Reporter 1 11 18

Standout gymnast Maddy Roe keeps contributing even after an injury ends her high school career

REPORTER COVERAGE IN SPORTS

THE Volume LVIII, No. 44

Serving Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth

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Thursday, January 11, 2018

Parishioners fear school will close Archdiocese: No decision yet on Our Lady of the Ridge

By Joe Boyle Some parishioners and parents of children who attend Our Lady of the Ridge School in Chicago Ridge said the school is destined to close in June.

Residents and parents have been discussing the issue for the past month and longer because of low enrollment numbers at the school, 10810 S. Oxford Ave. Enrollment figures were not available, but not as many students returned to the school this fall as had been hoped.

While some parishioners have said the announcement of the school’s closing will occur just before or during Catholic Schools Week, the Chicago Archdiocese said nothing has been decided.

“The Archdiocese has not made any decisions at this time about these schools,” said Susan Thomas, a spokesperson for the Chicago Archdiocese.

“Right now, no decisions have been made.”

Another school facing an uncertain future is Incarnation Elementary School, 5757 W. 127th St., Palos Heights. Alumni, parents and community members held a fundraiser Sunday at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park.

Andrea Covert, one of the organizers of the fundraiser who is attempting to keep Incarnation School open, said that members of Our Lady of the Ridge Parish attended the event Sunday in solidarity.

“We have reached out to Our Lady of the Ridge and have invited students

to attend our school,” said Covert, who added that the fundraiser drew over 600 people. “Why the archdiocese wants to close both our schools is a mystery.”

One of the parishioners who attended the Incarnation fundraiser was Marianne Gillfillan, school board president at Our Lady of the Ridge.

She recalled that alumni, board members, parents, current students and the overall community turned out in force for a fundraiser that was held last February at Bourbon Street to keep the school open.

Over 800 people attended the fundraiser a year ago, and Gillfillan said you could feel the excitement at the See SCHOOL, Page 9

Photo by Joe Boyle

Some parishioners are concerned that Our Lady of the Ridge Elementary School in Chicago Ridge will close at the end of the school year. A spokesperson for the Chicago Archdiocese said that no decision has been made at this time.

HICKORY HILLS

Support pours in for injured firefighter

By Joe Boyle

profession and is a great family man,” said Roberts Park Fire Chief Members of the Roberts Park Jeff Ketchen, who attended a funFire Protection District are in uni- draiser held Sunday afternoon at son praising the dedication of Lt. the Roberts Roadhouse in Hickory Clint Sanders, and many Hills to assist the family others have stepped up in with expenses. “We had support of Sanders since a great community efhe was injured fighting fort. The place was filled a fire. to capacity.”

Sanders was injured Ketchen has worked on Dec. 27 after the with Sanders for 24 years Roberts Park Fire Deon the department. The partment answered the fire chief said that SandLt. Sanders call to put out a blaze ers has been a positive at about 10:30 a.m. in a influence on the force home in the 8800 block of West and his hard work and dedicaFawn Trail in Justice. tion is well known among the Sanders, 44, was transported members. to Loyola University Medical The fire is still being investiCenter in Maywood with smoke gated. The fire was put out in about inhalation and burns to his hands 10 minutes. No other firefighters and face, according to a hospital suffered injuries, Ketchen added. spokesperson.

According to published reports, The encouraging news for the the fire began downstairs and department is that Sanders’ con- spread upstairs. dition has stabilized even though Ketchen said a Go Fund Me he is still in critical condition and page has been set up by the family is being incubated A hospital and Ketchen said over $46,000 spokesperson said that Sanders, had been raised before the funa Hickory Hills resident who is draiser. The goal is to raise over married and has two children, $100,000. should make a full recovery.

See FIREFIGHTER, Page 9 “Clint is very dedicated to his

Photo by Kelly White

Young ‘Jedi’ artists

Local mayors skeptical about GOP tax package

Lilliana Mutan, 2, and Jannah Mutan, 6, of Chicago Ridge, work together on Star Wars-themed crafts at a “Star Wars Day” event held at the Chicago Ridge Library to celebrate the recent release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” More coverage on Page 4.

PALOS HILLS

Plans for new public works building are back in play

By Michael Gilbert

Nearly two decades ago, a now out-ofbusiness architectural firm created design plans for a new public works facility in Palos Hills.

The plans, which are 17 years old, remain tacked to an office wall at City Hall, providing a constant reminder of a project put on hold because of other needs in the city.

However, that may soon change.

During Mayor Gerald Bennett’s first report of 2018, he indicated the project is not only back on the front burner but also may go out for bid within the next few months.

“I believe that we can do it this year,” Bennett told the city council during a committee-of-the-whole meeting Jan. 4. “The

plans are pretty much developed other than to (officially) finalize it and put together a bid document.”

Bennett asked Paul Hardison, the city’s building commissioner and an architect by trade, to review the plans. If all checks out, Bennett said he hoped to come back to the council with a cost estimate and bid timeline “within a few months.”

“Everything down to the internal layout and the room sizes has already been determined,” Bennett said. “We just need to get an updated price estimate and from there we can write the specs and go to bid.”

The exact square footage of the building proposed on the 40-acre lot at 7800 W. 108th St. was not immediately available, but Bennett said it would house all the public works staff

as well as the department’s 30-plus vehicles.

A conference room, lunch room and shower facility — all amenities not included at the current public works facility at 9742 S. 89th Ave. — are proposed in the plans. Space to store road salt and gravel is also planned for the new building.

The public works commissioner operates out of city hall while the superintendent and the rest of the staff are located at the public works building. With inadequate storage space at the public works building, some vehicles and materials are stored at the Kuecher Farms property near Moraine Valley Community College and the city’s municipal golf course.

See PALOS HILLS, Page 9

By Joe Boyle

Trump has stated that the bill will provide more jobs for Americans. However, critics aren’t so sure. According to an NBC-Wall Street Journal survey, 63 percent of respondents believed the plan was designed to benefit corporations and the wealthy. Just seven percent said they believe the bill will help middle-class America.

Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar said that only time will tell.

“I hope the citizens recognize that we were able to hold the line on taxes and our tax levy,” Tokar said. “You don’t know what to believe. Are the Democrats telling the truth? Are the Republicans telling the truth? I guess we will see when we look at our paychecks later.”

President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers said they delivered an early Christmas present to Americans and businesses when their tax reduction plan was approved on Dec. 20.

However, some local mayors say the tax plan will have little effect on their communities — at least in the short term.

“I think with a lot of people we will have to wait and see,” said Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett, who is also the president of the Southwest Conference of Mayors.

“It is a little top heavy with tax cuts for corporations, but we will see if it will trickle down to Palos Hills or other areas. I haven’t really talked to people about this. I just don’t know about that.”

See TAX PLAN, Page 9

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge

Evergreen Park

• Jose Marban, 33, of the 14400 block of South Hoxie Avenue, Burnham, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 10300 block of Southwest Highway Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, and having expired license plates. He is due in court on Jan, 25.

• Dennis Ortega, 23, of the 10800 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Worth, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 10800 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for using a handheld cellphone while driving.

He is due in court on Jan. 25.

• Tawffiik Mohammed, 27, of Tinley Park, was charged with retail theft at Sam’s Club, 9400 S. Western Ave., at 3:17 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he took two pieces of electronic equipment worth $99.74 in total.

• Eugene Hughes, 39, of Mokena, was charged with retail theft at Mariano’s, 2559 W. 95th St., at 1:40 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said he took 13 bottles of over-the-counter medicine worth $357.87 in total.

Suspended license

Supplied photo

Richards High School freshman Laney Moran appealed to classmates to donate coats, gloves, hats and other cold weather gear for the needy.

Her brothers, Jack and Jake, who graduated from Richards last May, started the campaign three years ago.

Richards student helps provide warm clothing for those in need In more than one way, Laney Moran arrived at Richards High School at just the right time.

Over the past few weeks she campaigned to collect coats, hats, gloves and other winter essentials for the needy.

She visited the school’s various freshman advisory groups to ask classmates to bring donations to the main office. Soon, boxes filled with donations covered the floor of a conference room.

Every Chicago winter makes such clothing a requisite. The recent plunging temperatures, however, created an acute need.

A freshman herself, Moran started at Richards right after her brothers, Jake and Jack,

graduated last May. Today the twins, who started the clothing drive a couple of years ago, attend Illinois Wesleyan University where they play football.

During the winter of 2016 they learned about a graduate who suffered frostbite while riding a bicycle on an extremely cold day. He couldn’t afford gloves.

His plight made them realize that many people — some of whom walked the same hallways at Richards — cannot afford what so many take for granted.

So they started a project to collect winter clothing to help.

They called it “Warm Hearts, Warm Hands.” And today their sister continues the good work.

Revoked license

Robert Roe, 59, of the 10300 block of South Austin Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop at 9:05 a.m. Dec. 31 at 105th Street and Mansfield Avenue. Police said he was also cited for disobeying a stop sign. He is due in court on Feb. 20.

Vandalism report

Alexis Casillas-Mendoza, 20, of the 14500 block of South Lawndale Avenue, Midlothian, was charged with criminal damage to a motor vehicle following an incident in the Chicago Ridge Mall parking lot that was reported at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 21.

A woman told police she found a tire on her vehicle had been slit and flattened in the lot. Police said she was able to identify Casillas-Mendoza on video surveillance of the lot, and he was arrested at his home. He is due in court on Feb. 20.

Battery offense

Corrine Gordon, 25, of the 9100 block of South Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn, was charged with battery following a disturbance in the Akira store in Chicago Ridge Mall at 6 p.m. Dec. 30. Police said she was also cited for resisting arrest. They found she was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for criminal damage to property. Gordon is due in court on Jan. 25.

Order of protection violation

David Morales, 44, of the 6400 block of South Karlov Avenue, Chicago, was charged with violating an order of protection following a disturbance at Blue Star Motel, 7150 W. 103rd St., at 6 p.m.

Dec. 31. Police said they determined that Morales was there in violation of an order of protection, and was not supposed to have any contact with one of the people involved in the incident. He was held for a bond hearing.

Retail theft

Battery offense

Alexis Warr, 21, of Chicago, was charged with battery after police were called to a disturbance in an apartment building vestibule in the 9700 block of South Pulaski Road at 4:19 p.m.

Jan. 2. Police said she punched a 47-year-old woman in the face when they were on the scene. She was also charged with resisting a peace officer after she struggled against attempts to handcuff her.

Fraudulent driver’s license

Vicki Becker, 44, of Portage, Ind., was charged with felony unlawful possession of a fraudulent driver’s license following her arrest at Menards, 9100 S. Western Ave., at 5:01 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said she was trying to buy numerous items using a Menards credit card that matched the name of the false ID card.

Criminal trespassing to a vehicle

Eileen O’Neill, 27, of Chicago was charged with operating a stolen vehicle following a traffic stop at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in the 3100 block of West 87th Street.

Police said she was also cited for criminal trespassing to a vehicle, driving without insurance, driving with a suspended license, improper display of a license plate, and driving without a seatbelt. Her passenger, Lennox Martin, 28, was also charged with criminal trespassing to a vehicle.

Hickory Hills

Suspended licenses

• Joshua Javier Juarez, 28, of the 3600 block of South 55th Avenue, Cicero, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:24 a.m. Friday in the 9600 block of South 78th Avenue. Police said he was also cited for disobeying a stop sign. He is due in court on March 1.

• Marcin S. Rzadkosz, 29, of the 7800 block of South Rutherford Avenue, Burbank, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 5:44 p.m. Sunday, in the 8100 block of West 95th Street. Police said he is due in court on March 1.

Retail theft

Wilfredo Reyes-Zapata, 47, of the 8700 block of West 86th Place, Justice, was charged with retail theft following a traffic stop at 8:44 p.m. Saturday in the 8800 block of West 87th Street. Police said they were investigating a reported retail theft at CVS, 8811 W. 87th St., and Reyes-Zapata and his vehicle fit the description of the offender. They said he took two bottles of liquor and a pint of ice cream worth $53.96 in total.

He was also charged with driving without a license and criminal trespassing to a vehicle because the car he was driving had been reported stolen. He is due in court on March 1.

Cannabis possession

Darrin L. Cotton, 29, of the 9900 block of South 84th Terrace, Palos Hills, was issued a local violation for possession of cannabis after police said he turned over 1.6 grams of cannabis when he was questioned during a traffic stop at 3:45 p.m. last Thursday at 87th Street and LaGrange Road.

Police said he was also cited for driving a car with expired registration. He is due at a hearing in City Hall on Feb. 6.

Aggravated speeding

Kyle S. Costello, 24, of the 8900 block of South 51st Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 10:47 a.m. last Thursday in the 8700 block of West 87th Street. Police said he was driving 62 mph in a 35-mph zone. He is due in court on Jan. 31.

Oak Lawn

Unlicensed driving

Kimberly Lee, 50, of the 2500 block of Poplar Avenue, Springfield, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop in the 9300 block of South Raymond Avenue at 5:45 p.m. Sunday. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance, improper lighting, and driving a vehicle with expired registration. She is due in court on Feb. 23.

Hit-and-run crash

Javier Gaona, 34, of the 4100 block of West 87th Street, Chicago, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident at 3:34 a.m. last Thursday, following a traffic crash in the 4700 block of Southwest Highway. Police said he was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to give aid or information, driving without insurance, and failure to notify the secretary of state of an address change. He is due in court on Jan. 18.

Suspended license

• Michael R. Twichell, 30, of the 10000 block of South Harnew Road, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at

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Unlicensed driving

Kyriakos Koutsis, 28, of Palos Hills, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 11 p.m. Jan. 2.

Police said he was also cited for speeding. He is due in court on Feb. 26.

Deceptive practices

• A Palos Hills resident reported falling victim to a theft by deception at 6 p.m. Jan. 3. The victim said an unknown person called and told her that her son had been in an accident and needed $30,000 for an attorney. She said she gave $10,000 to someone who came to her house, and then realized she had been scammed after speaking to her son.

• A resident of the 8700 block of Surrey Place filed a deceptive practice complaint at 10 a.m.

Monday. Police said the victim attempted to buy a car he found on Craigslist using eBay gift cards.

When the car did not arrive, he realized it was a scam.

Aggravated speeding

Yousra Maali, 25, of Tinley Park, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 5 p.m. Saturday. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance, and three counts of failure to secure a child in a safety seat. She is due in court on Feb. 26.

Car theft

The theft of a car left running and unlocked in the Speedway gas station, 10300 S. Roberts Road, was reported at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday. The owner of the vehicle reportedly left the vehicle unattended when he went into the business, and it was gone when he returned.

Michael A. Haack, 21, of the 10400 block of Southwest Highway, Worth, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop in the 10500 block of Southwest Highway at 12:05 p.m. Dec. 31. Police said they found he was also wanted on an outstanding Palos Heights warrant for driving with a suspended license. He was told to

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• Robert J. Schultz, 37, of the 5300 block of West Oakdale Drive, Oak Lawn, was charged with aggravated driving with a license revoked following a traffic stop at 9:56 p.m. Saturday in the 9400 block of South 54th Court. Police said he was cited for speeding. He is due in court on Feb. 20.

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• Miguel M. Cruz, 36, of the 5100 block of Oak Center Drive, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:41 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he was also cited for having an obstructed windshield. Court information was not available.

See POLICE REPORTS, Page 7

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The Reporter

3

OAK LAWN VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Finance director and staff earn award for the village

By Dermot Connolly

Submitted photos

Recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base were the guests of honor Christmas Day at the Marr-Meyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth. The recruits were served large holiday meals and were provided with phones so they could contact relatives.

Worth trustee hails Christmas meals for naval recruits at Marrs-Meyer Post

By Sharon L. Filkins A highlight of the Village of Worth’s first board meeting in 2018 was a report on a successful Christmas Day event at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 for 30 recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base.

Trustee Brad Urban, who chairs the annual event, reported during the board meeting held on Jan. 3 that it was a “wonderful day” for the recruits who will be graduating soon from the 11week naval boot camp.

The day started early with Urban showing up at the 991 Post at 5 a.m. to start the cooking of the many turkeys for the holiday dinners. The meals were prepared as the bus was on its way from Worth to pick up the recruits to bring them to the village. The return was greeted by a welcoming motorcycle escort and cheered by Worth residents who lined the street leading to the post.

Urban praised the great turnout from the public who welcomed the recruits and remained at the post to visit and socialize with them.

Naval recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base arrive at the MarrsMeyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth on Christmas Day. Members of the post and volunteers cooked meals for the recruits to make the holiday a little brighter.

“All of the trainees were able to speak to their families by phone and in some instances were able to visit face-to-face with them by Skype calls,” Urban said. “Our volunteers graciously offered their phones up for the kids to call their families.

“We had plenty of food, some of which was prepared by volunteers and brought to the post, as well as what was cooked and added to the food prepared by the post. We also had a num-

ber of businesses who provided food and other businesses which donated money to purchase the food,” said Urban.

Urban also gave a shout-out to the volunteers from the Worth Police Department who gave up their holiday time off to participate in the event.

“All of our volunteers were great, making it a great Christmas Day for these young people.

Many hands make light work,” he said.

Oak Lawn Finance Director Brian Hanigan and his staff were recognized by the Village Board at its meeting on Tuesday after receiving an industry award for financial reporting.

Mayor Sandra Bury said the Government Finance Officers Association recently presented the village with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2017.

The village was judged on its certified annual financial report submitted for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2016.

The GFOA, headquartered in downtown Chicago, is a professional association of approximately 18,500 state, provincial, and local government finance officers in the United States and Canada.

According to its website, the certificate of achievement was established in 1945 to “encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

The goal of the program is not to assess the financial health of participating governments, but rather to ensure that users of their financial statements have the information they need to do so themselves.”

Hanigan played down the achievement, which he said the village often receives. But members of the board did not.

Trustee Bud Stalker (5th), the board liaison to the finance department, thanked Hanigan for his financial reporting.

“It helps us do our jobs when we can trust the numbers,” Stalker said.

