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Evergreen Park and Marist enjoy holiday hoops success: SPORTS

REPORTER

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

CHICAGO RIDGE

Dashboard cameras get green light

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Joe Boyle

The new Carson’s building at 9700 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park will be sharing the parking lot with a number of retail businesses that are scheduled to be built by the end of the summer.

Carson’s neighbors arriving soon

By Joe Boyle The new Carson’s store has been attracting large crowds since it opened in September in Evergreen Park. By the end of the summer, the store will share the location with several other retail shops and restaurants in the area that was once the Evergreen Plaza.

As of New Year’s Eve, several brick structures were standing alongside the new Carson’s at 9700 S. Western Ave. Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton is delighted with the progress so far, acknowledging that construction will slow down during the winter months.

“They are running on time,” said Sexton. “I think most of these buildings will be built by the end of the summer. I can’t wait to see it.”

Sexton and the village administration are pleased with how well the new Carson’s store has done in the four months it has been open. Ironically, the old Carson’s building currently shares the same parking lot with the new facility. The

“I can’t wait to see the paved

parking lots, the landscapting, the stores and the restaurants. I want everyone to see the artistry.” ­— Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton old Carson’s is the last remaining shell from the Evergreen Plaza, which was demolished in the fall of 2015.

Demolition of the old Carson’s was due to take place this month, Sexton said.

The mayor said someone has purchased the old Plaza office tower office next to the old Carson’s. He is not sure what, if any, impact it will have on the demolition plans for the old Carson’s building.

The Lorimax Stern Development Company, of Bloomfield Hills. Mich., is overseeing the project for the new retail shops and restaurants that are being built.

While the old Carson’s is the last retail store that dates back to glory years of The Plaza, Planet Fitness along 95th Street had been in operation since the later years of the iconic shopping center. Applebee’s, an outlet restaurant located near where the old Plaza sign was erected, has also been in operation. Traffic that goes into the parking lot along 95th Street is for Planet Fitness and Applebee’s.

The new Carson’s is going to be joined

by DSW, Petco, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Rally See EVERGREEN, Page 5

EP District 124 has healthy outlook on generosity

By Claudia Parker Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggest that being generous will actually make you happier. A study by the University of Pennsylvania states that generous people are healthier as well.

In that case, members of Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 should be very happy and healthy after providing plenty of cheer this past holiday season.

“The district office staff used to do a holiday gift exchange, but we changed it to focus on the kids,” said Deb Wlodarski, administrative assistant to the director of curriculum. “I’ve been here for 25 years. We’ve been doing this at least 15.”

What began as an office grab bag quickly transitioned to charitable donations given to families most in need.

“The social workers from each school provide names of families they feel could benefit from receiving assistance granting their

Photo by Claudia Parker

Students at Central Middle School in Evergreen Park hosted a Holiday Movie Night and collected goods for the annual food drive.

children a gift from their holiday wish list,” said Jean Hector, administrative assistant to the director of student support services.

“With the parent or guardian’s consent, district office employees are then able to select an item to purchase specific to that child’s

request.”

“The families are always so appreciative, it just warms our hearts watching them pick up their gifts,” said Jan Stanton, community outreach coordinator for District 124.

Southeast School has adopted the administrative office’s concept. The staff decorated a giving tree with wish list items anonymously provided for staff to select and purchase for students most in need.

Central Middle School was hoping to restock the Evergreen Park food pantry, which often gets depleted after Thanksgiving.

“On Friday, Dec. 2, we hosted a holiday movie night for students with popcorn and other concessions. The cost of admission was a nonperishable food item,” said Holly Trojanowski, CMS administrative assistant.

The Movie Night was a huge success, as students covered the gymnasium floor like wall-towall carpet. They collected more See GENEROSITY, Page 5

The Chicago Ridge Village Board recently gave Police Chief Rob Pyznarski the “go-ahead” to start pricing dashboard cameras to be installed in village patrol cars.

Pyznarski made the request during the board’s Dec. 20 meeting. He estimated that the cost of the cameras could be anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000. However, he said that none of the cost would be borne by local taxpayers.

The chief said the camera program, which would include audio equipment as well, qualifies for the cost to be paid for out of the funds the department receives from other sources.

“Because it involves equipment improvements, we can use the funds we are allocated from asset forfeiture programs involving crimes connected to narcotics and money laundering,” he explained.

Illinois state police cars are required to have dashboard cameras with audio capabilities installed, but municipalities are not required to do so. However, the board agreed with Pyznarski that they are beneficial.

“Overall, it is for the protection of the police and the citizenry,” said Pyznarski.

“They will be there for the benefit of the police as much as the public,” added Mayor Chuck Tokar.

Tokar pointed out that a lot of accusations are made against the police, and having video footage can help solve a lot of disputes.

Pyznarski said it has not been decided yet whether all 14 squad cars should be equipped with the cameras. Cost may be a deciding factor. He also pointed out that once a camera has been installed See CAMERAS, Page 4

New year’s new laws cover variety of issues

By Steve Metsch The new year in Illinois brings around 200 new laws. They cover serious issues — matters of life or death, often — as well as lesser concerns. Here are some of them: • Victims of sexual assault will have more time to request a rape kit, and more detailed reporting of sexual assaults will be required, along with faster forensic testing under Senate Bill 3096.

Bridgeview Police Chief Ricardo Mancha thinks it’s a good law that “probably stems from the state police crime lab being so backlogged.”

Victims of domestic abuse also will get help from cosmetologists, who will be on the lookout after they receive special training to recognize the signs of domestic violence, as called for in House Bill 4264.

Mancha also thinks this is a good thing, but cautions that there could possibly be some problems “if the victim doesn’t call us to begin with.”

“Then it falls to the hairdresser and some tension could result between that person and the customer. I hope they do offer the victim a phone call to call for information for a domestic shelter,” Mancha said.

• If you are a motorist willing to risk your life trying to pass through a railroad crossing while the warning gates and down and the lights are on, here’s something to consider. Senate Bill 2806 doubles the fines incurred for such death-defying feats of stupidity.

“Good,” said Mancha, a former Chicago police officer. “Many years ago, on Lake Street on the West Side of Chicago, there’s a stretch that has five railroad tracks. The gates went down, a kid looked to his left and saw a train a mile away. He thought he had it made, takes off around the gates and never looked to his right.”

Another train on the driver’s right side was about 100 feet away, See LAWS, Page 5

Photo by Jeff orva

Drivers who go though a railroad crossing when the gates are down will be subject to bigger fines after new state laws were approved for 2017.

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Change Your Mind about Car Buying

2 The Reporter

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Metra asks for customer suggestions as part of ‘Ride Nice’ campaign Metra is asking its customers to help it choose the next topics to be covered in its “Ride Nice” courtesy campaign.

The courtesy campaign, the first in Metra’s history, is designed to address some of the most common complaints that customers have about other customers. The first round of campaign posters, which were released in July, addressed

hogging seats, blocking aisles, talking too loudly, putting feet on seats and too much personal grooming.

To extend the campaign in 2017, Metra is asking customers to vote for the topic they want to see addressed next. They can choose from a list of suggestions — such as littering, man-spreading or hands-free coughing and sneezing— or they can

Discussion of human trafficking to be held at Sacred Heart in Palos Hills Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart will be the keynote speaker at a presentation on human trafficking and sexual exploitation set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Sacred Heart Parish’s Moscow Center, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

The public is invited, and admission is free. For more details, contact Elizabeth Droel at (708) 974-3336, ext. 250 or droel@sacredheartpalos.org.

The event is hosted by Sacred Heart’s Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry and the Rev. Jacek Wrona, pastor, during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Dart is expected to recap how he “reformed the way Sheriff’s Police handle prostitution arrests–steering prostitutes toward rehabilitative services through the

Sheriff’s Women’s Justice Program rather than jail,” according to a statement.

Dart also launched a national campaign to target the “johns” who solicit sex and highlight their roles as catalysts for the sex trade. Since its first operation in 2011, the “National Day of Johns Arrests” has grown to include more than 80 law enforcement nationwide partners who have combined for 5,894 johns arrests.

The Child Exploitation Unit, also founded under Dart, pursues child pornography and human trafficking cases. Such work provided the foundation for his advocacy and awareness initiatives regarding websites such as CraigsList, which ultimately led to the removal of the “Adult Services” section previously listed on that website.

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Lavell S. Reynolds, 29, of the 8500 block of South Seeley Avenue, Chicago, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, a felony, following his arrest at 6:55 p.m. Monday in the 10400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue.

Police from the tactical unit said they were in the area conducting surveillance on reported drug activity when they saw Reynolds conduct a cash transaction with another person in exchange for crack cocaine. He was held for a bond hearing.

Kortney Gordon, 24, of Chicago, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and battery following a fight in the emergency room of Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2800 W. 95th St., at 5:22 p.m.

Dec. 23. Police said he shoved a man he got into a physical altercation with, and refused repeated requests to leave the scene.

He was also carrying 1.3 grams of Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, according to reports.

tery after police investigating an attempted armed robbery at a nearby gas station stopped him for questioning as he walked at 11:27 p.m. Dec. 22 in the 9900 block of South Cicero Avenue.

Police said he matched the description of the suspect in the attempted robbery of a Citgo station at 9856 S. Cicero Ave. but a clerk said he was not involved.

However, in addition to battery, he was charged with resisting a police officer after he grabbed a police officer’s forearm and refused to obey commands He is due in court on Feb. 7.

Retail theft

Revoked license

• William Jackson, 47, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 1:29 p.m. Dec. 24 at Menards, 9100 S. Western Ave. Police said he took five electronics items worth a total of $767.23 • Tracy Monden, 20, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Carson’s, 9700 S. Western Ave., at 5:18 p.m. Dec. 23. Police said he took a hat worth $39.50.

Eddie Stiff III, 48, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 5:03 p.m. Dec. 24 at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St. Police said he took a pair of gloves and an electronics items worth $34.84.

• Anne Black, 29, of Midlothian, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 12:08 p.m. Dec. 27. Police said she took birthday cards and tissue paper worth $14.38.

• William Short, 30, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4:33 p.m. Dec. 28. Police said he took one can of Red Bull energy drink and a box of tea worth $4.88.

• Cordale Pouncey, 19, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he took a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey worth $20.97.

Ashraf Samad, 40, of Justice, was charged with a felony for driving on a revoked license following a traffic stop at 12:48 a.m.

Dec. 23 at 87th Street and Cicero Avenue. Police said his license had been revoked and suspended three times each. He was also cited for speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia when a hitter box and metal pipe used for smoking marijuana were found in the car, police said. He was held for a bond hearing.

Drug charge

Retail theft Fred Gepeda, 35, of the 5100 block of State Road, Burbank, was charged with retail theft at 7:15 p.m. Friday at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said he took a coat worth $65 out of the store. He is due in court in Feb. 27.

• Tangalina Scales, 35, of the 9500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10:41 a.m. Friday in the 10100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue.

Police said she is due in court on Feb. 7.

• El Pidio Villanueva, 20, of the 10400 block of South Natoma Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, in the 6500 block of West 103rd Street. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and failure to signal when required. He is due in court on Jan. 17.

• Robert Dalton, 44, of the 9800 block of South Harlem Avenue, was charged with driving on a suspended license at 7:10 p.m.

Friday in the block on which he lives. He was also cited for driving without insurance and disobeying a stop sign. He is due in court on Feb. 27.

• Jose R. Rios, 31, of 12800 block of Lincoln Avenue, Blue Island, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6:35 a.m. Monday in the 9900 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and driving without tail lights. He is due in court on Feb. 27.

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Metra reminded customers to: • Treat others as you would like to be treated.

• Help lead by example by practicing proper etiquette.

• Be the change you want to see.

• Remember, you’re not alone. Always consider your onboard behavior and try to do better.

POLICE REPORTS

Suspended license

Donna Brown, Sales Director Joe Boyle, Editor Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer

CEO Don Orseno. “We’ll adopt the same tone for the next posters. We are simply trying to use this modest campaign to get our customers to think about how their behavior impacts others.”

The “Ride Nice” courtesy campaign was created in-house, and the only expense was the printing of the posters, Metra officials said.

write in their own suggestion. Winning entries will be made into posters.

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Drug possession

Hickory Hills

Aggravated speeding Daniel P. Hernandez, 36, of the 7900 block of South Kostner Avenue, Chicago, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 27 in the 8500 block of West 87th Street. Police said she he was driving 69 mph in a 35 mph zone.

He is due in court on Feb. 14.

Revoked license Roneesha B. Hinton, 27, of the 7900 block of South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving on a revoked license following a traffic stop at 12:46 p.m. Saturday in the 8600 block of West 87th Street. Police said she was also cited for expired registration and obstructing identification because she initially gave a false name. She is due in court on Feb. 14.

Oak Lawn

Conduct charges Daniel T. Orozco, 35, of Chicago, was charged with being intoxicated in the roadway at 1:35 p.m. Dec. 21 at 111th Street and Pulaski Road. Police said he appeared intoxicated and was stumbling around in the street and nearly got hit by cars. He was also issued a village ordinance violation for public indecency after he urinated in a nearby parking lot, according to police. He is due in court on Feb. 1.

Battery off nse

Arnold Steve Hofling, 24, of Burbank, was charged with bat-

were opened in his name.

Deceptive practices Police are investigating a report of deceptive practices from a resident of the 10100 block of 81st Court at 3:27 p.m. Dec. 31.

Police said the victim told them that after wiring $1,000 for a purchase, he was unable to contact the seller and the goods being exchanged were never delivered.

Store burglarized The burglary of a store in the 10300 block of South Harlem was reported at 1:47 a.m. Sunday. Police said the front door of the store was damaged and the victim reported that $2,800 was taken.

Vandalism report A resident of the 9700 block of South 90th Avenue reported finding two cars vandalized in a parking lot outside his residence at 12:24 p.m. Saturday.

Mailbox stolen A mailbox was reported stolen from a post outside a home in the 10400 block of Aspen Avenue at 4:12 p.m. Saturday.

DUI charges

Criminal damages

• Melissa J. Krok, 34, of Palos Hills, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a hit-and-run crash at 10:48 p.m. Dec. 23 at 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. Police said she was found with her stalled car at Southwest Highway and 52nd Avenue. Police said she registered .116 blood-alcohol count on a breath test and was also cited for leaving the scene of an accident. She is due in court on Feb. 1.

• Desmond A. Howe, 47, of Evergreen Park, was charged with DUI following a traffic crash at 3:26 a.m. Dec. 23 at 95th Street and Mobile Avenue. Police said Howe’s car had struck a light pole and he appeared intoxicated.

An open, nearly empty bottle of vodka was found in the car, and he registered .232 blood-alcohol count on a breath test, according to police. He was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance, open alcohol, driving off a roadway and damage to village property. He is due in court on Jan. 23.

Police are investigating a report of criminal damage to a business in the 10400 block of South Harlem Avenue at 12:10 p.m. Sunday. The victim reported that the front door of the business was damaged.

Vandalism took place to a vehicle and mailbox in the 7900 block of West 113th Street at 8:47 a.m. Monday. Police were told that a tire on a vehicle parked outside, as well as a mailbox, was damaged by someone during the overnight hours.

Palos Hills

Home invasion Police are investigating an armed home invasion that occurred on Saturday in the 10700 block of South Roberts Road. The victim reported that several people forced their way into the home.

During the struggle that ensued, one of the offenders fired a handgun twice inside the residence.

No one was injured by bullets but one person was treated and released from an area hospital for an eye injury suffered during the struggle. Police said this appears to be an isolated incident that remains under investigation.

Identity theft Police are investigating a report of identity theft filed by a resident of the 7800 block of 100th Place at 12:56 p.m. Dec. 28. The victim had been advised by a bank about a delinquent account, but the person said the account had been opened fraudulently.

Police were called to a residence in the 10600 block of South 84th Avenue at 2:08 p.m. Saturday to investigate a report of identity theft. The victim told them several fraudulent credit card accounts

Worth

License charges • Assef B. Massalma, 25, of the 6800 block of West Lode Drive, Worth, was charged with driving without a valid license at 8:26 p.m. Dec. 28 in the 6800 block of West 111th Street. Police said he was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance.

He is due in court on Feb. 16.

• Ahmad N. Aqra, 26, of the 10600 block of South Brooks Lane, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 1:58 p.m. Friday in the 6800 block of West 111th Street. Police said he was also cited for speeding.

He is due in court on Feb. 16.

DUI charges • Roberto A. Aguilar-Montoya, 19, of the 2300 block of West Florence Avenue, Blue Island, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 1:09 a.m. Friday in the 11300 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having no rear registration plate light, improper lane usage, driving without a valid license, no insurance, and illegal transportation of alcohol. An open bottle of beer was found in the car and he registered .127 blood-alcohol count on a breath test, police said. He is due in court on Feb. 16.

• Nicholas C. Fox, 44, of the 7000 block of West 114th Street, Worth, was charged with DUI at 8:59 p.m. last Thursday in the 7600 block of West 111th Street.

Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage and failure to signal when required. He is due in court on Feb. 16.

Order of protection violated Michael C. Harden, 27, of the 11000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, was charged with violating an order of protection after he entered a residence of a family member on the same block at 2:30 p.m. last Thursday. Police were called to the scene to break up an argument that ensued. He was held for a bond hearing.

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 guility in a court of law.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Reporter

3

Evergreen Park seeks funding for capital improvements

By Sharon L. Filkins

Submitted photo

Cheers for champs from Shepard

The varsity cheerleaders from Shepard High School placed first in the recent Andrew Invitational Co-Ed Division. Nicole Staehlin, a graduate of Shepard High School, serves as the head coach for the Astros.

Let’s not forget old acquaintances in the new year

T

he passing of the old year to the new marks a new beginning for most of us. At least we would like to think so.

But the new year has just begun and we have not noticed any great changes over the last few days. The Chicago Bears have proved to be as an inept in 2017 as they were in 2016. President-elect Donald Trump will continue to tweet as often as he did in the previous year.

And what about Mariah Carey? During her next performance in 2017, maybe she will actually sing. That would be one change.

The point I’m trying to make is that the new year is not like a light switch. Problems that existed in 2016 will most likely continue, at least initially, in 2017. Of course, we celebrate on New Year’s Eve with the hope that things will be a little bit better in the upcoming year.

Many of us have made resolutions. The most popular is losing weight and getting in great shape. I wish everyone good luck with that. However, my suggestion is not to focus on this as your primary goal.

Many of us become disenchanted. Losing weight can be hard work, especially when we get older. Getting a new job is something for people to strive for.

Perhaps the best resolution is not to make that many resolutions. Just try to be a better person. Perhaps some of the other things like weight and a new job will eventually take care of themselves.

