef does an exciting job of familiarizing us with lots of different foods,” said Renee, a retired public school teacher. “Some items on his menus are a little weird, but we still appreciate the adventure.

This we really like!”

Ice cream is a standard dessert on the Smith Crossing menu, lauded for its high calcium content to strengthen bones and for its high

calorie content to prevent weight loss in older adults.

Evelyn Grant, who moved from Oak Lawn, also enjoyed the Salty Caramel Truffle and said she normally keeps three pints of the flavor in her apartment freezer.

“We can get pints from the Bistro cafe here,” she said.

Next came Peppermint Moose Tracks, then Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle. Loaded with tasty surprises, the scoops quickly disappeared with plenty of lip smacking and comments like, “Just delicious!” and “You’re not kidding!”

Matt Kramer, area sales manager for Hershey’s Ice Cream, marveled at the group’s appetite for ice cream. “You guys eat more ice cream than kids in the high schools and middle schools we serve. You are our best customers—so keep enjoying.”

“Just to put it in to perspective, I grew up eating triple decker ice cream cones for 15 cents,” said Rosemary Ryan, who moved from Frankfort with her husband, Tom. Kramer and his associate, Brad Fahs, also delivered the scoop on the Hershey’s Creamery Company, which was founded in 1894 by Jacob Hershey of Lancaster County, Pa.—no relation to Milton Hershey of Hershey’s chocolate fame. They also made a strong case for buying their products, made from milk supplied by Pennsylvania cows and with more actual cream and less air than many other ice cream products.

The last sample, Strawberry Cheese Cake, contained real bits of cheesecake.

“A long time ago, you could only get three flavors—chocolate, vanilla and strawberry,” said Grant.

“We love these flavors because they contain confections.”

John DeBoer has lived at Smith Crossing for five years since relocating from Elmhurst. He expects to turn 100 in December. When asked if he enjoyed the samples, he said “Absolutely!”

Responding to enthusiastic feedback from residents, Smith Crossing will rotate the new flavors offered for tasting into its dessert menu.

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

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

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

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

The Regional News

Thursday, May 11, 2017

STUDENT NEWS

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Marist students earn Spanish exam honors

Across 1 Vehicles with meters 5 Give the heave-ho 10 Fishhook point 14 Fabled monster 15 South Pacific island studied

by Margaret Mead 16 Olympic sword 17 1987 Cher film 19 Refuses to 20 Plain text 21 Sophocles character for whom a Freudian complex is named 23 Lack of variety 27 Trail mix tidbit 28 Gradually become narrower 30 Group of eight 34 Time co-founder Henry 38 Track events 40 Put on the payroll 41 Tehran’s country 42 Armistice 43 Ireland, to an Irish poet 44 Painter Chagall 45 New Testament king 46 Monopoly card with mortgage values 47 __-Bits: letter-shaped cereal 49 Leaf under a petal 51 Escort’s offering 53 Great energy 58 Capital of Lithuania 62 Latest craze 63 Tinker with text 64 1945 Ingrid Bergman film 68 “What __ could I do?”

69 Spine-tingling 70 Latvian capital 71 Collecting Soc. Sec., maybe 72 Threaded fastener 73 Tabloid twosome

Eighteen local students are among 55 Marist High School students who scored in the top five percent of the country on the National Spanish Examination this spring, earning them gold medals from The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

Earning the honor were Palos Heights residents Jack Anderson, Jillian Borza, Benjamin Fanelli, Gina Musso and Brendan Sise, as well as Palos Park resident Maria Dicristina.

Orland Park residents earning the distinction were Hugh Brennan, Caroline Callaghan, Carl Grebenor, Kaylee Harris, Elizabeth Hermann, Michelle Lenz, Michael McGrath, Connor McNamara, Jacob Mozdzen, Colleen Murphy, Eleanor Ruf and Zach Stack.

The National Spanish Examinations are a motivational contest to recognize student achievement in the study of Spanish and to stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of Spanish. They are online, standardized assessment tools for grades six through 12 given voluntarily by about 4,000 teachers throughout the United States to measure performance and achievement of students who are studying Spanish as a second language.

“We are so proud of our Spanish language students and teachers,” explained Marist instructor and world language curriculum coordinator Erica Nathan-Gamauf.

“Their success is a reflection of our innovative classroom atmosphere that promotes a love of learning and an appreciation of culture.”

Marist’s world language department offers courses in Spanish, Italian and French, along with associated co-curricular clubs and exchange programs with Marist schools in Italy, France, Spain and Argentina.

Orland Park students inducted into honor society Nine Orland Park residents have been inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

Supplied photo

Students win culinary contest

Teacher Dan Solski pauses for a photo with Shepard High School students Matt Bird, Kaylee Rose and Kachyna Kelly, who won first place at the recent Moraine Valley Community College Culinary Competition. It was the second year in a row that a team from Shepard won. Coming in behind Shepard were teams from Eisenhower and Richards high schools, making the competition a sweep for District 218. The culinary contest featured teams from high schools throughout the MVCC attendance area.

Supplied photo

Student earns Lions’ acclaim

The Palos Lions Club past President Jim Lewis (second from right) pauses for a photo with high school student Felicia Lonoski after he presented her with a Lions scholarship award for her academic excellence. Also pictured are her parents, Jeanna and John. Lonoski plans to attend Western Illinois University and study music therapy.

Alyssa Minnicino, Eric Michel, Alyssa Krueger, Marienne Ignacio and Saleh Mizyed were initiated at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

DeAnna DeHoff, Jessica Kordas, Natalie Noonan and Stephanie Santo were initiated at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The nine are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be

initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

and potential.

Bern is the current president of a “President’s Distinguished” Toastmasters Club and has decided it is time to bring Toastmasters to his hometown.

Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. The organization’s membership exceeds 350,000 in 142 countries.

Bern said that the mission of the Toastmasters of Palos Heights is to

provide a supportive, fun and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

The new club will meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month, starting May 15, at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information, send an email to ToastmastersOfPalosHeights@ gmail.com or call (708) 480-2112.

the library.

• A screening of the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove”--based on the best-selling novel by Fredrik Backman--is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Thursday, May 18. All participants will be entered into a raffle to win a paperback copy of the book.

Runtime is 116 minutes.

Also, there are several clubs that meet weekly at the library, such as the Needle Club (for knitting and crocheting), Scrabble Club, Chess Club and Mah Jongg Cub. Members and interested patrons are asked to call ahead for times and dates.

website with their library card and pin number. After creating an account--which requires a name and e-mail address--users are set. They can watch any videos, create playlists, download course files and bookmark pages.

Once signed up, library members can access Lynda at the library, on their desktop computers or on their mobile devices.

The Lynda.com videos are more in-depth and have higher production values than many tutorials on YouTube, officials said. The website is owned by LinkedIn. For more information, call the library at (708) 428-5100.

Down 1 Free tickets, say 2 Marketplace of ancient Greece 3 Dustpan go-with

4 Good judgment 5 Fla. clock setting 6 Cookie container 7 Outback bird 8 Chanel of fashion 9 Spoken for 10 2005 Nicole Kidman film 11 For each one 12 Eye care brand 13 “All __ are off” 18 Telegraphed 22 Batman and Robin, e.g.

24 Word before or after “mother” 25 Shows mercy 26 Assured payment of, as a loan 29 Duplicate again 31 Michelin product 32 New York border lake 33 Watch over, as sheep 34 Peru’s capital

Entrepreneur and author Chuck Bern has announced that he is establishing a Toastmasters chapter in Palos Heights.

After spending three decades advising and managing a company working to fortify the talent pool for corporations across the United States and Canada, he is now applying the skills and insights he’s acquired by helping people to realize and fulfill their own visions

35 River to the Caspian 36 Bellyache 37 2007 Amy Adams film 39 Family car 48 Tycoon Onassis 50 Sheepish youngster?

52 Inspiration sources 54 New Zealand native 55 Arctic dweller 56 Burn slightly 57 Respectful address 58 Zig or zag 59 On a break 60 Enumerate 61 On __: without a contract 65 Flub a line, say 66 Golf ball position 67 __ Alcindor: Kareem, formerly (Answers on page 2)

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.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Establish Toastmasters club in Palos Heights

7

(Answers on page 2)

SCHOOL NOTES Marist golf event to raise tuition aid Marist High School will hold its 12th Annual Endowment Golf Classic on Friday, June 2.

The outing, sponsored by Beggars Pizza, will be held at Midlo-

thian Country Club, 5000 W. 147th St. Check-in begins at 11 a.m. with lunch and the driving range available until 12:45 p.m. There will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

The cost is $300 per golfer and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf and dinner. Sponsorship opportu-

nities are also available.

The event supports the school’s financial aid endowment. The event has raised more than $500,000 for students in need.

Interested alumni and friends of Marist can register at marist.net or (773) 881.5377. Space is limited.

LIBRARY NOTES Several programs added at Palos Heights Library A slate of activities for the week ahead has been announced at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 448-1473.

• “Mother’s Day Tea” will be held at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Friday, May 12. The semi-formal, sit-down event is a tea party for adults and children to honor moms or mother figures.

• “Tiny Tots Sensory Play” (for children 23 months of age and younger) runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, 10-11:30 a.m. Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing. The session will be offered the following day for two-year-olds.

• “How to Download Zinio Digital Magazines” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, May 15. Learn how to download digital magazines for free with your library card from the library’s digital magazine service Zinio. A Palos Heights Library card is required.

• “Tuesday Evening Book Discussion” begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16. Join us for a discussion of “The One-in-a-Million Boy,” a story of a 104-year-old woman and the sweet, strange young boy assigned to help her around the house—a friendship with unexpected reverberations for the boy’s unmoored family. Copies of the book are available at the front desk.

• “Beer & Books Book Discussion” starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17. Come to Joe Daniels Bar and Grill, 12218 S. Harlem, for the first ever Beer & Books Discussion. We will be discussing the book “Dark Matters” by Blake Crouch. Books are available at

Bingo set for Orland Park Public Library The public is invited to play bingo at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia. at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13. For more information, call (708) 428-5100.