Village Manager Larry Deetjen recalled that Hanigan found a very different situation when he joined the staff in 2007, and had to make a lot of changes.

“I think you’ll remember that there was not even a completed audit when you came on board in 2007. We have seen an incredible, quantum leap of improvement in the presentation and analysis (of the village finances),” said the village manager.

Fire department promotions approved

Later in the unusually short meeting of about 25 minutes, as part of the consent agenda the board approved the promotions of 10 members of the fire department due to retirements in the coming months. The fire department was also given permission to hire three new firefighters/ paramedics in order to fill spots left by the promotions.

The board also approved an

ordinance adopting a new minimum age limit of 24 for the fire service in the village.

“The new hires are in the hopper. They are working their way through the hiring and training process,” said Fire Chief George Sheets after the meeting.

Board pays tribute to Jim Craig

Board members also paid tribute to the late Jim Craig, who died in December at age 80. An icon in the high school wrestling community, he coached at Oak Lawn Community High School for many years, and later at Shepard High School.

“Oak Lawn lost one of the kindest, most motivational men I knew,” said Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd), who first met him as a student at OLCHS. Olejniczak and Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) said Craig should also be remembered as a founder of the village’s Peer Jury program for juvenile offenders, which he remained involved in until his death.

SW Half Marathon organizers making plans in full stride

By Dermot Connolly Organizers of the 11th Annual Southwest Half Marathon on May 6 have hit the ground running with preparations for the event that begins and ends in Palos Heights, to ensure there are no last-minute problems — such as a lack of road barricades.

“We’re looking forward to having another exciting race.

It’s amazing with all the entities involved, it can keep going on year after year. It is really phenomenal,” said co-founder Jeff Prestinario, thanking volunteers at the first 2018 volunteer committee meeting on Friday.

In addition to the half marathon, the event that draws thousands of people to the area around Route 83 on the first Sunday in May also includes a 10k run/walk, kids’ dash, and a half-mile “run, walk or roll” for people with disabilities. The walk, run or roll event is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Southwest Special Recreation Association.

For the third consecutive year, CNB Bank and Palos Health are the chief sponsors of the entire event.

Last year, the 10th annual run appeared to go as smoothly as all the others. But Prestinario said the Palos Heights and Palos Park police departments saved the day when the barricades needed to block intersections along the “outand-back route” stretching from 76th Avenue to Archer Avenue

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Jeff Prestinario gives committee members updates on the 11th Southwest Half Marathon during a meeting Friday.

were not delivered.

“They just didn’t show up,” Prestinario said. “We realized at 3 a.m. on the day of the race that they weren’t here, which was surprising because we had used the same company since the race started and there was never any problem.”

He noted that the road barricades were needed to block off major Route 83 intersections with 104th Avenue, LaGrange Road and Archer Avenue. But when he and co-founder and race director Mel Diab alerted the company,

Prestinario said the departments brought their own barricades in plenty of time before the racing started about 7:30 a.m.

“If they didn’t have them, they could have used their cars as well,” he said.

Prestinario explained that the road barricades were separate from the metal fencing used to separate lanes and keep spectators off the road while the races are underway. Those were in place on time.

Although by race time the problem was fixed, Prestinario

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said the last-minute lack of barricades was “probably the worst problem” in the history of the race. He compared it only to the race in 2013, which was held under tight security because of the Boston Marathon bombing that had occurred a few weeks before.

He said the company responsible for the barricades last year admitted “having the race down for a different date,” and gave a full refund. Another company, Jem Traffic Control Services, has been hired.

“This year, more than any other year, we will have to check to make sure everything is on schedule,” said Prestinario.

As of Friday, Prestinario said about 450 people had registered for the main races, down from about 600 over the same period last year. But he said new marketing techniques are being used, and registration is expected to pick up as the date gets closer. He expects as many as 200 children to turn out for the popular Kids’ Dash, which was added last year.

It is open to kids between 4 and 10 years old, who will compete by age group. Everyone will get a ribbon.

“It’s not just me and Mel. We are just the figureheads. All the volunteers and committees deserve credit for making it all work,” he said.

More information and registration for the races is available on the website at www.southwesthalfmarathon.com.

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Our Neighborhood The force is with Star Wars fans at library event

4 The Reporter

Children and parents alike enjoyed a day of celebrating Stars Wars last Thursday afternoon at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. Kids had an opportunity to make crafts to celebrate everything related to the Star Wars films. Participants also had a chance to draw a variety of photos of the creatures that appear in the popular films during “Star Wars Day” at the library.

Youngsters had a chance to play with toys of the characters associated with the movies, including Yoda and R2-D2.

Parents also had the opportunity to interact with their children during the event. The event was held in collaboration of the series’ newest movie release, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Jude Mutan, 3, of Chicago Ridge, colors an R2-D2 image at the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s “Star Wars Day” last Thursday afternoon.

Photos by Kelly White

Hiba Arman, 4, of Hickory Hills, shows off a Star Wars craft she created at the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s “Star Wars Day.”

Katie Roque, of Chicago Ridge, and her 1-year-old son, Caleb, had fun at the “Star Wars Day” event at the Chicago Ridge Library.

Evergreen Park begins new year with balanced budget

By Sharon L. Filkins

The Evergreen Park Village Board opened with a brief public hearing on Jan. 2 for a proposed appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year beginning Nov.1, 2017 and ending Oct. 31, 2018.

Village Treasurer John Sawyers had good news for the board as he announced a balanced budget for the coming year, which he will submit for approval at

the second board meeting in January.

He stated the budget will be available for inspection prior to the next meeting.

There were no questions from the audience and the hearing was adjourned.

Mayor James Sexton also told residents in attendance that the village had received a 30-day extension on its contract with Waste Management. He said discussions were still underway with the company, but the rates for the coming year will be

a little less than last year and recycling pick-ups will be done on a weekly basis, rather than every two weeks.

In other business, the board authorized the purchase of properties located at 3443 ½ W. Clark Drive at a cost of $265,000 and 3240 W. 98th St. at $300,000. It is anticipated that both properties will be demolished in conjunction with the new Community Center planned for the village. The property on West Clark Street

is currently an occupied apartment complex, but Sexton stated that the residents will not be left high and dry.

“We will do our best to assist you in relocating,” Sexton said.

The board also approved an ordinance amending the Evergreen Park municipal code regarding the discharge of hazardous materials and responsibility of the charges for services. The amendment authorizes the village fire chief to pre-

pare a fee schedule for equipment rates and personnel for emergency response charges relating to an occurrence.

Business certificates were approved for Rally House Stores, a retail clothing and souvenir store at 9610 S. Western Ave.; Evergreen Plaza Associates– Management at 9730 S. Western Ave.; and Evergreen Plaza Associates ILP, a property management office at 9828 S. Western Ave.

EP mayor salutes fire chief and his 50-year career Reardon began work as a firefighter in 1967, has earned national recognition

By Sharon L. Filkins Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton honored Fire Chief James P. “Jay” Reardon for his 50-year career as a firefighter during the village board meeting on Jan. 2.

Reardon began his career as a firefighter in Evergreen Park and would go on to receive state and national recognition.

Retiring Dec. 31 from his position as CEO of MABAS-Illinois (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System), Reardon oversaw 1,000 fire agencies in Illinois. After beginning his career a fire cadet and later a firefighter, Reardon was promoted to apparatus engineer. He began his career as a firefighter in February 1967.

Acknowledging Reardon’s 50 years of service and his many accomplishments and contributions to fire service agencies across the nation, Sexton said, “By virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the Village of Evergreen Park, Cook County, Illinois, I do hereby confer upon

Chief James P. “Jay” Reardon the title of Honorary Fire Chief of the Evergreen Park Fire Department, and its highest commendation for a meritorious and distinguished fire service career.”

Sexton’s proclamation stated that Reardon has demonstrated throughout his life and career a sense of deep responsibility, pride and doing the right thing, whether it is for his family, his community or the fire service, and has always taken pride in the fact that he got his start in Evergreen Park.

Reardon went on to serve the Village of Hoffman Estates as a firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant and captain. He also served as a paid-on-call firefighter for the Cary Fire Protection District.

He also served as a chief fire officer for Portage, Mich., and administrator of Emergency Services for Collier County, Florida.

He returned to Illinois and served as fire chief in the Village of Northbrook.

During those years, Reardon

was also an active reservist with the U.S. Air Force, previously assigned to F-16 Tactical Units and C-130 Airlift Wings. He was selected as Disaster Preparedness Officer of the Year for the Air Force Reserve, and served as officer in charge of readiness for 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia. His military career concluded in November of 2004 when he retired after 28 years of service.

Reardon has also been honored upon his retirement with a House Resolution with the Illinois General Assembly citing his many accomplishments, including receiving the Chief Fire Officer designation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, Inc.; being named Illinois Fire Chief of the Year at the 2002 Illinois Fire Chiefs Annual Symposium, and named International Career Fire Chief of the Year in 200 by the Fire Chiefs Magazine.

He was also appointed by Gov. George Ryan in 2000 to serve on

the Blue Ribbon Panel for fire service issues along with the statewide Terrorism Preparedness Task Force. He continues to serve on several national committees including the International Association of Fire Chiefs Domestic Terrorism Committee, the Homeland Security Coordinating Council, the Emergency Responder Technology Transfer Group, and the

National Mutual Aid Task Force.

According to Sexton, Reardon has truly epitomized a quote from the late Chicago Fire Department Captain Richard Scheidt: “Always leave ‘the job’ a little better for the next guy.”

Sexton added that the fire service throughout the state and nation is better due to Reardon’s efforts.

Reardon

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Oak Lawn Board votes to absorb Columbus Manor Fire Protection Dist.

From the Jan. 11, 1968 issue:

The story: The Oak Lawn Village Board on Tuesday night voted to absorb the Columbus Manor Fire Protection District’s operating debts for 1967 provided the courts find in favor of dissolution of the fire district.

By voting for abating the debts incurred by the fire district, Oak Lawn will be responsible for making payment to approximately $14,000 in tax anticipation warrants when they are due. Oak Lawn Mayor Fred Dumke said that it should be noted that assets of $14,000 will be gained in equipment with the dissolution of the fire district.

The quote: “The people of Columbus Manor have been subject to double taxation for the past two years,” Dumke said. “”Residents of Columbus Manor were paying taxes to Oak Lawn for fire protection that they were not actually receiving and also to the fire protection district.”

• 25 years ago Manhole cover shoots out and hits passing vehicle in Chicago Ridge From the Jan 7, 1992 issue:

The story: Chicago Ridge trustees dealt with several issues during their committee meeting, including damage to a passing car by a manhole cover.

Village Clerk Chuck Tokar reported that a manhole cover displaced by high water pressure damaged a car traveling on Ridgeland Avenue on Monday morning. Pete Chiapetti, a public works employee, said that the level of Stony Creek is “way up” and is contributing to high pressure in sewers. Chicago Ridge Mayor Eugene Siegel could not understand why this is happening.

The quote: “The manhole cover came right up,” Siegel said. “The back pressure was so great it blew the cover off. That is dangerous. What if a child fell into that sewer?”

• 10 years ago Oak Lawn student helps out on campaign trail in Des Moines From the Jan. 10, 2008 issue: The story: Oak Lawn resident Katie Rosenbaum, a sophomore at Xavier University in Cincinnati, went to Des Moines, Iowa from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 as part of a “Presidential Campaign 1960-2008” course last semester.

Rosenbaum traveled with 39 other students to help her chosen candidate, Republican Rudy Giuliani, campaign in the nation’s first electoral event in the 2008 presidential election cycle. The students were put to work “phone banking” for their candidates. They placed calls to Iowa residents to learn who the people would be supporting in the caucus and discuss their candidates’ views.

She and some other Xavier students had their picture taken with former President Bill Clinton.

The quote: “It was really interesting,” Rosenbaum said. “A lot of people didn’t want to talk, but some people wanted to talk a really long time. People really knew a lot.”

Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Reporter

OLCHS is named Apple Distinguished School

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Highway cabin.

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

Several readers knew last week’s photo showed a portion of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 9343 S. Francisco Ave., Evergreen Park.

Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum pointed out that it was the marquee on St. Bernadette. He recalled the times he coached basketball for St. Germaine School in the old “Quonset Hut.” Evergreen Park resident Rich Rahn also knew it was the sign in front of St. Bernadette Church. Other readers who had the correct answer were Ron Wagenhofer, of Palos Park; Tim Barry, of Evergreen Park; and Tom McAvoy, of Hickory Hills.

SUDOKU

Oak Lawn Community High School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2017 to 2019.

During the spring of 2014, Oak Lawn Community High School launched an iPad pilot program that consisted of three carts of 30 iPads shared between 18 teachers. During the 2014-15 school years, 25 teachers chose to use the iPad in one or more of their classes, which resulted in 600 student-issued iPads used throughout the day.

For the 2015-16 school years, all students were issued an iPad. Initial and continuous professional development provided teachers with the skills and tools needed to integrate 1:1 technology into the curriculum. Support was also provided to ensure that technology was used to its maximum potential in the class room.

The selection of Oak Lawn Community High School as an Apple Distinguished School means that it is listed as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages

CHICAGO RIDGE Our Lady of the Ridge will now hold Sunday afternoon Mass

A 4:30 p.m. Sunday Mass will now be offered at Our Lady of the Ridge Church, 10811 S. Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge, starting Jan. 14. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 425-3800.

Evergreen Park Seniors hold year’s first meeting

Answers on Page 8

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The Evergreen Park Senior Council will hold their first luncheon and program of the new year beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Room 107.

The luncheon fee is $7 and tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, Jan 16 at the Community Center.

Lorraine Weszely will also give a short presentation on what people need in preparing for emergencies.

Chili mac will be featured at the luncheon. Rex Newell will present his program “Attic Treasures.”

Newell will share information about recognizing antiques and will actually give some appraisals.

To qualify for an appraisal of a one hand-held item, the owner must be one of the first 40 people to register for the event.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8776.

Canned good donations for the Evergreen Park Village Pantry will be accepted.

Candlelight Serenade Vocal Concert to be held at Senior Center

DOWN 1. Crush 2. Razorbill genus 3. “Full House” actress Loughlin 4. Bluish green 5. Garlic mayonnaise 6. Attacks repeatedly 7. Secretion 8. Special instance 9. A handsome youth loved by Aphrodite 10. Tree genus in the mahogany family 11. Israeli city 13. Formed a theory 17. Remove 24. Type of light 25. Repeats 26. Certified public accountant 27. River in eastern France 28. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

29. Special __: military group 35. Ribonucleic acid 36. Not even 37. Power transmission belt 38. Doctor of Education 40. Type of nerve 41. Types of tops 42. Large primate 43. Flooded, low-lying land 44. Gritty 45. Gets up 47. Stake 48. Not the most 49. Swedish rock group 52. Expresses pleasure 53. Expression of boredom 54. Queen of Sparta 55. Where Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation Answers on Page 8

students and provides evidence of academic accomplishment. Technology has provided students with opportunities for personalized learning.

Students in a Mobile Apps class learn professional software design using Swift, with the course conducted in a renovated classroom space that’s modeled after a Silicon Valley startup. In culinary classes, students record themselves performing various tasks and then view the videos along with teachers and classmates.

In the Art Gallery, students using augmented reality create auras linking to iMovie projects illustrating their artistic process and personal meaning. Rather than passively viewing imagery, observers can connect with student artists. Collaborative features available with iPad apps and tools allow for greater student voice, choice, and interaction. For example, for a labor strikes project in U.S. History, students create digital newspapers, iMovie projects, and

newscasts staged in that time era using a green screen.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

“This distinction from Apple just validates the outstanding work of our teachers and students,” said Dr. Jeana Lietz, principal at Oak Lawn High. “Since the adoption of the iPad program, the teaching and learning at OLCHS has been redefined and transformed and has reached higher levels. I am excited to see what our students and teachers will produce next.”

For more information about Apple Distinguished Schools, or to download our electronic book, visit https://www.apple.com/education/ apple-distinguished-schools/.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

EVERGREEN PARK

ACROSS 1. Make ale 5. Residue 8. Female parent 12. Succulent plants 14. OJ’s judge 15. Czech river 16. Embarrassing predicament 18. NHL legend Bobby 19. Sunfish 20. One who acclaims 21. On the __: running away 22. Oklahoma’s “Wheat Capital” 23. The Golden State 26. Merrymake 30. Siberian nomads 31. Pock-marked 32. Baleen whale 33. Leaf-footed bug genus 34. Treasure 39. Tanzanian shilling 42. Changed 44. Intestinal pouches 46. Walked in a celebratory way 47. South American mountain chain 49. Jai __, sport 50. Consumed 51. Firm 56. Pubs 57. Leafy drink 58. Cured 59. Northern wind of France 60. Tax collector 61. Respite from the sun 62. American spy Aldrich 63. Central Standard Time 64. Myanmar ethnic group

5

The Evergreen Park Recreation Department Candlelight Theatre opens its 2018 season at 3 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. The Candlelight Serenade Vocal Concert will be held, followed by a wine and cheese appetizers reception in Performance Hall of the Senior Center. The concert will feature music from Broadway and pop favorites in a relaxed cabaretstyle. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

Tickets are available at the Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St.

HICKORY HILLS Hickory Hills Woodworking Club

The Hickory Hills Woodworking Club will hold their first meeting of the new year from 7 to 9 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 11) at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Anyone interested in joining the club can attend the monthly meetings.

The session are held the second Thursday of the month.

Park district trip to see singer and comedian at Paramount Theatre

The Hickory Hills Park District is sponsoring a trip to see versatile performer Terry Fator on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Transportation departs from the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, at 1:30 p.m. and is scheduled to return at 6:30 p.m. The registration fee is $119 for residents and $124 for non-residents.

Fator is a singer, a comedian and ventriloquist. He also does celebrity impressions. To register for this event, call (708) 598-1233 or visit www.hhparkdistrict.org.

Afterschool program is held at Krueger Park Recreation Center

An afterschool program is available for children from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hickory Hills Park District’s Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave.