The year of 2016 was filled with chaos and the unexpected. It was in many ways an unpredictable year. My final day of 2016 was different.

I attended a wake for a childhood friend that was held at my old church, Joe St. Margaret of ScotBoyle land, 9837 S. Throop St., Chicago. Tom Carey was well known as a Democratic strategist for local candidates. He would call me often when I worked at another newspaper. We would discuss some candidates, but we would always divert back to our pasts.

Tom lived a couple of blocks from me and we attended St. Margaret’s together.

We were on some of the same baseball teams for the then Longwood Manor Baseball Association. Our conversations were mostly about those old days.

His wake was well attended. Many friends from my past were in attendance and it was good to catch up on how everyone was doing. That’s how life is when you get a little older. You often meet up with friends from your past at wakes and funerals. Fortunately, I have been seeing more of my friends from my past at more uplifting events the past couple of years.

That is one resolution we should all try to keep. We should do our best to stay in touch with people we have known over the years.

I then had to leave to take some photos for our newspaper. My wife and I went out for dinner that evening in LaGrange and later saw the movie “Arrival” starring Amy Adams. Not to give anything away, but this sci-fi film is about a new beginning. It was fitting to see this on New Year’s Eve. It is a great film.

We were home well before midnight and prepared to watch various New Year’s Eve countdown shows. At midnight, we celebrated like everyone else. We seemed to hear more fireworks than last year, maybe due to the milder temperatures.

I was in a good mood knowing that I would have couple of days off. It gave me an opportunity to think about the passing year and what to look forward to in 2017.

And what we can look forward to every year is hope. I don’t know if a new year is a new beginning or not. I suppose for some of us it can be. But maybe we can’t expect instant changes. Schools will be back in session soon and organizations will be gathering for meetings.

We know we will soon have a new president. The Bears will have the third pick in the NFL Draft. So there will be changes in 2017. Let us hope that some of those changes will be for the better.

As for me, keeping up with friends and relatives will be my main goal.

The Evergreen Park Village Board welcomed the new year with a balanced budget and calls for an appropriation ordinance and liquor license requests during the Tuesday night meeting.

A proposed appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year beginning Nov. 1, 2016 and ending Oct. 31, 2017 was presented at a public hearing prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was brief, with no questions or comments from the public.

Presenting the proposed ordinance was Village Treasurer John Sawyers, who stated that the village is operating with a balanced budget.

“In the general fund, we are requesting an appropriation of $26, 419,574 as we have a surplus of nearly $11,000,” said Sawyers.

He added that there have been significant capital expenditures, such as six new squad cars, totaling $159,000; a new prisoner transport van at $87,000; a new ambulance at $153,000; and a body camera system for police officers at $115,000.

Other large expenditures included a HVAC system upgrade at the firing range, a backstop at Duffy Park, a new roof at the storage garage and a truck upgrade.

As for the sewer and water fund, Sawyers said an appropriation of $7,075,340 is requested because there is a surplus of $41,660 in the fund.

Trustee Mark Mazullo commented that public safety was the top concern for the board as

the budget was discussed.

“All the department heads were very reasonable in their requests as we met in our budget meetings and we were able to meet their requests,” said Mazullo.

According to Sawyers, approval of the appropriation ordinance is anticipated at the Jan.17 board meeting.

In the board meeting following the public hearing, an ordinance was approved to amend the village municipal code to add a Class H Liquor License. The approval was based on a request from Chicago Famous Seafood, The Crazy Crab, located at 9204 S. Western Ave., to change from a Class E to Class H Liquor License. The change will allow the business to serve specified drinks such as margaritas or daiquiris in addition to the beer and wine allowed under their Class E Liquor License. The Class H license limits the consumption of the alcohol to the premises only.

The board also approved a business certificate for the new owners of a Brown’s Chicken restaurant at 3414 W. 95th St., now a Brown’s Chicken J.J. Fish & Shrimp, but only after several questions were raised by the board.

Mayor James Sexton told the new owners, Steve Matariyeh and Samer Alsalibi, that the restaurant has been a solid business in the community for many years and he hoped that it would continue in the same manner.

The mayor also announced that the next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17, due to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance on Monday, Jan. 16.

Joe Boyle is the editor of The Reporter.

He can be reached at thereporter@ comcast.net.

ARTLYNNPHOTOGRAPHY Creative, Classic and Fun Photography

Supplied photo

The bandit as seen on a bank security camera.

FBI searches for man who robbed Alsip bank wearing electrical tape ‘mustache’ The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering an unspecified cash reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a man who robbed an Alsip bank last week.

The bandit robbed the TCF Bank branch at 12001 S. Pulaski at 3:22 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28. He did not brandish a weapon.

The robber is described as a black man in his early 40s, about 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds.

He wore a dark jacket, a black/ gray winter hat, and black electrical tape under his nose.

Anyone recognizing the bandit should call 911 immediately.

Others with useful information are encouraged to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

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4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, January 5, 2017

St. Patricia in Hickory Hills hosts Festival of Lights The annual Festival of Lights at St. Patricia School and Parish in Hickory Hills was celebrated recently and enjoyed by residents, students and the local community.

The Rev. Marc Pasciak, pastor of St. Patricia, gave a blessing at the Holy Family Creche for

all the families to have good health, joy and a safe holiday. Santa Claus and Pasciak joined the St. Patricia’s children’s choir and sang favorite Christmas classics.

Santa’s Holiday Suite welcomed families to visit while children told Santa all their Christmas wishes.

Parents and grandparents smiled and said they remembered when they sat on Santa’s lap.

The Christmas tree courtyard was decorated by each classroom. Students selected a theme, creating personal ornaments with the help of their teachers. Volunteers hung hundreds of lights through-

out the courtyard, the Holy Name Society and Sertoma donated the trees, and school families brought homemade cookies and treats to share, along with hot chocolate.

For more information about St. Patricia, visit the website at www.stpatriciaparish.com

The Rev. Marc Pasciak, pastor of St. Patricia Parish, and a large crowd of residents and students take part in the annual Festival of Lights. Parishioners sang Christmas carols and held candles during a ceremony that was held in the courtyard.

Children from St. Patricia School participated in the annual Festival of Lights in the parish courtyard.

A youngster listens as Santa talks to him during the annual Festival of Lights celebration.

Families enjoyed snacks and refreshments during the annual Festival of Lights at St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills.

Submitted photos

St. Patricia Elementary School students hold ornaments that were used for the Christmas tree during the annual Festival of Lights.

SWSRA to host ‘Sensory Depot’ event in Worth The South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is hosting a grand opening and open house for the new sensory room called “Sensory Depot” from 6 to 7 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 5) at the Helen Goy Center, 10707 S. Oak Park Ave., Worth.

Sensory rooms allow participants to experience self-directed stimulation in a calming environment.

This space will serve children and adults with sensory processing disorders, such as autism, autism spectrum disorders, dementia and ADHD. Sensory rooms emulate a safe and soothing environment, dimmed lighting, quiet tones, and relaxing sounds to help improve the overall well-being of users,

according to the SWSRA. Benefits for the participants include regulated emotions, reduced anxiety and disruptive behaviors, and increased social interactions. Refreshments will be served. This will be one of the first recreational sensory rooms in the southwest suburbs.

The SWSRA serves a number of southwest suburbs including the Palos Heights Recreation Department and the Worth Park District. Reservations for the Sensory Depot can be arranged by calling (708) 389-9423 or email pmarr@swsra. com.

For further information, contact the SWSRA office at (708) 389-9423 or visit www.swsra.com.

Cameras

closer to February,” he said.

Pyznarski noted that the camera program will require some work by staff, who will have to review the footage recorded. The recordings also will have to be stored for a certain period of time.

At previous meetings, the police chief has also discussed the pros and cons of body cameras, which are also being used by some departments. But he said on Dec. 20 that their use is more complicated than dash cams, and the department is waiting for various legal issues to be ironed out at the state level before seriously considering them.

Continued from Page 1

in a car, the vehicle cannot be taken out on patrol unless the equipment is operational. That’s because having non-working cameras would be problematic.

“With your permission, we will start the process of comparing the options available and soliciting for bids. We will then come back to you with the top three choices for your final approval. We will get it done as soon as possible, but it could be

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Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives

Worth family finds dog that was 115 miles from home • 50 years ago

From the Jan. 5, 1967 issue The story: A family from Worth provided a surprise Christmas gift to a family from Gibson City, Ill. by finding their dog that has been missing for two weeks.

Skippy, the pet dog of the Craig family from Gibson City, disappeared Dec. 13 but was returned Dec. 29 when the Atkocaitis family from Worth discovered the dog. One of the members of the Atkocaitis family noticed the dog for three straight days near a Worth grade school. The dog would follow a couple of the Atkocaitis boys as they rode by on their bike. After originally resisting, Skippy came home with the Atkocaitis boys.

The Atkocaitis family got the Ford County rabies tag number and asked the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to check them. They communicated with the Ford County Sheriff’s Office and learned that it was the Craigs who owned the dog. The families met in Kankakee and Skippy was overjoyed to see the Craigs. How Skippy ended up 115 miles from Gibson City to Worth remained a mystery.

The quote: “That was one homesick dog,” said Mr. Craig.

Lewis University now has satellite campus in Hickory Hills • 25 years ago

From the Jan. 2, 1992 issue The story: Lewis University has found a home for its satellite campus in Hickory Hills. The city council approved a special ordinance last Thursday that will permit the university to occupy 8,800 square feet of the Hickory Palos Square Shopping Center.

Both a nursing program and classes in criminal justice will be offered at the site. About half of the space in the shopping center is vacant. Hickory Hills Ald. Pat Morrissey also pointed out that students do have breaks during the day and that they will most likely patronize the eating establishments in the area.

The branch campus, to be located at 95th Street and Roberts Road, is expected to serve 300 students with the maximum number of 125 occupants at any peak time.

The quote: “The new campus is not retail, but it’s something,” said Morrissey. “I hope this will encourage more retail stories to come to the area. With the nursing program maybe a uniform shop will open or an office supply store.”

Climbing wall being built at Glen Oaks School • 10 years ago

From the Jan. 4, 2007 issue The story: Glen Oaks Teachers Association has donated $5,200 for the purchase of a climbing wall for students at Glen Oaks School in Palos Hills.

The wall was being built during the school’s winter break and should be available to students soon after they return on Jan. 8. The wall will consist of five panels that are five feet high by eight feet wide, making the wall overall 40 feet wide. It will have “rocks” screwed into to the wall and are safer than some climbing walls that have inverted spaces where climbers stick their hand into it in order to scale the wall, according to Tammy Moran, the PTA president.

The quote: “It’s something different for the kids, another way to stay physically active,” said Moran, whose idea it was to buy the wall.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Food source.

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

Last week’s Whatizit stumped almost all of our readers to close out the year. The only person to correctly guess it was the Menard Activity Center, 5800 W. 90th St., Oak Lawn, was again Steve Rosenbaum. The Oak Lawn resident also was the only person to answer the previous week’s Whatizit correctly.

The Menard Activity Center can be found at the corner of 90th and Menard and has ample parking just north of the building. Residents and non-residents can rent out the facility on Saturdays and Sundays during the year, depending on availability. Residents who would like to rent out the Menard Center can visit the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn, or call (708) 857-2420.

Among the activities that take place at the Menard Center are line dancing, square dancing and karate lessons.

SUDOKU

Evergreen

Continued from Page 1

House, Carter’s Oshkosh, Dressbarn and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“Dick’s Sporting Goods is scheduled to be built by the end of the summer,” said Sexton.

“That would be great. It’s hard for me to visualize this until it is finished.”

Ample parking is available.

Sexton added that a series of restaurants will be built along Western Avenue and they will be sharing the back of the parking lot.

“I hope everything is in place this fall,” Sexton added. “I can’t wait to see the paved parking lots, the landscaping, the stores and the restaurants. I want everyone to see the artistry.”

Generosity

Continued from Page 1

food — over 200 cans — from just the one night than their previous year’s annual food drive.

Southeast School had a head start on this mission, as its Southeast Eagle Spirit (SEES) Booster club collected a full banquet table of food donations just prior to Thanksgiving break.

While toys bring smiles to fac-

Laws

Continued from Page 1

Answers on Page 9

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Software versions that probably have bugs 6 Deer sir?

10 Long-running TV forensic series 13 Reason for some food recalls 14 Tractor brand 15 Gavel sound 16 King of ragtime 18 California’s Santa __ Mountains 19 2,000 pounds 20 Lee in the frozen foods section 21 Gives off 23 Presley film set in Sin City 26 Noisy insect 29 Seuss’ “Horton __ a Who!” 30 In any way 31 Artist Francisco 33 Right-angled pipes 36 Penalty flag thrower 37 Sincere 40 Promise to repay, for short 41 The “E” in FEMA: Abbr.

43 Fez and fedora 44 Speaks scratchily 46 “Sour grapes” storyteller 48 Multi-room accommodations 49 One chasing outlaws for money 53 Domed home 54 Zip, as a Ziploc 55 Static jolt 58 Bikini top 59 Counter wipers, or what the starts of 16-, 23- and 49-Across are 63 Lanai wreath 64 Preface, briefly 65 Yeas and nays 66 Mass. clock setting 67 Mix, as a salad 68 Make into a statute

DOWN

1 Unsurpassed, or surpass 2 Danish shoe company 3 Animated character 4 Mountain hgt.

5 Isn’t used, as machinery 6 Leaf under a petal 7 Phone book no.

8 Tycoon Onassis 9 Swiss convention city 10 Site for online bargain hunters 11 Legendary sleigh rider 12 “Not interested” 14 Animated kid explorer 17 Morning cup 22 For a __ pittance 23 Actor Kilmer 24 “Now I remember” 25 Caspian and Black 26 Handle with __ 27 Gossip column couple 28 17-Down with hot milk 31 Boardroom diagram 32 Toronto’s prov.

34 More than trot 35 Figure (out), slangily 38 Shout between ships 39 Soul mate 42 Nevada city 45 Word before base or ball 47 “Cut that out!”

48 Fantasy baseball datum 49 Holy Scriptures 50 Fairy tale baddies 51 Password creators 52 Fictional sleuth Wolfe 55 Second of four rhyming Greek letters 56 Actor Baldwin 57 Hissed “Hey!” 60 “Is that __?”: “Are you declining?”

61 Pair in a qt.

62 Took first place Answers on Page 9

Mancha said.

• The pressures and tension of being in a courtroom are tough for anyone, but especially hard on children. Senate Bill 2880 will allow child victims of battery to provide testimony via a one-way closed-circuit television.

• Legal counsel will be required to be given to all minors, under the age of 15, who are facing murder charges, per Senate Bill 2370.

• If you don’t want to give your employer or prospective employer access to your social media accounts, you won’t have to. House Bill 4999 makes it unlawful for an employer or prospective employer to require employees or job candidates to provide usernames and passwords to their personal social media accounts.

• It no longer will be legal to sell synthetic cathinones, better known as “bath salts,” at a retail store. Doing so is a Class 3 Felony that carries a $150 fine under Senate Bill 210. Bath salts “can be consumed in multiple different ways by the user, and can mimic the effect of amphetamine or PCP and often times causes hallucinations,” according to a statement by Senate Democrats.

• Police officers who work with dogs will no longer be without their four-legged partner when the pooch is retired from active duty.

Under Senate Bill 3129, police dogs will be able to permanently live with the officer they worked with upon their retirement.

Mancha, a former canine officer himself, said he’s never seen a dog not given to the officer it worked with when that dog was retired. But he did say that some human officers who retire before their canine partners are required to give the dog to another officer still working.

• Anyone allergic to bee stings will appreciate House Bill 4462, which provides training to law enforcement personnel on how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis, as well as the use of an epinephrine auto-injector.

• Public school students in Illinois will be excused from class to participate in military funeral processions thanks to House Bill 4432.

• Anglers will be able to use more than a hook and line to catch catfish. House Bill 5788 allows catfish to be caught with a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow, or bow and arrow device.

Brad Jackson, of Anglers Outlet, 16300 S. Cicero, Oak Forest, has fished with a bow, but he’s not thrilled with the new law: “It’s not something I would have voted for. I feel catfish are more of a game fish than a trash fish.

It’s probably harder to hit one with an arrow than to catch one with a hook.”

“Bow fishing is a pretty big thing, but primarily it’s been for carp and gar. Why they went with catfish, I don’t know. Somebody probably traded their vote for a hamburger,” Jackson said.

“I don’t particularly like it, but this is a state where you can (legally) reach under a rock and pull a catfish out with your hands. You can do jug fishing, which you float a jug with a hook and a hunk of meat and hope a catfish bites. You can have 25 hooks in the water overnight and come back the next

The Evergreen Plaza opened in 1952 as an open-air shopping center developed by Arthur Rubloff. The shopping center grew in popularity and became one of the first enclosed malls in the country in 1966. The mall at its peak in the 1970s had Carson Pirie Scott, Montgomery Ward’s, Woolworth’s, Lytton’s and Walgreens.

While The Plaza was still profitable in the 1980s, the opening of the Chicago Ridge Mall in 1981 and to a degree the expansion of the Orland Park Mall led to the Plaza’s demise. After Montgomery Ward closed in 2001, the Plaza suffered through many more vacancies, escalated by the recession in 2008. By 2013, The Plaza was virtually closed with the exception of Carson’s and a couple of other businesses. es and food feeds the body and the soul, Southwest School was hoping to warm extremities. Its Bulldog Booster Club sponsored a mitten drive and its Daisy Troop collected socks.

“There’s going to be a healthy competition between the classrooms to see who can collect the most,” said Therese O’Toole, Southwest School secretary.

The recipients of these donations may never get the privilege of knowing the joy experienced by the givers involved. And, until day. I’d rather have those go away.

The bow fishermen aren’t going to get that many catfish. They’re hard to see,” Jackson said.

• Another outdoors law, Senate Bill 2410, allows individuals age 18 and younger to trap wild game without a permit while accompanied by an adult age 21 or older.

• Family rights are addressed

by House Bill 5656, in which the Department of Children and Family Services will be required to provide visitations for grandparents and great-grandparents, as long as the visit is in the best interest of the child.

• Gov. Bruce Rauner last summer signed a law eliminating the sales tax charged on feminine hygiene products. According to the Associated Press, Illinois joins New York and Connecticut as states that have ended that tax.

Safer roads are the goal Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz noted several new laws are intended for “strengthening safe driving habits for motorists on Illinois roadways. Our goal is to reduce serious traffic crashes through education and enforcement.”

One existing law that protects first responders by requiring motorists slow down or change lanes when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated has been extended. Beginning in 2017, the law will also apply to any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights activated.