Online learning tool added at Orland library Officials at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia, have announced that they are now offering a learning hub--Lynda. com--through the library’s online resources.

Lynda.com is a library resource with more than 3,000 courses and more than 130,000 videos in categories including web design, education and media production to search engine optimization. It typically costs at least $19.99 a month to subscribe to the site; but since April 24, cardholders can get all of Lynda’s content at no cost.

The idea, officials said, is to give patrons another way to keep learning when the library is closed or when they cannot make a visit.

Patrons can get to Lynda.com by logging in through the library’s

Seek two for Palos Park Library Board The Palos Park Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking individuals to serve on the Library Board.

There are two vacancies for terms ending May 31, 2019. Library Board Trustees are appointed by the mayor of Palos Park and the Village Council. Applicants must reside in Palos Park and be able to attend board meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m Those who want to be considered for the board should send a letter of interest stating a personal vision of the library, along with a resume, to Kathryn Sofianos, Library Director, at ksofianos@ palosparklibrary.org or mail the materials to Palos Park Public Library, Attn: Kathryn Sofianos, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd., Palos Park, IL 60464.

Deadline for submission is May 16.

New programs ready at Palos Park Library Several new programs have

been announced at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 S. Forest Glen Boulevard. For details, phone (708) 448-1530.

“Friends of the Forest Preserves/ Palos Restoration Project” will be held at 7 p.m. today, May 11. The Cook County forest preserves, now more than 100 years old, has undergone radical changes in the last 30 years, say program organizers. Many formerly open areas are now overgrown. Some flowering species that were once abundant are now found in fewer and fewer numbers. Presenters Douglas Chien and Jan Pietrzak will explore what has changed and what is being done to ensure that the forest preserves remain healthy for the next 100 years.

• A genealogy workshop is set for 7 p.m. Monday, May 15. Public Services Librarian Jessica Rock will discuss the best practices on how to start a genealogy project.

Participants may bring unfinished projects for assistance.

• A two-hour nature walk starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16. Take a guided tour through the Paddock Woods with Public Services Librarian Jessica Rock, Jan Pietrzak with Palos Restoration Project, and Doug Chien with the Friends of the Forest Preserves.

• An organic gardening session is set for 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Participants will learn how to grow fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as start and maintain a compost pile, how to start plants from seed, and keep weeds and bugs out using chemical-free methods.

Different methods of gardening such as square-foot, companion, intensive and container will also be discussed. Featured speaker is Karen Stasky, a master gardener and organic gardener for more than 30 years.

Photo by Joe Boyle

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

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

We had one person who had the correct answer to last week’s quiz.

Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum knew that the photo was of the Jonathan Collins Activity Center, 9320 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn, which is adjacent to St. Gerald Elementary School.

The building is named after Lance Cpl. Jonathan Collins, a U.S. Marine and platoon leader serving in Iraq. He was killed at age 19 by a sniper bullet on Aug. 4, 2004 in Iraq. He was the grandson of longtime parishioners Alice Collins and the late John Collins.

The center includes a multipurpose room with a full-size gym that serves as the home court for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.

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8 Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Regional News

Spring is in the air at the Palos Farmers Market Camille’s Confections, Recreation Department at Community Tent Beautiful flowers, flowering baskets, spring perennials and more can be found at the Palos Heights Farmers Market, which kicked off yesterday, May 10 for its 2017 season.

The market is held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Wednesday in the municipal parking lot, 12717 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights.

Spring vegetables are coming into the market, as are many varieties of fresh herbs. Shoppers are urged to come early for the best selection. In addition, the market has many food offerings on a weekly basis, including Sikta Salmon, beef, chicken, pork and sausages, eggs, cheeses, bakery items, egg noodles, kettle corn, salsas, pasta sauces, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup and syrup products, microgreens and sprouts, olive oils, vinegars, peanuts, seasonings and salt products, espresso coffees, smoothies, pizza products and pesto, tamales, organic vegan patties and desserts. Ready-to-eat food is available at Parmesan’s

Pizza, Aracely’s Tamales, and Eating Well. The Pampered Chef is equipped for all the needs of summer, Father’s Day and the barbecue season.

This week’s Community Tent guests are Camille’s Confections and the Palos Heights Recreation Department.

Camille’s Confections will be selling a wide variety of handmade English toffees in half- and fullpound packages. Varieties include Original, Sassy Sea Salt, White Chocolate Cranberry Almond, Dark Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and more. They make great teacher gifts!

At the Community Tent, the Rec Department will be promoting all the upcoming summer programs, including the summer camps and special events. The department will have information about the Palos Heights Fitness Center and the Palos Heights Pool. A Fitness Center raffle will take place at 1 p.m. All guests of the farmers market are eligible to enter the raffle.

New at the City Tent for 2017, Palos Heights Farmers Market gift certificates are available for

purchase. The certificates are $5 each. This week, Dr. John Principe MD of WellbeingMD Center for Life provides “Ramp Pesto.” This recipe, and early springtime recipes from previous years will be available. The recipes can be also be found at www.wellbeingmd. com and www.palosheights.org.

Market patrons are encouraged to pick up a 2017 Frequent Shopper Card. Bring a canned food donation (fruit, vegetable or protein only), or donate fresh fruit or vegetables from the market, and double credit will be given on the Frequent Shopper Card. This year, the market is partnering with The Palos United Methodist Church Food Pantry at 12101 S Harlem Ave. All canned donations will be brought to that location. All fresh produce donations will be donated to Operation Blessing in Alsip.

LINK cards are now accepted at the Palos Heights Farmers Market.

Again this year, the “Palos Bucks” Double-Value Matching Program will take place. Details are available at the City Tent. The market is proud to announce that it is the recipient of a LINK UP Illinois

USDA Grant, for the support of the promotion of the Palos Heights Farmers Market LINK program.

Representatives of the Palos Heights Beautification Committee will be available selling this year’s Classic Car Event Split the Pot Raffle Tickets. They make great Father’s Day card stuffers.

The drawing will be on Thursday, July 20 and the winner need not be present.

Organizers are offering thanks to this year’s Palos Heights Farmers Market Sponsors. They include Dr. John Principe, MD of Wellbeing MD Center for Life; Palos Health; The Private Bank; CNB Bank and Trust; United Trust Bank; City of Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz; Running for Kicks; Golden Shoes and Camille’s Confections.

Additional information about the market can be obtained at Supplied photo www.palosheights.org, by emailing farmersmarket@palosheights. org or by calling 708-361-1800.

The Palos Heights Farmers Market Members of the Palos Park Woman’s Club (PPWC) learned about the work also has a Facebook page.

Palos Park women hear about Bridge Teen Center

Snake sighting along Cal Sag rattles local businessman

By Anthony Caciopo Regional News Editor

Don Fuller enjoys his walks along the bank of the Cal Sag Channel, but a chance encounter recently on his favorite path left him a little bit rattled, at least temporarily.

“It was a warm, sunny day,” said the co-owner of Fuller’s Car Wash and Detailing Center, 11730 Southwest Hwy. In Palos Heights.

“On the asphalt path, just before I got to the Cal Sag, there was a snake, sunning itself.”

Fuller walks a few times a week, about three miles each time, on a sidewalk that leads from the Palos Park Metra station, over the Cal Sag Channel, to a spur that heads east to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation facility in Worth on the north side of the channel.

He had no particular trepidation about crossing paths with a snake, but what the snake did after Fuller tried to nudge it off the path gave him pause.

“That sure is a big snake,” he thought to himself, estimating its length at approximately five feet.

“I walked around it and it didn’t shrink away from me. There was a big stick laying there, so I picked it up and I touched the snake.”

That’s when Fuller’s curiosity turned into concern.

“I could swear I heard it rattle,” he said. “That’s a rattlesnake!”

“I poked a little more and it slithered into the weeds. Then, it curled up into a strike position and rattled some more.”

Fuller figured at that moment his best move would be to just move on.

“I thought ‘I’d better leave this snake alone’,” he said.

Fuller had already taken a photo of the reposing snake on the warm asphalt and he shot a short video after the snake retreated. The video does, in fact, reveal the sound of a rather convincing “rattle.”

But after a couple days of thought, a little bit of online research and an opinion by a close friend, Fuller understood his rendezvous with the reptile hadn’t been potentially dangerous.

“I showed the picture to my wife and kids,” he said. “I kinda made a big thing out of it.”

“His kids, my kids,” added Fuller’s brother Ken with a smile, who co-owns the family business.

“The next morning, here comes

our friend, Kurt Wolf. He’s a nature expert and right away knew it wasn’t a rattlesnake,” said Ken. But after a collective sigh of relief, the question remained: What type of serpent was it?

“A western fox snake, “ said Gareth Blakesley, operations manager at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights.

“It’s relatively docile, not venomous. It loves to eat mice and other small creatures. It’s quite common to the area,” he said after seeing Fuller’s photo.

Blakesley said residents of Chicagoland have very little chance of encountering a rattlesnake.

“The Massasauga, a species of pygmy rattlesnake is found in some very high-quality wet prairies in the Chicago region,” he explained, “but it is rare and endangered and very unlikely to be encountered. The more typical timber rattlesnake can be found along the Mississippi valley, and much further south of the Chicago region. It is not found here.”

Other than the rare Massasauga, said Blakesley, there are no venomous breeds of snakes anywhere near Chicagoland.

“Cottonmouths and copperheads are also not found in the Chicago region, but people confuse water snakes for cottonmouths sometimes,” he said.

Walkers, runners, bicyclists and nature lovers—including Don Fuller—throughout Palos Heights, Palos Park and beyond can now rest easy in their beds tonight.

As for the fox snake’s curious name, Blakesly had the explanation for that, too.

“It can sometimes secrete a musky odor that smells somewhat like a fox,” he said.

Fuller recalls no odor, just the simulated rattle which occurred when the snake shook its tail in the grass and leaves.