Children will work on their school work, play a variety of games, make craft projects, play sports, or go outside to play. Each day drinks and snacks will be provided by the park. The after school program will only be held on full days of School District 117.

Transportation arrangements must be made with the school district prior to enrollment.

The registration fee is $9 a day.

Last-minute registration within 24 hours is $12 a day. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 599-7337.

Hickory Hills Park District offers morning school program

The Hickory Hills Park District is holding a morning school program on full and half days of School District 117 at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave. This program will be held before school begins for parents who have their children enrolled at Glen Oaks, Sorrick, Dorn or Oak Ridge schools. The program will be offered from 7 to 8:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Children will be given a morning snack and park staff will help them prepare for school each day.

Students will be escorted to Glen Oaks Elementary School by a park supervisor or students will be picked up by a school bus each morning.

Transportation arrangements must be made with the school district prior to enrollment. For more information or general questions about fees, call (708) 599-7337.

Preschool to be held at Cynthia Neal Center

A preschool program will be offered at the Cynthia Neal Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills.

Classes are offered from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. daily with an option for five days a week, three days a week or two days a week. For more information about the program and the fees, call (708) 598-1233.

25 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Rachel Carson will be portrayed

by Leslie Goddard, a Ph.D. historian and actress who brings to life many women who changed U.S. history. A short period will be set aside afterward for questions. Light refreshments will be served. Guests are welcome for a $5 fee.

Carson (1907-1964) is noted for her studies of ocean life. Her 1962 book, “Silent Spring,” warned of the dangers to all natural systems from the misuse of chemical pesticides such as DDT. More information can be obtained by calling Lorraine, (708) 254-5440, or Fran, (708) 636-2014

Oak Lawn Park District spring registration

The Oak Lawn Park District’s 2018 Spring Program Guide is expected for delivery to households the week of Jan. 22.

This seasonal guide contains all upcoming park district spring programs, events and services. It also includes a sneak peak of summer camps. Guides will be available online at www.olparks.com and at park district facilities the first week of February.

Resident registration begins Monday, Feb. 5. Non-resident registration begins Monday, Feb. 19.

Online registration is also available. For more information, call (708) 857-2225.

Fish Fry Fridays will be served at Stony Creek

Fish fry meals will be offered on Fridays from Feb. 9 through March 30 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 5850 W. 103rd St. Open seating is from 3 to 8 p.m. The all-you-care-to-eat menu price includes freshly made creamy clam chowder, the Stony Creek garden salad, homemade coleslaw, white fish and beer battered cod, homemade hushpuppies, and baked potato.

The cost is $13.95 for adults

and $7.95 for children, ages 10 and under. Tax and gratuity are not included in price. A cash bar is available. For more information, contact (708) 857-2433.

Membership sale at OL Park District facilities

Residents can purchase the fitness membership from Feb. 8 through Feb. 11 at several Oak Lawn Park District facilities. Applicants can save 40 percent off new resident and combo memberships. Membership sale rates are $90 for new residents and $80 for senior residents. Members will have access to the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., and the Racquet Club and Recreation Center facility, 10444 S. Central Ave. Some exclusions may apply. For more information, call (708) 8572420.

PALOS HILLS Palos Hills Recreation Departmet to host Skate Under Stars

The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be offering their annual Skate Under the Stars event from 7 to 8:30 .m.

Friday, Jan. 12 at Glacier Park, 101st Street and 78th Avenue, Palos Hills. The event is free and open to everyone. Residents should call ahead regarding ice conditions at (708) 430-4500. A make-up date is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26.

Mother/Son Dance will at Community Center

The Palos Hills and Recreation Department will be hosting a Mother/Son Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. The event includes a light dinner of pizza, dancing and a souvenir. The cost is $30 per couple. For further information, contact the City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department at (708) 430-4500.

OAK LAWN Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘Gimme Shelter’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1970 film “Gimme Shelter” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup. blogspot.com.

Oak Lawn Garden Club to host portrayal of Rachel Carson

The Oak Lawn Garden Club will hold a session on “The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson” from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan.

Holy Cross Church Winter Greek Food Festival Saturday, January 20th • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy Authentic Greek Cuisine At Its Best!

OPA!

On the Menu GRECIAN CHICKEN, GYROS, PASTITSIO & GREEK SALAD

For Dessert GREEK PASTRIES AND LOUKOUMADES

Free Admission. Dine In or Carry Out!

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church 7560 S. Archer | Justice, IL | 708.594.2040

6 The Reporter

THE

COMMENTARY

Thursday, January 11, 2018

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Kennedy race claim a ‘slap in the face’

Double dipping in the custom of giving ‘tips’

T

J

ust days before the 2010 general election, then-Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) introduced then-Gov. Pat Quinn at a Chicago rally by calling Quinn’s Republican opponent a “racist,” among other things.

The resulting uproar was quite something to behold, but Hendon refused to apologize to Sen. Bill Brady, and so did Quinn.

Everyone, including me, thought that Hendon may have hurt Quinn in a close campaign.

Hendon told me later he believed he had actually won that race for Quinn. Hendon said he was able to pierce the clutter of a noisy campaign and speak directly to black voters. His comments fired them up and put Quinn over the top.

Hendon says a lot of things, and it’s always difficult to nail down a single deciding factor in a super-close campaign. But there is no doubt that Hendon’s comment electrified a community that a Tribune poll had found wasn’t enthusiastic about voting for Quinn.

And that brings us to last week’s comments Rich

by Chris Kennedy. The Democratic gubernatoMiller rial candidate shocked just about everyone by claiming that a deliberate “strategic gentrification plan” exists to push black people out of Chicago and make the city “whiter.” Kennedy pointed fingers of blame at Mayor Rahm Emanuel and, to a lesser extent, Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Kennedy’s remarks prompted howls of protest, with the mayor’s office comparing Kennedy’s hot rhetoric to President Trump’s. The city’s police superintendent ripped into the candidate for attempting to use the city’s violence to “score political points.” Pundits and others were quick to take Kennedy to task for having the gall to utter such remarks.

Tellingly, however, none of Kennedy’s Democratic primary opponents have so far uttered a peep. One campaign quietly pointed out that Kennedy had contributed $5,000 to Mayor Emanuel’s campaign fund and another shared some statistics on background which showed that African-American enrollment at the University of Illinois fell from 2,572 when Kennedy was appointed chairman of the board of trustees in 2009, to 2,241 when he left that post in 2015.

Their aim was to make Kennedy look like a hypocrite because attacking what he said would likely backfire with African-American voters — one of the most important constituencies in the primary. Why would it backfire? The conspiracy theory Kennedy wove has been circulating for years in the black community, and it has more than a little basis in fact.

Mayor Richard M. Daley tore down much of the city’s public housing projects and sent many of those residents packing to the suburbs, partly by making it difficult to obtain subsidized housing vouchers in the city. A couple of hundred thousand black people left Chicago from 2000-2010 and the exodus has continued since then. The population loss led to school closures, which many believe have caused even more people to leave.

And, of course, the South and West Sides are enduring one of the worst violent crime waves since the crack epidemic, which is prompting even more people to flee.

But Kennedy took it much further by pulling it all together into a grand conspiracy. He claimed Chicago is “using a strategy of selective containment, where we’re allowing violence to continue as long as it only continues in certain neighborhoods.”

He even said the plot had a name, the “80-8 Rule,” which he claimed meant that “80 percent of the violence occurs in just 8 percent of our city.” That’s all by design, according to Kennedy.

Kennedy then closed the circle by claiming this is all being done to clear the way for “economic development.” Kennedy pointed to the closing of 18 public schools in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. “That neighborhood,” Kennedy said, “just south of the Loop, there along the beaches of Lake Michigan, is the next great development play in Chicago.”

The new development, Kennedy said, wouldn’t be for the benefit of Bronzeville’s mostly African-American residents who have lived there for years and are being “pushed out.” Instead, he said, the development would make way for a “new wave of gentrification.”

Again, this is nothing new. Lots of folks firmly believe this sort of thing, including black people in power.

The tale Kennedy told was undoubtedly divisive, and perhaps even hatefully so. But without much campaign cash on hand, and with his prospects dimming rapidly, Kennedy had to do something to get back in the game. This hard slap to the face of the city’s white establishment will definitely resonate with a large group of people who Kennedy desperately needs to win.

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

GUEST COMMENTARY

Proposed legislation will fuel opioid epidemic in U.S.

By George M. Karavetsos Consumers better think twice before clicking “purchase” on an internet pharmacy’s site.

The International Police Organization and regulators and law enforcement from around the world just conducted a major sweep of online pharmacies. Over the course of one week in mid-September, INTERPOL seized more than 25 million illicit and counterfeit medications, or $51 million worth, and made 400 arrests worldwide. It also shut down more than 3,500 illegal online pharmacies, including some selling pain pills laced with fentanyl. Illegal trafficking and abuse of this powerful opioid is killing tens of thousands of teenagers and adults in the United States each year.

This operation demonstrates how easily consumers can purchase millions of dangerous and deadly drugs through illegal online pharmacies.

At a time when federal regulators and law enforcement have the nearly impossible daily task of detecting and intercepting hundreds of thousands of packages containing these dangerous counterfeit drugs, some members of Congress are proposing drug importation legislation that would allow Americans to purchase drugs from foreign, unregulated pharmacies.

Though it may seem well-intentioned, this proposed legislation ignores the realities of the public health crisis America faces today.

If enacted, it will also inevitably increase the number of lives that will be lost.

Consumers access many of these pharmacies online. They believe that they are ordering drugs from reputable foreign pharmacies. But they aren’t.

Consider the numerous entities that claim to be “Canadian” online pharmacies. Only a tiny percentage of these pharmacies actually are licensed in Canada.

In fact, ninety-six percent of online pharmacies operate illegally, selling drugs without a prescription or distributing counterfeits.

Many of these counterfeit medications fuel the U.S. opioid epidemic. Counterfeiters will turn a few thousand dollars into $10 million by buying fentanyl powder — often purchased

from Chinese labs — and a pill press online.

They’ll then make a drug and pass it off to our teenagers and adults as legitimate versions of other non-fentanyl, pain pills. These unsuspecting victims will then take the drug, overdose, and die.

Should Congress’ proposed importation legislation pass, there would be no regulatory mechanism to distinguish between legitimate and counterfeit imports. Consumers will have no idea if they are receiving a drug that is safe and effective or a counterfeit that could kill them.

One thing is certain: With a direct pipeline to American consumers, criminal organizations will tap into other, less regulated global drug markets to ramp up the size and scale of their illegal pharmacy operations.

Their goal? Pump as many drugs as they can into the United States.

These drugs won’t be coming from vetted sources. Illegal online pharmacies source their drugs from countries like China, which is the number one supplier of fentanyl to North America, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

There are other types of counterfeits being made overseas, too.

In 2014, for instance, Polish police arrested 14 suspects for manufacturing counterfeit Viagra and selling it online. Last year, officials charged a Belgium man for creating falsified U.S. labels for drugs manufactured in India. This spring, officials discovered a counterfeit cancer medication in Germany’s supply chain.

The ban on foreign drug imports exists for good reason. Lifting it will make it harder for America to keep counterfeit and illicit drugs out and cost many Americans their lives.

George M. Karavetsos, a partner with the global law firm DLA Piper, formerly served as the director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and chief of the Narcotics Section and the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Politicians should put Americans first

Sanctimonious and self-serving politicians need to get their priorities in order. Politicians repeat the lie that “we are a nation of laws” but at the same time breaking down the sanctity of our national borders by putting illegals first instead of Americans first and America first.

The most recent examples of this are the establishment of Illinois and California as “sanctuary states”—inviting illegals!

Another stark example is the move to legalize marijuana. Politicians should know that marijuana is a gateway drug. It introduces users to other drugs such as cocaine and/or heroin.

Principled politicians should discourage America and Americans from becoming a nation of drug addicts.

After months of stirring controversy, casting doubt on the integrity of this country’s election systems, wasting an untold amount of taxpayer dollars and not producing a single piece of evidence pointing to any hint of widespread or coordinated voter fraud, President Trump has disbanded his voter integrity commission.

From its inception, this Presidential Commission was a sham, built on a lie and intent not on uncovering voter fraud but on restricting access to the vote. The voting system is not, as President Trump tweeted, “rigged,” nor is there systemic voter fraud or any evidence whatsoever of “millions” of non-citizens voting in the 2016 Presidential Election. No legitimate investigation or commission will find any such fraud or improprieties in our election systems.

I’m always open to a serious review of potential fraud, but a serious review involves

non-partisan individuals as well as a fair and transparent process. We also must remain vigilant, informed and engaged, because this administration will continue its work to restrict and roll back voter rights. While the commission itself has been disbanded, its work will continue under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security, which will investigate claims of non-citizens on the voter rolls.

Our election systems do need help from the federal government. But that assistance is not to root out phony fraud, but to help us secure our election systems against attack. This will take hundreds of millions of dollars, but it is an investment which our representatives in the federal government, and the president, should make, if they are truly serious about protecting the integrity of our elections.

— Mary Cvack, Palos Park

President’s Commission on Election Integrity was a joke

— Cook County Clerk David Orr

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here is a disturbing new trend in tipping that is bothering me and I think it bothers most of you, too.

But what do we do about it?

It’s something you might see Larry David, the creator of “Seinfeld,” explore in his successful HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” If you haven’t watched the series, you should. David precisely captures the paradoxes of everyday American life.

You go to a restaurant and when you get the bill, the restaurant automatically includes a 20 percent “service charge,” which is basically a “tip.” The normal tip used to be 15 percent, but somehow many companies have decided that 15 percent isn’t enough.

Worse — and this is what really bothers me — in the same bill, they include the cost plus the 20 percent service charge as your bill, with a line that allows you to add a tip before filling in the final balance that will be charged to your credit card.

Now, many times, the businesses don’t explain that they added the “service charge” to your bill.

But when they do, normal conscientious people like me, find ourselves in a quagmire.

I have to always look that word up in order to find its meaning. Quagmire means “bad situation” or a “dilemma.” (Why didn’t I just use those words instead? I have no idea.)

I feel guilty totaling the bill without adding a number to the “tip line” on the bill receipt. It’s like automatic. I write in an amount, usually 15 percent for average service and 20 percent for service that goes above and beyond.

When I know they added a service charge, I can’t look the waiter or waitress in the face and return the bill without a “tip” written in and totaled on the bill.

It’s just wrong. I’m discombobulated (confused — OK, I’m just having fun with words here.)

I feel guilty not writing down a tip amount because that is the way my father raised me. Be respectful of people in the service industry. Their employers pay them less to serve the food and tend to our meals in restaurants. But the “service charge” added to the bill disconnects from that feeling and leaves me feeling disrespectful. (I could have found another word for that, but I won’t burden your mindset anymore.)

This whole system nearly ruined a recent cruise I took during the Christmas and the New Year’s holidays — Merry Christmas, people! (The Orthodox celebrated Christmas on Jan. 7, two weeks after everyone else.)

When you take a cruise, they automatically demand a “gratuity” charge that is 20 percent of the basic cruise costs. For three people, that was well over $300. But on top of that, I still found myself giving the waiters and room service people tips. So I basically gave 35 percent tips for the service.

That’s wrong. I’d like that to stop. Deep down, I also have this suspicion that the businesses are taking all or part of the “service charges” for themselves.

If you have this experience, I’d really like to know how you are handling this change in our societal norms. And, what industries are you seeing this trend take place?

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

Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Reporter

Healthy outlook for the new year

Practice safety first with household pets during frigid weather

Dietician gives tips for lifestyle changes

By Kelly White

You’ve made that New Year’s resolution to improve your health or lose weight — or both. Now it’s time to stick to the program.

The Chicago Ridge Public Library guided people in the right direction of keeping their resolutions with a presentation on eating healthy on Monday night at the library, 10400 Oxford Ave. “Every year, we are hit with new information about nutrition, weight loss and our health; it can be overwhelming and confusing,” said Alicia Jackson, head of adult services at the Chicago Ridge Public Library. “Still, some principles of a healthy diet have stood the test of time and there is growing evidence that healthy eating can improve all aspects of our lives — from getting a better night’s sleep to thinking more clearly at work and school, to maintaining a healthy weight.

“Additionally, I think we all want to pass healthy eating habits onto the children in our lives.

Preparing and providing nutritious meals for kids provides a great model while simultaneously developing their taste for healthful foods.”

The presentation was entitled, “Healthy Eating on a Budget – How to Get the Most for Your Dollar in the Grocery Store.” The program was led by Eileen Hourihan McCarthy, a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, certified meditation teacher, and writer at Illinois Dietitians, LLC., located in Oak Park.

McCarthy has extensive experience in assessment, development, implementation, teaching

7

Photo by Kelly White

Eileen Hourihan McCarthy, a registered dietician, provides lessons in eating healthier foods during a presentation Monday night at the Chicago Ridge Library.

and facilitating medical nutrition therapy protocols, lifestyle and physical activity choices, smoking cessation, and stress management as they relate to healthy living.

“If we eat healthy foods instead of the really salty foods that we are used to, our palates will change and most of the things we use to like we won’t even think about anymore,” McCarthy said.

More than 20 attendees gathered for McCarthy’s discussion on the actual expense of buying healthy verses unhealthy foods, and how to shop for nutritious foods while staying within a reasonable budget.

McCarthy talked about the importance of a healthy eating plate, eating a diet of healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.

This includes cooked salmon, eggs, peanut butter and avocados.

“I think people can benefit from this class by learning how to save money while eating healthy,” said Lori Lysik, adult services programming coordinator at the

Chicago Ridge Library. “It is a new year and I think this class will help those trying to have a fresh start of the year.”

Lysik was responsible for organizing this first-time program at the library.

McCarthy also discussed how to shop the stores, instead of always going to the same grocery store all of the time, along with the importance of coupon clipping and what foods to buy for the best nutritional value.

Although some people might think of healthy foods as more expensive, that is not always the case. Experiencing a healthy affordable diet is based more on the art of grocery shopping, McCarthy said.