It’s also advised to slow down in work or school zones. Effective Jan. 1, speeding 26 to 34 miles per hour in a zone is now a Class B misdemeanor. Driving 35 mph or faster is a Class A misdemeanor.

If you have been convicted of driving without insurance and still choose to drive, your vehicle may be impounded. The new law requires that officers to tow your vehicle if you have been convicted of that offense in the prior 12 months and you are receiving another citation for driving sans car insurance.

5

Photo by Joe Boyle

Construction of several new businesses that will join the new Carson’s at 9700 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer.

now, they may not have known the backstory of how they came to receive what was given.

Over the previous five years, Laura Frey, a universal banker at Evergreen Bank Group, has been dropping off large quantities of school supplies to the District 124 administrative office. The supplies have always been appreciated and put to great use, but this year there was an unusually large donation.

“This is not from me,” said Frey. “These donations are coming from the entire community.

We advertise this school supply drive in our branch, the local newspaper, our bank website and on our social media. People from the community, including bank employees, bank patrons, and the bank itself provide donations.”

Frey said she’s a lifelong resi-

dent of Evergreen Park with children who have attended Northwest School, Central Middle School and Evergreen Park High School.

“When my kids were in school, I always had extra school supplies to donate,” she said. “The principal would put them aside and, when he saw a student in need, he’d pass them along. Once I started working for the bank, I suggested that we collectively offer school supplies to District 124 and everyone willingly jumped on board.”

“Learning the origin of the school supply drive sponsored by the Evergreen Bank Group has given District 124 an even greater appreciation for the generosity they’ve provided,” said Dr. Robert Machak, the district superintendent.

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6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, January 5, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Joe Boyle • Editor

Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

New year begins without Sabre Room and Naples Bakery but with sure signs of progress

A tribute to my friend, David J. Steiner

A

nother year has passed and a new one begins. We’re not sure what is in store for 2017, but the journey now starts — whether we’re ready or not.

We discussed the top two stories locally and throughout the Chicago area in last week’s editorial. We believe nothing can top Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton in the presidential election in November. During another year, the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series would have been the top story. Shattering a 108-year drought should be at the top of anyone’s list, but Trump’s victory was even more newsworthy.

Soon Trump will be sworn in as the nation’s 45th president.

The World Series trophy will most likely make more appearances throughout Chicago and the suburbs. It is our hope that the celebration can continue in the southwest suburbs. We can recall that the World Series trophy was on display at several locations in the area, including Oak Lawn, after the White Sox won the championship in 2005.

There were plenty of stories of interest this past year from The Reporter coverage area. Some of the stories were poignant while some events were amusing. The official end of the Sabre Room stands out as a big story. The owners of the building had decided they no longer wanted to operate the facility. An auction was held and residents came by to purchase some of the relics associated with the Sabre Room, a longtime staple on 95th Street in Hickory Hills.

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin made separate appearances at the Sabre Room, which was in its heyday in the 1960s and ’70s.

The Hickory Hills City Council has since approved a plan for condominiums mixed with businesses at the Sabre Room location. Discussions by the council will continue this year about what type of housing and businesses will be part of the Sabre Woods development. The Sabre name will still live on.

Naples Bakery was a longtime fixture in Evergreen Park. However, the owners also decided to close their doors at the end of the year. The popular bakery was next door to Barraco’s Pizza. Like Barracco’s, Naples Bakery was a popular location for residents of Evergreen Park and beyond. Many people thought the owners of the bakery decided to close after a fire occurred at Barraco’s in October. The fire resulted in damage to the kitchen at Barraco’s.

Naples Bakery had to close for a couple of days because of some water damage.

The owners of Naples insisted the fire had nothing to do with their decision to cease operations. The silver lining in all this is that after the Naples owners announced their intentions, the owners of Barraco’s offered to expand their business, which will include the Naples site. The good news is that residents who were concerned that Barraco’s was going to close after the fire had nothing to fear.

The Barraco’s owners were aided by support from Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton and residents from the area. The expansion plans confirmed to everyone that Barraco’s was going to stay.

Not all the stories were about businesses closing their doors.

The Village of Evergreen Park celebrated the opening of the new Carson’s at 9700 S. Western Ave. in September. Sexton viewed the opening of the new Carson’s as the beginning of the new phase of new retail shops and restaurants where the old Plaza once stood.

Traffic was overflowing and the Evergreen Park police had to guide motorists in and out of the jammed parking lot the first day that Carson’s opened. While Carson’s was drawing large crowds, construction crews were working on building a series of more stores and restaurants. Joining Carson’s as neighbors will be DSW, Petco, TJ Maxx, 365, Five Below, Ulta, Dressbarn, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, to name a few.

Another story from this year was the reported sighting of coyotes on Metropolitan Water Reclamation District land near the canal in Worth. A teen reported being approached by an animal that he insisted was a coyote. The village and the MWRD were not so sure, thinking the animal was a dog. However, the village and MWRD agreed to close the area to search for any possible coyotes. The area was reopened after no coyotes were found. But the village reminded people not to feed the birds and other animals in the area because that could draw coyotes looking for food.

Oak Lawn welcomed a new garden at Park Lawn and a grant to update safety equipment for the fire departments. Chicago Ridge welcomed the renovated fire house at 107th and Lombard.

The village also was fighting an influx of rats reported along 111th Street near some restaurants. The village appears to have a better grip on the problem.

Amidst the chaos that surrounded 2016, there were heart-warming stories. The memory of part-time Evergreen Park firefighter Daniel Capuano was honored with the renaming of the ice rink at 88th and Kedzie in his name. Capuano, who also was a Chicago firefighter, died after falling through a second floor of a dilapidated building that went up in flames in the city in December 2015.

And we saluted Kristen Bilas, a teacher at Northeast Elementary School in Evergreen Park, for saving a student who was choking on food during lunch.

Here’s a toast for more charitable acts and good stories in 2017.

We hope that the cities and suburbs we cover have a prosperous new year that includes an increase in development.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Objecting to Oak Lawn morning hearing What village has officials who scheduled special meetings on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.? Oak Lawn, of course! Because they really don’t want you there!

Yes, The Village of Oak Lawn is up to their old tricks again.

They’ve scheduled a “public hearing” on proposed TIF district with regard to the Beatty Lumber/Advocate Medical site at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11.

This is clearly being done to deter attendance and ensure that the fewest number of Oak Lawn residents hear about it. Making a TIF district would make it easier for the village to acquire private property (ie Permacor, Inc). For more information on TIFs, go to: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/tsd/tifs/pages/tifs101.aspx This is just another sneaky tactic by the village to get what they want no matter what -- no matter what the residents want and no matter what is best for Oak Lawn! I urge all Oak Lawn residents to make time to attend this meeting. Let’s make the village accountable for its actions and force the village to be transparent in all is business!! ­­— Jan Schaller, Oak Lawn

W Legalize narcotics to better fight the War on Drugs

By James E. Gierach The War on Drugs declared by President Richard M. Nixon in 1971 has transformed America. Like Al Capone’s prohibition era, modern-day drug prohibition has made substances such as heroin, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamines and marijuana stronger, cheaper and more available.

Yet, even “as drugs pour into this country,” making them cheaper, prohibited drugs are still the most valuable commodities on the face of the Earth.

Because drug prohibition makes these substances so valuable, drug sellers must be armed with guns to protect their turf, drugs and cash. Once armed for one purpose, drug sellers are armed for every purpose — retaliation, initiation and recreation.

This prohibition scenario, just like during alcohol prohibition, spells endless V-I-O-LE-N-C-E! Certainly guns need to be controlled and regulated; guns are too dangerous not to keep legalized so they can be controlled and regulated. After all, it is estimated that there are 300 million guns in private hands in the U.S. Gun control alone is not the answer to stop the endless killing.

Rather, we must end this second Al Capone-like substance prohibition era that has traded Tommy Guns for an AK-47s.

If American society really wants peace in the streets and safe neighborhoods, then it has no choice but to take crime out of drug-dealing as it once did with booze-peddling and Capone speakeasies. There is no choice if society wants peace and is willing to trade zero tolerance for drugs for it.

Legalized drugs enable cities and villages, mayors and village presidents to police the commercial trade in mind-altering substances and limit the place and time of legal sales and the number of licensed drug businesses. Regulated and controlled drug businesses mean government, not cartels, control and regulate drug potency, purity, consistency and labeling, reducing overdose accidents.

But in these times when Chicago is approaching 800 homicides and over 4,000 people shot in a single year, it’s time for

more than just marches, prayers and wishes for stronger gun laws and prosecutions.

Chicagoans deserve and need drug legalization and control now.

By taking the profit out of drugs through legalization, as with alcohol, we can stop the huge flow of drug sale revenues into the hands of street gangs. The Gangster Disciples and concluding Hobos prosecutions are testament to the fact that courts, police, prisons and draconian sentences are not viable answers to our drug prohibition problems.

How, then, do we end this failed drug war and its inherent violence?

It won’t be easy. International treaties, state and federal laws protect the status quo and leaders have intoxicated us with “save our kids,” “just say no,” and “take back our streets” rhetoric. The cards are stacked against reform by those in law enforcement, government, treatment, insurance, academia, banking, gun manufacturing, pharmacology, drug-testing, etc. who reap the rewards of drug prohibition-driven crises.

More money for more police, prisons, treatment, bullet-hole health care, police overtime, body cameras, residential treatment centers, drug courts, diversion programs, crime prevention initiatives, and on and on.

Again, I ask: How do we end the War on Drugs? By demanding it — loudly and unrelentingly.

Make drug policy reform first on your New Year’s List for a change rather than not even making the top 10 List of American problems in the 2016 presidential elections. An “opioid epidemic” and “gun slaughter” have turned Chicago streets red with the blood of our children that the drug war was going to save.

Demand an end to the deadly War on Drugs.

James E. Gierach, a Palos Park resident, is a former Cook County assistant state’s attorney, former director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and draftsman of the first comprehensive amendment of UN Drug Control Treaties.

Make your own ‘luck’ in 2017

By Dr. Glenn Mollette I hope 2017 can be a good year for you.

Whatever you can do to assist with the success of your year will be very helpful.

A local businessman remarked recently, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

All of us are recipients of some bad luck throughout life. Often some of our bad luck is because of people we are associated with in our lives.

What other people do greatly impacts us. A spouse, a parent, a child or work associate all affect us for good or bad. It’s good for us when people we are close to are successful and not so great when they mess up. However, the bottom line is that we must all individually take ownership of our lives.

I used to write weekly for a Kentucky paper called Western Recorder. The editor of that paper, Chauncey Daley, was so great to me. I once submitted three stories one week and he sent them all back to me covered with red marks pointing out errors and things he didn’t like. It was a little painful, but he was willing to invest his time to help me learn and be better. Having anybody in our lives who cares enough about us to help us with anything is a real plus. We are better benefited from good advice when we seriously listen and make application.

All advice is not necessarily helpful. We all get bad advice throughout life so it’s important to be discerning about what we are told and who is doing the teaching.

Some of what we hear in life is repeated with almost inerrant credibility. For example, eating badly will have eventual negative results on our health. We are told to watch our intake of sugar, fried food,

and red meat, and to simply use common sense on our daily portions. It’s good advice and it’s up to us to take it or leave it. We are told to exercise routinely because it’s good for our health. Nobody can make us exercise. We have to take responsibility for our physical fitness.

The best way to have a great 2017 is to make our own decisions and take responsibility for our personal happiness. If you are waiting for a fortune to drop out of the sky, you are wasting your time.

If you are waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Wonderful to show up and take all your despair away, you are going to spend most of your life in despair.

God is not going to call you on the telephone with a three-step plan for the year. However, looking up instead of looking down all of the time is always more uplifting.

Just remember that if you are able to move and think, then you are not stuck. I do believe people get stuck. However, if you can think and can apply some activity, you are not stuck.

Use the mind and life that you have to act. Thoughts lead to action. Apply yourself. Put yourself into something that is meaningful and worthwhile. Serious action and application always net some results.

If you want results, get up and get going and do it most every day. The end result is that your next year will most likely see some very satisfying results.

Most importantly, don’t wait on someone to tell you what to do. Tell yourself what to do and do it, and look forward to 2017.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of 11 books.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters should be 350 words or less. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Writers must also include their address and phone number for verification, but that information will not be published and will remain otherwise confidential. Mail letters to the editor to: The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net

hen you are a Palestinian whose mother is from Bethlehem, you come to appreciate true friends, especially Jews who share the same vision for peace.

That was David J. Steiner, a Jewish activist who strongly believed in bringing peace to Palestinians and Israelis. He was a Hebrew tutor and a rabbinical student in the seminary of the Humanistic Judaism movement and most recently a documentary film producer.

I first met David after I launched my standup comedy show, “Comedy for Peace,” following the Sept.

11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

We quickly became friends and we would talk about how we could spread “peace” through comedy and other positive programs. He helped me organize a few shows where I performed my comedy, which is based on my marriage, and my wife and a son, who are both Jewish.

Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. was in the audience at one show, and I remember he came up to us saying how inspired he was to see “a Palestinian and an Israeli standing together with their arms on each other’s shoulders.”

Just being together moved people.

Steiner and I shared a common belief: that Palestinians and Israelis (Arabs and Jews) are basically the same people. We are both overly emotional. We are both overly passionate. We both go from one extreme to another — from being excessively angry to being excessively kind and compassionate. There’s no in-between for Arabs and Jews. But we are also both good people.

We didn’t see eye-to-eye on everything. But we understood you didn’t have to in order to do the right thing.

David dedicated his life to doing the right thing.

David managed buildings in Chicago and spent a lot of time helping needy people in those neighborhoods.

He was active with Americans for Peace Now, the American propeace advocacy group that fights for the Two-State Solution that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke at length about this past week.

The last email I received from him was about a dinner party he was putting together for a Palestinian peace activist who was in Chicago. I couldn’t make it. Middle East peace has been so far away in recent years. The whole topic is so depressing lately.

We lost touch but not the spirit of peace. He especially was always busy working on a project to help people who were in need.

I am not surprised that David became involved in a video project to save a local school. David used the power of communications to produce a documentary on the successful fight to keep the Barbara A. Sizemore Academy charter school open in Englewood.

David and I always talked about the power of communications.

Perception is reality. The media is powerful. Understanding strategic communications can help deliver a strong, positive message of goodness to others. It could even get Arabs and Jews to stop hating each other.

For me, standup comedy is just another way to communicate.

Humor is the most powerful form of communication and can change how people view issues. It can help people overcome their anger and open their minds to peace.

David was working in Uganda on another documentary about the struggle of Sudanese refugees. He was with a son, two Sizemore students and other local activists when a bus he was riding in crashed.

David was killed. The others, fortunately survived.

Though most of you probably didn’t know David, I hope that during your lives you are fortunate to meet someone like him who can inspire others to do what’s right and help other people who are in need.

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

Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Reporter

7

Taurine could reduce heart attacks while preventing aging of brain

W

e constantly hear about the importance of nutrients such as food and vitamins, but rarely do we hear about amino acids that play an important role in our health. I recently read Dr. Russell Blaylock’s “Wellness Report,” in which he covers the importance of one particular amino acid that is essential to heart, vision and brain health.

All of the aminos play a role in good health, but taurine, according to Blaylock, is the most abundant of the amino acids in the human body, with most being maintained in the brain, retina and heart.

It is the most abundant amino in the body and acts as a building block for proteins.

Blaylock explains that most doctors ignore the benefits and essential nature of taurine.

“This oversight can lead to myriad problems for the large number of people who might benefit from supplementation with this safe and necessary amino acid,” explained Blaylock. “Worse yet, they ig-

nore it because they do not read medical literature and research that does not focus on prescription drugs, the usual clinical studies, or mainstream treatments.”

One of the most interesting aspects of his article on taurine was how it could reduce heart attack damage. Taurine prevents muscle excitations of the heart, according to Blaylock. He explains researchers using an animal model of a human heart attack demonstrated that a derivative form of taurine called taurepar completely prevented post-heart -attack arrhythmias of several types. In yet another study, researchers used a taurine-magnesium combination.

“Taurine deficiencies have been detected in people with several different types of arrhythmias; premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and atrial fibrillation,” said Blaylock.

He went on to explain how one research study found that giving patients 10 to 20

grams of taurine per day reduced PACs by 50 percent and prevented all PVCs. When arginine (another amino acid) was added to the dosage, PACs were eliminated altogether.

“Taurine reduces these arrhythmias through antioxidant action and by decreasing lipid peroxidation, both of which are major contributors to the damage that occurs from heart attacks and heart failure,” added Blaylock.

He cited yet another study that found that ventricular fibrillation (a major cause of death after a heart attack) plummeted from 83 percent in untreated hearts to 36 percent in those given taurine.

Yet, he writes of another wonderful benefit of taurine in helping memory formation and protecting against brain aging.

“The heart and brain contains high levels of taurine, which balances excitation and inhibition of neurons,” said Blaylock.

“This is not only vital for preventing brain damage, but also necessary for normal brain function and behavior.”

Taurine is highly concentrated during brain development and has been shown to stimulate neural stem cells (important in brain development). “It is also very important for vision because it helps visual areas of the cortex,” said Blaylock.

Blaylock further wrote that taurine is essential in stimulating many types of stem cells, even in adults. I always learned that brain repairs were next to impossible, but Blaylock states taurine helps repair brains in older adults especially.

As we age, we lose our stores of taurine.

“Studies have shown that a taurine deficiency can lead to memory impairment

Anthony Batory Anthony E. Batory, 91, a Palos Hills resident, died Dec. 25 at South Suburban Hospital.

Mr. Batory was an industrial mechanic who worked on industrial vehicles. He was also a World War II U.S. Navy veteran who also served in Korea.

Survivors include a sister, Florence Dudczyk; many nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Services were Friday from Schmaedeke Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Entombment took place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Sima (right), of Worth, the former senior enlisted leader of the 1144th Transportation Motor Transport Battalion, salutes 108th Sustainment Brigade Commander Col. Rodney Boyd after Boyd presented him with the Meritorious Service Medal.

The ceremony took place in Delavan, Ill., on Dec. 9. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the U.S Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service. Sima has more than 26 years in the military, including an overseas deployment from 2010 to 2011.

Amy Hale Amy M. Hale (nee Edquist), 41, a resident of Evergreen Park, died Dec. 26 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Mrs. Hale was a CPS controller for a steel manufacturing company.

Survivors include her husband, Anthony Hale; daughter, Allison Hale; parents, Allan and Janet Edquist; sister, Lindsay McDermott; brothers, Matthew and Eric Edquist; and nieces and nephews.

Services were Friday at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park. Interment took place at Chapel Hills Gardens South.