He says in no way is he deterred from continuing to walk his favorite path and that, ultimately, he benefitted from the encounter.

“It’s a learning experience,” he said.

As for anyone else who might happen upon a western fox snake near that area or elsewhere, Blakesley of the Lake Katherine Nature Center offered this advice.

“Let it be, don’t pick it up,” he said. “It won’t harm you unless it feels defensive.”

By “harm” Blakesley is referring

of the Bridge Teen Center (BTC) in Orland Park, at their April meeting. Guest speaker was Jason Marion, store manager at the Bridge, who spoke of the need for a safe place for after-school programs for students in grades 7-12.

The BTC teaches students life skills along with tutoring and recreation in a safe environment. Members brought bagged clothing as a surprise for Jason to take back to the Center’s Clothing Boutique. Pausing for a photo with Marion are (from left) Mary Ann Parkins, PPWC second vice president; Judy Veen, PPWC member and BTC volunteer; and Lucy Crocilla, PPWC president.

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Don Fuller displays a picture on a computer screen of a snake he encountered last week near the Cal Sag Channel.

to the fact that almost any animal with teeth is capable of biting and causing an injury.

“By all means watch it, but don’t get too close,” he said. “These snakes are hugely beneficial, keeping rodents and other types of animals in check and are just

part of the ecosystem. They are often just basking in the sun, or moving on for mating or distribution purposes.”

And perhaps, above all, Blakesley suggested “Just enjoy the spectacle of a wild animal and let it be.”

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SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

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

Thursday, May 5, 11,2015 2017 Thursday, March

Looking for the Sandman and Hey There Delilah

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Supplied photo

Richards coach Brian Wujcik (left) won his 500th career baseball game on May 2. Wujcik says former Richards football coach Gary Korhonen (right) was instrumental in his success as a coach.

Emulating Coach K Wujcik wins 500th baseball game, tips cap to former Richards football coach

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photos by Jeff Vorva

For the second year in a row, Chicago Ridge’s Roberto Ortega (left photo) won the Southwest 10K run on Sunday, but this year he did it after one hour of sleep. Former Queen of Peace student Delilah DiCrescenzo, who went on to become a world class steeplechase athlete and cross country runner, won the women’s half marathon. And she will be forever linked with the song “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White-T’s. For a wrapup on the races and a column by Jeff Vorva, see page 4.

Sinker de Mayo

See WUJCIK, Page 3

Riding her Ko-tails Sandburg senior keeps area streak alive by qualifying for state badminton tourney

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Marist bass fishing boat qualifies for state finals

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Out of 22 bass fishing sectionals around the state that were scheduled for Friday — Cinco de Mayo — 12 were postponed until Monday because of windy conditions.

Marist anglers were STATEMENT glad to be in one of the sectionals that braved GAMES the wind on Friday and were even happier that a couple of big, hungry fish were hanging around the RedHawks’ second boat on the Des Plaines River.

Marist’s No. 2 boat was the lone boat from the area to qualify for the Illinois High School Association state finals, which will be held May 19-20 at downstate Carlyle Lake. The RedHawks boat of junior Sean Murphy (who resides in Oak Lawn) and freshmen Parker Gass (Chicago-Ashburn) and Dan DeMars (Chicago-Beverly) joined driver William O’Neill in finishing third to grab the final state spot at the Reavis Sectional, held at the Big Basin Marina in Channahon.

The RedHawks caught a couple of monsters, weighing a total of 4 pounds and 11 ounces, and were one of the early

Some coaches who are lucky enough to land a head coaching gig at a young age are hot shots who are ready to make that job a steppingstone for something bigger and better.

Brian Wujcik, however, was not like that.

He grew up playing baseball at Richards and was an offensive star at the University of Iowa, and when he was named Richards’ head baseball coach for the 1992-93 season, he wasn’t looking to leave. There was a guy at the Oak Lawn school — football coach Gary Korhonen — that Wujcik looked up to.

“Twenty five years go by in a hurry,” Wujcik said. “One of the

blessings that I’ve had is to have an opportunity to work in the same building as Gary Korhonen. He was a coach here Palos Park for (35) years resident (and won 315 and St. Rita games — baseball coach sixth highest to have field in the state) so named after I got a chance him: Page 3. to witness the longevity, the stability and the dedication to a program. That was a big inspiration. I tried to emulate his program and run the baseball program the same way.’’

Wujcik picked up his 500th career victory on May 2 in thrilling fashion as the Bulldogs

Photo by Jeff Vorva

From left to right, Parker Gass, Sean Murphy and Dan DeMars were on the second Marist boat that finished third in sectional play and will compete at the IHSA state meet in bass fishing.

teams to weigh in. They had the lead for a while until Downers Grove South knocked them to second with a haul of 5 pounds and 8 ounces.

A few teams later, Providence Catholic brought in four fish totaling 8 pounds and 3 ounces to blow everyone else out of the water, so to speak, and capture the sectional title. Marist moved down to third place and finished ahead of Hinsdale South (3 pounds, 8.3 ounces) for the final state bid.

“It was a whole lot of teamwork — we had a fun day and had a blast,” Murphy said. “I wasn’t worried that the sectional would be postponed. It was windy, but it wasn’t that bad. We were past the power plant and came up with a couple of good catches.’’

First-year RedHawks coach James

O’Neil said he helped start the program when he was a sophomore at the Mt. Greenwood school in 2009.

Marist qualified for state in 2011 — when O’Neil was a senior — and 2012.

“I’m happy for them,” the coach said.

“I gave Sean a pep talk. He was bummed that he wasn’t on my boat for the first time in three years and I thought it would be good for him to learn from someone else. He caught a couple of fish. It was a tough day. Aside from the wind, we’ve had so much rain the past couple of days.

It was a little choppy for an hour but it calmed down.’’

Brother Rice, St. Laurence, Oak Lawn, Sandburg and Stagg also had two boats at the sectional but could not qualify for state. Last year, St. Laurence qualified two boats to state.

The long streak is saved, thanks to Mia Ko. There are just four schools in the area that currently have badminton teams — Sandburg, Oak Lawn, Shepard and Stagg.

But year after year, there usually are no problems sending players to the Illinois High School Association state finals.

This year was different.

With no reSTATEMENT turning state GAMES qualifiers from 2016, the area was going to have to rely on some new faces taking over for their teams. It turns out Ko, a senior at Sandburg, was the lone state qualifier as she took third place at the T.F. South Sectional on Thursday.

Seeds and opponents for the state tournament were not released as of this paper’s deadline, but the finals are Friday and Saturday at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

According to the IHSA record book, the area has had state representation for at least 21 straight years, starting with the 1996-97 season.

The state tournament started in 1976 but specific records

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Supplied photo

Sandburg senior Mia Ko is the lone area state qualifier for badminton after taking third at the T.F. South Sectional on Thursday

on who qualified from 1976 through 1996 are not available.

Sandburg also has qualified at least one badminton athlete to state for at least 21 years. Ko made sure that happened.

She opened sectional play with a 21-13, 21-16 victory over Morton’s Daniela Ortega. But she fell in the second round to York’s Linnea Dierksheide, 21-7, 21-12.

See KO, Page 3

2

Section 2 Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

FOCUS ON THE WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS

TIM CRONIN The Locker Room

Chigas and Wood ready for big seasons

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

There comes a time during the offseason when independent league baseball players must make a decision.

Do they want to come back for a year? Or do they want to hang up the glove and spikes and enter the real world?

For two area players who were on the Windy City Thunderbolt roster, the decision was WINDY easy. Bridgeview CITY’S resident and Oak High School LAST 10 Lawn graduate Chris ChiYEARS gas and Orland Park resident and St. 2007: 68-28 Laurence grad Kyle 2008: 60-36 Wood were coming 2009: 56-40 back. They worked 2010: 56-38 hard during the off2011: 48-48 season to try to make 2012: 54-42 2017 a special year 2013: 50-46 for themselves and 2014: 35-60 for a team that hasn’t 2015: 41-55 had a winning sea2016: 42-53 son since 2013.

“I knew I was coming back and knew what I had to work on,” said Chigas, a left-handed pitcher. “I learned that hitters here will swing at the fastball. Hitters are patient. There is a tighter zone, this being pro ball.

“I think they are a little aggressive on the breaking ball, so I have to take advantage of that. Falling behind is a lot worse in this league and hitters will take advantage of that. I have to get ahead of the hitters and trust my stuff.’’

Chigas, 24, worked on his game while helping run the Bridgeviewbased For the Love of the Game Baseball Academy at 10004 South 76th Ave. Last year, he pitched mostly out of the bullpen and was 1-2 with a save and a 4.47 ERA and in his final six appearances, he

Thompson watch will be on at Olympia Fields

A

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Former Oak Lawn High School hurler Chris Chigas (left) delivers during a spring training game for Windy City. Former St. Laurence and Purdue star Kyle Wood hits the ball in a game last year — his first with the Thunderbolts.

tossed 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball.

“I was a starter my whole life but I like the fact that I could show up and get into a game,’’ Chigas said. “As a starter, you might travel on the road for three games and not even play. I like knowing I could get into a game. “(Manager Ron Biga) crossed me off for a game last year and I asked him why. He said I threw two days in a row. I said, ‘Don’t cross me off — I want to think that I’m going to play.’ I pitched in the seventh inning that game. And I did well. A 1-2-3 inning.’’

While the T-Bolts were opening the Frontier League season last May, Wood was finishing a successful career at Purdue, where he belted 12 homers and drove in 37 runs.

The left-handed hitter joined the

team in mid-June and hit .246 with three homers and 23 RBI in 45 games. He was named the team’s Player of the Week for Aug. 23-28 after hitting .375 with seven RBI. Wood, also 24, said coming back to pro ball was a “no-brainer.’’

His offseason was spent coaching, substitute teaching and working out at his alma-mater, St. Laurence.

The Vikings have one of the best baseball teams in the state and nation and Wood is working with their hitters when he is not practicing or playing with the T-Bolts.