“Some healthy foods are expensive, but I think we all know that fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and foods like beans, eggs and fish can all be a great bargain if we shop strategically,” Jackson agreed. “For me, a big obstacle to eating well is the convenience and comfort of prepared foods and restaurant meals. Eating out and last minute shopping definitely take a bite out of my

budget and I have a hunch that I waste more money on take-out coffee drinks than on organic strawberries.”

“When I grocery shop, I always go to Aldi first,” McCarthy said.

“I will only spend 40 dollars and I will have enough food to last two weeks.”

Grocery stores also place less expensive brands above and below eye-level in store aisles, according to McCarthy.

Another way to save money in the grocery store is to never grocery shop on an empty stomach.

“Eat a healthy snack before you shop,” she said. “It’s also important to avoid the snack and dessert aisles. Shop the vegetable, fruit, fish, meat, dairy and bread aisles instead.”

McCarthy stressed the importance of choosing to cook a healthy home cooked meal when possible instead of eating out onthe-go and to limit eating out if possible.

“The cost of eating healthy is really more than the dollar cost,” McCarthy said. “It is what processed foods are doing to your body in the long run.”

Preparing for what could be a long, cold winter

Y

ou would have to be in complete hibernation to not be aware of the cold we have experienced here in our neck of the woods — and most everywhere. Happily, the one thing we do well here in the Midwest is cold. We are very much experts. We check the forecast, dress accordingly, check in on elderly neighbors, and at the end of the day when we are cozy in bed in our flannels.

We dream of sunny and warm locales.

Maybe that wouldn’t be of help just now.

My daughter is in Key Largo, and she’s grumbling that it’s 50 degrees.

We welcomed New Year’s Day in at 1 degree. That tied a Chicago record going back to 1969. The weather has improved this week but it will not last. But when it is cold again, the hard-packed snow out there is a freezer of sort, which doesn’t allow the sun to have an effect during the day. “It’s reflected rather than absorbed.” says meteorologist Matt Friedlein. And there doesn’t seem to be an end of the frigid weather in the sight.

If you happen to read The Old Farmer’s Almanac, consider yourself forewarned. My daughter relied on its predictions when she planned an outdoor party for her daughter’s first birthday this past November. I was a skeptic, but it proved to be a perfect autumn day.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which is based on a 200-year-old formula, is predicting a cold winter for the Chicago area, with frigid temps, and approximately 40 inches of snow.

Last winter was pretty much a non-winter.

My spring bulbs always bloom terribly if they don’t get that good freeze for at least

six consecutive weeks.

If I see shoots coming up from my day lilies, it will be a sparse display this summer. We know how to stay up on the weather, but sometimes even Mother Nature gets confused.

The most important facJanet tor in severe cold weather Boudreau is taking care of ourselves and others. You probably know the drill: Dress in layers, limit your time outdoors, keep all parts of your body covered to prevent frostbite because it can occur in as little as 10 minutes.

Also, keep in mind to have a blanket and a few bottles of water in your car, maybe a few protein snacks. If you are behind a weather-related traffic accident, especially on a busy highway or interstate, you may be stuck in your car for hours.

I assume you’ve heard most of these tips.

Thank goodness for the weather people on television with their wise and thoughtful information. I have a few more ideas that range from absolutely necessary to just being a kind and informed person.

• Instruct your children to never, ever remove their hats, mittens, or scarves when they are outdoors. You’d be surprised, whether they are outside playing, or walking to and from school, they might think it’s okay to stuff those mittens in their pockets. That’s a huge risk for getting frostbite. Remember to pick up some mittens or knit gloves for a song at your local Walgreen’s or CVS.

Stash a few extra pairs in their book bags or pockets.

• We have a large backyard, but in the winter, my pups have very little use for exploring. They want to get in and out.

It’s worth your time, and their safety, to stay in the area of the doorway to know when they are ready to come in. My little Chihuahua is very tiny at eight pounds.

She gets cold super-fast. She has also gotten snuck in snow just three inches high.

I keep an eye on her at all times in the cold weather.

• If you happen to see a stray dog or cat on a frigid day, don’t be shy about calling your local police. I’ve done it. I once had a pet get loose and I called the police to see if anyone had found it and called. It works. No pet should have to suffer, but beware of going up to a strange animal to look at its tags.

• Be a good neighbor. If you have a snow blower (and the extra time), clear a path for a neighbor who only has a shovel or someone who is elderly. It doesn’t have to happen every time it snows, but it makes you feel good. And you might even be rewarded with a plate of warm cookies! Also, be courteous of your postal workers and delivery people. Keep your sidewalk and porch clear and salted.

If we can believe in the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this information may be useful to you. I hope so. Stay warm and safe!

Janet Boudreau is a writer, blogger, and longtime resident of Evergreen Park. You can reach her at blndy9@yahoo.com.

Winter StoryWalk event will be held at Lake Shore Park The Winter StoryWalk event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Lake Shore Park, 9610 E. Shore Drive.

The Oak Lawn Park District and the Oak Lawn Library hold the WinterStory activity. The event is free and crafts and

refreshments will be included. Participants will walk along the pathway reading this season’s featured book, “Snow Party” by Harriet Ziefert.

StoryWalk transforms the pages of a children’s storybook into signs placed in order along the walking trail at Lake

Shore Park. The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt. and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and Kellogg Hubbard Library. For more information, call (708) 857-2200 or visit www.olparks.com.

Police reports

also cited for driving without insurance, failure to signal when required, not wearing a seatbelt, and having an obstructed windshield and tinted windows. He is due in court on Feb. 2.

Suspended license

turn himself in to Palos Heights police on Jan. 2, and issued a summons to appear in court on Feb. 2 on the other charge.

• Natalie M. Costentino, 27, of the 7400 block of West 109th Street, Worth, was charged with driving without a license at 3:17 a.m. Sunday in the 10600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance, and having overly tinted windows and an obstructed windshield. She is due in court on Feb. 2.

• Giovanny Gomez, 26, of the 4900 block of South Paulina Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the 10600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was

Driving without insurance; speeding and possession

Continued from Page 2

Nicole C. Lee, 26, of the 16600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, South Holland, was charged with driving without insurance following a traffic stop at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 11300 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Police said she was also cited for speeding and was issued two municipal violations for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia. They said two grams of cannabis and a marijuana grinder were found in the vehicle.

She was also wanted on an outstanding Will County warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. Lee is due in court on Feb. 2.

Adolfo Delgado, 41, of the 5600 block of West 35th Street, Cicero, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 7200 block of West 111th Street at 8:07 p.m. Friday. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, failure to signal when required, following too closely, and illegal use of a sound-amplification system. He is due in court on Feb. 2.

Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.

Pet owners should take special precautious after the recent surge of frigid weather.

Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, has tips for pet owners that they should to keep in mind during the cold weather season.

“It’s important for pet owners to remember that they should adjust their pets’ normal routine,” Alexander said. “Prolonged exposure to cold, snow and ice can be as dangerous for dogs and cats as it is for humans.”

Recommendations for pet owners: • Bring all pets indoors: All dogs and cats, whether or not they are acclimated to outdoor living, must be brought indoors during sub-zero weather. As the responsible caregiver of a pet, you should provide an indoor heated shelter for your animal.

• Salt and ice: Both salt and ice can irritate your dog’s footpads. If your dog will tolerate them, foot coverings are advised. If your dog will not tolerate foot coverings, avoid the salt when possible and wash the dog’s paws with warm water when you return home.

• Protect against frostbite: Dogs and cats may have fur coats but they also have exposed areas that are susceptible to frostbite.

Limit their time outdoors for waste elimination only. Walks should not exceed 10 minutes in sub-zero temperatures. Check their pads when you get home and wash with warm (not hot) moist towels. If you suspect frostbite on any extremity, including the nose or the tips of the ears, contact your veterinarian.

• Properly secure potentially

poisonous material, such as antifreeze: Antifreeze is extremely toxic to all living creatures. Keep antifreeze bottles out of the reach of animals and clean up all antifreeze spills immediately.

• Medical care: Pet owners should have an established doctorpatient-client relationship with a veterinarian close to home and establish an emergency protocol.

If your pet is taking prescription medication. Make sure you have adequate amounts in case of closures due to weather Recommendations regarding wild and feral animals: • Honk before starting your car: Feral cats and wild animals will seek refuge and warmth wherever they can. A car’s engine, for example, may provide a warm spot to “hole up” in sub-zero conditions. Drivers should honk their vehicle’s horn before starting the ignition to give a wakeup call to any critter that may be hiding.

• Call officials if a wild animal enters your home: If an animal has chosen your attic, your garage or even space under a deck as refuge, close off access to the rest of the house and contact local officials for their removal.

While laws in some municipalities may require only that pet owners provide food, water and a shelter, an outside dog house may not be suitable in this kind of frigid weather, Alexander said.

She urged not only pet owners, but all residents, to be alert to pets being left outside for extended periods and, if they see or hear something that seems amiss in this kind of weather, to contact local authorities, including the Department of Animal and Rabies Control at (708) 974-6140.

DEATH NOTICES

Jason DiNovella Jason D. DiNovella, 45, died Friday at his Oak Lawn home.

Mr. DiNovella was a livery operator for a limo service.

Survivors include his mother, Carissa DiNovella; brothers, John and Frank; a niece and nephew; many aunts and uncles; and many cousins.

Services are 9:45 a.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 11) at Lack & Sons Funeral Home, 9236 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, to 10:30 a.m.

Mass at St. Germaine Church, 9711 S. Kolin Ave., Oak Lawn. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

708-974-4410 FUNERAL HOME David Gaidas, Jr. Director

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

10701 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL 708.448.6000 “Your Neighborhood Funeral Home”

8 The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Financial advisor can provide guidance

COMINGS & GOINGS

Sal’s Phillys opens a second store in Palos Park

I

f you could accomplish all your financial goals just by putting your paycheck into the bank every couple of weeks, you wouldn’t need the services of a financial advisor. But life isn’t that simple – and so, at some point, you may realize you need some professional assistance. But when?

Actually, you might benefit from the services of a financial advisor during many life events, including the following: • Starting your career: When you’re starting out in your career, you may encounter several questions related to your benefits package. Should you contribute to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan? If so, how Scott much, and where should you Johnson invest your money? Are the life and disability insurance policies offered by your employer sufficient for your needs? A financial advisor can help you answer these and other questions you may have.

• Getting married: When you get married, you’ll have to decide if, and how, you want to combine your finances. Also, you and your spouse may have different attitudes about investing and different tolerances for risk. A financial professional can help you find common ground.

• Changing jobs: When you switch jobs, what should you do with your old employer’s retirement plan? And how should you invest in the plan offered by your new employer? As was the case when you first began your career, you may find that a financial professional can help you make the right choices.

• Facing a layoff or buyout: You may never go through a layoff, or take a buyout offer from an employer — but if either of these events happen, you will face some financial decisions. And during such a potentially stressful period, you may be tempted to make some financial moves that won’t be beneficial. A financial advisor can suggest some strategies that may help you keep your investment situation relatively intact until you land your next job.

• Saving for college: If you have children whom you’d like to send to college someday, you’ll probably want to start putting money away as early as possible. A financial professional can show you the various college-savings vehicles, and help you choose the ones that are most appropriate for your needs.

• Getting divorced: If you are fortunate, you won’t ever experience a divorce, but, if it does happen, you’ll want to get the professional assistance necessary to ensure fair outcomes for everyone. You’ll obviously need to work with an attorney, but you may find that, in the area of investments, a financial advisor also can be useful.

• Entering retirement: As you near retirement, your key questions will switch — but not entirely — from putting money in to taking money out. How much can you withdraw each year from your 401(k) and IRA without running the risk of outliving your resources? When should you start taking Social Security? If you were to work a couple of years longer than you had originally intended, how would it affect your withdrawal strategies? Again, a financial advisor can help you with these issues.

As you can see, most important life events will carry some financial concerns. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone – and by getting the help you need, when you need it, you can ease the transition from one stage of life to another.

S

al’s Phillys, which opened last summer in Homer Glen, opened its second location last month in Palos Park.

Homer Glen resident Sal Bal opened his first restaurant at 13005 W. 143rd St. last summer.

The eatery specializes in Philly cheesesteak sandwiches but also offers a variety of other foods including burgers, hot dogs, gyros and salads. He uses locally produced rolls from Turano Baking in Berwyn and flies in beef from Philadelphia.

Bob The second Sal’s opened Dec. Bong 21 at 13000 S. LaGrange Road in the Jewel-Osco plaza across the street from Sandburg High School.

An original mural of the Chicago skyline by Chicago artist Christian is on the wall of the Palos Park location.

Hours at the Palos Park location are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant offers dine-in, carryout and delivery.

For more information, call (708) 827-5022 or visit Sal’s Phillys on Facebook.

Sears to close in Orland Park

Sears announced last week that it would close its Orland Park location that has been an anchor store at Orland Square Mall since the shopping center opened in 1976.

“We will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members,” the company said in a statement.

In October, Seritage Growth Properties, which owns the Sears property, announced that it was closing the 90,580-square-foot upper level of the store and would use half of the site for an AMC Orland Square 10 movie theater complex and redevelop the remaining space with outwardly facing retailers and restaurants.

Construction on that project was slated to begin this year along with redevelopment of the adjoining 21,000-square-foot Sears Auto Center, which is set to close this month.

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said on Facebook that he was optimistic that Seritage would be redeveloping the site.

Photo by Bob Bong

Sal’s Phillys has opened a second location at 131st Street and LaGrange Road in Palos Park.

“I am saddened by all of those who think that having an investment of over $40 million to redevelop a failed Sears location with entertainment, restaurants and retail is a bad thing. Orland will lose approximately $890,000 in revenue that this investment will replace and add to bringing in over $1.5 million in revenue annually. Before complaining ask the other locations that are closing with no reinvestment plans what they think. Be thankful Orland is so highly regarded to get this investment.”

A liquidation sale is slated to begin Friday with the store expected to be closed by early April. A similar fate and timeline was announced for the Sears store in far south suburban Bourbonnais.

Sears closed a longtime store at River Oaks Center in Calumet City a couple of years ago.

The retailer will continue to operate stores at Chicago Ridge and Louis Joliet malls and its various outlet stores.

Toy store closes at River Oaks

B Toys Zone, which opened in November 2016 at River Oaks Center in Calumet City, has closed.

The store was located next to JCPenney.

The store still has locations inside Ford City Mall, Chicago Ridge Mall and North Riverside Mall.

For more information, visit its website at www.btoyszone.com.

Smokey Barque will be transformed into Trail’s Edge brewery

Smokey Barque restaurant in Frankfort is essentially closed while the establishment transforms itself into Trail’s Edge brewery.

The popular barbecue restaurant at 20 Kansas St. in downtown Frankfort closed at the end of business Sunday night. Its banquet rooms will be open on weekends for special events while the dining room is remodeled and the brewery equipment is installed.

The owners promise a new menu when Trail’s Edge opens, but say some of the old barbecue favorites will still be offered.

For more information, visit Trail’s Edge at Smokey Barque on Facebook.

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

EMT training course offered by Advocate Christ Medical Center Applications are being accepted for the fourmonth Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course through Advocate Christ Medical Center The course is scheduled to meet two times per week at the EMS Academy, 5220 W. 105th St., Oak Lawn. The day session meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Jan. 17. The evening session meets from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 18.

The EMT course is the first step toward becoming a paramedic. Students learn how to assess and manage patients with medical and

traumatic emergencies before taking them to the hospital. Taught by seasoned paramedics, registered nurses and other critical care experts, the course covers delivering babies; emergency medical treatment for victims of heart attack, stroke, seizure, motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds and falls.

The course consists of 110 hours of classroom work, 24 hours of clinical rotations in the medical center’s emergency department and labor and delivery room, and 36 hours of ambulance training.

The cost of the course is $1,000, which includes: a $250 non-refundable deposit, tuition covers books,

lab fees, TB testing, background check, ID, uniform shirt for clinical rotations, and AHA Healthcare Provider CPR course.

Advocate Christ Medical Center’s EMT course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services, and accredited through the Illinois Community College Board. Students will be enrolled as Moraine Valley Community College students and will receive MVCC credits.

For additional information, contact Lisa Krch, lead instructor, at (708) 684-3759, or Kevin Forney, instructor, at (708) 684-3799.

Hurley-backed law reduces filing fees for small businesses by 70 percent State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) is highlighting a new state law that reduces fees for businesses by 70 percent in an effort to foster economic growth and promote job creation throughout Illinois.

“Small business owners continue to be the backbone of strong and vibrant local economies,”

Hurley said. “By lowering fees for start-up businesses and those that are renewing their license, we can continue to create a more business friendly environment, encouraging business growth and success in Illinois.”

The Hurley-backed Senate Bill 867 reduces the

Lipinski denounces Trump administration’s proposal to expand oil and gas drilling Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) fragile marine environments, stated last Thursday that he op- but also fisheries, tourism, and poses the Trump administration’s overall quality of life.” new proposal to open Lipinski said the nearly all U.S. federal move could also lead waters and coastlines to national security to oil and gas drilling. and military opera“I support energy tional concerns, espedevelopment at carecially along Florida’s fully selected sites Gulf Coast, where the where environmental Pentagon said it needs concerns and the needs a moratorium on gas of regional economies drilling to stay in place Lipinski have been taken into acuntil at least 2022 for count,” Lipinski said. training purposes.

“That is how we have man“This is yet another reckless aged our oil and gas leasing decision by a president driven program for years and the to exploit our valuable national practice we should continue. resources for short-term gain by a The administration’s latest few companies,” Lipinski added. plan throws caution to the “I will work to reverse this irwind and threatens not only responsible decision.”

SUDOKU

Answers

CROSSWORD

Answers

Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

initial filing fees for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) from $500 to $150 and the annual report fee from $250 to $75.

Hurley believes businesses can invest more in equipment and employees by spending less on government filing fees.