Photo by Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, Illinois National Guard Public Aff irs

Eugene Kwak

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Oak Lawn Park District trip to see ‘Saturday Night Fever Show’ The Oak Lawn Park District is headed to Drury Lane in Oakbrook on Thursday, March 2 for the “Saturday Night Fever Show.”

The bus will depart at 11 a.m. from the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn, and is scheduled to return at 5 p.m. The fee is $80 for residents and $90 for non-residents. The show is recommended for ages 13 and over. Some of the material may be sensitive for younger viewers.

The production is based on the 1977 hit film. “Saturday Night Fever” follows Brooklyn teen Tony Manero in his attempt to escape his tribulations by spending weekends at the local discotheque Tony tries to win the admiration of the crowd and his heartthrob, Stephanie Mangano, with his dance moves. The show features Bee Gees songs from the movie such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “More Than a Women,” and “Night Fever.”

Lunch will be choice of pecan crusted tilapia with creamy roasted garlic butter, or grilled boneless pork chop with apple sauerkraut, garden salad, dinner rolls, choice of non-alcoholic beverage, chef’s selection of potato, vegetable and dessert.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

Auditions for ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ The Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre announces a casting call for the production of “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

The first casting will be for ages 7 to 12.

Auditions will also be held from 6 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 8. Auditions will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. for adults Monday, Jan. 9 at the Oak View Center.

Individuals auditioning should have a song prepared, preferably from the show, and be prepared to dance. Callbacks, if necessary, will be at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10. Show dates are March 10, 11, 12 17, 18 and 19. For more information, call (708) 857-2200.

Winter StoryWalk The Oak Lawn Library and the Oak Lawn Park District will take part in the new Winter StoryWalk activity and book “The Three Snow Bears” by Jan Brett from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at the Lake Shore Park, 9600 E. Shore Drive, Oak Lawn. An arts and crafts project will be available. Register online for the free event through the library or park district to be guaranteed a craft. For more information, call (708) 857-2200.

Fish Fry Fridays to begin at Stony Creek Restaurant Fish Fry Fridays will be held beginning in January at the Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquets, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn.

Open seating is available from 3 to 8 p.m.

Jan. 20 through April 14. The all-you-can-eat menu price includes fresh made creamy clam chowder or Stony Creek garden salad, warm diner rolls, homemade coleslaw, lightly seasoned and breaded fresh fruit, homemade hush puppies, baked potato or french fries. Shrimp po’ boy is made to order for $6.95 a sandwich.

The cost is $12.95 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.

Winter Luau Open Skate to be held at Oak Lawn Ice Arena The Winter Luau Open Skate event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena, 9320

Dee Woods can be reached at dewoods10@icloud.com

DEATH NOTICES

Worth native receives Meritorious Service Medal

OAK LAWN

and that supplementation can improve memory and memory retention in older animals,” said Blaylock. “Most of us are aware of the importance of GABA(A) brain receptors that calm the brain that may be excited by too much glutamate, which is the most abundant amino in the brain itself.” (Part of the reason he opposes diet drinks and monosodium glutamate in foods.)

He points out again that studies have additionally shown taurine helps fight age-related loss of GABA (A) receptors.

Blaylock explains how taurine helps fight inflammation and many other heart and brain issues.

There is so much more to these studies and a great deal more now known about the benefits of taurine and other aminos, I would like to continue writing about the amazing findings in next month’s column.

S. Kenton Ave. Family members can take part in the skating event. Treats, raffles and treat bags will be included in the festivities. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. For more information, call (708) 857-5173.

PALOS HILLS Skate Under the Stars The City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be offering their annual Skate Under the Stars event on Friday, Jan. 27 at Glacier Park, 101st Street and 73rd Avenue, Palos Hills.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Residents can call ahead about ice conditions at (708) 430-4500.

Open gym for youngsters The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Center also offers an open gym for kids walking to 3 years old and their parents and caregivers from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St., The fee for residents is $2 per child or $3 per child for non-residents. The program begins Jan. 13 and continues through May 12. For further information, contact the City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department at (708) 430-4500.

WORTH Lunch story craft mania Lunch story craft mania will be held beginning this month at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Classes are for ages 3 to 5 and will be held from noon to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 18 through Feb. 10. The sessions will have a different story each week from the same authors. Children will explore different stories, discussing them, and making a related project.

The registration fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Music Jamboree for children Music Jamboree classes will be held for children ages 1 to 21/2 with an adult from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 7 until Feb. 7 at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Kids will learn about rhythm through singing, chanting and finger plays. Participants will learn different songs, rhymes and dances that are designed to get children out moving and grooving. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Jan. 10.

For more information on the Music Jamboree and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

‘Tumbling Toddlers’ to meet at Terrace Centre The Tumbling Toddlers sessions will be held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 13 at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. These sessions are for children ages 18 months to 36 months old with an adult. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Jan. 3. For more information on Tumbling Toddlers and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Worth Park District to take part in youth basketball league In cooperation with the Worth Park District, Palos Park and Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Departments, a youth basketball league for boys and girls grades one through

eight will be offered beginning Jan. 28 at the new Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights.

An eight-game season will be held with all games played at the new Palos Heights Recreation Center. Fees vary according to grade.

For more information on the Youth Basketball Program and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www. worthparkdistrict.org.

Creative Toddlers sessions Creative Toddler sessions will be held for adults and toddlers from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Thursdays beginning Jan. 19 until Feb. 9 at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth.

The program is for ages 12 months to 21/2 years old. The adult fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 12. The parent-toddler art class will be creating a variety of artwork to display. Participants will be using various mediums, paints, crayons and markers.

For more information on the Creative Toddlers and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Yoga classes Yoga classes will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. beginning Monday, Jan. 9 at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Cathy Nolan is the new instructor and will be leading yoga classes during the winter and next fall. Yoga uses postures, breathing techniques and meditation to obtain a sound healthy body. These yoga classes will help to manage stress and gain a clear and peaceful mind as participants improve their flexibility and strength. The registration fee is $45 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

For more information on the yoga classes and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Rounds of dodgeball Rounds of dodgeball will be played from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 10 at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth The fast-paced sport requires minimal experience. Rubber coated foam balls will be used for safety. The program is for youths ages 9 through 12.

The registration fee is $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents. For more information on dodgeball and other Worth Park District

‘Under the Sea’ sessions Children can learn about oceans and other activities during “Under the Sea” sessions being held beginning this month at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Sessions for children ages 3 to 5 will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 16 through Feb. 6. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

The registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 9.

Kids will learn about life forms deep in the oceans with fames, activities and art projects.

For more information, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

‘Girls Night Out’ A “Girls Night Out” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at the Worth Park District’s Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Women can attend this session and learn about jewelry making, makeovers and socializing with friends. A movie and snacks will also be provided. The registration fee is $8 for residents and $16 for non-residents.

More information can be obtained by calling Girls Night Out and other Worth Park District programs by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www. worthparkdistrict.org.

Eugene “Gene” F. Kwak, 88, an Oak Lawn resident, died Dec. 28 at Palos Community Hospital.

Mr. Kwak, a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, was the co-owner of Dubsky’s Pharmacy and was a retired pharmacist from Dominick’s Pharmacy.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Bernardine (nee Ksiaszek); daughters, Monica Martino and Melissa Bottenhagen; brothers, Albin and Gregory; six grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; greatnephews and great-nieces; and great-great nephews and great-great nieces.

Services are 8:45 a.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 5) from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, to St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn, for 9:30 a.m. Mass. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Wolniak Funeral Home in Chicago.

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8 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

COMINGS & GOINGS

Finding investment income after retirement

Bertucci’s is open again in Palos Hills

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B

ertucci’s restaurant, which closed without warning last March, finally has reopened in Palos Hills.

The restaurant at 10331 S. Roberts Road reopened on Dec. 22, which was about six months later than first expected.

Restaurant manager Paul Kousis said the eatery will add Greek dishes to its usual Italian fare and to reflect the new menu has changed its name to BertucBob Mediterranean Taverna.

Bong ci’s He said the full menu would be available later this month.

The 2,000-square-foot building is owned by Kousis, but its owner is Klaudia Szulkowska, of Hickory Hills.

“She used to work here as manager,” said Kousis.

Kousis said the opening was delayed by remodeling that included new floors and some changes to the decor.

“There also is a video gaming room,” he said. The room will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

One thing that he said had not changed was the food. “The food is as good as ever,” said Kousis.

New dining room hours for Bertucci’s will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The outdoor patio will reopen, weather permitting, in the spring.

For more information, call (708) 2335800 or visit Bertucci’s Mediterranean Taverna on Facebook.

Sports bar saved Cullinan’s Stadium Club has been saved from the taxman thanks to a fundraising campaign that has generated the money needed to reopen the bar and grill at 11610 S. Western Ave. in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.

The bar was closed in early December by the state because of a problem with unpaid taxes. A GoFundMe campaign raised the $14,000 needed to pay off the state and reopen the bar.

The bar reopened on Friday and hosted a New Year’s Eve party on Saturday.

Carson’s to close Lansing store Bon-Ton Stores has announced that it

Bertucci’s is open again at 10331 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills.

will close its Carson’s clearance store in Lansing by the end of January.

The 21,000-square-foot store at 16727 S. Torrence Ave. in The Landings shopping center opened in 2013 shortly after the retailer closed its Carson’s department store in neighboring Calumet City. That store had been an anchor at River Oaks Mall since it opened in the mid-1960s.

Carson’s sold apparel, accessories and home items at the Lansing store.

Bon-Ton still operates Carson’s department stores in the south suburbs in Matteson, Orland Park and Chicago Ridge.

Bon-Ton said the store would close when its lease expires at the end of January. The store employs about 60 workers who will be offered the chance to interview for available positions at other stores.

“Closing this store was a difficult decision,” Kathryn Bufano, president and chief executive officer for Bon-Ton Stores, said in a release. “We would like to thank the loyal customers who have shopped with Carson’s over the years as well as our devoted store associates for their dedication and friendly customer service to this community.”

Business as usual at Parisi’s Drive-in Longtime owners sold Parisi’s Drive-In at 6216 W. 63rd St. in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood a few months ago.

And things have never been better, longtime manager Rick Lunt said last week.

“So far, we are doing well,” said Lunt, who has been working at the restaurant since 1971. “I’m the manager of continuity.”

Lunt said the new owners were local, but wanted to remain behind the scenes.

“The owner is RTM Food Inc.,” he said.

There have been some changes, he said.

“We now accept credit cards,” he said.

“We have six stools at the counter and a flat-screen TV.”

Photo by Bob Bong

The biggest change is that the hot dog joint will not close for vacation in February.

“We will be open this February for the first time ever,” he said.

For more information, call (773) 5865611 or visit Parisi’s Drive-In on Facebook.

Krispy Kreme returns to south suburbs next week Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, which took Chicago by storm in 1998 when it opened its first location in Summit at the former site of the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse and then left with a whimper when it closed its last local shop in Midlothian in 2012, will make its grand new entrance to the south suburbs when it opens next week in Homewood.

The new shop will open at 6 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 17815 S. Halsted St. in Homewood.

The new location is planning special giveaways to the first 100 customers waiting in line when it opens. The first dozen customers will get free doughnuts every week for a year. The next 88 customers will get free doughnuts every month for a year. Customers can begin lining up the night before.

The store is the first of eight Krispy Kreme locations in Cook County planned

by Chicagoland Restaurants.

A second south suburban location is expected to open this year and Chicagoland Restaurants has been talking with village officials about a shop in Evergreen Park.

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

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

BEST OF THE WINE GUY

Here’s a New Year’s toast to better health for all

N

ow that we are in the new year of 2017, we must talk, or course, about wine.

But we will begin by talking about water, which through the miracle of being drawn from the Earth by the roots of grape plants and then fermented, ultimately becomes wine.

I remember not long ago a morning news broadcast in which they mentioned a chemical called chromium that is apparently found in tap water.

This carcinogen has been found in the drinking water in 31 American cities, which makes one think that drinking six to eight glasses of water may not be as healthy as the so-called experts say.

Not to mention the myriad of other chemicals – chlorine, fluoride, pollutants, pharmaceuticals, toxic waste – found in our drinking water and which may not be completely filtered even by the best systems. It is quite possible this cocktail of contamination is respon-

Thursday, January 5, 2017

sible for cancer, heart disease and many other illnesses and disorders.

Now, the body needs water, so how does one get the required liquids without compromising health? Bottled water makers claim their products are filtered or come straight from the mountains where it is not contaminated. But can it be completely trusted?

One option is juices, but you have to be very selective and avoid pasteurized juices that are heated to 140 degrees,

killing microorganisms but also stripping the juice of the very nutrients you’re seeking by drinking it. You can juice your own fruit, and this is a fantastic option that will reap many rewards.

Unfortunately, many people don’t have the patience and dedication required to consistently juice their own fruit.

Many juicers are still sitting on store shelves because of this.

One of the purest juices you can have is – you guessed it – wine. The grape plants absorb the water of the Earth, and along with it, the vitamins and minerals of which the Earth is made and which you need to survive. Iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and many other vital elements are found in this juice, not to mention heart-healthy compounds such as resveratrol. You can crush the grapes and drink the juice as it is, and that is well and good. Or you can add some sugar and yeast and make wine.

This process is exhilarating and rewarding. You can sip wine all day in moderation and never get intoxicated. Wine must have an alcohol content of at least nine percent, but table wines and red dry wines are typically 12 percent to 14 percent.

I hope you enjoyed some wine this past weekend when you celebrated New Year’s.

Throughout the year, drink for your own good health and provide for your loved ones as well. Share the good news that wine can improve their lives.

Wishing all of you the best this new year and always drink wine.

Anthony Scarano is not a doctor. He is an Evergreen Park resident, winemaker and certified naturopath. Suggestions in this space are his opinions based on years of independent study and personal experience.

Wine should be consumed in moderation. Overindulgence may be harmful to your health.

Is one form of REIT s an invesbetter than another? tor, your main There’s no simple angoals will swer. On the one hand, change at different mortgage REITs are times in your life. considered riskier than During your workequity REITs. Howing years, you need ever, mortgage REITs to grow as many often pay quite large resources as possible dividends, although the for retirement. Once Scott can be inconsisyou retire, however, Johnson payout tent. (Like all REITs, you will likely need to mortgage REITs must focus more on getting income from your investments. pay 90 percent of their taxable income to investors in the But what are your options? form of dividends. Due to this There’s no shortage of requirement, REITs generally income-producing investneed to raise capital to finance ments, of course. You might their growth plans, and this immediately think of bonds, necessity can affect their share which can provide regular interest payments and probable prices.)

Other factors, such as preservation of principal, provided the bonds are considered changing interest rates, will affect the value of mortgage “investment grade.” Still, if and equity REITs differently. interest rates are low when Specifically, rising interest you retire – as they have been rates will likely cause the for several years now – bonds market value of the property might not provide you with mortgages inside mortgage as much income as you need.

REITs to fall, whereas equity And just as importantly, the REITs, which own actual income you receive from most buildings, might actually bonds won’t rise over time, benefit if the Federal Reserve leaving you susceptible to inflation and the loss of purchas- raises interest rates, as such a move would indicate a ing power. strong economy, more jobs Consequently, you may also and greater demand for ofneed to explore other types of income-generating vehicles, in- fice space. In the short term, cluding dividend-paying stocks though, even equity REITs can react negatively to an interestand real estate investment rate increase. But over the trusts (REITs). long term, this movement can Some stocks have not only be offset by the benefits of paid but also increased their earnings and dividend growth dividends for many consecudriven by a growing economy. tive years. These stocks have Clearly, there’s much to historically provided the potenthink about when considering tial for rising income to help potential income-producing combat inflation and are typioptions such as bonds, divically well-run companies that strive to reward their investors. dend-paying stocks and REITs. Ultimately, you will need to Nonetheless, you need to recweigh the merits and risks of ognize that even these stocks these investments — including are not obligated to pay you dividends, and they are free to interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk — and deterlower or discontinue them at mine which of them, or which any time without notice. combination of them, are most Now, let’s turn to a second appropriate for your needs. type of potential incomeproducing asset: Real estate Scott Johnson, CFP, is a investment trusts (REITs). financial advisor with Edward Different types of REITs Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos are available. For example, Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward equity REITs invest in and Jones does not provide legal own commercial properties, advice. This article was writsuch as hotels and shopping centers, while mortgage REITs, ten by Edward Jones for use as the name suggests, own and by your local Edward Jones financial advisor. invest in property mortgages.

Chicago Ridge Mall rated among 10 best mall-walking sites in U.S. The Chicago Ridge Mall has been named one of BestMallWalking.com’s 10 favorite mallwalking locations in the U.S. The website recognized the mall’s longtime group of earlymorning walkers and noted that its one-mile route has become “even more enjoyable” following recent upgrades and renovations to the mall’s interior design.

“Chicago Ridge Mall is wellknown for its safe, inviting and attractive environment. In our climate, an indoor public space of this size is an especially important amenity for the greater community. Our guests walk comfortably here in all seasons and many of them combine exercise with shopping errands. Our mall walkers are part of what makes Chicago Ridge Mall such a vibrant place,” said Steven Yee, the Chicago Ridge Mall general manager.

Chicago Ridge Mall welcomes

walkers to set their own pace and schedule or join the mall’s longtime group of walkers who turn exercise into a social occasion.

The mall’s one-mile route travels past retail displays, common areas and restaurants -- several of which make coffee and treats available to walkers. The mall typically opens at 8 a.m. for the mall walkers.

In 2016, Chicago Ridge Mall welcomed three new restaurants — La Creperie, Red Robin and Miller’s Ale House, to its more than 130 stores, restaurants and entertainment destinations. The mall also recently remodeled its interior features, with updated furniture, lighting, improved wayfinding strategies, redesigned gathering places and new exterior entrances.

For more information, visit ShoppingChicagoRidgeMall. com, Facebook or follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Judicial Sales Corp to Reitire LLC, 2624 W 98th Pl, $46,000; Lopez Ana R to Llamas Agapito, 2624 W 90th Pl, $183,000; Waller Grant Adm to Waller Grant W Jr, 8815 S Albany Ave, $130,000; Nielsen James P Tr to Carrillo Rocio, 9124 S Clifton Park Ave, $180,000; Wegg Richard J Jr Tr to Shepich Jacob R, 9920 S Spaulding Ave, $237,000.