He is hoping that a big finish to 2016 will continue this year.

“I felt like I figured it out at the end of the year and I finished strong,” he said. “Teams pitched me different.

In college you have a pretty good

idea on how they are going to pitch you. I could catch on and make an adjustment and the pitchers would change and I would have to make an adjustment again. It was a learning curve but I feel pretty good going into this year.’’

Coming up The T-Bolts open the 2017 season at 7:05 p.m. Friday against the Washington Wild Things at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood.

On Saturday, they host Washington at 6:05 p.m. for the first fireworks night of the season. They wrap up the series at 2:05 p.m. Sunday.

The team hosts Schaumburg for three 10:35 a.m. games Tuesday through May 18 before hitting the road for the first time.

CHICAGO FIRE ANALYSIS

Basti says winless streak is ‘a little bit sad’

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

So, the Chicago Fire was out in Los Angeles, playing a team that has problems winning.

The Fire had a nice 2-0 lead at halftime over the hapless Galaxy, which also lost two starters to injuries in the first half.

Fire coach Veljko Paunovic looked like a genius starting Matt Lampson in goal for Jorge Bava and inserting Drew Connor at right back.

All seemed well in the world.

Then the two teams had to play the second half.

The Galaxy scored a pair of second-half goals and pulled off a 2-2 tie at the StubHub Center in Carson, Cal. And the Fire is 3-3-3 overall and 0-3-2 on the road this year and in its last 47 Major League Soccer matches away from Toyota Park, it has mustered a 1-35-11 mark.

It’s been said here before and it will be said again: If this team is to make any real noise in the league, it has to win on the road. This tie was hard to swallow not only for fans, but the Fire players and coaches aren’t too thrilled about it either as they finished a three-game road trip 0-2-1.

“We have to show up for 90 minutes. Not 45,” Fire star Bastian Schweinsteiger said. “We have to improve. It’s a point. Actually in New York (a 2-1 loss to the Red Bulls on April 29) we could won the match as well. We should’ve won this match.

It’s a little bit sad. We just had one point instead of six points.”

“For us, it feels like a loss,” Paunovic said. “We believe that the first half was great. We also think that the injuries that happened actually helped them, because it stopped our

SEATTLE SOUNDERS AT CHICAGO FIRE WHEN: 8 p.m., Saturday WHERE: Toyota Park, Bridgeview FIRE’S RECORD: 3-3-3 SOUNDERS’ RECORD: 2-3-4 NOTEWORTHY: The Sounders are the defending MLS champions and have struggled. Their last win was a 3-0 road victory over Los Angeles — a team the Fire tied on Saturday night.

pace and our rhythm of the game that we boasted from the start. And from that moment at the start of the second substitution, we lost and we couldn’t find the rhythm again.

“In the second half, I think we came a little too casual, in one of our strengths, which is our defensive set pieces. We conceded two goals too easily. Too easy. And very, very similar. No reaction is something that concerns me, but on the other side, I think after the Galaxy’s goals the team reacted and we had good opportunities to score. Overall, I think a tie is….for both teams you get something, but for us we are not happy because we could have won this game.”

David Accam and Nemanja Nikolic scored within three minutes apart to open the scoring. LA’s Daniel Steres and Giovani dos Santos scored within nine minutes of each other in the second half with Romain Alessandrini getting both assists for the 2-5-2 Galaxy.

One silver lining is that the Fire sits in sixth place alone in the Eastern Conference heading into this week. It has a one-point edge over Atlanta and D.C. United. The top six teams in each division make it to the playoffs.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Bastian Schweinsteiger said the Fire should have had six points instead of one the past two weeks.

RED STARS 2, HOUSTON DASH 0

Red Stars pick up revenge with shutout of the Dash

By Alison Moran Correspondent

The Chicago Red Stars returned to Toyota Park with a vengeance on Saturday, killing two annoying birds with one stone. They shut down the Houston Dash 2-0 and returned to third place in the National Women’s Soccer League with six points.

Coming off a 1-0 shutout at Portland on April 30, the Red Stars wanted to continue their recent home success since returning to Toyota Park in 2016. They are 7-1-4 the past two seasons, with the only blemish coming against Kansas City last season.

Perhaps inspired by the Red Stars’ special guest, USWNT and Women’s World Cup star Julie Foudy, who was at Toyota Park to promote a new book, this Lifetime Game of the Week had elements of drama, embarrassment for the visiting team and a satisfying ending for the an-

BOSTON BREAKERS AT CHICAGO RED STARS WHEN: 5 p.m., Sunday WHERE: Toyota Park, Bridgeview RED STARS RECORD: 2-2-0 BREAKERS RECORD: 2-2-0 NOTEWORTHY: The Breakers had a two-game win streak snapped when they lost to NWSL-leading North Carolina, 1-0, on Saturday.

nounced crowd of 2,114.

Perhaps the inspiration was revenge for a season-opening 2-0 road shutout at the hands of the Houston to open the season.

The Red Stars earned a first-half goal as midfielder Danielle Colaprico set up a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The ball was driven into the box and hit off Houston’s Sarah Hagen for an

own-goal.

“It was definitely lucky,” said Colaprico, who celebrated her 24th birthday May 6th. “But we’ve had our chances to create shots for ourselves.”

In the second half, the attacks intensified. Captain Christen Press, still seeking her first goal of the season, released two shots, one swerving just wide. The other fell into the hands of goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

The Red Stars’ second goal came in the 61st minute as Julie Ertz scored her second goal of the season. The ball fell to Ertz’s feet amid chaos near the box. Ertz struck from close range on frame for the score.

“It’s great to get the shutout,” said Ertz. “I’ve played the six position before, and if it helps the team, I’ll keep on playing it.”

Will Ertz stay at midfield? In his postgame comments coach Rory Dames said she would “if it made sense.’’

ll eyes will be on the best female golfers in the world when the Women’s PGA Championship, the second major championship of the season for the ladies, decamps at Olympia Fields Country Club on the last weekend of June.

Many eyes will be watching Lexi Thompson, one of the LPGA Tour’s stars, very closely.

Thompson, a 22-year-old Floridian, managed to replace her ball incorrectly during the ANA Inspiration, the first major of the year, on the 17th green in the third round. The mistake, putting the ball back down next to where it had been marked, wasn’t detected until a viewer contacted LPGA officials.

Thompson, in the latter stages of the final round, was slapped with a four-stroke penalty, two for playing from the wrong place — about a half-inch, Thompson but golf’s rules are tough that way — and two more for signing an incorrect thirdround scorecard. (In that respect, she was lucky.

Until a recent rule change, she would have been disqualified for that.)

There was a huge stink raised by those who thought the penalty was unfair, or that a viewer reporting it the next day was unfair. To the latter point, all that is known is that officials at the course in Rancho Mirage, Calif., acted promptly when notified. We don’t know how long it took for the e-mail or text to get to the right people. To the former, the LPGA went right by the book — or books, those being the Rules of Golf and the Decisions book issued by the United States Golf Association and the R&A. Thompson got it wrong and the refs got it right.

To her credit, Thompson, having the lead ripped away from her in a quest to win the tournament for a second time, rallied on the final holes to force a playoff with So-yeon Ryu, which Ryu won on the first sudden-death hole.

There the story might have ended, except this was one of a series of rules violations called or texted in by viewers over the last year, and the USGA and R&A decided to act. A new guideline – Decision 34-3/10, for the lawyers out there — was issued, giving officials the right to ignore video evidence that people nearby, including the player and others in his group, would have been unlikely to see with their own eyes, and that a player’s “reasonable judgment” should supersede the HD close-ups available today.

“So long as the player does what can reasonably be expected under the circumstances to make an accurate determination, the player’s reasonable judgment will be accepted even if later shown to be wrong by the use of video evidence,” the Decision reads.

There the story really should end, but for Thompson, it may not. Two more examples of replacing her ball incorrectly in recent play have surfaced. There was a ball replaced to the left of where it had been on the 16th hole of the final round of the LPGA tournament in Thailand a few weeks before the ANA. Additionally, on the seventh hole of the third round of the ANA, 10 holes before the one the viewer caught, Thompson moved her ball a bit forward after marking it after a 50-footer lipped out.

In all three cases, Thompson was looking at a putt of no more than a foot. In a friendly game with your pals, you’re giving those putts. She was marking the ball, and then placing it incorrectly. There could be no advantage gained on such a short putt on perfect greens with no spike marks or other imperfections.

What was she thinking?

“I have seen the video, and I can see where they’re coming from with it,” Thompson said of the ANA ruling. “It might have been, I guess, me rotating the ball, but like I said, I’ve always played by the Rules of Golf. Growing up with two older brothers, they were always on me for playing by the Rules of Golf.

“There’s no need for me to improve anything.

Those greens were absolutely perfect, and the whole week there was nothing in my line to be moving it from anything. So, I have no reason behind it. I did not mean it at all.”

That was said before the second ANA video and the Thailand video surfaced. Thompson will likely have more questions to answer before she tees off at Olympia Fields. And then she’ll reach the first green, and everyone will be watching closely.

The Bucket Flagg Creek, the lively nine-hole course in Countryside, is starting a Thursday night ladies league called Chicks with Sticks, beginning May 18 and continuing through Sept. 14. Nonresident cost for the season is $224, and includes eight prepaid rounds. For information, see www. flaggcreekgolfcourse.org or call (708) 246-3336. ... The Linksters junior league at Palos Hills, open to players 9 to 15, begins June 11 and runs for six weeks. The fee is $80. For information, see www.paloshillsweb.org/cityofpaloshills/ golf/tournaments/ or call 708-599-0202. ... If you like the drive south, Cardinal Creek in Beecher has reopened under new ownership.

Have golf news? E-mail us at illinoisgolfer@ earthlink.net with the details.

Tim Cronin’s golf columns appear every second Thursday of the month.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2017 Section 2

Palos Park’s Zunica to have field named for him

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Mike Zunica loves improving and maintaining the St. Rita Baseball Field.