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 Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Chicago Ridge Miller Richard L to Hernandez Javier, 10518 S Oak Park Ave, $155,000.00; Kucharski Karen Tr to Ryan Briley, 10331 S Natoma Ave, $145,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Budz Jozef, 10530 Major Ave, $500,000.00; Pytko Ruby Tr to Zoubeidi Abedallah H, 9830 S Nottingham Ave, Unit #2, $42,500.00.

Evergreen Park Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Evergreen Pk Apt Llc, 9644 S Kedzie Ave, $455,000.00; Fabsits Eileen to Belvan Danut, 2720 W 97th St, $130,000.00; Us Bk to Linder Ave Realty Grp Llc, 10042 S Spaulding Ave, $140,000.00; Marquette Bk Tr to Hamilton Denise Toth, 8745 S Washtenaw Ave, $109,000.00; Kinsella Patricia A to McgowanVierra Sharon, 9230 S Francisco Ave, $178,000.00; Smith Randall to Diaz Dagoberto, 2839 W 97th St, Unit #104, $151,000.00; Lovino Justin A to McCormick Michael, 9306 S Springfield Ave, $233,000.00.

Hickory Hills Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Kotsores Alexandros, 9311 S 80th Ct, $140,000.00; Thurman Jessica to Anisimova Olga, 9035 S Oakwood Dr, $195,000.00; Puhaka Stephen to Zamudio Rene, 8708 Orchard Dr, $225,000.00.

Oak Lawn Lackey Linda Tr to Moret Edwin, 10205 S Komensky Ave, Unit #2C, $131,000.00; Pieroth Lynne Tr to Chavis Carolyn, 10939 Jordan Dr, $170,000.00; Szymusiak Czeslawa to M5 Gateway Llc, 5631 W 87th St, $55,000.00; Mikulski John to Crawford Kristen G, 9736 Mansfield Ave, $219,000.00; Parmer Donna to Salem Ahmed Hussein, 5704 W 89th St, $216,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Brown Joshua D, 9225 Tripp Ave, $200,000.00; Kuratnik Clare T to Piechocinski Elzbieta, 10424 S Mayfield Ave, Unit #5, $80,000.00; Latino Kevin J to Post Samuel, 9605 Tulley Ave, $340,000.00; Rybka Albert J to N A R Prop Grp Inc, 8820 Mobile Ave, Unit #1E, $70,000.00; Rsp Dev Inc to Toscas John Z, 10329 Lacrosse Ave, $150,000.00; Leen Thomas P to Evans Maribeth T, 11001 W 111th St, Unit #1001202, $131,500.00; Oswald John W Jr to Al Ammari Alaldin A, 9600 Melvina Ave, $190,000.00; Messina Richard to Hansen Holly J, 9008 S McVicker Ave, $245,000.00; Podborny Jean to Elkettari Abderezzak, 10440 Mason Ave, Unit #204, $77,000.00; Stone Richard H Tr to Hutchinson Frank, 9912 S Kolmar Ave, $237,500.00; Marquette Bk Tr to Mercado Adolfo Figueroa, 10425 Long Ave, $240,000.00; Iwema John H to Becerra Frank, 6906 96th Pl, $252,500.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Jackson Jason L, 7020 96th St, $161,500.00; Mucker J Quinn Tr to Stallworth Mable, 9510 S Kolmar Ave, Unit

#403, $125,000.00; Nowak William A to McGee Joseph, 9933 Massasoit Ave, $200,000.00.

Palos Hills Alexander Jennifer A Extr to Michalczuk John, 11018 Theresa Cir, Unit #3C, $137,000.00; Giacomin-Lopez Carolyn Extr to Bafia Jozef, 9178 South Rd, Unit #9178E, $120,500.00; First Midwest Bk Tr to Cody Brian, 8201 Willow Dr, Unit #47D, $125,000.00;

Community Initiatives Inc to Royal Mgmt Grp Llc, 11120 S 84th Ave, Unit #111203A, $55,000.00; U S Bk to Litwinek Mikolaj, 10408 S 82nd Ave, $142,500.00.

Worth Boland Michael to Miskowiecz Jacek, 6515 W 107th St, $180,000.00; Fannie Mae to Bafia Adam, 7332 W 111th Pl, $144,000.00; The Bank New York Mellon to Zarycki Bronislaw, 11347 S Normandy Ave, $111,500.00.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of January 8) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

RATES 4.000 3.625 3.865

United Trust Bank (as of January 8) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES 4.060 3.625 3.750

APR 4.045 3.680 3.920

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.028 3.614 3.754

POINTS 0 0 0

Prospect Savings Bank (as of January 3) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 3.875 3.625 3.125

APR 3.988 3.781 3.323

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of January 9) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 4.125 3.875 3.500

APR 4.2048 3.9860 3.6425

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

POINTS 0 0 0 POINTS 0 0 0

The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018

School

Continued from Page 1

beginning of this school year.

However, she said they lost not only their eighth-grade class but at least 35 other students.

“It hurt the situation immensely,” Gilfillan said. “The only way for any of the schools to stay open at this point is to have students.

“To get Catholic parents to invest in Catholic education these days is extremely difficult,” she said. “A lot of it has to do with the money aspect. The parents that still invest in Catholic education today are sacrificing their (butts) off for their kids. There are parents out there who don’t think it is useful anymore, or that it’s a priority.”

Our Lady of the Ridge was given an opportunity by the archdiocese to raise over $250,000 and have an enrollment of at least 114 by the end of last February. The community came together, especially since it was announced that St. Louis de Montfort Elementary School in Oak Lawn was going to close.

Supporters of Our Lady of the Ridge were able to exceed those figures through an outpouring of

Tax plan

Continued from Page 1

Some large corporations have benefited from the tax plan. AT&T and American Airlines have offered $1,000 bonuses to their employees.

Other corporations have stated that they will also offer similar bonuses to employees, including Boeing, Fifth Third Bank and Wells Fargo, according to published reports.

However, many Democrats said a list of 32 corporations, including Home Depot, T-Mobile and Mastercard, have announced billions in stock buybacks. This means, according to Democrats, that higher dividends and executive bonuses are the likely response instead of wage increases for employees at companies that are receiving the tax reductions. No Democrats voted for the bill.

Worth Mayor Mary Werner also has her doubts, but remains optimistic.

“There are literally people who say this is horrible, it will bankrupt us,” Werner said. “And there are other people who think this is great. Huge corporations are happy,

Palos Hills Continued from Page 1

“We spend hundreds of hours each year shuttling vehicles back and forth,” said public works commissioner Nick Oeffling, alluding to the lack of storage space.

Bennett said it is important for “all of Public Works to be under one roof.”

“We have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in that equipment and it needs to be inside,” Bennett said. “Most of our vehicles are outside and (our employees) have to jump into those things and in the cold weather the hydraulics can break. You get better life out of vehicles stored inside.”

Having all staff and equipment in one place and indoors will also help with response times, Oeffling added.

“Right now we have vehicles at three different places,” he said.

“A lot of that equipment is not

support that led up to the fundraiser. However, some of those same supporters said it was difficult to sustain the fervor going into the school year.

Covert believes that a Catholic education is worth preserving.

She adds that if Our Lady of the Ridge is going to close, Incarnation would be able to provide for those students.

“It’s important to keep the Catholic schools open,” Gilfillan said. “We will most likely have to find a new school for my son next year. He’s in first grade so I’ve got a long way to go. I’m looking for a school with a sense of community, a strong sense of faith, and academics. We investigated Incarnation. We like it. It has a lot of similarities to Our Lady of the Ridge. I think it’d be a great fit for my son. I would like to see Incarnation continue.”

Regarding her participation at the Incarnation fundraiser, Gilfillan said a Catholic education is of the utmost importance.

“If I’m going to show up to the event, I’m going to donate, because that’s what a committed Catholic adult does,” she added.

Supplied photo

Cast members from the Mother McAuley High School production of “Les Miserables” perform on stage. The performers are (from left) are Mary Kenah, Leslie Perez, Joshua Moyar, Lindsay Janicki and Emma Mendez.

Mother McAuley to present production of ‘Les Miserables’

The annual musical held recently at Mother McAuley High School this past year was “Les Miserables” that included more than 175 students who contributed to the performance.

Male cast and crew members participated from several area high schools, including Anthony Caciopo contributed to Marist, Brother Rice, St. Rita and Evergreen this story. from what I hear. I’m hopeful that it encourages big business to come to our village. But I don’t know about that.”

Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury does not see the new legislation providing vast changes for her village. However, she is concerned about young couples who want to buy homes.

“It’s going to significantly affect home prices,” Bury predicted about the new law. “Oak Lawn has been solid and steady with its home value.

It’s not going to impact Oak Lawn, I think, but I don’t know. We will just have to see. It’s going to impact the younger generations who want to buy a home. And I feel for them regarding health care.”

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton said he has no idea if the new legislation will result in any changes for his village.

“I hope it has a trickle-down effect for people and they come and spend money in our village,” Sexton said. ‘But I don’t know. I guess we will have to see.”

Sexton then paused and had another thought.

“It would be nice for people to be more charitable and help out others.”

made to be kept outside.”

The city has owned the land earmarked for the building since the 1990s. Bennett said a developer once wanted the property to erect a 230-unit condo development, a plan that was not well received by a majority of the residents in the area.

“The residents were obviously up in arms over it so after some back and forth (with the developer) we made a commitment to buy the property.”

Money from the city’s sewer and water fund as well as the reserve fund would cover the cost of the project, Bennett said. With various other projects to complete as well as the economic downtown a few years ago, money was not previously available, he said.

“We obviously wanted to do this a long time ago but it was a money thing,” Bennett said. “We had some infrastructure to fix in town that took priority.

“This would be the last major city project to complete.”

LEGAL NOTICE

The Illinois State Board of Education has awarded District 218 the highest possible fiscal rating for the 15th consecutive year.

District 218 in 2017 again earned “financial recognition.” The state board of education categorizes school districts annually with the following ratings: Financial Watch, Financial Early Warning, Financial Review, and Financial Recognition.

Firefighter Continued from Page 1

Ketchen said it is too early to tell how much money was raised at the Roberts Roadhouse event. Guests began to file in early Sunday afternoon and took part in a variety of raffles while socializing and watching a Blackhawks game.

Rhett Golema is also a member of the Roberts Park Fire Department and has worked with Sanders for over 21 years.

“He is just a phenomenal person,” said Golema, a Palos Hills native. “I trust him

NOTICE OF REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL THE FOLLOWING ABANDON MANUFACTURED HOME WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE SITE AND DISPOSED OF ON OR AFTER JANUARY 18, 2018 UNLESS THE OWNER CONTACTS SOUTHWEST ESTATES LAST KNOW OWNER KRISTAL RITTENBERRY 10401 SOUTHWEST HIGHWAY #45B WORTH, IL 60482

Other local performers were senior Leslie Perez, of Oak Lawn, who portrayed Courfeyrac; Joshua Moyar, a student at Brother Rice High School and Orland Park resident who portrayed Marius; and junior Emma Mendez, of Oak Lawn, who portrayed Grantaire.

“The district received an unqualified opinion for its audited financial statements. The district also received unqualified opinions related to compliance and internal controls over financial reporting and each major program,” said Business Manager Ilsa Richardella.

The term ‘unqualified’ means that the audit report stands as presented by the auditing firm without any negative exceptions or con-

notations.

The auditing firm RSM LLC conducted the audit of District 218.

School districts earn their ratings based on five criteria, including fund balance-torevenue ratio; expenditures to revenues ratio; days’ cash on hand; percent of short-term borrowing available; and, percent of longterm debt remaining.

with my life.”

Golema agreed with Ketchen and others who attended the fundraiser Sunday that it was a large turnout.

“It was pretty awesome,” Golema added.

“I should mention that this (fundraiser) was formed by family and friends who are not part of the fire department. They did a great job organizing this.”

Golema said the firefighters will hold a benefit for Sanders at a later date. Golema added that Sanders is improving but will remain hospitalized for a while.

“He is a stand-up guy and a great firefighter,” added Golema.

Sanders’ sister-in-law, Charlotte Johnson Sanders, also attended the fundraiser and was overwhelmed by the response. She posted on Facebook that “we are so humbled for the love and support you all have for our family.

The amount of people who came out today was unbelievable.”

The money raised will assist in paying the mortgage and help with the tuition for Sanders’ children. The funds will go to his wife, Sheila, to assist with these expenses while Sanders recovers from his injuries.

“I personally want to thank the whole community for the outpouring of support,” Ketchen said.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE

Learn what managers are looking for in employees

A program on “Understanding the FullCycle Process” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 13 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The class will outline what most managers seek on resumes and during phone and in-person interviews.

To register for the free program, call (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Chicago Ridge Library Board seeks to fil vacancy

The Chicago Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to fill a recent vacancy on its board. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the library, which includes setting policy, goals, and objectives for the library, hiring and evaluating the library director, and establishing and monitoring the library’s annual budget.

Applicants must be 18 years old or older, a registered voter in Chicago Ridge, and able to attend board meetings held on the second Monday evening of each month. Individuals who are interested in applying can send a cover letter and resume to trustee@chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Bingo at the library

Take control of paper in home

Southwest Estates 7240 W. 107th Street Worth, IL 60482 708-671-1540

Park Community High School. Some local performers in the musical included junior Allison Riordan, of Oak Lawn, who portrayed Fantine; senior Grace Trippiedi, of Orland Park, who portrayed Cosette; and sophomore Maggie Reed, of Palos Park, who portrayed Eponine.

District 218 earns state’s highest fiscal rating once again

Bingo will be offered from 10 to 11 .m.

Tuesday, Jan 16 at the Chicago Ridge Library.

Prizes will be awarded to the game winners.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to play. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website for the free program at www. chicagoridgelibrary.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

9

A session on “Take Control of Your Paper” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Patrons will receive instruction on what papers to keep and for how long. The program will provide home tips and suggestions on what to keep and what to shred, and what to save and how to save it. Sign up for the free program by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.

OAK LAWN

Volunteers to work in the Friends Bookstore

Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older text books. The donation drop-off area is near the library’s Cook Avenue entrance. Interested parties may fill out a short form at the customer services desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation.

The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides an ever-changing variety of books, magazines and other forms of media at bargain prices.

Hardcover books cost 50 cents each, paperbacks are 25 cents and magazines cost 10 cents each. Audio visual items are priced as indicated. Funds collected from the book sale support library programming and purchases that are beyond their regular budget.

Jazz guitar duo to perform Soul and Motown hits

Annual Souper Bowl food drive to assist local food pantries

Learn to preserve photos and documents

The annual Souper Bowl food drive continues through Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Oak Lawn Library. Participants will team up to stop hunger and help local food pantries stock their shelves after the holidays. Participants are welcome to collect at least 1,000 donated non-perishable food items. A donation barrel will be located in the library’s lobby through the Souper Bowl food drive. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Strategies to tap potential

Professional coach Mark Fechner will discuss and assist patrons to tap into hidden sources of productivity during a session to be held at 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 11) at the Oak Lawn Library. Fechner will attempt to unlock a person’s potential through strategies that master roadblocks. Register online at www.olpl.org or call (708) 4224990. Patrons can also register in person at the adult services desk.

‘Before the Flood’ documentary on climate change

“Before the Flood” presents a program on climate change around the world and what can be done to curb the tide at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 18 at the Oak Lawn Library.

The documentary is presented by National Geographic. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio travels to five continents and the Arctic to view climate change. The film is 96 minutes. More information about this and other adult programs can be obtained by calling (708) 4224990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Kings and Queen Chess Club hosts friendly session The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library is ac-

cepting applications for bookstore volunteers, which consists of sorting book donations and stocking the store. One four-hour shift per week is required. Volunteer forms are available at the customer services desk on the first floor of the library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. For more information, call Carole Onwiler at (708) 422-8646.

Request for book sale donations

Residents can donate gently-used books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library’s Ongoing Book Sale that is being offered at the library.

Students of all playing levels will learn chess in a friendly, low-stress environment through instruction, exercises and practice tournaments this month at the Oak Lawn Public Library. The Kings and Queens Chess Club will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 12, 19 and 26, and Feb. 2, 9 and 23.

The event is for kids ages 8 to 14. Registration begins 10 days before each event. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Babies 101 for Parents

The pediatrics department of Advocate

Christ Medical Center will hold “Babies 101 for Parents” for expectant parents from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Oak Lawn Library. Parents can bring their children and the Advocate staff will entertain them. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Silvestri+Kaiser will perform a variety of music at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Oak Lawn Library. The jazz guitar duo will perform Soul and Motown hits at the next Friends Concerts, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Susan O’Keefe, photo archivist and organizer, will teach patrons how to save and preserve irreplaceable photos, documents and memories for generations at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Oak Lawn Library. Register online at www.olpl.org or register in person at the adult services desk at (708) 422-4990.

PALOS HILLS Life in the 1930s

Clarence Goodman will give a presentation on life in the 1930s during a session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the Palos Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. The presentation will include information on the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, the end of Prohibition, and Al Capone facing prison time. The event is for adults only. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

Science lab for kids

Children of all ages can go full steam ahead with Miss Emily during a session at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Green Hills Library.

She will lead the group in science experiments Registration is limited to 25. Children under age 6 must be assisted by a caregiver.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Yoga for beginners will be held

A yoga class for beginners will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 at the Green Hills Library. No yoga experience is necessary but participants must be able to get on the floor and back up again. Participants must bring their own mat or use one that the library provides. Registration is limited to 40. This event is for adults only. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

WORTH

Slide lecture on Biltmore Estate

A slide lecture program about the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.., will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 in the meeting room of the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St. Jeff Mishur will discuss the history, architecture and landscape plan of the Biltmore Estate. He also makes parallels between the Downton Abbey and Biltmore (America’s largest private home). More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-2855.

SCHOOL NEWS

10 The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018

OLCHS students attend leadership conference

Supplied photo

Eighteen seniors at Mount Carmel High School have been selected as Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the school year 2016-17.