Standard B&T Co Tr to Serritos John R, 10320 Central Ave, Unit #307, $99,000; Fogarty Cassandra to Anastacio Sherina, 4717 W 99th St, $157,000; Molyneaux Thomas A Ind Adm to Atiya Bassam, 4712 106th Pl, Unit #2B, $75,000; Mannion Stacey A to Barkely Mary E, 4909 109th St, Unit #13101, $74,000; Walters Andrew to Pashakarnis Kevin, 5640 W 103rd St, Unit #5640303, $85,000; Zuffa Stevenm to Knudzen Kelly M, 9540 Massasoit Ave, $272,500; First Midwest Bk to FMB Portfolio A Owner LLC, 9515 S Mcvicker Ave, $2,011,283; Jones Reginald L to Trombino Gina R, 9204 Pulaski Rd, Unit #2W9204, $93,000; Matis Estera Confederat to Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr, 4113 97th Pl, Unit #1104, $80,000; Derryberry Lee to Marquez Johnny, 10115 Mayfield Ave, $277,500.

Oak Lawn

Palos Hills

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 Wells Fargo Bk to Corral Jose, 6824 97th Pl, $105,000; Strama Andy to Dahdouh Raoul, 7049 W 99th St, $437,500; Buckley Michael P to Proczek Ann, 6108 Marshall Ave, $190,000.

Evergreen Park

JCRED LLC to Ashe Peter, 9540 Mayfield Ave, Unit #304S, $58,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Cirrus Inv Grp LLC, 9820 Mason Ave, $153,500; Frazer Diane Tr to Moustafa Atef, 9126 Pulaski Rd, Unit #2W9126, $80,000; Xeros Helen to Vallez Tina M, 10836 S Kostner Ave, $230,000; Kesmat LLC to Cantu Danielle, 4829 109th St, Unit #8304, $70,000; Franco Noe to Martinez Gabriela, 9820 Normandy Ave, $185,000; Mueller Shery Salicete to James Kahriman Real Estate Dev Co, 5568 W 95th St, $55,000; Rivera Ricardo to Mendez Salvador Navarro, 9229 Karlov Ave, $230,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Fernandez Javier Rafael, 5133 Wolfe Dr, $190,000; Asset Bridge Cap LLC to RPG Grp Inc, 4248 99th Pl, $87,000; Larson Donald M Tr to Olvera Alma, 9820 Pulaski Rd, Unit #1042, $49,000; Wallenberg Dolores M Tr to Mena Fernando, 9214 55th Ct, $168,000;

Bapa LLC to LGP Realty Holding Pl, 11050 Southwest Hwy, $309,828; Trilikis Ted G to Manos Athina Tr, 11030 S Roberts Rd, $156,000; Elsey Devin to Ansted Jeffery J, 10243 S 82nd Ave, $139,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Robles Antonio J, 10240 S 80th Ct, $222,000; Cantero Elizabeth Tr to Grlica Joseph, 11208 S Deerpath Ln, $395,000.

Worth Burns John R Tr Trust 95-1 to Kruczak Jan, 7027 W 114th St, $75,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Worth RE LLC, 11136 S Harlem Ave, $660,000; Andreasen Merilee F to Wojcik Elizabeth, 7400 W 109th Pl, $160,000; American Revival Co to Velazquez Doris, 10747 S Harlem Ave, Unit #2C, $63,000; Schmudde Elaine L to Carranza Teresa, 11005 S Oak Park Ave, $145,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of January 3) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.430

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.500

4.545

0

United Trust Bank (as of January 3) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.092

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.500

3.490

0

10-year fi ed

3.375

3.383

0

Prospect Federal (as of January 3) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.171

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.875

3.938

.25

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.438

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

The Reporter

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Supply Chain program picks up speed at Moraine A six-course evening class on Supply Chain Management will be held this month at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

In Illinois, 17 percent of jobs are in a supply chain/logistics field, and 25 percent of jobs are in the eight collar counties of Chicago. With 800 different positions in supply chain management, the industry encompasses the road, air, water, and rail.

“Jobs in this field are plentiful,” said Mike Johl, the program’s coordinator. “About 60 percent of drivers could retire any day and someone needs to replace them. Education is your greatest asset to getting a job or advancing in your current position in transportation, distribution and logistics.”

Moraine Valley’s program focuses on the supply chain network, operations management and cargo security for both domestic and global issues. It will assist workers already in the industry with gaining knowledge for new responsibilities or can help job applicants gain a competitive edge.

That was true for Paul Koranda, inventory control manager at RJW Transport. He oversees the receiving and inventory departments at three facilities encompassing over 900,000 square feet with more than 40 employees reporting to him. Koranda considers the program a springboard for his career.

“I finished the program in fall 2012, and the certificate bolstered my résumé by showing I was committed to self-improvement,” he said. “Since

Submitted photo

Paul Koranda, inventory control manager at RJS Transport, said the Supply Chain Management program that is being offered at Moraine Valley Community College helped boost his career in the business.

then I have earned several promotions and am now the Inventory Control Manager for a 3PL company.

I never would have been able to achieve so much so quickly without the foundation that was built through the Supply Chain Management Program at Moraine Valley,” Koranda said.

Moraine Valley’s program could be completed in one semester. Registration for the spring 2017 semester has begun. To learn more about this program and the dates and times of the classes, email ccce@morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-5735.

ings, organized restaurant outings, dances, trips, and going to the theater. Newcomers get acquainted meetings are also offered.

More information can be obtained by calling Danell Chmura, (630) 723-9368, or Bill Dolehide, (708) 342-6820.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

OAK LAWN Dave Rudolff’s Beach Party Patrons can attend a musical cruise with Dave Rudolff’s Beach Party to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. The sounds of reggae, Caribbean, Latin and calypso can be heard from Rudolff, a Grammynominated, Gold Record artist. The Sunday with Friends Concerts are sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit wwwolpl.org.

Guests can learn how to clear clutter Guests will be given a lesson in how to clear up clutter at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Oak Lawn Library. Colleen Klimczak, certified professional organizer (CPO), will teach patrons on how to maximize space and eliminating clutter. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 4224990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Children can read and win prizes “Once Upon a Snowy Day,” will be presented on Tuesdays through Jan. 31 through the Youth Services Reading Program at the Oak Lawn Library. The program is open to babies, toddlers and children up to age 14, along with adult guardians. Depending on the ages of the children, they can read books, attend programs and complete activities to fill in the bingo squares and win prizes.

Adults and participants can drop by the Youth Services Department to pick up a bingo card or to receive some personalized reading recommendations. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Souper Bowl Food Drive The third annual Souper Bowl Food Drive will be held through the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5 at the Oak Lawn Library. The library staff and volunteers will team up to stop hunger and help local pantries stock their shelves after the holidays.

Residents are welcome to join in with the goal of collecting at least 500 donated items.

A bin will be placed in the library lobby near a large poster that will track the progress of the drive.

All donated items will be delivered to local pantries in February. Over the past two years, nearly 1,000 donated items have been distributed to three local food pantries. For more information about this, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Conversation circle will be provided for new English speakers A conservation circle for new English speakers will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through May 24 at the Oak Lawn Library. Participants and trained volunteers will work together in large and small groups. The winter-spring session will be held in the Quiet Study Room on the second floor. Beginning, intermediate and advanced English learners are welcome (students must have some English training).

The fall 2017 session will start up again in September. More information will be provided in upcoming newsletters. More information can be obtained by calling Mary Williams, the head of the adult and young adult services department, at (708) 422-4990, or visit www.olpl.org.

Accepting reading material donations Patrons can donate “gently-used” books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library Outgoing Book Sale at the Oak Lawn Library.

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 Service desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation.

The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides a 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.

Information on LGBTQ PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the nation’s largest LGBTQ family and ally organization, will provide information on how

SCHOOL NEWS Music, art, French: A lesson in peace and hope at Shepard and Richards

SW Suburban Widows and Widowers club meets Friday The Southwest Suburban Widows and Widowers Social Club will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17100 S. 69th Ave., Tinley Park.

Beverages and snacks are provided at the monthly meetings. Activities include monthly general meet-

9

being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender affects the lives of younger people beginning at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the Oak Lawn Library. The relaxed and casual meeting will provide information on how to support LGBTQ individuals and answer questions. For more information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Mini health fair A mini heath fair will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Oak Lawn Library.

Free blood pressure screenings, power of attorney assistance, hearing tests (limit of 15), glaucoma tests, knee screenings (limit of eight) and physical therapy screenings will be offered. Screenings are subject to change. The event is sponsored by the Oak Lawn Community Partnership. For more information, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Download magazines with Zinio A session will be offered on an overview of Zinio and how to download magazines at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Oak Lawn Library. Patrons are asked to bring their own tablets or laptops. More information about this program can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Cineversary Film Discussion Series The Cineversary Film Discussion will be held in January at the Oak Lawn Library. The group conversation will be led by Erik J. Martin, creator and moderator of CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group. The first movie to be presented and discussed will be the 1992 film “Reservoir Dogs” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the library. After a simple jewelry heist goes terribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant.

The movie stars Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth. The film is rated R and runs 99 minutes.

The 1977 film “Annie Hall” will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, marking the 40th anniversary of the movie. The film is about a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer, who falls in love with the ditzy Annie Hall. The movie stars Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. The movie is rated PG and runs 93 minutes.

For more information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS Youth winter ready program The youth winter reading program will be offered beginning Monday Jan. 16 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills.

The sessions are for children in pre-kindergarten through senior year in high school. Kids can sign up for the winter reading program, and log their reading to earn tickets to win one of the grand prizes. Weekly prizes will be awarded Registration will take place at the Youth Services Desk or online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Creating spa products Patrons can make their own spa products during a session scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Green Hills Library. Learn how to make fresh facemasks and bath bombs that you get to take home. Registration is limited to 40. This event is for adults only. Registration is required and limited to 35. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Children will explore nature through reading “Green Time with Miss Emily” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Green Hills Library. Nature-themed stories will be read and activities will be offered for children ages 6 to 8.

Family fun and games Family bingo session will be held at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Green Hills Library. The event is designed for the whole family. Registration is required and limited to 60. Register online at greenhillslibary.org.

Science experiments offered for youngsters Science experiments based on a favorite story books will take place beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Green Hills Library. Some experiments may get messy so participants should dress accordingly. The program is for children under the age of 6 accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and limited to 30. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

As they taped the huge poster to the wall and “On écrit sur les murs” played over someone’s phone, the French 3 students from Shepard High School in Palos Heights sang along and smiled.

The lyrics, which they’d studied as a vocabulary exercise, came easily.

Performed by Kids United, started by UNICEF, the song features messages about peace and hope in the world. Students of teacher Kelly Karstrand prompted her so often about it that she brainstormed a way to create a lesson based on the song.

“The idea of the song is about writing your hopes and dreams for the world on walls in the form of graffiti. After studying vocabulary and the meaning behind the song, we made our own ‘wall of peace and hope messages,’” she said.

When they learned of the project at Shepard, Karstrand’s students at Richards High School campaigned to create their own wall. Karstrand, of course, agreed.

Students found meaning in the music, art, and language of the work. “’On écrit sur les murs’ was one of the most honest, raw, and genuine school projects I have ever done,” said Shepard sophomore Alayne Trinko. “My classmates and I were able to share what we want the world to become with our entire school.”

Submitted photo

Students enrolled in French 3 hang artwork with messages of peace and hope at Shepard High School in Palos Heights.

“This project is very dear to me. From the moment I found out about it I have been filled with excitement. It’s important to express positive perspectives on the future because we are the next generation,” said Shepard junior Denise Graham.

Adrian Olivares recalled a quote from Helen Keller as he worked on the wall.

“She once said ‘alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’ That is what we need to do, for all of us to spread love, respect, compassion, and so much more,” said the Shepard junior.

Many students felt a need to

express views of peace and hope in the current climate.

“These times we live in sometimes prove to be hard and we all have to remember to be united and to look toward the future in a positive way,” said Shepard junior Andreina Romero.

“We need to come together.

The song helps deliver this message and I believe we should find ways to express these ideals and united for a common cause of peace,’ said Shepard junior Andy Mutzbauer.

“It’s important to remember that we’re all human. We need all the love we can get,” added Shepard junior Jazmine Sinaloa.

OLCHS welcomes foreign exchange students Two foreign exchange students are attending Oak Lawn Community High School this year.

Oak Lawn Community High School is fortunate to have two foreign exchange students enrolled this school year: junior Laura Rodrigues from Brazil and junior Janice Stollberg from Germany.

The students are juniors Laura Rodrigues, from Brazil, and Janice Stollberg, from Germany.

Rodrigues chose the United States because she believes she will receive a quality public education here and live a quality life. She loves her host family, describing her host mom as “amazing” and three very nice host sisters.

She enjoys attending Oak Lawn High School, especially because she has the opportunity to choose her own classes.

She likes the dynamic of the school day, such as changing rooms, eating lunch at school, the variety of clubs and sports and her classes.

Rodrigues enjoys having the same schedule every day and being independent. Walking to the mall to shop is also a perk.

“I have seen a lot of different people who are independent and not afraid to be who they are, wherever they come from or what they look like,” said Rodrigues.

“It is so important to see and live with diversity.”

Submitted photo

Oak Lawn Community High School had two foreign exchange students enroll this school year. The students are junior Laura Rodrigues (left), from Brazil, and junior Janice Stollberg, from Germany.

Stollberg chose the U.S. because she likes the English language and wanted to experience something out of her comfort zone. She resides with what she describes as a really nice family that has worked with her exchange organization AFS for almost 20 years. She has a host sister who is an exchange student

from Lebanon.

When asked what she likes most about America, Janice said, “I really don’t like that question because there is so much to like.”

She likes the food, the people and loves learning about new things that Americans do differently than Germans.

Grandparents head back to class at Sward Grandparents made their way into the classrooms at Sward Elementary School in Oak Lawn for some fun and games with their grandkids.

Each grade level at the school is assigned a particular month for family members to come to school and view what the students are doing. Recently, the kindergarten students were able to invite their grandparents to take part in their physical education classes.

“As a goal in the school improvement plan for Sward School, we’ve made a commitment to providing daytime opportunities for family members to participate in learning activities with their children,” said Lori Gloodt, principal at Sward. “The more we can showcase the great things happening everyday at Sward School, the stronger our partnership with our families and our school community becomes.”

To begin the new year, first-grade students will participate in “Reading with Relatives” and in the spring, Sward will host “Drawing with Dads” and “Music with Moms.”

SUDOKU Answers

Submitted photo

Grandparents visited their grandchildren recently at Sward School in Oak Lawn and participated in a physical education class.

CROSSWORD Answers

10 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, January 5, 2017 Prospective families are invited to learn how Marist provides academics and a cocurriculum to students of various abilities in a faith-based co-ed setting complemented by technology and space at “Meet Marist” on Friday, Jan. 13. The next day, Marist will hold the entrance exam for all eighth-grade students at 8 a.m.

Interactive event to take place at Marist before entrance exam An interactive event will be held Friday, Jan. 13 at Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, preceding the entrance exam that will be held Saturday, Jan. 14.

The school will hold “Meet Marist” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 13. This event offers an abbreviated look at the school, but still includes all the highlights of the campus. The program begins with a presentation followed by an interactive tour that features student life at Marist. Prospective families will have

a personal and informative evening with faculty, coaches, students and administrators. Guests should enter at the main office at the west end of the building.

The entrance exam for current eighth-grade students will be held Jan. 14. Students should arrive at 8 a.m. and enter through the gym doors, located on the east end of the school. The test fee is $25. However, pre-registration is not required.

Students should bring two No. 2

pencils and are asked not to bring a calculator.

The approximate dismissal time is 12:15 p.m. In order to be considered a candidate for 2017-18 admission at Marist, prospective students must test at Marist High School. Marist administers the HSPT Entrance Exam and study guides for this test may be purchased at local bookstores or found online.

For additional information, visit www.marist.net.

Submitted photo

Oak Lawn honors retiring Sward principal with street sign in her name Lori Gloodt, principal of Sward School in Oak Lawn, thought it was business as usual when she came into work on Dec. 22.

However, she was in for a big surprise.

As the bell rang to start the final day of class before winter break, students shuffled into the gym at Sward as quietly as possible. Friends and family of the soon to be retired educator also arrived, taking their seats among District 123 teachers and staff.

At 8:45 a.m., District 123 Supt.

Dr. Paul Enderle waved yellow stars for a surprise assembly in Gloodt’s honor.

An emotional Gloodt had tears in her eyes as Oak Lawn Village Clerk Jane Quinlan had the honor of presenting the surprise of the day, an honorary sign in honor of the principal. The sign, “Lori Gloodt Way,” can be seen right outside the school, 9830 S. Brandt Ave. “I have always heard how wonderful Lori is from the Oak Lawn community and I have been fortunate enough to work alongside her for many years. It’s just a wonderful day, it is the ultimate day and Lori Gloodt Way will live on forever. We are thrilled at the Village of Oak Lawn,” said Quinlan.

Gloodt has been a part of District 123 for 26 years and will retire in July.

Submitted photo

Lori Gloodt, principal of Sward School in Oak Lawn, is joined

by Dr. Paul Enderle, District 123 superintendent, after an honorary sign, “Lori Gloodt Way,” was presented in her honor last month.

Sward is retiring in July.

“District 123 is family, and when you have someone who has dedicated 26 years of their life to lead a school in such a way — it is important that families celebrate that,” said Enderle.

“It was just so beautiful to see all the boys and girls, the teachers and my family. It was so overwhelming; I feel so much joy and love,” said Gloodt

Mount Carmel to hold placement test on Jan. 14 A placement test for eighth-grade male students will be offered at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at Mount Carmel High School, 6410 S. Dante Ave., Chicago.

Students should bring $25 in cash or check made out to Mount Carmel High School and two No. 2 pencils.

Students who test at Mount Carmel are eligible for merit scholarships as well as a number of internal scholarships. All students receiving a national score of 90 percent to 98 percent on the test will receive a $2,000 reduction per year for the student’s freshman through senior years, if the student maintains a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

All students receiving a 99 percent on the test will receive a full tuition scholarship for the student’s freshman year and $4,000 reduction per year for the student’s sophomore through senior years, if the student maintains a GPA of 4.0 or higher.

Parents of eighth-grade students taking the exam are invited to attend an admissions and financial aid information session with Mount Carmel school administrators at 8:45 a.m. It will take place in the Media Center, located on the second floor of the Convocation Center.

Prospective families are invited to receive a private tour of Mount Carmel at any time. To schedule a private tour, contact Bill Nolan, director of admissions, (773) 3241020, ext. 265, or bnolan@mchs. org.