“Mike is on a first-name basis with every blade of grass on the field,” said Fr. Paul Galetto, the head of the school.

And starting next year, that same field will have a first- and last-name relationship with Zunica.

The retiring Mustangs’ baseball coach and Palos Park resident will have the field named after him, it was announced at a ceremony honoring him Saturday on the infield of the baseball field at the Chicago school. What was scheduled to be a 15-minute ceremony in front of hundreds of people before an 11 a.m. game against Loyola Academy turned into a 55-minute tribute, and the game started after noon.

It could have gone on longer with all the well-wishers who were gushing about Zunica, who was installed as the school’s president in August and wanted one more year to coach the Mustangs. In addition to having his name attached to the field, Zunica was presented with a rocking chair and his number — 13 — was retired.

And if that wasn’t enough, catcher Jake Zylman hit a first-inning grand slam in St. Rita’s 12-5 Catholic League Blue victory over the Ramblers. Zylman told Zunica that homer was for him.

Zunica was quoted in a daily newspaper that he wasn’t going to cry during this day, but that went out the window after he heard about the name change of the field and after Zylman’s homer.

His future replacement as coach, John Nee, told the crowd that Zunica didn’t even want an event like this to take place.

But once Zunica took the microphone, he had a hard time keeping his comments brief as he thanked a whole host of people and was thankful that the sport could let him meet so many different people.

“This is a great game. I used to tell people that my wife (Jacqueline) said that I loved baseball more than her, but my comeback was always, ‘Yeah, but I love you more than hockey, basketball and football,’ ’’ Zunica joked. “But what this game has done for me and so many others… it’s a special game and it brought so many special people into my life.

“I don’t know how put it into words. It’s

Evergreen Park High School enjoyed one of its best boys basketball seasons in school history with an 18-10 record, and the Mustangs won their first conference championship since 1994.

Two key members of that squad — 6-foot-10 center Michael Drynan and swingman Kyree Hannah — will stay in the area as they both announced they will attend Moraine Valley Community College.

Moraine finished 17-15 and suffered a heartbreaking 63-61 postseason defeat to national power South Suburban College in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV semifinals in coach Anthony Amarino’s first year at the helm.

Drynan’s sister, Erin, completed a successful two-year career and led the nation among NJCAA Division II players 169 blocks and averaged 15.5 rebounds per game.

St. Xavier University Baseball: Last year, the Cougars were the surprise of the conference as they won the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament as the fourth-seed. This year, they picked up the fifth seed and opened the CCAC tourney with a 13-2 victory over No. 4 Purdue University Northwest on Friday and added a 13-7 victory over eighth-seeded Indiana University-South Bend on Saturday at Judson College in Elgin. Matt Monahan was 4 for 4 and drove in five runs in the second game.

But they ran into trouble on Monday as they dropped a 6-1 decision to third-seeded St. Ambrose. Ryan Pellack had three

Ko

Continued from Page 1 In the important consolation round, which meant the difference between a final-four appearance (guaranteeing a state bid) and elimination, she faced Ortega again and won 21-12, 2111. She finished on a winning note, beating Laura Hyink of York 18-21, 21-15, 21-18.

York won the sectional with

Chicago Christian’s streak turns 30 as Knights earn top seed Sports Editor

Photos by Jeff Vorva

St. Rita baseball coach Mike Zunica claimed he wouldn’t cry during a ceremony in his honor on Saturday, but that changed when he found out the St. Rita field would be re-named in his honor.

changed so many people’s lives and taught them lessons about how to deal with adversity and failure and being a good teammate. I have 36 kids out there this year and I hope they all learn something that will make them better fathers, sons, employees, people and members of the community.’’

After Saturday’s win, Zunica, who coached at Argo one year and St. Rita for 21 more, has 612 wins and three summer league state titles, three Illinois High School Association Class 4A secondplace finishes, five supersectional titles, five sectional title and 15 regional titles to go with five Chicago Catholic League Blue crowns.

“Mike has coached former Mustangs who have become Mariners, Rangers, A custom-made rocking chair was presented Yankees, Cubs, Fighting Irish, Michigan to Mike Zunica on Saturday morning during a state Spartans, Wildcats and of course, ceremony in the retiring coach’s honor.

Kansas Jayhawks,’’ St. Rita Principal Brendan Conroy said. “But more impor“He’s made a tremendous difference in tantly, he has coached boys into men. He the lives of all of his players off the field can take a scrawny freshman full of raw as well as on it,” former St. Rita president talent and make ballplayers out of them.’’ Ernest Mrozek added.

Evergreen Park duo headed to Moraine Sports Editor

AREA POSTSEASON SEEDS PLANTED

By Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

By Jeff Vorva

3

hits and scored the lone run on a sacrifice fly from Matt Bunetta.

The loss snapped a five-game winning streak.

That put St. Ambrose into the championship game, which was scheduled for Tuesday night. St. Xavier (27-28 after Monday’s loss) was scheduled to play one more game in the losers’ bracket against the seventh-seeded University of St. Francis on Tuesday afternoon for the right to face St. Ambrose again for the title. If another game was needed in this double-elimination tournament, it was scheduled for Wednesday.

Junior Tyler Hebel was named All-CCAC first team and Monahan made the second team and was named the league’s Freshman of the Year.

Ben Zordani and former Marist standout Matthew McKenzie were named to the Gold Glove Team.

Softball: The Cougars, who finished second in the nation in NAIA Division II play last year, ended its season with two losses in the first two rounds of the CCAC Tournament and finished 22-26.

Freshman Amanda Ruskowski was named All-CCAC first team while seniors Savannah Kinsella and Brittany Plimmer were named to the second team.

Trinity Christian College Women’s track: The Trolls finished fifth in the CCAC Championships in Joliet and Celina Wanta took second in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute, 07.83 seconds. Molly Toepper took third in the javelin with a 113-10 and Ashley Jourdan was third in the 1500 with a 4:44.15.

Softball: TCC went scoreless and lost a pair of games in the CCAC Tournament on Thursday, finishing the season 18-22.

15 points, followed by Thornton Fractional South with 14.

Sandburg took third with seven points and Shepard finished fifth with 2.5.

At Downers Grove North, Stagg finished fifth and did not have any athletes qualify. At Hinsdale Central, Oak Lawn was fourth and did not qualify anyone to state for the second year in a row after going five straight years of qualifying at least one athlete to state.

The Illinois High School Association released it postseason seeding for several spring sports and, to no one’s surprise, Chicago Christian’s baseball team earned the top sub-sectional seed at the Class 2A Wilmington Sectional.

The Knights are 30-0 after beating Oak Lawn on Saturday and will host either 10th-seeded Corliss or ninth-seeded Momence Wednesday in regional action. If they advance, the Knights will face either fourth-seeded Beecher or sixth-seeded Peotone on May 20 for the regional championship.

Chicago Christian has won six straight regional crowns including last year, when the Knights were bumped up to Class 3A. Class 3A and 4A seeds were announced after this paper’s deadline.

Softball Chicago Christian drew the third seed in the sub-sectional of the Class 2A Sectional behind top-seed Seneca and secondseeded Beecher.

Class 3A and 4A seedings were announced after this paper’s deadline.

Boys volleyball Brother Rice, Marist and Sandburg are the top three seeds respectively in the Reavis Sectional while Stagg is fifth, Oak Lawn seventh, Richards eighth, Shepard ninth and St. Laurence 15th.

Sandburg finished fourth in the state in 2015 and third last year.

Boys water polo

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Tyler Edgar and his Chicago Christian teammates have 30 wins and a No. 1 postseason seed.

Postseason action opened on Tuesday. Sandburg drew the second seed in the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional while Stagg was sixth and Shepard 10th. LincolnWay East drew the top seed.

At Lyons, Brother Rice was seeded second behind the hosts.

Girls water polo Postseason action opened on Tuesday.

Mother McAuley, which finished fourth in the state last year, drew the top seed at the Lyons Sectional.

Sandburg is third in the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional behind the hosts and Lincoln-Way East. Richards is seeded seventh and Stagg 10th.

Wujcik

Continued from Page 1 beat Shepard 7-6 in a South Suburban Red contest in Oak Lawn. Down 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Nike Gall hit a two-run single to drive in the tying and winning runs.

In 1986, Wujcik and Reavis star Mike Budds were named the first Regional-Reporter co-Players of the Year. When Wujcik went to Iowa, he set a school and Big Ten record when he drove in 10 runs in one game.

He also set a school record with 12 doubles in a season and won a league batting title.

But playing the sport and coaching it are two different things, as he found out in his rookie season as the boss.

“I had no idea what I was

Supplied photo

Richards players and coached celebrated coach Brian Wujcik’s 500th career victory in Oak Lawn on May 2.

doing,” he said. “My idea of practice was putting on a glove and showing the kids that I could still play. It took me a little while to realize that what I needed to do was teach them instead of going out to play with them.’’

The coach’s 500th win was memorable with the walk-off hit and celebration. He doesn’t remember much about the very first win.

“It took five games and it was against Bloom,” he said. “I don’t know any of the details.’’

His players joked about his gunning for 1,000 victories, but he is not sure that’s in the cards.

“I know Jack Kaiser at Oak Park River Forest coached for (more than) 45 years,” he said.

“I don’t know if I have that in me.’’

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4

Section 2 Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

A look at the 10th Southwest Half Marathon and 10K in words and pictures

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Delilah DiCrescenzo won the women’s portion of the 10th Southwest Half Marathon on Sunday in Palos Heights.

Delilah is No. 1 on the charts at SW Half Marathon

Chicago Ridge’s Roberto Ortega became the first runner in event history to win backto-back titles as he claimed his second 10K title at the 10th Southwest Half Marathon event Sunday in Palos Heights.

The 34-year-old Ortega ran the course in 38 minutes and 53 seconds — 25 seconds slower than last year.

But he has a few excuses. He is still feeling some aches and pains from running in the Boston Marathon in April. And his previous 24 hours were not something he recommends for preparing for a run.