Eighteen Mount Carmel seniors recognized as Illinois State Scholars Eighteen seniors at Mount Carmel High School have been selected as Illinois State Scholars for 2016-17 by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Since 1958, The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state agency committed to helping to make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, bestows this recognition to top Illinois high school students annually.

The Mount Carmel High School Illinois

State Scholars are Joseph Buck, who is a graduate of Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park; Nicholas Cyze, Luke Ehrenstrom, a graduate of St. Gerald School in Oak Lawn; Christian Galvan and Daniel Goosherst, Queen of Martyrs; Robert Gregg, Thomas Jacobs, Charles Johnson, Benjamin Judy, Timothy McGrath, McLean Milavickas, a graduate of Conady Junior High School in Hickory Hills; Zachary Pasciak, Jordan Patterson, Salvador Valencia, Maxwell Vande-

veld, Giovanny Vargas, Andrew Walsh and Zachary Warnock.

Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top 10 percent of high school seniors, hailing from 671 different high schools across the state. Selection is based on SAT, ACT or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine the winners.

Over 110 student leaders from Oak Lawn Community High School attended the annual Student Leadership Conference recently with the theme for the event entitled “Decisions Determine Destiny.”

All club presidents and vicepresidents, varsity team captains, select members of student council and National Honor Society, and Freshmen Academy students were invited to the conference.

Students had the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills by participating in numerous small group discussions and activities.

Sam Glenn, known as “The Attitude Guy,” was a special motivational speaker for the event at an all-school assembly. After making the audience laugh and showing off his T-Rex impression, he stressed the importance of attitude and motivation in today’s leaders.

Conference attendees also earned 1.5 hours of community service at their choice of various locations. Projects included collecting Hines VA Hospital donations, leaf raking in local yards, Oak Lawn Public Library volunteering, making blankets for Project Linus, doing Random Acts of Kindness in downtown Oak Lawn, participating in a social media forum, creating hearts for Stuffed Love, and honoring active military with the VFW

Conrady Junior High receives National Blue Ribbon Award Andy Anderson, principal at Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills, and Grant Griffith, the social studies teacher at the school, returned from Washington D.C. recently with hardware indicating the junior high is one of the top-performing schools in the country.

Anderson and Griffith returned from four days in the nation’s capital, where they were among officials from 342 schools being honored with the coveted National Blue Ribbon Award, which is the highest honor a school can receive. Less than one-quarter of one percent of all schools receive the award.

Conrady won the award in the category of Exemplary High-Performing Schools. Conrady was named as one of the highestperforming schools as measured by state assessments (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) or nation-

Evergreen Park Community High School senior Christopher TenbrinkLaBreck and junior Kayla Benson are all smiles after their third-place finish in the oral competition on Trigonometry at the South Suburban Conference Meet.

Supplied photo

Supplied photo

try to be named a National Blue Ribbon winner.

Anderson was quick to deflect individual praise and turned the credit to the District and the in-

GET A BIGGER PIECE OF THE PIE

Stars Project.

The annual student leadership conference is sponsored by student council and National Honor Society. Event chaperones included Jennifer Clark, Eileen Jones, Kelly Kenny, Jeana Lietz, Janet Meyers, Jessica Nickless, Michael Riordan, Jennifer Sidlow and Marcus Wargin.

Mathletes excel

Representatives from Conrady Junior High School hold a banner indicating the Hickory Hills School has been selected as a National Blue Ribbon Award winner.

ally normed tests. Conrady was the only junior high school in the South Cook Region to win the coveted award and only one of nine Title I schools in the coun-

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn Community High School students had fun while learning about leadership skills during the recent Student Leadership Conference.

Stars on the court Worth Junior High School eighth-graders Heba Rashid (left) and Sofia Cerullo starred for their school during the 2017 South Suburban Junior High School Conference Girls Basketball All-Star Game last month at Arbor Park Middle School. Rashid also won the South Suburban Junior High School Conference All-Star Shooting contest.

credible team in place both at the district- and school-level.

“We have such an amazing and supportive team in place here,” Anderson said. “It’s really about the students, parents, staff, community, board of education and the administration. They are the ones that make this (award) possible.”

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School preschool registration is open Tuition preschool registration is being accepted at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St., Oak Lawn, with applications for the enrolled students being processed beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Half-day, full-day and full-week sessions are offered. A child must be 3 years old by Dec. 31,

2018 and potty trained to register. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered.

Registration requirements and program information can be obtained by visiting the website at d123. org/TPS. More information can also be obtained by calling Nicole Mottl, (708) 857-5020, or email her at nmottl@d123.org.

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SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

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

Thursday, 11,2015 2018 Thursday,January March 5,

Roe’s HS career comes to painful end Stagg star gymnast Maddy Roe is walking again after suffering an injury in warmups last month

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

FRESHMAN:

Stagg’s Maddy Roe was 21st in the state in the all-around.

Her teammates ran, jumped, flipped, flew in the air, twisted, turned and danced on Saturday.

Maddy Roe walked.

She limped, actually, with the help of a clunky black walking boot.

The Stagg senior, who is one of the most successful female gymnasts in area history, walked for the first time without crutches a month after undergoing surgery to her right fibula.

She helped cheer, encourage and even coached her SandburgStagg coop teammates as they finished second out of 10 teams in the third Erin Olmsted Invitational Saturday at Sandburg High School in Orland Park.

The Palos Heights resident injured her ankle and fibula on Dec. 2 — one day after signing a letter of intent to compete with the University of Wisconsin

SOPHOMORE: Roe claimed ninth in state in the all-around, eighth on vault and 11th on balance beam.

Photos and a story on the third Erin Olmsted Invitational: Page 4 — Whitewater. She suffered the injury in warmups at Downers Grove North, a year after suffering a concussion during warmups at the same school.

This season, Roe attempted a double full — a layout with 720-degree twists.

“I didn’t have enough momentum to finish the second one,” she said. “I kept twisting when I landed and my ankle went…I don’t know how to explain it. It was a freak thing. The double full is not my strongest skill but I actually did the best double full I’ve ever done right before I got hurt.

“I thought that I needed to do another one just to make sure I had it.’’

Sandburg-Stagg coach Mike See ROE, Page 4

JUNIOR:

Roe was seventh in state in the allaround, seventh on balance beam and ninth in uneven bars.

SENIOR:

Roe is shown wearing a walking boot and coaching Sandburg-Stagg Coop coach Mike White’s grandaughter, Mia Boldrey, last Saturday.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

SANDBURG WINS SWSC BLUE BOWLING TOURNEY

300 reasons to Crowe

Seeking a gold Coyne Palos Heights native ready for her second Olympics on women’s hockey team

By Randy Whalen Correspondent

By Jeff Vorva

Ever since he burst on the bowling scene with a sanctioned 300 game as a 10-year old, Cameron Crowe has continued to made his mark.

And that mark is usually an X. As in strike.

And he makes a lot of those.

The Sandburg junior continued to do that last weekend. Crowe came through Richards’ Matt with his latest 300 and was the LaBonte wins the individual champion at the SSC title, plus SouthWest Suburban Confermore bowling ence Tournament on Saturday results: Page 2 at Orland Bowl.

He bowled a 1,515 for six games (a whopping 252.5 average) to capture the individual conference crown for the second time in the past three seasons.

A hot start helped make sure that Crowe held off the second-place finisher, Lincoln-Way East junior D.J. Armbrecht (1,464), and the third-place finisher, Lincoln-Way Central sophomore Alex Nolan (1,424).

“I just hit a stride and I couldn’t miss,” Crowe said. “I was just zoned in, locked in. I got a lot of breaks, but I bowled well.”

Crowe opened with a 279 game followed by the 300. He finished the morning session with an 807 score, but that’s not even the best he’s ever done in three games. He said he rolled an 809 at

It wasn’t all that long ago that Kendall Coyne returned to the United States with a shiny silver medal and showed it off.

People gaped at it, admired it and had their pictures taken with it and had their photos taken with Coyne as well.

That was in 2014 when the Palos Heights native and Sandburg High School graduate was a member of the USA Olympics team and the team was a runnerup to Coyne Canada after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in Sochi, Russia.

Coyne, who had two goals and four assists in Olympic play in ’14, will get another chance to show off another medal and this time she hopes it will be gold.

The 25-year-old was named to the 2018 United States team on Jan. 1 and the 23-member team will open action in the XXIII Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang South Korea against Finland at 1:40 a.m. Central time on Feb. 11.

Coyne is determined to finish on top this year.

“I was on the ice and I was receiving this silver medal and I was crying,’’ she told NBC5

Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg junior Cameron Crowe laughs when asked about his 300 game Saturday in the SWSC meet at Orland Bowl.

the Orland house two seasons ago.

His 300 game was the 18th perfect game of his young career.

His first sanctioned perfect game made history.

The lefty, who uses the 2-handed style, was a 10-year old when on March 5, 2010 at Olympia Lanes in Hammond, Ind., he buried 12 shots for 12 strikes. At that time he was the youngest lefthander in United States Bowling Congress history to bowl a 300.

Flash forward to Saturday.

“I just try to step up and think of it (the 12th shot) as another shot,” Crowe said. “But you do See CROWE, Page 3

Southwest Regional Publishing file photo

Kendall Coyne will try to add to her already impressive medal count as she and the USA Olympic team hope to win a gold medal in South Korea in February.

Chicago about her 2014 experience. “And obviously, it was tough.’’

Coyne is one of 10 returning Olympians and six of those players are two-time Olympians.

“We took another step closer towards achieving our ultimate goal, which is to bring home a gold medal from South Korea,” said Reagan Carey, general manager of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team and also the director of women’s hockey for USA Hockey, “We’ve had an exceptional four months leading up to this point

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See COYNE, Page 2

2

Section 2 Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

Fate really smiles on Miles

AREA SPORTS REPORT

LaBonte, Richards, Brother Rice wear conference crowns

F

ate didn’t just smile on Miles Boykin.

One of the football gods came out of the sky, smiled, but his arm around the junior receiver from Notre Dame and said, “Kid, I know things haven’t gone your way all that much at South Bend, but wait until you see what we have in store for you! Happy New Year!’’

Boykin caught one of the greatest passes in Notre Dame history in the Fighting Irish’s 21-17 victory over LSU in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day in Orlando.

Shortly after LSU grabbed a ton of Making the momentum with a touchdown, the Extra Point late double-teamed Boykin hauled an Ian Book pass down with his right hand, tucked it in and crashed into one defender. Boykin stayed upright. The other guy was taken out of the play.

Then Boykin made a quick juke to get past the other defender and turned up the speed for 55-yard reception with 1 minute, 28 seconds left in the game. That stood up as the winning score.

The next day, t-shirts were being sold online that said “INCREDIBLE HAPPENED 1.1.2018.”

Boykin cemented his name in ND history with that grab — even if he never plays another down of football. The next time a book about the history of ND football is written, this play will receive plenty of attention. It’s something his kids, grandkids, great grandkids and all of their offspring are going to hear about.

I am just a neutral observer when it comes to Notre Dame football, but I let out a yell when I saw the play live.

Full disclosure: I know the kid.

From second grade through high school, Boykin played basketball either with or against my son, T.J., over the years, including a stint in which they were teammates on the Orland Park-based Orland Magic, which morphed into the Windy City Magic. We spent part of one of Boykin’s birthdays with his family at one of his favorite restaurants, Jullianni’s in Palos Heights, So it was cool to see him on the living room big screen making the big play.

The former Providence Catholic standout and Tinley Park native is strong, fast and skilled. But for a play like that to happen, some luck and a lot of fate comes into play.

First off, he was fortunate to be in the game at that crucial time.

After sitting out his freshman year as a redshirt, about the biggest noise from Boykin in the past two seasons was when a ball hit his foot on a special-teams play in 2016, giving the ball to Michigan State.

Coach Brian Kelly, whose face was as red as the sauce on a Jullianni’s pizza, screamed, “Are you dumb?!!?” for all the world to see.

Boykin was used sparingly this past season and had nine catches for 151 yards and a touchdown heading into the Citrus Bowl.

Fate came into play with an injury to Chase Claypool and after Kevin Stepherson was suspended for the second time this season. Those two receivers were not available, so it was Boykin time.

Second, fate allowed Book to throw a not-so-perfect pass. Had the pass drilled Boykin in the numbers, the odds were better that the LSU defenders could have nailed him right away. It would have still been a big catch but not THE CATCH. Instead, Boykin reached up with his right paw for what appeared to be an uncatchable ball, and that threw the defense out of whack a little.

“Ian put the ball where only I could reach it,” Boykin told reporters after the game. “It was a great pass and I was lucky enough to pull it down on one hand.

I’ve got pretty big hands.’’

One slip on the wet field or a million other things that could have gone wrong and he doesn’t make THE CATCH. Instead, it became iconic.

The only thing that could have made the play even bigger would have been if the game was for the national championship.

But hey, there’s time.

Boykin has two more years of eligibility left.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Writer

JEFF VORVA

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Chicago Fire fans will welcome back the home portion of the season on March 10 with a 5 p.m. game against Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

Fire, Thunderbolts finalize 2018 schedules

By Jeff Vorva

The Chicago Fire and Windy City Thunderbolts have announced their 2018 schedules.

The Fire opens the season at home at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, at 5 p.m. March 10 against Sporting Kansas City. Four of the Fire’s first five games are at home.

The Fire is scheduled for seven nationally televised games this season. Chicago will be on Univision Deportes four times in addition to one game each on UniMas, Fox Sports 1 and ESPN. The club’s local television schedule will be announced at a later date.

During the season, each Major League Soccer team will play 34 games. They will face their respective conference opponents (10 in the East, 11 in the West) twice during the season with one game at home and one game away. Western Conference teams will play one additional intra-conference game and Eastern Conference teams will play two. All teams will face each non-conference opponent once.

• The Thunderbolts open their season at 7:05 p.m.

May 10, hosting the River City Rascals at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood.

There will be 18 fireworks shows after each Friday and Saturday home game.

Six theme nights were announced. These games start at 6:05 p.m. and all will have pregame entertainment from 4:30-5:45 p.m.

On May 12 it’s SouthSide Irish Night, with Three Men in Kilt as the pregame act.

On June 2 it’s Beatles Night, with Kaleidoscope Eyes performing a pregame show.

On June 16 it’s Johnny Cash Night, with June’s Got the Cash performing.

On July 14 it’s Jimmy Buffett Night, with Flip Flop Dave as the pregame act.

On Aug. 4 it’s Country Night, with a mechanical bull and a show by the Scott Marek Band.

On Aug. 18 it’s Elvis Night, with John “Elvis” Lyons performing.

Opponent Sporting KC at Minnesota United Portland Columbus LA Galaxy at NY Red Bulls at Toronto FC Atlanta United Montreal at Columbus Houston at Orlando City at Philadelphia San Jose New England at Colorado at Seattle NYC FC at Vancouver Philadelphia at FC Dallas Toronto at Toronto at Real Salt Lake NY Red Bulls at Montreal Columbus Orlando City at New England at NYC FC Los Angeles at D.C. United at Atlanta United D.C. United

Time 5 p.m.

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TBD 2 p.m.

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Noon TBD 3:30 p.m.

Rolling to regionals

The first winter postseason events in the Illinois High School Association begin on Saturday with boys bowling regionals.

Brother Rice, Marist, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Richards, Chicago Christian and Stagg are at the Morgan Park Regional at Dolton Bowl in Dolton.

Sandburg and Shepard are at the Sandburg Regional at Orland Bowl. St. Laurence is at the Argo Regional at El-Mar Bowl in Bridgeview.

Wrestling champions

Mia Palumbo, the first female wrestler in Richards’ history, won the 106-pound division at the Eagle Invitational at Leyden on Saturday.

Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson (120), Paul Gilva (170) and Myles Ruffin (285) earned championships at the Jim Newbill Tournament at Geneva High School.

Swimming champions Sandburg won the Maine South Hawk Relays on Saturday.

The 200 medley team of Andrew Sutkus Mike Rzeszowicz, Carter Thoss and Joey Jenkot, the 200 backstroke team of Sean Harlin, Mitch Cook-Graver, Jack Donnell and Thoss, the 200 breast stroke team of Joey and Jimmy Jenkot, Jacob Simonek and Rzeszowicz, the 800 free team of Ethan Miranda-Gale, Peter Bukiri, Kyle Fox and Brendan Lee, the 200 free team Joey Jenkot, Rzeszowicz, Bukiri and Fox) and the 400 free team of Cook-Graver, Rzeszowicz, Lee and Fox all took first place.

PBO registration

There is still time to register for the 2018 Palos Baseball Organization season.

PBO offers a quality youth baseball program designed to provide an environment where players can learn and develop fundamentals, skills, teamwork and good sportsmanship Please see the PBO website — www.palosbaseball.org for more details on the registration.

Fall shouldn’t be too far for Cougars

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mokena’s Seth Mendoza stretches before last year’s 10K race at the Southwest Half Marathon.

11TH SOUTHWEST HALF MARATHON

Officials hoping registration heats up in coming months Sports Editor

Photo from Notre Dame website

Date March 10 March 17 March 31 April 7 April 14 April 21 April 28 May 5 May 9 May 12 May 20 May 26 May 30 June 2 June 9 June 13 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 11 July 14 July 21 July 28 Aug. 4 Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Oct. 7 Oct. 21 Oct 28

FOCUS ON COLLEGE SPORTS

By Jeff Vorva

Miles Boykin was at the right place at the right time to make an iconic catch.

CHICAGO FIRE 2018 SCHEDULE

Sports Editor

Richards sophomore Matt LaBonte, who two years ago won the Illinois Elementary School Association state championship, is making his mark on the high school level.

He finished first in the South Suburban Red boys bowling tournament Saturday at El-Mar Lanes in Bridgeview.

His six-game total of 1,410 helped the Bulldogs win the conference title with a 6,391.

Bulldogs juniors Dan Christian (1,301) and Max Simik (1,264) finished fourth and fifth respectively while sophomore Owen Szarley (1,251) took seventh and Julius Draper (1,165) claimed 20th.