Registration set for Dist. 123 preschool and kindergarten Applications for the 2017-18 academic year for the Oak LawnHometown School District 123 Preschool and Kindergarten will be processed beginning Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Interested families can enroll their child or children online for tuition preschool at d123.org/enroll. Tuition preschool is based upon availability. Children turning 3 years of age by Dec. 31, 2017 for p.m., full-day options for a partial week, and full-week options are available. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-5020 or at D123.org/KDG. Children who will attend kindergarten need to be 5 years old

by Sept. 1, 2017. More information on kindergarten can be obtained by calling (708) 422-1800 or visit D123.org/TPS.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, 2017 Thursday, January March 5,5,2015

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

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

A Happy New Year for Marist, Evergreen RedHawks’ boys team, Mustangs’ boys and girls win holiday tourneys

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photos by Jeff Vorva

DeAnna Stewart (top) of Evergreen Park was named MVP of the Agricultural Science School Tournament for her scoring and rebounding but on this play on Friday, she wasn’t afraid to hit the ground for a loose ball against Bremen.

Morgan Taylor (left photo) was named the Centralia Holiday Tournament MVP for Marist. The last RedHawk to win that honor was his coach, Gene Nolan (right photo), in 1991.

It had been 25 years since Marist’s boys basketball team won the Centralia Holiday Tournament.

It possibly never happened that the boys and girls basketball teams at Evergreen Park won holiday tournaments during the same season.

In a dizzying and historic 24-hour period on Thursday and Friday, the area crowned three champions. Evergreen Park’s boys took care of business with an 89-74 victory over Perspectives-Calumet on Thursday night to win the 16-team Immaculate Conception Catholic/Westmont Christmas Classic. On Friday afternoon, EP’s girls beat Bremen 38-24 to finish 5-0 in the six-team Chicago Agriculture Science Christmas Tournament.

Meanwhile, a few hundred miles south, Marist put the finishing touches on the wild end-of-the-week festivities with a 51-47 victory over Belleville West on Friday night to win the 74th Centralia Tournament.

But the game most Marist fans will be buzzing about was the Friday afternoon semifinal game in which the RedHawks (16-0) trailed by 12 heading into the fourth quarter but roared back for a 50-49 victory over Champaign Central. Justin Brown’s block of a Central shot at the buzzer preserved the victory seconds after Maurice Commander bagged a pair of free throws.

Junior Morgan Taylor was the 16team tournament’s MVP and became the first Marist player to claim that award since Gene Nolan in 1991. Nolan is the team’s coach and has now won a Centralia title as a player and a coach. Brown was named to the alltournament second team.

Marist is one of the few unbeaten teams in the Chicago area and the 2017 portion of its schedule will be challenging with games with Benet, Brother Rice and St. Patrick looming. But after winning this tournament, the RedHawks should be confident they can play with the big boys.

Evergreen Park’s boys and girls didn’t play in high-profile tourna-

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Tyler Weathersby earned MVP honors at the 16-team IC Catholic/Westmont Christmas Tournament.

Tournament Thoughts: Jeff Vorva has plenty of observations about the holiday hoops tournaments: Page 3 ments, but they strung together an impressive stretch of victories that left the boys at 10-4 and the girls at 13-4 to help give them confidence for the beefy part of their South Suburban Conference. Both teams also have eyes on desirable seeds in the Class 3A postseason.

Girls coach Bruce Scaduto, who also coached the boys, couldn’t recall in his 19 years the Mustangs winning boys and girls holiday tournament the same year. Athletic Director Jim Soldan said he wasn’t aware if it happened before that.

The boys survived a 64-61 semifinal victory over IC Catholic with Michael Drynan scoring 20 before scoring 47 points in the first half of the title game. Drynan and Jonathan See TOURNEYS, Page 3

USF AT SXU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN

Third sport Cougars hope to take it from the top is the charm

By Jeff Vorva

TWO OF THE BEST

Sports Editor

When St. Xavier University’s women’s basketball team vaulted to No. 1 in the nation for the first time in school history last season, the Cougars travelled to the University of St. Francis in Joliet and were knocked off by the Saints.

Heading into this week, St. Francis is the No. 1 team in the nation in NAIA Division II play and comes to Chicago to face the Cougars at 1 p.m. Saturday in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference battle at the Shannon Center.

Both teams entered this week’s action with perfect records as SXU was 14-0 and USF was 13-0 with a win over Division II Lewis University on its resume. The Saints beat No. 7 Davenport, 68-56, on Friday.

Both teams had CCAC contests slated for Tuesday and Thursday heading into the big showdown.

“We have some games to play first but we’re definitely looking forward to this – it’s going to be a great game,’’ SXU junior Kara Krolicki said. “They have a great team, but we will definitely be prepared.’’

Krolicki leads the team with a 20.1 scoring average but has plenty of help with freshman Maddie Wel-

After injuries cut baseball and hoops career short, Sandburg’s Martinez excels on golf course

The University of St. Francis visits St. Xavier at 1 p.m. Saturday in women’s basketball, matching up two of the top NAIA teams in the nation. Here are some stats for the two teams as of Monday:

NAIA national ranking Record Points per game Points per game allowed Rebounds per game Steals Blocks 3-point baskets

SXU 3rd 14-0 89.6 58.1 41.4 155 89 177

By Jason Maholy Correspondent

USF 1st 13-0 76.2 58.4 39.8 140 51 99

ter averaging 15.7, Brittany Collins 11.9 and Mikalya Leyden 10.4.

Last year, the Saints won 73-61 in front of 735 fans at the Sullivan Center — USF’s largest crowd of the season.

SXU looked like the No. 1 team in the country early on as it grabbed a 25-14 lead after the first quarter but scored just 36 points in the final 30 minutes. The Cougars shot 35 percent and turned the ball over 16 times. Leyden led the Cougars with 19 points and added seven rebounds and three steals.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mikayla Leyden and third-ranked St. Xavier will take on the No. 1 team in the nation, St. Francis, on Saturday.

USF shot 41 percent and was led

by Charnelle Reed’s 26-point, 10-rebound performance.

This year’s Cougars squad is filled with weapons. ‘’We have a lot of versatile guards who can do a lot of different things,” Krolicki said. “We don’t even really have positions this year. Everybody can do everything. We have great team chemistry on and off the court.’’

The teams have faced each other 36 times with SXU owning a 27-9

advantage.

While SXU has enjoyed a couple of decades of winning basketball under coach Bob Hallberg, USF had a quick rebuild with coach Samantha Quigley. Her first season was 201213 and posted a 14-17 mark. Two years later, the Saints knocked off Robert Morris, which was ranked 16th in the nation, in the CCAC Tournament quarterfinals and last year led the team to 28 victories and its first NAIA Tournament appearance in 13 seasons.

Alec Martinez was heartbroken.

He spent most of his senior year at Sandburg in 2014-15 nursing an ACL tear in his right leg and missed most of the basketball season and all of Photo courtesy of MVCC the baseball season.

With his right leg back Moraine Valley sophomore Alec Martinez in shape, he was ready is heading to the NJto play for Moraine Val- CAA nationals in May. ley Community College’s basketball team and a day before the Cyclones were ready to open the 2015-16 campaign, Martinez broke his left ankle while scrambling for a loose ball.

“Right away I knew it was broken and kind of broke down,” he recalled. “I think I cried for about two straight days. That was, like, the worst. I had worked so hard (rehabbing) for seven months, and the day before our first game I break my ankle.”

Those who thought they heard the last of Martinez were wrong.

See MARTINEZ, Page 4

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2

Section 2 January 5, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Ganz hopes to catch his first championship

By Frank Gogola

FCS TITLE FACTS

Correspondent

This is new to Joe Ganz.

Not the football.

Not the coaching.

It’s the opportunity to win a championship that has eluded him — until now.

Ganz, a Palos Heights native and an assistant coach at Youngstown State, will be coaching in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision championship game when the Penguins play James Madison on Saturday in Frisco, Texas. He succeeded on the field at Stagg in the early 2000s and later at Nebraska, but he never made it to a title game.

“Sixty minutes to call yourself the champion,” Ganz said while taking a break from preparing the biggest game plan of his career. “It’s all you can ask for.”

Coming off a 5-6 season, YSU started 6-3 in Ganz’s first year as the tight ends coach. Since a Nov. 5 loss to North Dakota State, the Penguins have won six in a row, including four straight in the playoffs.

They followed up a double-overtime win against Wofford with a 40-38 semifinal victory over Eastern Washington.

Kevin Rader, one of Ganz’s tight ends, made a one-handed touchdown catch by pinning the ball against the back of a defender’s shoulder pad to give YSU the lead with one second left.

The play went viral on social media.

It was No. 1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays of the day. The NCAA website called it the “FCS play of the year” in a

The teams: Youngstown State (12-3) vs. James Madison (13-1) When: 11 a.m., Saturday Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas TV: ESPN2

story posted later that night.

“It was the best play I’ve ever seen in my life under those types of circumstances — to send a team to the national championship game,” Ganz said, who watched the play from up in the coaches’ booth. “It was the best play I’ve ever seen live and the best play I’ve ever been a part of (in my football career).”

The focus since then has been on James Madison and the FCS title game. The Dukes defeated North Dakota State, the five-time defending FCS champion, to win the other semifinal.

This is the closest Ganz has come to winning a championship since 2002, when he was a junior at Stagg. A starting quarterback and safety, he led the Chargers to the Class 7A state semifinals in the program’s first playoff appearance in 10 years.

His most memorable win was a 2110 quarterfinal victory against St. Rita because he had friends from youth basketball at St. Alexander who played at St. Rita.

“We went out there and we beat the hell out of them physically,” Ganz said.

“We were faster. We were more athletic. I remember winning that game and

Photo courtesy of Youngstown State University

Former Stagg High School star Joe Ganz is now an assistant coach at Youngstown State. He is eying a championship on Saturday.

celebrating on the field at St. Rita. That was special. That was a special team.

Obviously, things didn’t go the way we wanted them to in Edwardsville (in a 14-7 semifinal loss).”

As a redshirt senior at Nebraska, Ganz was named the MVP of the 2009 Gator Bowl in a 26-21 win over Clemson. The 8-4 Cornhuskers, then in the Big 12, were a far cry from the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators, who beat Oklahoma for the national championship.

Ganz chased an NFL career and a Super Bowl trophy for one season but never stuck on a roster. He knew it was

a long shot anyway, so he jumped at the opportunity to return to Nebraska when his former coach, Bo Pelini, offered him a position.

He spent four years on Pelini’s staff as a football intern, graduate manager and graduate assistant, working with the quarterbacks. When Nebraska fired Pelini after the 2014 season, Ganz spent a year as an Internet radio co-host with The Omaha World-Herald’s “The Bottom Line.” He rejoined Pelini this year at Youngstown State.

“Football is in my blood,” Ganz said. “It’s what I love to do. I love the

game. I love the competition. I love what it takes to coach your guys in a manner of how you want them to play and how you think the game should be played.”

Ganz had never considered coaching football when he played at Stagg. That big-picture outlook of picking a career escaped the younger him. He was focused on getting a scholarship to play big-time college football and credits coaches Bob Fabrizio, Tim McAlpin, Brian Buglio, Jim Zimmer and Mike Fahey in helping make that childhood dream a reality.

Nebraska offered him a scholarship just about one month before National Signing Day when Chicago native Bill Callahan was hired as head coach. He needed no convincing and took that offer over a baseball scholarship from UIC. Ganz set 23 school records in 16 career starts, most of which came with Pelini coaching. It was during those final two seasons when he realized coaching could be a viable career. He loved the game planning, practice and mental preparation aspects. Sunday through Thursday was just as important, meaningful and fascinating as the Saturday game.

“I don’t think I could have a regular 9-to-5, sit-behind-a-desk type of job,” Ganz said. “I don’t think that’s the type of life I wanted, and I don’t think I would have been very happy.”

What could make him happier? How about a championship victory on Saturday with family, friends and former teammates in attendance.

FOCUS ON AREA SPORTS

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

Both Richards bowling teams are on a roll

SXU football team signs up more talent

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Both Richards’ boys and girls bowling teams wrapped up 2016 with tournament victories.

The boys narrowly won the 18-team Brother Rice Winter Finale at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn on Dec. 27 by four pins over Morgan Park. The Bulldogs had a six-game score of 6,206 to Morgan Park’s 6,202. St. Laurence took fifth, Oak Lawn sixth, Evergreen Park eighth, Chicago Christian ninth, Brother Rice Orange 10th, Marist 11th and Brother Rice Maroon 16th.

Freshman Matt LaBonte led the Bulldogs with a 1,446 six-game series. Sophomore Max Simik was ninth.

Other area bowlers in the top 25 were Chicago Christian’s Matthew McCarthy (6th), St. Laurence’s Ramon Flores (10th), Richards’ Matt Lagioia (12th), Oak Lawn’s Mike Rollberg (15th), Oak Lawn’s Jon McLawhorn (16th), Evergreen Park’s Shaun Quinn (17th), Evergreen Park’s Zach McCormick (18th), Chicago Christian’s Jim Bruinius (22nd) and Brother Rice Orange’s Anthony Butler (1,129).

Regionals begin Jan. 14.

Richards’ girls won the Reavis Rock and Roll Invitational for the second straight year by 41 pins over Lincoln-Way West.

Richards senior Alexandra Wozniak took third place with a 1,281 and Caitlyn Solomon was fourth with a 1,266.

Girls regionals open Feb. 4.

Submitted photos

Richards’ boys bowlers (above) won the Brother Rice tournament by four pins. The Bulldogs’ girls team (below) won the Reavis Rock and Roll event for the second year in a row.

Our runner of the year is their runner of the year Sandburg junior Dylan Jacobs was not only the best runner at the local level, earning the second Reporter-Regional Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, he was also named the Dyestat Illinois Runner of the Year.

The website said Jacobs was in a fourway race and his finish at the Foot Locker National race was the deciding factor as he won the Foot Locker Regional and placed

19th in the national race.

Lyons Township’s Danny Kilrea was also one of the four in contention for the honor.

Richards running back Pat Doyle is one of four recent football recruits at St. Xavier University, and he is being eyed for the future.

The 5-foot-8, 160-pound back has veterans Mike Ivlow and Jamarri Watson in front of him at the Chicago school, so playing a lot as a freshman might not be in the cards. But coach Mike Feminis likes Doyle’s ceiling in the coming years.

“Pat is a really nice pickup for us from right down the street and we think he fits in really well as a complementary back in our spread offense,” said Feminis. “With Ivlow and Watson both back next year, I think we will have a chance to groom Pat to a point where he will have a legitimate chance to compete for significant playing time in his second year.”

Speaking of Ivlow, his brother John, a 6-2, 280 offensive lineman from Bolingbrook High School, also signed up with the Cougars.

“He is another great lineman who chose SXU over some quality D-II schools, and it certainly helped that his dad (Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow) and brother (Mike) really pushed him our way,” said Feminis. “If he was an inch or two taller, he is probably getting offers from FCS and mid-major D-I schools. He can play either guard or center and we fully expect him to compete

for a spot immediately.”

If all goes according to plan, one Ivlow could be opening holes for another Ivlow.

Also signed up is Plainfield North linebacker JJ Frey and Niles Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthony Saro.

Men’s basketball: The Cougars finished the 2016 portion of their season with an 89-80 victory over Huntington University Thursday, avenging a loss to the Foresters earlier in the season.

Quinn Niego led the Cougars (7-8) with 23 points and nine rebounds while Jack Brody had 18 points and seven boards.

Women’s basketball: The Cougars, ranked third in the nation in NAIA Division II, picked up 28 points from freshman Maddie Welter in a 73-55 win over No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan on Thursday to keep their record perfect at 14-0. Welter hit eight 3-ponters. Junior Kara Krolicki added 25 points in the SXU Holiday Classic contest.

Trinity Christian College Men’s basketball: Trinity (59) won its third game in a row with a 79-69 triumph over Indiana University Northwest on Saturday as Jordan Perry had 20 points and Myles Birgans added 19, including a buzzer-beating 3-point basket to end the first half.

Women’s basketball: The Trolls lost to Indiana University-Northwest, ranked 13th in the nation, 87-63 on Saturday. Lauren Stokes led with 13 points.

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

‘Gathering for Guido’ event to help Knights volunteer The Orland Park community is rallying to help longtime volunteer and Orland Knights Football Equipment Manager Mike Guido, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer.

Family and friends are hosting a fundraiser to help with Guido’s medical expenses. “Gathering for Guido” will be held from 2-to-6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park.

The afternoon will include a buffet with appetizers, tossed salad, fried chicken, meatballs, sausage, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, all house wines, Coors Light and Miller Lite, plus entertainment provided by live bands.

Tickets can be purchased online at www. eventbrite.com/e/gathering-for-guido-tickets-29076118453*.

Tickets purchased at the door will be $45.

The committee is also offering a family-of -four deal for $125.

Sean Flood, who volunteers with Guido with Knights, said, “I could talk about Mike all day. He is one of the most generous people I know. Mike has been at every practice and every game, fixing equipment, bandaging cuts and offering encouragement. Mike’s son is a freshman at Sandburg and Mike still came to help with the Knights — even while undergoing treatment this fall.”

Flood said Guido was an inspiration to

St. Laurence hosts football clinic

Supplied photo

Friends and family of Mike Guido (right) are holding a Jan. 14 fundraiser to help with Guido’s medical expenses. Guido is a longtime volunteer with the Orland Knights Football and Cheerleading Program.

the team, which won the Metro League Super Bowl in November.

“Our eighth graders won the Super Bowl this year and Mike was there on the sidelines,’’ Flood said. “It was bitter cold outside and Mike had just finished his second chemotherapy treatment. When the final horn sounded and the coaches finished their speeches, the boys stood together and told Mike, ‘This season and this championship were for you.’ That alone shows the kind of impact Mike has had on these kids for the last seven years.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to help with Guido’s medical expenses. To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/2pefmtn3.

For more information or to donate items to the fundraiser, call Angelique DrzikEdman at 630-267-4591, Mary Schwarz at 773-981-4682, or Flood at 630-728-0745.

St. Laurence’s Future Viking Football Clinic for seventh and eighth graders takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

The clinic will be led by Vikings football head coach Harold Blackmon, whose team made it to the Class 6A semifinals in 2016 and the 5A semis in 2015. After the instructional portion, attendees and parents are invited to a question-and-answer session with Blackmon about the program.

Participants should bring gym shoes and cleats. Quarterbacks also must bring their own footballs. Participants can enter at the school’s north entrance. St. Laurence High School is located at 5556 West 77th Street, Burbank.For more information, please contact Joe Spano at jspano@stlaurence.com.

Palos Power signup The Palos Power girls softball organization will hold registration for its house league from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights.

The season typically runs from mid-April to mid/late June, although teams may begin practicing as early as late March/early April.

For fees and other details, visit palospowersoftball.com.