“I worked 16 hours (Saturday) and got no sleep,” he said, referring to his job as a bartender at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip.

“Maybe I got an hour and a half of sleep at the most.’’

Ortega may not earn a three-peat in 2018 as he is mulling running the half marathon next year. In 2015, he competed in the big race and placed 33rd.

In the women’s 10K, Sugar Grove’s Kim Weiss, 38, won with a time of :39.45 in her first Southwest competition.

“I had no idea I would win,’’ Weiss said.

“But at 38, I feel blessed to be out there running.’’

She said that when she was a high school runner at West Aurora, she went to state four times in track and once in cross country. She competed at Western Michigan and trained for marathons, running a personal best 2 hours, 48 minutes at the Chicago Marathon.

After having three kids, she is back into running. She said that breaking three hours in a marathon in Indianapolis two years ago was a highlight.

The finish to Sunday’s half marathon was interesting, as Arturs Bareikas and Janis Pastars were matching each other stridefor-stride and both slowed up and joined hands and crossed the line in 1 hour, 12 minutes and .08 seconds.

Bareikas, 26, was declared the winner via chip timing. Both live in Crestwood and are from Latvia. They both run for the Orland Park-based Tri Right team.

The half marathon winner was Chicago’s Delilah DiCrescenzo, who won in 1:21.31. DiCrescenzo, 34, is a former Queen of Peace star who was an elite steeplechase and cross country runner.

D

elilah DiCrescenzo was a world-class runner and steeplechase athlete.

The former Queen of Peace student has competed all over the world and was close to becoming an Olympian.

But no matter what she accomplishes in athletics, she will forever be linked with the Plain White T’s megahit “Hey There Delilah,’’ which was released in 2006 but became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts in 2007. It was also No. 1, 2 or 3 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The 34-year-old has been out of the limelight for her competitive running since 2014, but on Sunday she competed in the 10th running of the Southwest Half Marathon in Palos Heights and JEFF VORVA won the race in 1 hour, 38 minutes and 52 secMaking the onds. the half marathon, the song is 10 years old Extra Point as Like well and it’s still making an impact. Recently it was heard on the TV shows “Orange is the New Black” and “Family Guy.’’ A Time magazine critic said the song was “an intimate love song that’s damn near universal.’’

And, yes, she was the Delilah the song was written for after Plain White T’s frontman Tom Higgenson met her when she was at Columbia University. The two never became a couple but there were some close moments while they were in and out of their own relationships. So Higgenson wrote the song about her and it became a No. 1 hit and she was his guest the next year at the Grammy Awards.

The song was nominated but did not win (losing to the late Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab’’).

“Truth be told, it’s probably a good thing it never worked out with us,” Higgenson told InStyle.com in 2015.

But it led to an iconic song, and as far as DiCrescenzo is concerned, it never gets old being linked with the tune, even though I was probably the millionth person to ask her about it.

“It doesn’t get old because it’s amazing that it’s still popular with a lot of people,” she said. “I’m happy to be associated with it. I’m happy for the band because it is still doing really well. All in all, it’s great.’’

DiCrescenzo, who lives in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago and has family in Orland Park, said she made her Southwest Half Marathon debut because she has shopped at Palos Heights’ Running For Kicks store (owned by race co-founder Mel Diab) for years, starting back when she was in high school.

“This gave me an excuse to get back into shape, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last eight weeks,” she said. “It was a longer race than I’ve been training for but I was happy because the course is actually pretty forgiving. It’s flat. It was a nice day. I want to come back next year.’’

DiCrescenzo is now leading a normal life as she works for Gatorade in Chicago and works with college and high school teams.

“I needed a break — body-wise, mentally and emotionally,” she said. “Now I feel recharged and ready to train again. I enjoy being normal. The teens and first part of my adult life was running and being singularly devoted to that. It’s nice to feel more well-rounded.

I can pursue my career and have running be more in the background than in the forefront.’’

Like many Queen on Peace alums, DiCrescenzo did not like hearing the news in January that her former high school was closing.

“I was really bummed,” she said. “That’s where I started running and I still have a lot of lifelong friends from there. It kind of feels like the end of an era. I’m just so happy that St. Laurence (the school next door to Queen of Peace in Burbank) decided to go coed, because it’s keeping that spirit alive.

“It’s a bummer, but they are making the best of it. At the end of the day, it’s a building and it won’t stop the memories that we have and the relationships we created.’’

Above: The 10th Southwest Half Marathon got off to a big start on Sunday in Palos Heights.

Left: Arturs Bareikas (far left) and Janis Pastars cross the finish line during the 10th Southwest Marathon on Sunday. Bareikas was declared the winner by chip time.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Kim Weiss of Sugar Grove won the women’s 10K race.

South Holland’s Phil Arvia and a group of runners stretch before Sunday’s race.

Above left: For the second year in a row, Oak Lawn’s Bob Chesna completes the Walk, Run or Roll event with his family by his side. Chesna suffered a stroke in August, 2015 and was told he might not walk again.

Above: Eleven-year-old Seth Mendoza (left, wearing No. 1296) gets an early step up on eventual 10K winner Roberto Ortega of Chicago Ridge on Sunday. Left: Dozens of volunteers stuffed goody bags for the runners on Wednesday at Shepard High School.

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

5

Thursday, May 11, 2017 Section 2

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-8 Plaintiff, -v.JOHN KAIM A/K/A JOHN A. KAIM, FIRSTSECURE BANK AND TRUST CO., TRUST #1-138 DTD 3/26/96, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF FIRSTSECURE BANK AND TRUST CO., TRUST #1-138 DTD 3/26/96 Defendants 14 CH 13588 10749 SOUTH CHRISTA COURT PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 10, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 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 10749 SOUTH CHRISTA COURT, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-14-400-076-0000.

The real estate is improved with a white, brick, single family, two car attached garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5 (g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 8564.

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.

I720010

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.INGA WIKAR A/K/A INGA GRIGAITE, TIMBERS IN PALOS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, RICHARD WIKAR A/K/A RICHARD WICKAR Defendants 15 CH 09191 8245 POPLAR LANE APT D PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 29, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 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 8245 POPLAR LANE APT D, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-23-200-021-1244.

The real estate is improved with a red brick, condo, attached one car garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5 (g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 12186.

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.

I720014

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE); Plaintiff, vs.

MILAN POPOVIC; DOBRILA POPOVIC AKA DOBRILLA POPOVIC; CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A.; CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA), N.A.; HANMI BANK S/B/M UNITED CENTRAL BANK; LAS FUENTES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 15103 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, June 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. 23-10-209-013-1090.

Commonly known as 9086 Del Prado Drive, Unit 2E, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 605631890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale.

F15090223 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I720936

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

VALERIE L. BENNECKE-SLACK; EDWARD F. SLACK; STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants, 17 CH 25 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, May 30, 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. 23-02-308-013-0000.

Commonly known as 8525 West 91st Street, Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

16-034428 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I720252

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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, May 11, 2017

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2017

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

Second journey for ‘Guardians’ still provides laughs, energy When the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” came out in 2013, it was a breath of fresh air.

It was a comic book movie without the heavy pathos of responsibility that plagued another genre entry that same summer — “Man of Steel” (directed

by Zack Snyder). It was technically a Marvel movie, but didn’t bear the burden of needing to develop a pre-established story like that summer’s “Iron Man 3” (directed by Shane Black). It was a weird space action/comedy directed by an indie sensation (James Gunn) with a purposely kitschy soundtrack and snarky attitude.

Now writer/director Gunn has tried to rebottle the lightning with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and does so to varying degrees of success. He’s broadened the scope of the adventure for the film’s merry band of space pirates turned unconventional heroes.

The action sequences are bigger. The soundtrack is more expansive. And this film contains more gags per minute in its opening sequence than the first may have had in its entire runtime. But, all of this comes at a cost.

The action sequences are bigger, but the character scenes are fewer. No joke goes unsaid, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all funny. The energy is definitely still there, but the novelty feels lost.

The plot is more complicated than the first film, and yet, somehow the piece feels less complex.

This time around, the Guardians are in a sticky situation. They’re wanted by a group of space mercenaries led by Yondu (Michael Rooker), on the run from a galactic species of golden creatures whom the Guardians have offended and must also contend with their leader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) reconnecting with his mysterious father (Kurt Russell).

If the first film was a take on ‘70s and ‘80s scifi schlock, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 feels more like a chase picture in the vein of “The Blues

The Center sets event slate

The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, is offering several events in the days ahead. Many classes will be held outdoors, or in The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, part of The Center. For more information, or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650.

• “Barn To Be Wild 9” starts at 1 p.m. Saturday May 13 and runs to 4 p.m. Sunday May 14. Center Development Director Mark Walker will live (and sleep over) in the pigpen for 27 hours in order to raise money to further the mission of The Center. There will be visitors, art projects, music, and the event will be webcast at barntobewild.org. Farm admission is free both Saturday and Sunday for the event.

• Communion Sunday is set for 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14. Due to the Center Singers’ spring concert, communion will be offered on the second Sunday of May. Volunteers are needed setting up communion, as well as helping distribute it. Those who are able and interested should contact Chris Hopkins at The Center. All are welcome. Note: The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic drink and gluten-free bread.

• “Essential Oils: Spa Night” runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 19. Instructor Liz Credio will lead this workshop. Participants will learn to make a detoxifying footbath to soak in during class and take home. The class will also make an essential oils body spray and deodorant powder to prepare for a hot summer. All will relax and smell the lavender while listening to relaxing music and sampling essential oil-infused

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:

“FIFTY SHADES DARKER’’: Anyone who knows E.L. James’ novels is aware the relationship of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey didn’t end with “Fifty Shades of Grey,’’ thus this James Foley-directed sequel that returns Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan to the roles. The story reflects what happened before and after “Ana’’ became a part of Grey’s world, with Kim Basinger as a woman who had much

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

BRIAN LAUGHRAN

Brothers” (1980, directed by John Landis) or “Every Which Way But Loose” (1978, directed by James Fargo) — the kind of film where the heroes are constantly on the run and every person they meet eventually joins the chase.