Shepard finished third and was led by Dominic Estrada’s sixth-place finish. Oak Lawn took fourth and was led by Julian Cruz’s 13th-place finish. Evergreen Park finished sixth and was led by Zach McCormick’s ninth-place finish.

In the Chicago Catholic League championships at Palos Lanes, Brother Rice won the title with a 179168, 159-153 win over Providence in the Baker Games format. Freshman Tony Lundy led the Crusaders in the preliminary rounds with a 1,063 in five games to finish second overall.

Marist finished fourth and Steve Epsinoza led the RedHawks in the preliminaries with a 984.

St. Laurence was led by Tommy Doyle’s preliminary round of 989.

The cold weather seems to have resulted in frosty early returns for the 11th Southwest Half Marathon and 10K Race.

The event, which will take place May 6 in Palos Heights and portions of Palos Park and draws runners from all over Chicago and its suburbs, thus far had just 450 runner register as of Friday, down from 600 last year at this time.

But it’s not as bad as 2016, when 375 entrants signed up by early January. It’s certainly not as big as 2015, when 900 signed up.

The half marathon/10K usually draws 1,0002,000 runners, and last year the event’s committee added a free kids race, which brought more foot traffic to the races.

This year’s smaller registration numbers months before the race have race officials’ attention, but there is no panic. Like in 2015, cold winter weather may contribute to the totals.

“I think we’ll catch up,” said Bruce Buzil of Chicago Special Events Management. “I think when it’s chilly like this, people wait longer to register. I think they want to hold on to their money a little longer. They are not thinking about it because the weather is so cold.’’

Jeff Prestinario, the co-founder of the race with Mel Diab, said there is an early bird special fee for the race that was supposed to end Jan. 1 but was extended.

“We’re going to be a little more aggressive marketing-wise,’’ he said.

Last year, Chicago Ridge’s Roberto Ortega became the first runner in event history to win back-to-back titles when he claimed his second straight men’s 10K race.

Crestwood’s Arturs Bareikas, a native of Latvia, won the men’s half-marathon, and former Queen of Peace standout, world-class runner and steeple chase athlete Delilah DiCrescenzo won the women’s race. Sugar Grove’s Kim Weiss won the women’s 10K race.

The NAIA rakings came out Tuesday and St. Xavier University’s women’s basketball team was likely knocked off of its No. 1 perch.

But the Cougars shouldn’t have fallen too far in the Division II poll.

The rankings were released after this paper’s deadline but SXU had a pair of losses to quality teams in recent weeks. They lost an 84-77 contest on Dec. 19 in Hawaii against Wayland Baptist University, which was unbeaten and ranked fifth in the nation in Division I. DI schools give out more scholarships than DII schools.

The Cougars also lost 81-60 to Concordia (Nebraska) at home on Dec. 29. Concordia was ranked second in the nation in Division II. In between, the Cougars beat Carroll (Montana) 55-52 on Dec. 20 in Hawaii, and Carroll was ranked 21st in the nation in Division I at the time.

The Cougars beat Governors State 81-49 on Saturday as Brittany Collins had 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Trinity Christian College Women’s basketball: Senior Celina Wanta passed the 1,000-point total for her career Saturday in an 83-71 loss to Judson in Elgin. The Wisconsin native is the 19th player in program history and first since 2011-12.

Moraine Valley Women’s basketball: Creighton Fed scored 29 points in an 89-68 victory over the Elmhurst College JV team on Thursday. Kristin McGee added 27 points and 10 rebounds while Ashley Hunter had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Coyne

Continued from Page 1 and are confident that these 23 women give our country the best opportunity to reach the top of the podium in February.”

The U.S. has medaled in all five Olympic Winter Games since women’s ice hockey was introduced in 1998, including gold in that inaugural year.

Aside from the Olympic appearance, Coyne played in six International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships, eight Four Nation Cups and on Twelve Nations Invitational Tournament Series.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018 Section 2

3

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

W-L 11-6 8-7 6-9 15-1 9-5 6-7 10-4 8-5 12-5 5-9

STREAK W1 W2 W1 W2 L1 W1 L2 L1 L3 L2

NEXT at Mount Carmel, Fri.; at Marist, Tues. at Illiana Christian, Fri. hosts Oak Forest, Fri. at Marian Catholic, Thurs.; hosts Brother Rice, Tues. hosts Hillcrest, Thurs.; at West Chicago, Sat. hosts Tinley Park, Fri.; hosts St. Laurence, Tues. hosts Lincoln-Way East, Fri.; hosts Tinley Park, Tues. hosts Bremen, Fri. hosts Providence St. Mel, Fri.; at Richards, Tues. hosts Bolingbrook, Fri.; hosts Andrew, Tues.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 7; compiled by Randy Whalen

GIRLS

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Morgan Taylor, who is averaging more than 24 points per game, and his teammates welcome Brother Rice on Tuesday in the annual rivalry game between the two South Side schools.

Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Richards Sandburg Shepard St. Laurence Stagg

W-L

STREAK

6-10 16-2 13-3 13-5 8-7 13-2 8-10 4-10 9-9 12-4

W1 W10 W2 W2 L2 W2 L3 L1 W1 L1

NEXT at Shepard, Thurs.; hosts Timothy Christian, Tues. at Bremen, Thurs.; hosts Hillcrest, Tues.; hosts Universal School, Wed. vs. Downers Grove N. in Kipp Games at Willowbrook, Sat.; at Joliet Catho. Academy, Wed. at St. Ignatius, Thurs.; vs. Glenbard S. in Kipp Games at Willowbrook, Sat.; at Loyola, Tues. at T.F. South, Thurs.; hosts Argo, Tues. hosts Oak Forest, Thurs.; at Reavis, Tues. at Lockport, Thurs.; at Homewood-Flossmoor, Tues. hosts Chicago Christian, Thurs.; at T.F. North, Fri.; hosts Eisenhower, Tues. hosts Providence, Thurs.; at De La Salle, Tues. hosts Lockport, Wed.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 7; compiled by Randy Whalen

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

Shepard and Sandburg on wrong end of overtime thrillers

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

It looked like a play from the Harlem Globetrotters’ playbook.

Shepard’s Triston Campbell was on the right side of the basket and fired a no-look behind-theback pass to teammate Marquel Porter, who scored an easy layup to give the Astros a 50-45 lead over Oak Forest with 3 minutes, 40 seconds left in a road South Suburban Conference crossover Friday night.

But that momentum-stealer didn’t last for the duration of the game as the host Bengals roared back and ended up winning a 6664 thriller in overtime.

One town west of Oak Forest, host Sandburg had a 31-22 lead over Bolingbrook with 5:48 left in the third and still had a precious 51-48 lead with 2:18 left in regulation.

But the Raiders, who received votes in the latest Associated Press Class 4A poll, regrouped and tied the game in regulation and dominated the four-minute OT to escape Orland Park with a 67-57 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory.

While they were crushing losses to the area squads, there were some positives to be taken away.

If Sandburg (10-4 overall and 1-1 in the league) can play at this high level for the rest of the season, the Eagles could be in a position to finish high in the conference and perhaps even tie for first if they can beat the Raiders in a Feb. 9 rematch in Bolingbrook.

Homewood-Flossmoor (8-4, 2-0) and Lincoln-Way East (11-3, 1-1) will also be tough foes and even though Stagg is below .500, the Chargers only lost to Sandburg by two in Orland Park and the two teams hook up again in Palos Hills on Feb. 2.

Shepard (8-5 overall, 3-2 in the South Suburban Red) can take some pride in knowing that it was a couple of late turnovers away from beating a solid SSC Blue team. Junior Chris Harrison scored the Astros’ first 11 points of the game and finished with 28 and Porter added 12.

Heading into this week’s action, Blue teams had a 20-13 advantage over Red squads. Richards was leading the Red with a 4-1 mark while Reavis was at 3-1, Shepard 3-2 and Oak Lawn 2-2.

Far left photo: Shepard junior Chris Harrison gets ready to put in a layup in overtime during a loss at Oak Forest Friday. He led the Astros with 28 points. Photo at left: Shepard’s Burtron Harper (left) and Chris Harrison try to trap Oak Forest sophomore Daivon Wright in overtime Friday night.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Red teams will be mixing it up against each other on Jan. 19.

One more battle in Lansing Chicago Christian and Illiana Christian have had some fiercely contested basketball games over the years, including some wild games at Illiana. Chicago Christian’s 59-48 regional win over

the Vikings in 2016 was intense throughout as both fans sections took turns going crazy in the cozy gym.

But Illiana will move from its home at 2261 Indiana St. in Lansing to a $25 million school in Hanover Township, Indiana the next school year.

The Knights and Vikings will battle for the last time in the Lan-

sing gym on Friday.

Rice and Marist ready to rumble Brother Rice visits Marist in a huge non-conference neighborhood battle on Tuesday. You can usually throw the records out the window in this rivalry, but it’s important to note that both teams have winning records.

Marist entered this week with a 15-1 mark and Brother Rice was 11-6. Last year, Brother Rice won 73-65 in overtime in a home victory.

Neither team is looking too far ahead as Brother Rice visits Mt. Carmel in a Chicago Catholic League Blue game on Friday visits Marian Catholic tonight (Thursday).

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

Evergreen Park’s Emma O’Grady (right) looks up after a shot in a recent game against Richards. A lot of teams are now looking up to the Mustangs as they were ranked eighth in the state by the Associated Press last week.

Mustangs rise to No. 8 in the state Sports Editor

The rest of the state is taking notice.

Evergreen Park’s red-hot start to the season is not only creating a buzz around the area, people from around the state are recognizing the special season the Mustangs are having.

Sportswriters from around the state vote in the Associated Press poll and they ranked EP eighth in the state among Class 3A schools in its recent poll.

Downstate Morton picked up the top rank, followed by Peoria Richwoods, Glenbard South, Bethalto Civic Memorial, Kaneland, Effingham and Marshall.

Nazareth and Burlington Central followed the Mustangs in the top 10.

The poll was released on Jan. 2 and two days later, the Mustangs improved to 16-2 with a 56-38 victory over Oak Forest as Kacey Gardner led the team with

Crowe

Continued from Page 1 start to feel more pressure because a lot of people are watching. It always feels good, of course.”

Sandburg coach Jeff Kwilose knows he has a special talent in Crowe.

“I coached the state champion with Joey Kopera [in 2012],” he said. “But Cameron is averaging 12-to-13 pins better than Joey did.

It’s just crazy.”

Not only did Crowe win the individual title, but he helped the Eagles capture the best score in the tournament with a 6,629 total.

That was nearly 300 pins better than Lockport (6,337). The Porters, however, were still the SWSC champions for the third time in four years and ninth overall since the SWSC formed in 2005.

Entering the day, Sandburg was sixth in the standings with 44 total points from conference competition. Each team gets four points per game won and an additional two points for capturing the twogame series. The defending con-

17 points while Emma O’Grady and Alandria Fison each popped in 10.

The state-ranked Mustangs return to action tonight (Thursday) visiting Bremen. After facing Hillcrest on Jan. 16, the Mustangs jump into what figures to be a heated South Suburban Red race with key games coming against Argo on Jan. 18 and Richards on Jan. 30.

Another Saturday, another showcase…

Mother McAuley and Marist both played a game in the Chicagoland Invite Showcase at Benet on Saturday with McAuley topping Batavia 54-32 and Marist beating Stevenson, 49-35.

The two teams will head back to another prestigious showcase, the recently renamed Derril Kipp Games Saturday at Willowbrook High School. The event has had different names in the past including the McDonald’s Shootout. ference champion Eagles added 80 points to that total by finishing first and that vaulted them to second place overall with 124 points.

But by finishing second on Saturday, the Porters added 70 points to their 66 points and still won the conference by 12 points with a total of 136.

“With the point system we were in the middle of the pack,” Kwilose said. “But we brought our A-plus game. Our morning session of 3,492 was a school record and our (6,629) total has to be in the top two or three.

“We had Timmy Novak (1,399, fourth overall with a high of 279) a freshman, in the leadoff spot bowl great. Overall it was just a great day for us.”

Senior Alex Zylo (1,273) finished 12th, one spot out of the all-conference cutoff. Junior Marc Moll, Jr. (1,260) was close behind in 14th place, and senior Josh Prost (1,182, 29th) rounded out the Eagles lineup.

Stagg (28 points) placed eighth overall, but placed seventh (5,902) at the conference meet and junior Luke Jones (1,313, ninth overall) made all-conference.

McAuley plays Glenbard South at 3:30 p.m. and Marist faces Downers Grove North at 5 p.m.

McAuley’s toughest challenge of the week, however, may have come Tuesday night, after this newspaper’s deadline, when it

was scheduled to host Geneva — the No. 3-ranked team in the state in Class 4A according to the Associated Press.

Marist also had a tough challenge scheduled Wednesday with a visit to Nazareth.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

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4

Section 2 Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

Ten teams flip at Sandburg for a worthy cause

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The Sandburg-Stagg Coop girls gymnastics team barely squeaked by Oswego for second place in the third Erin Olmsted Invitational.

Lincoln-Way’s Coop team won with ease with 143.050 points while Sandburg/Stagg scored 133.775, nudging out Oswego’s 133.750.

“It doesn’t get closer than that,” Sandburg-Stagg coach Mike White said.

Sandburg-Stagg won the first Olmsted event two years ago and Lincoln-Way came back and won

it the past two seasons. This year, 10 teams competed including Lake Zurich, Riverside-Brookfield, Hinsdale South, Homewood-Flossmoor, Andrew, Glenbard South and Lemont.

Proceeds from the event went to the Erin E. Olmsted Scholarship Fund. Olmsted was a senior at Sandburg and members of the gymnastics team when she was killed at age 17 by a drunk driver in March, 1997. Through hosting several events, the Olmsted family raised $113,000 in scholarship money in the past 19 years and donated $102,000 to the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.

Sandburg-Stagg’s Sierra Clover flips during her uneven bars routine.

For more information or to donate, visit www. erinsaimforchange.org.

Sandburg sophomore Maddie Giglio was second in all-around with a 36.550 and Taylor Talley was fourth with a 34.500. Lincoln-Way’s Korina Jarosz took first with a 37.125.

The Sandburg-Stagg squad suffered a huge blow Dec. 2 when senior Maddy Roe suffered a season-ending right ankle and fibula injury during warmups at Downers Grove North.

“We were the No. 2 or No. 3 team in the state and now I don’t know if we can get there now,” White said. “This is literally eight points off the

Sophomore Maddie Giglio balances herself on the beam during the third Erin Olmsted Invitational on Saturday.

team total without her.’’

Giglio, who qualified with Roe as an individuals in last year’s Illinois High School Association state meet, is hoping the team can upgrade a few points and make it to state.

“I will try my best to help them along and lead them along and try to get them going a little bit,” she said.

After Sandburg-Stagg’s athletes competed, 5-year-old Nia Boldrey of Franklin, Wisconsin, White’s granddaughter, did a 90-second floor exercise routine that brought loud cheers from the audience.

Sandburg-Stagg’s Helen Wheeler flips during the floor exercise on Saturday in Orland Park.

Five-year-old Mia Boldrey, the granddaughter of longtime Sandburg-Stagg coach Mike White performs (left photo). White (middle and right photos) reacts during her floor exercise routine.

Erin Olmsted’s memory was preserved at Saturday’s event as pictures of her were on plaques and medals.

Photos by Jeff Vorva Taylor Talley, shown at the beginning of her floor exercise, finished fourth in the all-around for Sandburg-Stagg at the third Erin Olmsted Invitational.

Roe

Continued from Page 1 White wasn’t sure what happened at first.

“It was a skill that I didn’t think she would get hurt on,” he said. “When she fell back, I thought she banged the back of her head and I was worried about her suffering another concussion in Downers Grove. I was only six feet away from her and I initially didn’t walk over to her and then I heard her say it was her

ankle. And the trainer looked at it and said ‘that’s broken.’ ” Roe said she broke her fibula, which needed surgery, and tore ligaments connected to the ankle. White thinks she could be back in five months. While that wipes out competing in the Illinois High School Association postseason, where Roe has six top-12 finishes, she could be ready to go when the college season rolls around.

She was smiling and having fun with her teammates on Saturday and spent a little time coaching White’s grand-

daughter, Nia Boldrey. The 5-year-old Boldrey stole the show when she did a 90-second floor exercise routine after the five Sandburg athletes competed and then high-fived Roe after it was over.

Roe admits she felt lousy for a few weeks.

“I was pretty upset because it was my senior year,” she said. “I had a ton of goals this year. It sucks, but it happened. I can’t dwell on it otherwise I will feel bad all the time. A few weeks after it happened I knew I couldn’t do

anything about it so I am going to help the team and try to motivate them as best as I can.

“I call myself the assistant of the assistant coach.’’

While her teammates were flying and flipping, Roe’s big accomplishment on Saturday was walking.

“I forgot how to walk – it was a little crazy,” Roe said. “It looked like my leg was swinging in a circle when I first tried to walk. Now I am walking normally.

It was exciting.’’

“A few weeks after

it happened I knew I couldn’t do anything about it so I am going to help the team and try to motivate them as best as I can.”

— Maddy Roe

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (‘’FANNIE MAE’’), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2005, AND KNOWN AS THE JAMES B. KRATOVIL LAND TRUST, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION II, CONDOMINIUMS OF VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION II, JAMES KRATOVIL, JR., AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, DEBORAH FALSTAD, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, KIMBERLY KRATOVIL, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, KATHIE SAMSON, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES JAMES B. KRATOVIL, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 16251 15633 ERIN LANE, UNIT C6 Orland Park, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 5, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 15633 ERIN LANE, UNIT C6, Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-301-028-1019 Vol. 146.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $109,778.18.

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. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 16-4179.

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.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 16-4179 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 16 CH 16251 TJSC#: 37-10376 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3069746

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -v.RICHARD T. CREAL, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 17 CH 09074 11020 S. EASTWOOD DRIVE Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 5, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 14, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11020 S. EASTWOOD DRIVE, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-304-018-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $251,126.26.