— Send community sports news to regionalsports@comcast.net

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards running back Pat Doyle has committed to St. Xavier University.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 5, 2017 Section 2

3

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

Rishod Brown and his Evergreen Park teammates face three opponent in five days starting Friday night at Lemont.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

W-L STREAK NEXT

12-3 8-6 10-4 16-0 4-10 6-6 4-10 8-5 5-7 10-4

W1 W3 W6 W16 L1 W1 W1 L3 L2 W1

at St. Rita, Tues. at St. Edward, Fri.; hosts Stagg, Tues. at Lemont, Fri.; at St. Anthony Shootout, Sat.; at Oak Forest, Tues. hosts Harlan, Fri.; hosts St. Ignatius, Tues. hosts Oak Forest, Fri; at Hillcrest, Tues. hosts T.F. North, Fri.; at Tinley Park, Tues. hosts St. Rita, Fri. hosts Lincoln-Way East, Tues. hosts Hillcrest, Fri.; at Bremen, Tues. hosts Bolingbrook, Thurs.; at Chicago Christian, Tues.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 1

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

W-L STREAK NEXT

11-4 13-4 15-3 10-5 10-9 16-1 9-5 8-10 6-10 8-7

W2 W9 W3 L1 L1 W1 L1 W2 L1 W2

at Guerin, Thurs; hosts Illiana, Sat.; at Glenbard South, Mon. hosts Lemont, Thurs.; hosts Oak Forest, Tues. at Fremd Shootout vs. New Trier, Sat.; at McAuley, Mon.; hosts Carmel, Wed. at Trinity, Thurs.; hosts Marist, Mon. at Oak Forest, Thurs.; hosts Hillcrest, Tues. at Wheaton St. Francis, Thurs.; hosts Shepard, Sat. at T.F North, Fri.; hosts Tinley Park, Tues. hosts Lincoln-Way East, Thurs.; at Lockport, Tues. at Hillcrest, Thurs.; at Q of Peace, Sat.; hosts Bremen, Tues. hosts Bolingbrook, Fri.; at Lincoln-Way East, Tues.

* Records through Sunday, Jan. 1

— Compiled by Anthony Nasella

Some ups and downs of holiday tourney week L

ife was good for Marist’s boys basketball team as well as Evergreen Park’s boys and girls teams, as all three teams closed 2016 by winning holiday tournaments.

We featured them on a page 1 story, but there were plenty of other storylines going on as our other 17 teams battled around the area, state and nation playing game after game.

Here are a few thoughts and highlights: Jack Tosh Tournament: Out of the four local teams that entered the 32-team tournament at York, I think St. Laurence benefitted the most. Even though the Vikings didn’t win a tournament as Marist and Evergreen Park did, this showing gave the Vikes a huge shot in the arm.

The Vikings were 1-9 coming into this tournament and ended up in the final eight. They stunned Lyons Township, 4846, in the first round as Brian Lyle hit a free throw in the closing seconds. Justin Wierzgac led with 20 points as coach Jim Maley beat his alma mater.

That win wasn’t a fluke, as the Vikings knocked off Stagg in the second round, 53-49, in overtime Wierzgac, who scored 25 points, made the all-tournament team.

St. Laurence dropped a 7545 decision to St. Patrick in the quarterfinals but recovered to nip Highland Park, 43-42, to finish 3-1 in the tourney and give the Vikes some steam for the 2017 portion of the schedule.

Brother Rice also made it to the final eight with wins over McHenry and Sandburg, then fell to Conant, 72-63, in the

Tourneys

Continued from Page 1 McDonald each had 19 in that game, tournament MVP Tyler Weathersby added 17 and Kyree Hannah 12.

“Tyler did a fantastic job and probably played his best game as a Mustang in the championship game,” Flannigan said.

“It was nice to finally win this tournament. We’ve come close a couple of times.

“We’re hoping this will help with our confidence during a tough stretch of games against Lemont, Teutopolis, Oak Forest, Hillcrest and Leo. We keep telling them that we have enough talent in the room to make a run. Hopefully now they are starting to believe it.’’

Scaduto’s squad is miles ahead of last year’s 12-15 team and has a heavy load of juniors on the team. Senior DeAnna Stewart was named MVP and junior Kacey Gardner was named to the all-tournament team.

The Mustangs had to play

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point quarterfinals before recovering to beat Providence Catholic, 66-38. Josh Niego made the alltournament team.

Stagg finished 2-2 but ended things on a high note with a 5236 win over De La Salle. Sandburg finished 1-3.

By the way, after all of the smoke cleared from the tournaments, the SouthWest Suburban Blue — which features Sandburg and Stagg — came out with a 56-21 record for 2016.

Joliet West and Joliet Central, which left the conference after last season, combined for a 25-2 mark heading into 2017. If the Joliet teams were still in that conference, it would be 81-23.

East Aurora Tournament: Chicago Christian came into the tournament averaging 97 points in its previous three games but there was none of that firepower to be found against the defenses in this tournament as the Knights averaged 59.7 points and finished 2-2 for a seventhplace finish in the eight-team tournament.

The Knights recovered to beat Timothy Christian, 68-42, Saturday at the United Center.

Malik Parker scored 27 in the win.

Kankakee: Shepard finished fourth in the eight-team big-school division of the 16team tournament. After beating Bradley-Bourbonnais and

two games on Dec. 28, two more on Thursday and one on Friday and gave up an average of 28 points per game.

“We played hard and well against Tinley Park (Dec. 16) and with a week and a half off, I wasn’t sure how we would respond,” Scaduto said. “We came out in this tournament and DeAnna came ready to play. She scored 20 points a game in this tournament and she’s a great post presence.

With DeAnna and Kacey, we have a good combination going right now.’’

Stewart is receiving interest from small schools for track as she is a shot putter for the Mustangs. She is hoping to also pick up some interest in basketball as well and having this MVP honor won’t hurt her resume.

Meanwhile, she is hoping for a big finish for her team and said the team accomplished what it needed to at the Agriculture School Tournament.

“We wanted to come out here and go home undefeated,” she said. “We needed to stay focused and control the tempo.’’

Photos by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence coach Jim Maley and his troops finished 3-1 and in the top eight of the 32-team Jack Tosh tournament after opening the season 1-9.

Kankakee, the Astros dropped decisions to Public League teams Lake View and Chicago Vocational. Sophomore Chris Harrison made the all-tournament team.

Hinsdale Central: Richards avoided being shut out when it nipped Urban Prep, 57-56, in the 15th-place game. Rico Griffin (11 points) scored with four seconds left to put the Bulldogs ahead by four points, and Urban Prep’s Khaniah Perkins hit a 3-pointer with :01 left to close the gap to one.

Even though Urban Prep finished last in the tournament, it lost three games by a combined four points.

Effingham/Teutopolis: Oak Lawn finished 2-3 and finished in sixth place in the eight-team tournament with wins over Altamont and Mattoon.

GIRLS Oswego East: Queen of Peace’s girls basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Thursday and it was a whopper.

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a championship, but the consolation championship wasn’t quite what the RedHawks had in mind.

But after dropping a firstround game to Proviso East, 6259, the consolation title was the best the RedHawks could get so they won the next three games, including Friday’s 63-58 title win. Julia Ruzevich led the way with 22 points.

Riverside-Brookfield: Oak Lawn finished sixth in the 16team tournament, while Shepard took 14th.

The Spartans opened with a 59-56 win over Hope Academy with Madelyn McGrath pouring in 21 points. Oak Lawn also had wins over Niles North and De La Salle but had a secondround loss to Glenbard West and a fifth-place game loss to York.

Shepard’s lone win in the tournament was a 43-42 victory over Hope.

Hillcrest: Fresh off of winning the Oak Lawn Tournament, Sandburg finished fifth in the 16-team tournament with a 50-39 win over Lockport on Dec. 28. Stagg beat the hosts 46-42 for fifth place in the consolation bracket.

Lisle Holiday Cage Classic: Chicago Christian finished fifth in the tournament after beating Addison Trial, 33-28, on Friday.

The Knights nipped Rosary 3433, lost to Antioch 52-24 and beat Reed Custer 51-36 Agriculture School Tournament: Richards finished 3-2 in the six-team round-robin tournament as the Bulldogs lost to tourney champ Evergreen Park and to the secondplace hosts.

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Marist players huddle during a game earlier this year. The Redhawks won the Centralia Tournament for the first time in 25 years on Friday.

In the semifinals of the 16team Oswego East Tournament, the Pride took on one of the top Class 4A teams in the state in Edwardsville. It immediately fell behind 24-4 and went on to lose 60-23.

I came away from that one with mixed emotions. While the Pride is a great area team and probably won’t face another team that good, I was hoping the score would be a little tighter. I would have been happy with a 15-point loss. Queen of Peace is in Class 3A and will still have to play some pretty good competition, so maybe a loss like this is a good wakeup call.

What I liked is the Pride was able to come back on Friday and beat Sycamore, 45-37, and enter the 2017 portion of the schedule with a 16-1 mark.

Coach George Shimko was pumped up to finish third in a tournament “of all 4A schools with enrollments of 2,500 or more.’’

Senior Kara Shimko was named to the all-tournament team.

KSA Holiday Classic: Mother McAuley finished 2-1 in the eight-team Red Bracket in Orlando, Fla. The lone loss came to Ocean City (New Jersey), 5145, on Friday as Grace Hynes scored 14 points.

Earlier in the tournament, the Mighty Macs beat Marshall County (Kentucky) 55-39 as Tara O’Malley knocked in four 3-pointers en route to a 21-point performance, and they routed Sunlake (Florida) 66-22 as O’Malley popped in 17.

Montini Holiday Tournament: Marist was gunning for

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4

Section 2 Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from the last few weeks of hoops in 2016 Things are looking up for Samaria JonesTinsley as she scores a layup in Evergreen Park’s win over Bremen on Friday.

That victory helped Evergreen win the Agricultural High School Christmas Tournament.

Chicago Christian coach Kevin Pittman leaves his seat to argue a call against Elmwood Park.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Brother Rice and Eisenhower players chase down the ball after a missed shot during a Dec. 20 game.

Evergreen Park’s Daniel Woodal’s arms and hands are busy during a free throw against Ellison on Dec. 20.

Brother Rice fans get into the Christmas spirit as they dance it up during halftime of a game before Christmas.

Chicago Christian’s Jack Ellison comes up with the ball in a Dec. 23 game against Elmwood Park.

Martinez

Continued from Page 1 Sure, he’s not playing basketball or baseball at the Palos Hills school, but he picked up some golf clubs and is excelling. He qualified in the fall for the NJCAA Division II Championship, which will be held May 23-26 at Longbow Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz.

As even the greatest golfers would undoubtedly attest, theirs is a challenging and unforgiving game.

Attaining a moderate level of consistent success on the links can elude athletes who have golfed for years, even decades. To master the game is an accomplishment reserved almost exclusively for those in the professional ranks.

So to pick up a golf club for the first time as a junior in high school and three years later qualify for the national championship tournament might be downright offensive to

Evergreen Park’s Kacey Gardner dribbles the ball against Bremen on Friday. She was named to the alltournament team at the Agriculture High School Christmas Tournament.

some weekend warriors.

But Martinez, who is playing in his first year of organized golf, defied the odds. He may have had bad luck in the health department, but he is having good fortune at golf.

His ACL injuries have led to his road to MVCC. “I was originally not planning on going to Moraine,” Martinez said. “I didn’t want to have my athletics career end like that, so I decided to go to Moraine and try playing basketball.”

Martinez had played golf casually his final two years in high school, and even tried out for — but was cut from — the team at Sandburg. Toward the end of his freshman year at Moraine, a friend suggested he try out for the college’s squad. And so began his unexpected journey to the junior college national championship.

Martinez, of Orland Park, booked his trip to the Valley of the Sun via a sixth-place finish at the NJCAA Region IV Tournament

held in October at Oak Ridge Golf Club in LaSalle. Martinez shot a season-low 72 in the first round, and followed that with two rounds of 78 for a 54-hole score of 228.

As a natural athlete, Martinez is no stranger to excelling in sports.

Despite his golfing inexperience, he believed early on he could compete in golf at a high level. His success may have been unexpected to everyone except him.

“I practiced and played as much as I could,” he said. “I had been playing all summer, so it didn’t really surprise me. That’s what I knew I was capable of doing.”

The road to nationals wasn’t, however, without its bumps, and Martinez acknowledged he felt a little uncomfortable during his first few tournaments.

“I was super nervous for some reason,” he said. “I was out of my element. I’d never played on a golf team or competitive golf, so at the beginning of the season I had some of my highest scores and was kind

of a nervous wreck.”

Golf is arguably the best example of a sport in which the physical and mental aspects are unfailingly intertwined, and as the season wore on and Martinez learned to relax, his game began to improve.

“Knowing it’s just a game, and you’re having fun and don’t take it so serious,” he said of what helped ease his mind. “The nerves went away and I was just able to have fun out there enjoy it, and not worry too much about the competitive aspects.

“Toward the end of the season I got really going and my confidence was really high heading into the regional. It was just great for it to happen at the right time. I birdied the first hole and never looked back.”

Now, he’s looking forward to May. “I’m super excited, (nationals) was kind of my goal all along,” he said. “After all that happened, it makes my decision to go to Moraine worth it.”

Alec Martinez injured his right ACL and left ankle the past two years and gave up basketball and baseball. He took up golf at Moraine Valley and qualified for nationals.

Photo courtesy of Moraine Valley Community College

5

Section 2 Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5 Plaintiff, -v.TRINIDAD V. ARTEAGA AKA TRINIDAD ARTEAGA, MARIA I. ARTEAGA AKA MARIA ARTEAGA AKA MARY ARTEAGA, VILLAGE OF OAK LAWN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY Defendants

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS TRUSTEE FOR CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.MARYSOL MONCADA, ARACELY MORALES, FRANCISCO J. MORALES AKA FRANCISCO MORALES, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC. Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE (CWALT 2007-HY4) Plaintiff, -v.MANJULABEN A. GABHAWALA A/K/A MANJULABEN GABHAWALA, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., FAMILY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1/9/2004 A/K/A TRUST NO. 9-774, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 006040 11650 S. Walnut Ridge Drive Palos Park, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 30, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 1, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11650 S. Walnut Ridge Drive, Palos Park, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-23-408-012. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-1604020. 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. 14-16-04020 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 006040 TJSC#: 36-12430 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.

I710520

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15 CH 18764 9013 SOUTH 50TH AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 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, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 30, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9013 SOUTH 50TH AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-04-208-018-0000.

16 CH 8494 9428 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 30, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9428 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-05-416-023-0000; 24-05-416-024-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

The judgment amount was $234,337.60.

The judgment amount was $287,146.47.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

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

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

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

If this property is a condominium unit, or a 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 and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. 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 the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 4536960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois. com. Please refer to file number F151000010.

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.

ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F151000010 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 15 CH 18764 TJSC#: 36-12896 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.

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, or a 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 and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. 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 the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F16060150.

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.

ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F16060150 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 16 CH 8494 TJSC#: 36-12311 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.

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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For Sale

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.DENNIS C. BURIC, JR., SUSAN C. BURIC, FIRST MIDWEST BANK Defendants 16 CH 02937 5959 W. 127TH STREET Palos Heights, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 25, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 27, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5959 W. 127TH STREET, Palos Heights, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-32-203-019-0000 Vol. 248. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $167,172.38. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 16-3196. 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. 16-3196 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 16 CH 02937 TJSC#: 36-12804 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.

I710553

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.JOHN R. MANTHEY, SANDRA L. MANTHEY Defendants 13 CH 27266 8937 Fairway Dr. 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 February 8, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 1, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8937 Fairway Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-10-213-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $209,564.12. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. 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.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 13 CH 27266 TJSC#: 36-13735 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.

I710154

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

JANE A. LANENGA F/K/A JANE A. SLUIS AKA JANE LANENGA; CONCORD CONDOMINIUM I ASSOCIATION; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 15 CH 15336 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 17, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-03-400-028-1008.

Commonly known as 13950 South 91st Avenue, Unit 204, Orland Park, Illinois 60462.

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890.

(630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www. fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. F15080211 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I710280

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WATERFALL OLYMPIC MASTER FUND GRANTOR TRUST, SERIES II, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY ASSIGNMENT FROM BYLINE BANK, F/K/A NORTH COMMUNITY BANK, SUCCESSOR

BY MERGER TO ARCHER BANK, Plaintiff, vs.

EDWARD KOPINSKI A/K/A EDWARD J. KOPINSKI; BARBARA R. KOPINSKI, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 13 CH 17609 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 30, 2017, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-34-100-032-0000.

Commonly known as 13000 South 94th Avenue, Palos Park, IL 60464.

The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence.

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

For information call Ms. Sheryl A. Fyock at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC, 55 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 422-8000.

72000-05 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I711203

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, January 5, 2017 Section 2

Help Wanted

Maintenance

Part-Time 20-25 hours per week; CDL preferred; Salary DOQ Chicago Ridge Park District Call (708) 857-2653 for details Fax Resume to (708) 636-5758 Or e-mail to kevinking@ chicagoridgeparks.com Novena PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the World now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us; St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us; St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day, on the ninth day your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St. Jude. J.C.

Help Wanted Suburban law firm seeking part-time receptionist with 1-2 years of related experience in an office environment. Candidates must be able to multi-task without compromising on quality, be professional and courteous under stressful situations, be able to prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment, be able to collaborate and support fellow co-workers and be proficient in handling office equipment. Job duties include greeting guests and visitors in an efficient, professional and pleasant manner, helping guests with appropriate information needed while maintaining confidentiality, answering phone calls and directing callers to the respective attorneys/departments, collecting, sorting and delivering incoming mail, file maintenance and assisting with clerical tasks such as copying and faxing on an as needed basis. All inquiries and resumes should be directed to Kim Ooley, Office Manager, at kooley@odelsonsterk.com.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN Make baskets at The Center

Instructor Lois Shive will begin to instruct students on the art of basket making from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for six Thursdays, beginning Thursday, Jan. 12 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway.

Shive will show students how to make an easy and beautiful wood-bottomed basket with a choice of colored trim. Participants will continue to learn techniques for weaving a variety of shapes and sizes of baskets and get to choose their own project in consultation with the instructor. Students typically make two or three baskets over the six-week session.

The class fee is $100, plus a $25 materials fee.

For more information, or to register for the class, call 361-3650.

own projects from 1 to 3 p.m. for six Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Dulzo asks participants to bring their own sewing machine and choice of fabrics. Students will learn to design a project, cut fabrics, piece them together, add batting and backing, and stitch it all together to create a baby quilt, wall hanging, or other pieced fabric project.

The class fee is $100. Students are asked to purchase fabrics and batting before the first class.

A list of required fabrics and supplies is available in the office.

For more information, call 361-3650.

Laugh, chuckle, chortle at The Center Stained Glass class

Students can achieve the goal of creating beautiful stained glass pieces when they enroll in the stained glass class from 1 to 3 p.m. for six Thursdays beginning Thursday, Jan. 12 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway.