While I applaud Gunn for attempting a different kind of film, I’m not sure this entirely works, especially when the Guardians get pulled into different directions and have to separate. This movie has the most fun when the core group is playing off of one another.

That being said, there is still a lot to like in Fried eggs are a staple ingredient of huevos rancheros. this film. Gunn’s script has a lot of wit in its dialogue, and he writes his characters with complete sincerity and touching humanity. That last part is really impressive when you consider that one of the characters is a talking raccoon (voice of Bradley Cooper) and the other is an anthropomorphic tree (voice of Vin Diesel).

If I had to summarize my feelings I’d use this analogy: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is like when a new band hot off their first album releases By Wolfgang Puck have to limit yourself to enjoying their second. It might not be a bad record, but the the recipe in the morning alone. It’s sound isn’t fresh anymore. There’s a level of beenWhen May arrives, so many also an excellent choice to make there-done-that, but the songs still work. people across America begin and serve for lunch or even dinthinking about how they’ll cel- ner. Whatever the time of day, its RATING: B+ ebrate Cinco de Mayo, the holi- sauce, canned beans, guacamole, day commemorating the Battle of tortillas and eggs are easy to shop Brian Laughran’s movie reviews appear on the Puebla, an important victory in for, prepare and serve. second and fourth Thursday of every month.

Though the recipe calls a good 1862 during Mexico’s war against invading French forces. But it may number of ingredients, none of surprise you to learn that the day them are hard to find in wellis only a minor occasion in its stocked supermarkets today. And, home country, while Americans you can make the ranchero sauce, have adopted it as an occasion to black beans (for which I take the recognize Latino contributions to perfectly fine shortcut of starting our own nation’s culture — and with canned beans) and guacamole an excellent reason to have a great an hour or two ahead of time, leaving you to finish the simple party.

I myself love to eat Mexican tasks of frying the tortillas and food on May 5, and I’m grateful eggs and assemble the final dish for the many hardworking cooks just before serving. You can also of Hispanic descent in my res- add some meat if you want, stirring taurant kitchens who share their sauteed chorizo, chopped ham or own authentic versions of tradi- crispy bacon into the beans.

So, for Cinco de Mayo, let me tional dishes with me. One of my favorites is the following recipe wish you happy eating — or, as for the version of huevos ranche- they say in Mexico, Buen prros we offer on the breakfast and ovecho! brunch menus in my restaurant Supplied photo Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air HUEVOS RANCHEROS Mark Walker in the barn at a previous Barn To Be Wild. in Los Angeles. The recipe comes Serves 4 water. Workshop fee is $17, plus May 16. Students will practice and courtesy of Hugo Bolanos, my exa $16 materials fee. then play a game of three-on-three. ecutive chef there, who’s originally For the ranchero sauce: For this program, students will from Mexico’s next-door neighbor, • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 3 large beefsteak tomatoes, travel in The Bridge Bus to 15101 Guatemala, where it is a popular Bridge Teen Center stemmed, seeded and S. 80th Avenue in Orland Park. staple as well. provides free events I think people love this dish quartered • “Garden Decor” runs The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 for many good reasons. With the • 1 jalapeno chile, cut from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, is offercombination of perfectly fried lengthwise in half and ing several free events for teens in May 17, Students will decorate eggs, creamy black beans, crispy seeded seventh through 12th grade dur- their gardens with painted rocks tortillas, spicy roasted vegetable • 1 dried guajillo chile, and stones for a fun but natural ing the upcoming week. For more salsa, cool guacamole and crumstemmed information, call (708) 532-0500. look. bled fresh cheese, it feels like an • 1/2 red onion, coarsely • “High School Study Lounge • “Banana Bonanza” is schedexciting buffet of flavors, textures, chopped uled to start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with Yogurt Parfaits” is scheduled temperatures, colors and shapes, • 10 cherry tomatoes, May 12, Students are invited to a for 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18. all on a single plate. Eat it in the stemmed banana-themed night with games, Students are invited to make The morning, and you feel fueled up for • 4 sprigs fresh cilantro karaoke and open mic. Free food Bridge their study spot on finals a busy day, whether that involves • 3 cloves garlic, peeled samples will be provided by Tru- week. There will be energy-boost- riding horses and roping cattle, • 2 pinches ground cumin Gurt. This is a “high school after ing snacks, tutors, whiteboards and working at a desk, or spending • Pinch kosher salt, plus hours night.” Students in seventh study supplies available. leisure time with your family and extra for seasoning and eighth grades may stay un• “Staff vs. Students Night” and friends.

• Generous pinch granulated til 10:30 p.m., but high school “Mega Jump Rope Challenge” are sugar But another great thing about students are invited to stay until • Freshly ground black set for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, huevos rancheros is that you don’t midnight.

• “Project Serve: Making Mem- May 19. Students are invited go ories with Mom” runs from 10 head-to-head with favorite staff, a.m. to noon Saturday, May 13, volunteers and interns and see if Students and their moms are they can be number one in air invited to talk over coffee and hockey, pool, Connect 4 or other muffins and serve together at The games throughout the night. There By Jeraldine Saunders consider if it creates a means to will also be a live performance by Bridge Thrift Store. a worthy end.

• Three-on-three basketball is R&B artist Christal Luster and free LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): ConARIES (March 21-April 19): set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, food samples from White Castle. Give an answer without getting sistent effort will earn recognition an argument. By taking your time and appreciation from those who and being thorough you can avoid count the most. Make an effort to the problems that arise from too keep busy with constructive and much speed and thoughtlessness. worthwhile projects in the week to come. Be willing to wait for to do with his being who he is Jenji Kohan. A new chief of the Exercise self-discipline in the a pat on the back. week ahead.

— the prelude to a big reversal guards is a factor in Maureen’s VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): TAURUS (April 20-May 20): of interpersonal significance to (Emily Althaus) amped-up desire Be passionate about having the each other for the couple. Marcia to escape, and the populations of As this week unfolds you may best of everything. Focus on makGay Harden, Luke Grimes, Eloise new inmates and veterans are in- find powerful ways to realize your ing your dreams come true in the Mumford and Rita Ora also reprise tegrating, stirring new tensions on ambitions. Anything you begin week to come, even if it means their roles from the first film, with top of those already very present. will have your complete atten- you must learn something new.

Bella Heathcote and Eric Johnson Laverne Cox, Laura Prepon, Blair tion and you can achieve your You may succeed if you perform (“Rookie Blue’’) in the cast as Brown, Kate Mulgrew and Lori dreams because of your passion diligent research. well. The screenplay is by Niall Petty are among others continuing and single-mindedness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Charity begins at home. Be grateLeonard, author James’ husband. their roles. Season 5 of the show *** (R and unrated versions: AS, begins streaming in June. DVD Act as though you know what ful for reliable partners, devoted N, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On extras: “making-of’’ documentary; you are doing. In the week ahead family members and steadfast Demand) cast and crew commentaries; out- you should give no one any rea- friends in the week ahead. Finan“ORANGE IS THE NEW takes. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) son to suspect your motives. Just cial stability and material success when everything is going along will be yours if you work hard BLACK: SEASON FOUR’’: (Also on Blu-ray) Life certainly doesn’t get any “DIVORCE: THE COM- as planned someone might throw and apply your skills. easier for Piper (Taylor Schilling), PLETE FIRST SEASON’’: you a curve ball.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): CANCER (June 21-July Answer the call when called upon who finds herself in very direct Though Sarah Jessica Parker has a peril from other Litchfield inmates, series affiliation with HBO again, 22): Money might be meant for to do your best. In the week ahead in this round of the seriocomic and anyone expecting another “Sex spending, but only if it creates your partner or loved ones might much-praised — and often quite and the City’’ is in for a surprise. a meaningful ending. During the pressure you to do your best. Be week ahead whenever emphasis appreciative of support and don’t violent — Netflix series develContinued on page 8 placed on finances and possessions waste time trying to do things on oped and executive-produced by

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

Dreamstime.com

The fried is right: Enjoy a taste of authentic Latino cuisine pepper

For the black bean puree: • 2 15.5-ounce (439-g) cans black beans, drained • 1/4 cup (60 mL) mascarpone cheese or sour cream • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper For the guacamole: • 2 ripe Hass-style avocados, halved, pitted, flesh scooped out • 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeno chile • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice • 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro • Kosher salt For assembly: • Vegetable oil for frying • 4 corn tortillas • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 8 large eggs • 4 ounces (125 g) queso fresco or mild feta, crumbled • 1/2 cup (125 mL) sour cream • Small sprigs fresh cilantro First, make the ranchero sauce: Preheat a broiler. On a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet, put the beefsteak tomatoes, chiles, onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and garlic.

Sprinkle with the cumin, salt and sugar. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Broil until partly charred, turning once with tongs. Transfer the ingredients to a food processor and pulse to coarsely puree; or pass the ingredients through a food mill over a mixing bowl. Season Continued on page 8

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST your own.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Make material stability a priority as this week unfolds.

Your ambitious nature will have a chance to shine when you are given the opportunity to stabilize your finances. Self-discipline and planning will pay off.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Push the pedal to the metal in the week ahead. You can let your creativity have full rein and accomplish whatever you set out to do. You will have plenty of assistance from the family unit to realize your dreams.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The way finances are handled demonstrates character. Proof of your dedication to duty and sterling ethics can be like money in the bank. Don’t let gossip or innuendo affect your financial decisions in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your inner hero doesn’t need to be faster than a speeding bullet to overcome misunderstandings and obstacles. Achieve new heights in the week ahead without being abrasive or pretending to be something you aren’t.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

LIZ SMITH

The last of ‘Feud’ and another big-screen take on Mary, Queen of Scots

By Liz Smith “THE PEOPLE, the public, they don’t care about the rest. They remember the good things, the work.”