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 part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

For information, contact DAVID T. COHEN, COHEN JUTLA DOVITZ MAKOWKA, LLC, 10729 WEST 159TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467, (708) 460-7711 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.

COHEN JUTLA DOVITZ MAKOWKA, LLC 10729 WEST 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 E-Mail: Foreclosure@CJDM.Legal Attorney Code. 25602 Case Number: 17 CH 09074 TJSC#: 37-9166 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MARY ABRAHAM, PHILIP MATHEW, KGH CONSULTATION & TREATMENT, INC. Defendants 14 CH 009103 11838 CALIFORNIA TRAIL ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 15, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 8, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11838 CALIFORNIA TRAIL, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-06-110-004.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-33027.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-13-33027 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 009103 TJSC#: 38-33 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3072855

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.PATRICIA A. TRACEY, CARRIAGE WAY CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 14 CH 010995 5704 128TH STREET UNIT #1C CRESTWOOD, IL 60445 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 30, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 13, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5704 128TH STREET UNIT #1C, CRESTWOOD, IL 60445 Property Index No. 24-32-208-010-1003.

The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-12194.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-14-12194 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 010995 TJSC#: 37-11367 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3072917

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

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

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5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

ADELA PEDROZA; THE CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants, 16 CH 466 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, January 30, 2018 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. 23-26-310-014-0000.

Commonly known as 12533 SOUTH IROQUOIS ROAD, PALOS PARK, IL 60464.

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) 2205611. 15-036310 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3071465

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, vs.

RICHARD BRAUN; CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants, 17 CH 6403 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, January 30, 2018 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. 24-30-131-006-0000.

Commonly known as 12202 South 68th Court, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

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) 2205611. 17-021548 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3071471

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Thursday, January 11, 2018

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

View ‘The Disaster Artist’ and ‘The Shape of Water’ to begin year As 2017 came to a close, Hollywood released some of the year’s finest to qualify for awards.

For your reading pleasure, I present two reviews for the price of one and (Surprise!) these are two of 2017’s best.

“The Disaster Artist” is the story of the making of “The Room” (2003, directed by Tommy Wiseau) — a film so bad, it is often referred to it as “The “Citizen Kane” of bad movies.”

“The Disaster Artist” feels like a younger brother to “Ed Wood” (1994, directed by Tim Burton) as it chronicles Tommy Wiseau (James Franco, who also does a superb job directing this film as well), a man with a foggy past, an unplaceable European accent and a seemingly endless amount of money, as he attempts to make his own version of a Tennessee Williams/James Dean tear-jerker. Ego, incompetence and a general misunderstanding of the word “drama” all contribute to Wiseau making an unintentional cult classic.

BRIAN LAUGHRAN This film about the making of the other film is based on a wonderful book of the same title by Greg Sestero (played in the film by Dave Franco), Tommy’s loyal, but understandably embarrassed best friend.

“The Disaster Artist” avoids what would have been an easy pothole to fall in: to become a condescension of Wiseau and his attempt to join Hollywood’s elite. Instead, James Franco has decided to make a film about friendship. And really, is there any better friend than the one who will embarrass himself to

be in your stinker of a movie?

I saw Wiseau’s original disasterpiece back in high school and have been a fan ever since (in the way people are “fans” of many so-bad-it’s-good movies). My hope is that even if you haven’t seen “The Room,” you’ll still see “The Disaster Artist.”

Much like The “Disaster Artist,” Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” is in love with the movies that inspired it, most obviously “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954, directed by Jack Arnold), only this time around, the heroine is in deeper love with the monster.

Sally Hawkins plays Elisa, a mute working as a cleaning woman at a military lab at the height of the Cold War. The military have captured a creature (Doug Jones) from South America and want to study it for possible weaponization against the Soviet Union.

As experiments on the creature become cruel and violent, Elisa must try and save her unconventional

love interest from the hands of his captor (a vicious Michael Shannon).

Del Toro seems like the kind of guy who might admit to getting misty-eyed at the end of “King Kong” (1933, directed by Merian C. Cooper), and has infused this movie with such empathy for the creature — credited as the Amphibian Man — that by the time a romance develops between Elisa and her amphibious friend, not only did I buy it, I was actively rooting for them to live happily ever after.

Del Toro’s vision is so compelling, so gentle, yet visually stunning, that while there may be films I liked better this year, Del Toro easily wins my vote (if I got one, that is) for the Best Director of 2017.

Somehow this is a film that manages to be dreamlike and yet retains a sense of edge and suspense throughout.

The Disaster Artist: A+ The Shape of Water: A+

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Bridge Teen Center to host Flannels and Frost

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, offers several free events for teens in seventh through 12th grade.

For more information, call (708) 532-0500. These are free events for youths in seventh through 12th grade.

• “Soul Café: How to Deal with Negativity with Mrs. Illinois International 2016” is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Teens can join the former Mrs. Illinois International who has done extensive work combatting bullying and spreading kindness. This program will discuss practical steps of not allowing negativity to steal joy.

• Doubles Pool Tournament and Karaoke night is slated from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12.

Teams of two can enjoy classic billiards or take to the stage to show off their talent at Karaoke.

Mod Pizza will be providing desserts and signature lemonades.

• The Bridge Teen Center hopes to gather families together to celebrate Martin Luther King Day from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Families will be asked help out at The Bridge Thrift Store,

which benefits the free programs at The Bridge Teen Center. Families will be helping sort, organize, clean and stock donated items.

Children must be 10 or older to participate. Participating families or groups are welcome to bring an appetizer or dessert to share with other families.

• What It’s Like to be an ER Nurse with Advocate Children’s Hospital will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Students will hear from an ER pediatric nurse about daily, no-so-routine experiences in a real emergency room. They will also learn about skills needed to remember a very large amount of information make quick decisions and treat patients with compassion.

• Secret Monopoly strategies will be discussed from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Winning Monopoly isn’t just about luck.

Students can gain serious insight on what properties to choose, how many houses to buy and negotiation tips. Students will hear from Rachel, a Bridge staffer, about having a businesses-minded perspective that will not only help win Monopoly, but will be beneficial as they begin to manage money and buy their first home.

Registration is required.

• Teens in seventh through 12th grade are invited to Flannels and Frost from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. Students can wear their own or borrow a flannel from The Bridge Teen Center to take a photo at the Flannel Photo Booth and then catch all the photos on Snapchat. Teens can also hang out in the art studio and create their own flannel mug warmers. LNYX and Life of Carter will be providing the entertainment and Culvers will provide the food samples.

Lake Katherine schedules January programs

Several programs will be held in January at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 7602 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights.

For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 361-1873.

• Junior Explorers will be hearing the sound of pop, pop, pop from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. A program for children in kindergarten through second grade, the Junior Explorers will celebrate National Popcorn Day by watching corn pop through a

Warm up and chow down on chowder When winter arrives, colder temperatures typically arrive as well. Staying warm on cold winter days can sometimes be challenging, but food can be just the thing to make you feel warm on a chilly day.

Chowder is a robust dish that can stick to the ribs while warming people up. Just about anything, including beer, can be added to chowder, making it a uniquely flavorful dish. Ideal for cold days, the following recipe for “Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder” from John Holl’s “The American Craft Beer Cookbook” (Storey) can be just what you need to warm up.

BLACKENED SHRIMP AND CORN CHOWDER Makes 8 to 10 servings • 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil • 1 medium Spanish onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped • 2 medium banana peppers, finely chopped • 1/2 cup red or amber ale • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn • 4 cups fish broth • 1 large sweet potato, baked and mashed • Fresh dill, finely chopped 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and banana peppers, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are

translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the ale and salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking and stirring until the beer’s foam subsides and the liquid reduces by half, about 5 minutes.

2. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Toss the shrimp, chili powder and paprika together in a bowl, coating thoroughly. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring once, until nicely seared, about 2 minutes.

3. Immediately transfer the shrimp to the soup pot, and then stir in the corn and broth. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium-high heat and add the mashed sweet potato. Reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes longer.

4. Divide the soup among bowls and top with the fresh dill before serving.

clear dome, tasting different colored corn and playing some corny games. A short walk outdoors and craft will be included. Registration must be made no later than Monday, Jan. 15. The fee is $6 per child.

• Another group celebrating National Popcorn Day will be the Little Explorers, ages 3 to 6 years old, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 18 and 19, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The fee is $6 per child. Registration must be made by Monday, Jan. 15.

• Homeschool program: Who’s Whoo? will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The fee is $6 per child. A homeschool program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, children will listen to eerie owl calls while dissecting their own owl pellet and using magnifying glasses to examine feathers. To understand the food chain, children will play

games to help learn about animal strategies of survival. Preregistration is required.

• Eco-Explorers: Snowshoeing is scheduled from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31. The fee is $6 per child. This is a program for children in third through fifth grade. Students will take a hike outdoors with snowshoes (snow or no snow). Afterwards, the group will enjoy hot cocoa with marshmallows indoors. Registration must be made no later than Monday, Jan. 29.

Wildlife rescue center sets open house

The first open house of 2018 is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Big Run Wolf Ranch, 14857 S. Farrell Road, Lockport.

Animals in residence at the wildlife rescue facility include nine wolves, a Siberian tiger, a black bear, a cougar, a groundhog,

a skunk, porcupines and more.

Admission is $6 per person— cash or credit cards at the door.

The day’s attractions will include dog sledding demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hot food and hot chocolate will be on sale, and the days will include a bonfire, music, raffles and an open gift shop.

Parking will be available at the Wal-Mart at 16241 S. Farrell Road, with a free school bus shuttle operating continually.

Strollers are allowed. Parking for people with disabilities will be available at the ranch.

More than 35,000 children— many who hail from the Palos and Orland Park communities— visit Big Run each year to see wildlife shows and attend birthday parties, according to founder and owner John Basile. There’s also a campground at the facility.

Continued on page 8

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

HOROSCOPES ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 It is time to take a relationship to a new level, Aries. You are confident you know just the way to accomplish this. Enjoy the excitement that comes with this new beginning.

Clockwise from top left: Students learn the process of creating ceramic art in Pottery for Kids. Students create bangle bracelets in metalsmithing workshop. Lois Shive will perform an eclectic mix of songs at the Emerson Hill Night Dinner.

Supplied photos

The Center to host outdoor daylong retreat The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, has announced a slate of activities for the days ahead.

For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650.

• Awake at The Center: A Day of Mindfulness Outdoors will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Jan. 13. This is a day retreat led by Dan Morley. Participants will be invited to sit, to walk, to listen, to share, to hear, and to see the beauty and wonder that abounds all around. Clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather are suggested, as the retreat will take place completely outdoors.

The retreat fee is $55 and includes leadership, lunch and retreat supplies. Registration is needed at least 24 hours prior to the retreat.

• Log Cabin Art for Kids is scheduled for five Saturdays beginning Jan. 13. Those in kindergarten through second grade will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and those in third through eighth grade will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Ruth Augspurger will demonstrate a world

of art and nature for kids. Classes are held at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts studios and outdoors.

Students work on a variety of art projects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery and more during each session. Each session ends with an art show. The class fee is $75, which includes all supplies.

• Emerson Hill Night Dinner: An Evening of Songs with Lois Shive is set from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 14. Shive is a voice teacher and singer from Palos Heights. She’s sung all over the U.S. as well as Canada, England, Scotland and Mexico.

She will be singing an eclectic mix of songs from standards to pop, hymns and spiritual songs.

This Emerson Hill night costs $25 per person.

• Winter Folkarts will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. every other Monday beginning Jan. 15. Instructor Lois Lauer will lead four workshops in which students will create nature-themed decorative crafts. Planned projects include sock snowmen, valentine soaps, snowy picture frames, rolled bees

wax candles and more. No experience or previous skills needed.

The class fee is $68 plus a $16 materials fee.

• “FDR, a Fireside Chat” with R.J. Lindsey is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 16. Actor and historical dramatist R.J. Lindsey will make history come to life. The news headlines of today call forth the truth of FDR’s words of 80 years ago.

He speaks out against religious and racial intolerance and against the voices of deceit and despair.

He speaks for the people, for the well being of our neighbors and for a government that is the embodiment of human charity, said the Center in its news release of upcoming activities. Lindsey has performed all over the country and has appeared in theatre, film and television. Luncheons cost $22 and reservations must be made in advance.

• Pottery for Kids will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for four Thursdays beginning today. Instructor Liz Credio will moderate this class in which students will learn the process of creat-

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Continued from page 7 Several Boy Scouts have worked with Big Run to complete their Eagle Scout projects.

Many of the animals at Big Run have been rescued when the only alternative was euthanasia. The sanctuary’s primary objective is conservation through education.

For details, call (815) 588-0044.

OPTT casting call for ‘Pirates of Penzance’

Actors of all ages are invited to bring their best pirate swagger to audition for Village of Orland Park Theatre Troupe’s spring musical, “Pirates of Penzance.”

Auditions for children (ages 6-15) will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Adult auditions will be held Sunday, Jan. 28 and Monday, Jan. 29 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Auditions will be held at the village’s Cultural Center, 14760 S. Park Lane.

The 50-plus cast includes roles for men, women and children.

OPTT seeks male actors for four principal roles, as well as 10 pirates and 10 comical cops. There are nine principal female roles, with 10 to 12 additional female roles, and up to seven roles for boys and girls.

Those wishing to audition should bring a prepared piece of music, at least 16 measures.

A dance audition piece will be taught.

Once cast, members pay a $35 registration fee. Rehearsals begin on Feb. 4.

“I fell in love with the show when I did sound for it, back in 2009,” said show director Frann Carnivele. “I sang the songs for weeks after it closed; very fun and catchy tunes!”

Gilbert & Sullivan’s awardwinning, two-act comic opera first debuted in 1879 and has been charming audiences ever since.

OPPT’s spring performances will run April 27-29 at Carl Sandburg Performing Arts Center.

To learn more, contact Jean Petrow at (708) 364-0682.

Cooks invited to soup competition

Local cooks are invited to compete in Orland Township’s firstever Souper Bowl Challenge, set for 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Orland Township headquarters, 14807 S. Ravinia, Orland Park The Souper Bowl Challenge will feature “four quarters” of competition with soup sampling, plus games, raffles and activities for all ages.

Cooking participation is limited to the first five individuals to sign up for each quarter: • First quarter is open to cooks between the ages of 12 and 54.

• Second quarter is open to cooks employed in public service, such as police, fire, education and the military.

• Third quarter is open to those age 55 and older.

• Fourth quarters is open to those who have received a culinary degree or certificate.

Soup cooks will be asked to prepare one and a half gallons of soup for the event and an additional batch that will be donated to a local soup kitchen.

Prizes will be awarded to one MVP each quarter and will be determined by votes from a panel of judges, the Souper Bowl Committee and the audience. All cooks must be registered to participate

by Jan. 19.

“Even though our hometown

team won’t be playing in the big game, I hope all residents will start their pre-game festivities with us,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “Come help Orland Township score a touchdown by joining us for an afternoon of football related fun.”

Pre-sale tickets for the event will be available starting Jan. 8 and will be $5 each ($3 for senior citizens). Tickets will also be available at the door for $10 ($6 for senior citizens).

For more information on the First Annual Souper Bowl Challenge, call (708) 403-4222.

Seek vendors for Sandburg craft show

Crafters and vendors are invited to apply to be a part of the 2018 Sandburg Music Boosters’ Spring Craft Show, set for March 10-11 at Sandburg High School, 13300 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park.

“The highly anticipated shopping event is expected to boast well over 150 exhibitors and thousands of paid attendees,” said Don Vacha, CSHS Music Booster president. “This is a fantastic opportunity for crafters and vendors to showcase their wares to a community of excited shoppers who are there to support the music program and students at Carl Sandburg High School.”

The cost for a two-day booth rental is $115 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the music students at Sandburg High School.

Booth size is approximately 10 feet wide by 8 feet deep.

Applications and payment can be mailed to Sandburg Spring Craft Show, P.O. Box 1066, Orland Park, IL 60462. Checks can be made payable to Carl Sandburg Music Boosters.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, a financial windfall has given you some extra spending money. While you may want to splurge, the practical side of you knows some saving is in order.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, many things are on your plate, but you don’t feel overwhelmed at all. In fact, you’re ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs one.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, some things may be beyond your control this week, and that is okay. The measure of success will be how well you can adapt to the changes ahead.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Recreation is the name of the game this week, Gemini. Coming off of a busy period, you are anxious to put your feet up for a few days. Book that vacation right now.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/ Dec 21 Home improvements may be in your future, Sagittarius. Projects could be just what the doctor ordered to chase away any feelings of cabin fever that may develop.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Use your intuition in regard to others’ feelings this week, Cancer.

Give someone who needs it a little leeway, and your thoughtfulness will be appreciated.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, although the digital age has taken over, this week you might be ready to unplug for a while. Stock up on some books that can fuel your imagination.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you think change will do you some good, then it is time to make it happen. Embrace the excitement that comes with making changes.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Lend an ear to someone who has to get a few things off of his or her chest, Aquarius. You do not have to offer solutions. Just being there will be assistance enough.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Thanks to a spark of creativity, your plans may change this week, ing ceramic art. They will create Virgo. Grab someone who is up several themed projects as well for an unexpected adventure to as having time to experiment join the journey. with clay. This class is open to children in first through eighth grade. The class fee is $51 plus a $14 materials fee.

• Copper and Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet Class is scheduled from 6:30 to 9 pm. Friday The Stagg High School StuJan. 19. Instructor Liz Credio will dents Exhibit will be open during help students create two bangle gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. bracelets (one silver and one cop- Monday through Friday and 11 per) by learning the techniques of a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, through metalsmithing. The workshop fee Feb. 2 at McCord Gallery and is $22 plus a $20 materials fee. Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Don’t leave any stone unturned when seeking a solution this week, Pisces. The least expected avenue may be the right one.

McCord to showcase Stagg High School students artwork Road, Palos Park.

A reception for the exhibit will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at McCord Gallery.

For more information, call the gallery at (708) 671-0648.

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