Instructor Harry Meneghini will teach participants the principles of glass design and color, and the techniques of cutting and soldering, using both lead came and copper foil to join the pieces of glass. The class starts with simple projects, and eventually students will design their own windows, pictures, and lamps.

The class fee is $100. A list of glass and supplies which will need to be purchased will be distributed the first day of class, or may be obtained at The Center office, but students are asked to wait until after the first class to make any purchases.

For more information, or to register for the class, call (708) 361-3650.

Make pots at The Center

A pottery class is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., or from 6 to 8 p.m. for six Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, Jan. 10 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Art Director Heather Young will help students learn the basics of working with ceramics, or expand their knowledge if they have already learned the basics. This is a class for beginners and advanced students. Throughout the six-week course students will learn a variety of hand building techniques, as well as working on the potter’s wheel. The class will experiment with different types of clay and glazes.

The class fee is $100, plus a $25 materials fee.

For more information, call 361-3650.

Learn pastel painting

Pastel painting is being offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, Jan. 10 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Instructor Susan Flanagan will guide beginners and experienced painters to explore the many creative possibilities of painting with soft pastels. She will also encourage them to develop an individual style while painting from a photograph, or to paint a still life provided by the instructor. Students will learn the principles of composition, shape, color and value, as well as techniques for under painting and pastel applications.

The class fee is $100. A list of required supplies is available in The Center office. For more information, call 361-3650.

Weave at The Center

A weaving class will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for six weeks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Instructor Georgann Ring will help new weavers learn the basics while making a sampler of different patterns. They will then design and complete a project of their choice, such as a scarf, placemat or table runner. Returning weavers will study and weave a project in the pattern of their choice.

The class fee is $100, plus a $10 materials fee for new students. Registration is due by Monday, Jan. 9 so that the loom can be warped and ready to start.

For more information, call 361-3650.

The Center offers quilting class

Instructor Denise Dulzo will teach quilting class participants the basics and helping them create their

Laughter leader Kathy O’Brien, R.N., brings laughter and all its benefits to the laughter circle at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway.

The laughter circle is a group for people who want to laugh. Beneficial laughs will come not from Dreamstime.com jokes or comedy routines but rather from laughter These sophisticated souffles feature the exotic, tropical flavors of passion fruit and fresh banana. for the sake of laughter, reducing stress, alleviating pain, strengthening the immune system, and even fostering interpersonal cooperation.

The cost each month of participating in the Laughter Circle is $5, which O’Brien donates to The Center. Reservations are needed. For more information and reservations, call 361-3650.

Carve wood at The Center

Instructor Keith Miller will help students learn and practice the tools and techniques of woodcarving using a variety of types of wood from 9 to 11 a.m. for six Thursdays beginning Thursday, Jan. 12 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Participants will create animals, objects, and faces.

New students will make three to six projects such as a bird, a shoe, an egret, and miniature people.

Experienced students may design their own projects.

The class fee is $100. Wood and bench knives are available for purchase in class at approximately $25. For more information, call 361-3650.

The Bridge offers activities for teens

Eight activities for young people are coming up at The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park.

Unless otherwise noted, all activities are for boys and girls in seventh grade through senior year of high school. For more information call (708) 532-0500.

• Classic Arcade Game Night is set for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6. Students are invited to a night of free arcade games and a variety of classic card games. There will also be a live performance by the band Sugar Rush. Free food samples will be provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes.

• Voice lessons will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vocalist looking for guidance, taking voice lessons can help you get you acclimated to your voice.

• A class on homemade beeswax candles is set for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10. Learn how to hand-craft a candle using natural wax produced by honey bees.

• Monopoly Mania is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11. This is not the same Monopoly game you’re used to. Learn some new rules that will take your game to the next level.

• Project Serve: Thrift Store Cashier (high school students only) is scheduled from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11. Learn how to operate the touchscreen cash register and develop your customer service skills at The Bridge Thrift Store.

• Weaving is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Learn the art of weaving. Learn how to wrap a loom with thread and then interlace yarn and fabric, using a weaving needle.

• Helping People Through Medicine is scheduled for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Hear from a former Bridge volunteer about what it’s like to be in medical school, how to prepare for it, and how to keep your passion alive.

• Winter Freeze Night is set for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Compete in games like the Ski-Walk Challenge, get creative at craft stations, and enjoy free ice cream from Culver’s. Alternative/ Pop band The Cousins will perform live.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think outside yourself. Resolve to make your partner’s life just a bit better. As this week unfolds you might find that the support of someone else is necessary to sustain your own happiness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your cheerfulness attracts compliments. Remain faithful if you hope to enjoy a rapturous romp with a romantic companion. In the week to come your business sense might be out of kilter.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you are receptive and perceptive you can sidestep the deceptive. In the week ahead a close companion might be less than forthcoming.

Resolve not to overreact to what seems like a betrayal.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It is tempting to remain tethered to togetherness. Make the most of your vacation engaged in quality time with family. Later in the week your loved ones might not

have time for you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sing a sentimental duet with your special someone. Perfect harmony is possible if you follow your intuitions.

Don’t expect special favors or generosity from the boss in the week ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Display a tranquil air to lure a lover into your lair. Your mate could be especially sensitive to your needs and wants. This is a good week to make lasting contentment and harmony a reality.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Build a cocoon of contentment.

Relax within the warmth of a trustworthy relationship and find hidden benefits in your job. Frustrating situations might prevent you from attaining your goals.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A spirit of blissful agreement can make significant relationships the centerpiece of tranquility. Implement key plans and long term partnership agreements in the early part of the week.

By Wolfgang Puck As someone who enjoys fine dining while also trying to eat more mindfully, I’m happy to tell you that it’s possible to achieve both goals at the same time.

So many ingredients have an air of luxury while also being good for you: salmon and other seafood, skinless poultry, lean cuts of meat, nutty-tasting whole grains, all kinds of vegetables and fruits.

Prepare them in ways that maximize their flavor while limiting the fat and sugar you add, and you can have a special meal that that’s also a healthy one.

That’s true even for dessert. As a perfect example, I’d like to share one of my favorite recipes for a final sweet course that’s incredibly luxurious and also remarkably low in calories and fat. And you can say it all in just one word: souffle.

Souffles strike most people as a pinnacle of special-occasion dining. Served hot from the oven, they look like edible magic tricks: impossibly risen high above the rims of their dishes, light and airy and full of flavor.

Many dessert souffles, of course, can defy the definition of “healthy,” being rich with egg yolks or chocolate and embellished with rich custard sauce or whipped cream. But remember that the airiness of souffles comes from beaten egg whites, which themselves are virtually fat-free; and there are other ways to enrich and sweeten the mixture.

The following souffle recipe features the exotic, tropical flavors of passion fruit and fresh banana.

(You can find passion fruit pulp frozen in many well-stocked supermarkets, or even buy it online with overnight shipping.)

The souffle itself is so luscious and flavorful that it doesn’t even need added embellishments. The

results: 140 calories per serving, with only about 25 percent of them from fat. And if you want to make the souffles extra special without being too overindulgent, you could also gently fold 1 ounce (30 g) of semisweet chocolate chips into the mixture before putting it into the ramekins; it’s a treat that won’t make the dessert too indulgent, adding only about 18 calories per serving.

Better still, a souffle is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a glass of sparkling wine. So please join me in toasting a wonderful year ahead!

BANANA-PASSION FRUIT SOUFFLES Serves 8 FRUIT BASE: • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 4 ounces (125 g) very ripe peeled banana, chopped into 1/2-inch (12-mm) pieces • 1/4 cup (60 mL) frozen, thawed passion fruit puree SOUFFLES: • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature • 4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar • 6 large cage-free egg whites • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting First, prepare the fruit base: In a small saucepan, melt the butter

over high heat and cook it until it turns nut brown, watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Stir in the brown and granulated sugars and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until it turns caramel-colored, about 5 minutes.

Add the banana and stir until well coated. Continue cooking for 2 minutes longer.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the passion fruit puree.

Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature.

To prepare the souffles, first preheat the oven to 425 F (215 C). Brush the inside bottom and sides of four individual 4-ounce (125-mL) ramekins with the room-temperature butter. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar over the butter inside a ramekin; repeat the process with the remaining ramekins.

Put the egg whites in a clean bowl. Beat with a hand mixer at medium-high speed while slowly sprinkling in the remaining 4 tablespoons sugar. Continue beating until the egg whites form moderately stiff peaks that barely stand up straight when the beaters are lifted out.

With a rubber spatula, gently fold half of the beaten egg whites into the cooled banana mixture.

Then, fold in the rest of the egg whites until just a few streaks of white remain. Spoon the souffle mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins, mounding it above their rims.

Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven until they have nicely risen and their tops are golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer the ramekins to individual serving plates. Serve immediately, dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN

NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. of America rating, and then by 21): The only thing to fear is fear a family-viewing guide, the key itself. Lucky breaks can improve for which appears below. your career outlook in the week ahead, but you must be able and willing to experiment with some- STARTING THIS WEEK: “BLAIR WITCH’’: The thing new. “found footage’’ concept popularCAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. ized by “The Blair Witch Project’’ 19): Keep your comments to yourself. In the week ahead there has been used so many times since, could be some crossed wires in it costs this second effort at a seyour communications. Resolve to quel to the original film. James Allen McCune plays the brother be more understanding and open of the first story’s Heather, determinded on the job. mined to find out exactly what AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. happened to her by venturing with 18): Fool around and fall in love friends into the Maryland forest without being foolish. Enjoy re- where she and her companions lationships that have a definite presumably met their fates. Calchance of lasting. Choose pur- lie Hernandez (“La La Land’’), chases with an eye on durability Brandon Scott and Valorie Curry in the first part of the week. also are in the cast of the very PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): familiar-feeling tale. DVD extras: Listen to the words of the bard. “making-of’’ documentary; audio “To sleep, perchance to dream” commentary by director Adam may offer necessary rest. Find Wingard and writer Simon Barpeace and harmony in the week rett. ** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on to come if you are willing to set Blu-ray and On Demand) your imagination loose.

“DENIAL’’: A courtroom de-

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders

Give your celebration a lift with these easy souffles

bate over the existence of the Holocaust ensues when an author (Rachel Weisz) is sued by a denier of the event (Timothy Spall) in this true drama, directed

by Mick Jackson (“The Bodyguard’’) and adapted by David Hare from a book by the historical writer in question, Deborah E. Lipstadt. Charged with libel, she’s handed the burden of proof under British law, so she has to verify that the Holocaust actually did happen. Tom Wilkinson, Andrew Scott (who worked with Weisz’s husband, Daniel Craig, in “Spectre’’) and Mark Gatiss also star. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE’’: Though author James Patterson is best-known for thrillers on the order of “Kiss the Girls’’ and “Zoo,’’ he also had success as the co-writer of this story of a youngster (played by former “Red Band Society’’ co-star Griffin Gluck) who becomes the unlikely inspiration for a revolt by his fellow students at his new school. The principal (Andy Daly) is a tyrant, setting up a far-reaching battle of wills

between the administrator and the pupils. Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, Adam Pally (“The Mindy Project’’) and Retta (“Parks and Recreation’’) also are in the cast for director Steve Carr (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop’’). DVD extras: four “making-of’’ documentaries; deleted scenes; outtakes. *** (PG: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “BONES: SEASON 11’’: With the long-running Fox mystery series’ final round about to start, this next-to-last season resumes from a point where some people thought it might have been the show’s end then. Supposedly retired from the Jeffersonian Institute, Brennan and Booth (Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz) are drawn back in by a case with a very familiar-looking victim. Kim Raver appears in a couple of the early episodes, with Betty White returning in one story. The set also includes one of the more unusual stories “Bones’’ has done — its crossover with “Sleepy Hollow,’’ including guest appearances by Tom Mison and the other series’ then-co-star Nicole Beharie. DVD 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 5, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

VARIETY

Why George Romero’s ‘Resident Evil’ film failed to launch

By Matthew Chernov From Alejandro Jodorowsky’s “Dune” to Terry Gilliam’s “Watchmen,” cinema history is filled with a tantalizing array of abandoned projects. And amid these fascinating what-if scenarios, one unrealized film has haunted horror fans for almost two decades: George A. Romero’s “Resident Evil.”

In 1998, video game developer Capcom hired Romero, whose landmark classic “Night of the Living Dead” single-handedly created the modern zombie genre, to direct a live-action TV commercial for the game “Resident Evil 2” (known as “Biohazard 2” in Japan). Set in an abandoned jail overrun by the walking dead, the 30-second spot starred Brad Renfro and Adrienne Frantz.

“It was an honor to work with a legend like Romero,” Frantz said.

“All of the zombie TV shows and movies that we see today are because of him. He started an entire horror film revolution.”

Frantz was struck by Romero’s dedication to recreating specific images from the game. “Every little detail counted to him,” she said. “I remember he taught me how to pump the shotgun correctly!”

Though it only aired in Japan, the commercial’s cinematic intensity impressed Sony Pictures enough that execs tapped Romero to write and direct a feature adaption of the original game.

Director Rob Kuhns, whose 2013 documentary “Birth of the Living Dead” chronicled the cultural impact of “Night of the Living Dead,” believes that hiring the auteur made good box office sense at the time.

“Having Romero attached gave the film a stamp of legitimacy for horror fans,” Kuhns said. “Back then, if you thought about zombies, you thought of Romero. His involvement guaranteed a certain number of people would come to see the movie.”

The project arrived at a crucial time for Romero. “He had a 10year period with New Line Cinema where he was paid to develop projects,” Kuhns said. “But he didn’t make anything with them.

Everything kept falling through repeatedly.”

Jamie Russell, author of “Book of the Dead: The Complete History of Zombie Cinema,” sees another reason why Romero’s involvement was a wise decision.

“The game’s designer, Shinji Mikami, was a big fan of Romero,

and it showed,” Russell said. “It was a game that leant heavily on cinematic camera angles and atmosphere.”

Romero wrote his first draft in six weeks. Set primarily in the game’s eerie Spencer Mansion, the script focused on popular game characters Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine.

Unlike the version that Paul W.S. Anderson eventually wrote and directed in 2002, Romero’s script was faithful to the game’s plot, and featured a menagerie of bizarre creatures (including mutant sharks, giant snakes and a man-eating plant) that gamers had come to love.

This fidelity to the source material was unexpected, considering that Romero had never actually played the game itself. “Romero wasn’t a gamer,” Russell said. “To familiarize himself, he watched a videotape of an assistant playing through it.”

Though some details were changed, the script’s overall tone and structure hewed far closer to the game than Anderson’s post”Matrix” sci-fi version did.

“The original game was a slowburn horror story, punctuated by moments of intense terror,” Russell said. “Anderson’s movie, in

contrast, took the concept and put it on steroids. It was brash and relentless. At times, you’d be forgiven for thinking he was adapting the ‘Call of Duty’ games.”

Yet despite adhering to the game’s mythology, Sony and Capcom ultimately passed on Romero’s draft. Capcom producer Yoshiki Okamoto bluntly stated at the time: “Romero’s script wasn’t good, so Romero was fired.”

“I know George was really disappointed that he didn’t do it,” Adrienne Frantz said. “Still to this day, I just can’t believe that his version didn’t end up making it.”

According to Jamie Russell, the rejection hit Romero especially hard since “from his point of view, the games had basically ripped-off his Living Dead films to begin with.”

In a happy twist, however, the box office success of Anderson’s film helped reignite audiences’ interest in zombies, paving the way in 2005 for Romero to write and direct “Land of the Dead,” the fourth entry in his Living Dead series. Since then, two more movies — “Diary of the Dead” in 2007 and “Survival of the Dead” in 2009 — have followed.

As the saying goes, you can’t George Romero. keep a good zombie down.

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VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN Continued from page 7 extras: deleted scenes; outtakes. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) “JACKIE CHAN PRESENTS: AMNESIA’’: Though the martial-arts legend — now the recipient of an honorary Oscar — isn’t a cast member of this adventure, he does have strong ties to it as its executive producer, also having starred in the original version (known in America as “Who Am I?’’). The story involves a courier who loses his memory after being chased at a murder scene, and his memory loss means he can’t identify his pursuers — who have framed him for the homicide. A hitchhiker may be the only means for the parcel carrier to clear and save himself.

Ken Lo and Xingtong Yao star. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) “THE ULTIMATE LEGACY’’: The latest in the series of “Ultimate’’ screen dramas — based on Jim Stovall’s books — that also have included “The Ultimate Gift’’ and “The Ultimate Life,’’ this drama again casts Logan Bartholomew as Jason Stevens, now the impromptu counselor to a young man (Myko Olivier) who only will earn his inheritance after operating his family’s bed-andbreakfast for a year. Resentful of that condition at first, he comes to embrace what it means for his personal growth. Raquel Welch, Brian Dennehy, Lee Meriwether and Bill Cobbs are among the veteran cast members in the film, which was shown on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. *** (Not rated: AS)

“Limited Collector’s Edition’’ treatment, with a vintage Bowie interview included. (R: AS, N) “MASTERMINDS’’ (Jan. 31): An armored-truck driver (Zach Galifianakis) becomes the fall guy for a thieving couple

Giulio Marocchi/Abaca

Landscape Architects & Contractors (Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson).

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “QUEEN OF KATWE’’ (Jan. 31): Mastering the game of chess has a major effect on a Ugandan youngster (Madina Nalwanga); David Oyelowo and

Lupita Nyong’o also star in the true drama. (PG: AS) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

“One Last Look” Open House Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:00pm – 8:00pm Incoming Freshman Placement Test Class of 2021 Saturday, January 14, 2017 8:00am

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COMING SOON:

“DEEPWATER HORIZON’’ (Jan. 10): In the true drama, Mark Wahlberg plays a supervisor aboard the title oil rig when it’s wracked by an explosion.

(PG-13: P, V) “THE BIRTH OF A NATION’’ (Jan. 10): Writer-director Nate Parker plays Nat Turner, the slave who ultimately inspired a rebellion. (R: AS, N, V) “MAX STEEL’’ (Jan. 10): A teen (Ben Winchell) and an alien (voice of Josh Brener) unite to form a team to battle extraterrestrial threats. (PG-13: V) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN’’ (Jan. 17): Emily Blunt stars as a troubled commuter who believes harm has come to a woman she frequently has observed. (R: AS, N, P, V) “OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL’’ (Jan. 17): A fake medium (Elizabeth Reaser) puts herself and her daughters in peril when she summons actual supernatural forces.

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS’’ (Jan. 24): A childless, island-bound couple (Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander) claims an infant they find as their own. (PG-13: AS, P) “THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH’’ (Jan. 24): The David Bowie-starring sci-fi classic gets

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