It’s half-amusing and half-sad that producer Ryan Murphy put these words in the mouth of the great and sexy Stanley Tucci, aka Jack Warner, in the season finale of Ryan’s FX series “Feud: Bette and Joan” on Sunday night.

Over the past couple of months we’ve (mostly me, Denis) have talked a lot about “Feud,” and we’ve wanted to believe that producer Ryan was sincere in his insistence that the show was not to be a grisly camp-fest, but a real look at the issues of women aging out in Hollywood, misogyny, etc.

Yes and no.

Ryan of “American Horror Story” fame couldn’t resist the occasional camp and grotesquerie of Bette and Joan in their later years.

However, thanks to the brilliant performances of Susan Sarandon as Bette and Jessica Lange as Crawford, the more serious, and touching aspects of these two wildly complex women — great stars, great actors, great phonies — came through like laser beams.

(I admit, aspects of the final episode were fairly harrowing, as to women living alone.)

Crawford was pretentious, which made her phoniness more obvious. Davis, looser, funnier, bellowed her “honestly,” but was equally fake, prone to fantasy — “Crawford lobbied against me and lost me the ‘Baby Jane’ Oscar” — and addicted to conflict. Bette’s epitaph reads “She did it the hard way.” But all too often, she didn’t have to, she preferred it.

Lange and Sarandon deserve Emmy nominations. Perhaps both will win. I’d prefer to see Lange take the prize, because Crawford did fight harder for respect; her

glamour was an albatross and her insecurity overwhelming. Maybe on that big sound set in the sky she’d feel vindicated. We shall see.

NOW, I’VE asked my partner, Liz Smith, for some of her own recollections of Joan and Bette.

Says Liz: “I knew both of them after their tempestuous younger days, shall we say. Crawford had me to her home in Los Angeles when her twins were little. I met all four children and observed them on a Christmas day. They all seemed petrified to speak, or to open a gift without permission from Joan. She seemed to bend over backward to make a good impression, yet Joan was one of the most uncomfortable women in her own house that I’d ever met. But she was undeniably glamorous!”

“I met Miss Davis at NBC during the ‘Live at Five’ days. She ordered everyone around, insisted on certain lighting and make-up.

She was a pain in the a--, but — ta da! — she turned out to be right on all counts. Also, she looked great, and I looked like a mile of bad road. But who cared?

The actress Geraldine Fitzgerald also told me a lot of Bette stories from their days at Warner Bros., and how Bette inspired her to fight for her rights.

“The agent Michael Black was also a font of amusing Bette anecdotes. She fell out with me at an awards dinner. I was seated near her. I made an innocuous remark, asking if she was ever “nervous” during such events — she had just made a presentation. Bette gave me a glare that Medusa would have envied and barked “Never!” She would not look or speak to me again, and actually got up and left the table, leaving me obviously, embarrassingly alone. (I was sure people were wondering, ‘what did that awful gossip columnist say to

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN Continued from page 7 In what’s ostensibly a comedy but also has considerable drama, Parker and Thomas Haden Church (“Sideways’’) play a couple who — as the title indicates — are in the process of ending their marriage.

With the time that a weekly show allows, the effects of their breakup on others around them also are explored, with Molly Shannon, Talia Balsam and actor-playwright Tracy Letts (“Superior Donuts’’) also in the cast. Parker has her hand in the program, which will be getting a Season 2, as an executive producer as well (along with Sharon Horgan, of “Catastrophe’’ fame). DVD extras: “making-of’’ documentary; audio commentary by cast and crew members. *** (Not rated: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray) “BEACHES’’: The original 1988 movie directed by Garry Marshall remains so popular, many of its fans likely feel it doesn’t need a remake ... but Lifetime went ahead with this recent and reasonably affecting one anyway, casting Idina Menzel and Nia Long in the earlier Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey parts as dissimilar women — a singer and a lawyer — whose lifelong friendship endures its share of

hurdles. Given Menzel’s “Frozen’’ and “Wicked’’ musical fame, it should come as little surprise that she belts out the ballad this story is linked to forever, “Wind Beneath My Wings.’’ Gabriella Pizzolo and Grace Capeless have the central roles at younger ages, and for this version, director Allison Anders admitted she didn’t want to tinker with Marshall’s formula much. And she didn’t. *** (Not rated: AS, P)

COMING SOON:

“DUCK DYNASTY: SEASON 11 - THE FINAL SEASON’’ (May 16): Some family milestones arise for the Robertsons as they bring the curtain down on their unscripted series. (Not rated) “RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER’’ (May 16): Milla Jovovich is back one more time as Alice, trying to prevent the undead from erasing the last vestiges of mankind. (R: P, GV) “THE SPACE BETWEEN US’’ (May 16): A teenager (Asa Butterfield) who was born on Mars comes to Earth to rendezvous with an ally (Britt Robertson). (PG-13: AS, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN Continued from page 7 to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

Next, prepare the black bean buree. Set aside 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the drained black beans. Put the remaining beans in a clean food processor bowl with the stainlesssteel blade and pulse until coarsely pureed. Transfer the puree to a small saucepan, warm up the puree over low heat, stirring frequently; stir in the mascarpone, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

For the guacamole, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

With a fork, coarsely mash and stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt.

To assemble the huevos rancheros, add 2 inches (5 cm) of vegetable oil to a heavy large Dutch oven or saucepan. Heat the oil to 350 F (175 C) on a deep-

frying thermometer. Working in batches, fry the tortillas until crisp and golden, about 1 minute per side. turning with tongs. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with salt.

Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Heat 1 tablespoon oil in each of two large ovenproof nonstick skillets over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Crack 4 eggs into each skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the skillets to the oven to continue cooking to desired doneness, about 30 seconds longer for softly set eggs.

Spoon ranchero sauce onto 4 heated serving plates. Spoon some black bean sauce on top of the sauce in the center of each plate.

Sprinkle with reserved black beans and queso fresco. Top each plate with 1 tortilla and 2 fried eggs.

Garnish with guacamole, sour cream, more ranchero sauce and cilantro. Serve immediately.

poor Bette Davis?’)

“They were incredible in their individual ways, but I felt both were so, so insecure! Later, after cancer and strokes had weakened her, Bette was still up for a fight.

She was so awful to Lillian Gish during the making of “The Whales of August” that Gish, a great star from the silent era, said the experience almost killed her!”

OH, and here is an exquisite P.S. Ryan Murphy wrote to Olivia de Havilland, asking what she’d thought of his show? (In the series, Catherine Zeta-Jones portrayed her.)

The great star, 100 years old and living in Paris, responded: “Having not seen the show, I cannot make a valid comment about it. However, in principle, I am opposed to any representation of personages who are no longer alive to judge the accuracy of any incident depicted as involving themselves.” Olivia concluded: “As to the 1963 Oscar ceremony, which took place over half a century ago, I regret to say that I have no memory of it whatsoever and therefore cannot vouch for its accuracy.”

Ryan expressed himself as charmed by her response and referred to her as ‘always a lady.’”

You said a mouthful, Ryan.

INTERESTING NEWS that the eternally roiling subject of the rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, will again be made into a feature film. This one will star Margot Robbie as the emotional, heart-over-head Mary, and Saoirse Ronan, as the equally emotional but more adeptly calculating Queen Elizabeth. (The Virgin Queen was rather like Jenny, the heroine of “Lady in the Dark” — she could never make up her mind!)

Elizabeth, who kept Mary im-

Lauren/Rex Shutterstock/Zuma Press/TNS

Jessica Lange arrives to the “Feud: Bette and Joan” TV Series premiere on March 1, 2017 in Los Angeles.

prisoned for decades in England, was fearful of a face-to-face meeting with her cousin, afraid she, too, might fall under the spell of the Scottish legend. Mary disingenuously insisted she was only interested in “friendly relations” with her “dear” relative. But her viable claim to the English throne threw a wrench into cozy dinners.)

In 1936, Katharine Hepburn played Mary in a film that did nothing for Hepburn’s (at the time) fast-fading career. Later, in 1971, Glenda Jackson took on Elizabeth, and Vanessa Redgrave was a ravishing, headstrong Mary.

I always think of Mary, physically, as Vanessa, just as I always associate Genevieve Bujold with Anne Boleyn, in 1969’s “Anne of the Thousand Days” opposite Richard Burton. (The current TV series “Reign” purports to tell the tale of Mary and Elizabeth, but it’s really a teen-bait melange of fanciful truths and outright fantasies. It’s amusing, but I hope no young people take the show seriously!)

It will be fascinating to see if this new film follows the fictional, if highly dramatic fantasy that Mary and Elizabeth actually met. They never did, but it always makes for a juicy scene. Josie Rourke will direct. This is perhaps the most significant aspect of the new film — a woman director, a woman’s view of two of the most famous, ambitious, successful and perversely thwarted females in history. I can’t wait.

IT IS pleasing to see that Literacy Partners’ “so-called” Lizzie Award (I mentioned this last week) will go this year to the one and only HBO gem, documentarymaker Sheila Nevins. The event happens on May 24, a Wednesday, at Cipriani 42nd Street.

This award, created for Literacy Partners to support the work of the late Arnold Scaasi, Parker Ladd and yours truly, continues a fight to teach millions of adult New Yorkers how to read and write.

I will be there and I hope they’ll let me hand my own award to

the incredible documentary-maker Sheila. This is Sheila’s year. And she has her life memoir out (“You Don’t Look Your Age: And Other Fairy Tales.”)

This book is making waves everywhere. And there’s an audio version read by Sheila’s many admirers — a host of them — including Meryl Streep, just to drop a name.

In addition to Sheila, the CEO of SESAC John Josephson, USA TODAY’s Editor-in-Chief Joanne Lipman and Fareed Zakaria of CNN will also be honored.

And a special thank you to our dear friend writer Ellen “Pucky” Violett for her generosity.

If you’d like to join us, get in touch with my good friends at Buckley Hall Events at 914579-1000 or literacypartners(at) buckleyhallevents.com.

See you in black tie at Cipriani.

E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@ aol.com.