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Volume LVI, No. 38

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

3 SECTIONS 20 PAGES

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Local governments get some holiday cheer Mayors are breathing easier after Rauner signs bill releasing long-awaited funds

By Dermot Connolly Municipalities throughout Illinois received a holiday present of sorts on Monday when the state Senate unanimously passed a bill that Gov. Bruce Rauner promptly signed, releasing $3.1 billion in funds that had been held up since July due to the ongoing budget impasse in Springfield.

The legislation, which was approved

by the House last week, will reportedly send $1 billion to lottery winners whose payments had been held up. But it was the revenue from local gaming, as well as $582 million in motor fuel taxes that was due to local governments, $77 million for local 911 emergency centers, in addition to local use taxes, a percentage of sales tax revenue, that local mayors are most looking forward to receiving.

“We have a phone call in to the

state comptroller (Leslie Munger) to see whether or not we can expect to receive the funds this fiscal year, ending Dec. 31, or whether we will have to wait until next year,” said Chicago Ridge Mayor Charles Tokar.

He said the MFT funds, and revenue from video gaming and other monies his village is owed, could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“We have a budget hearing next

Tuesday, and we want to know if we can expect a lump sum or whether it will be coming in dribs and drabs,” the mayor said.

“I’m grateful that they were at least able to do this much, but I hope the guys in Springfield will be able to come to some agreement on the entire budget,” added Tokar, who has stressed at recent village board meetings the difficulty of finalizing the village’s budget for next

year when cuts to the funding municipalities get from the Local Government Distributive Fund are considered likely in any eventual state budget.

The Orland Park Village Board approved the 2016 budget following a brief hearing on Monday, and Mayor Daniel McLaughlin said whether or not state funding would be allocated didn’t play into it.

“We were conservative, but we figured that they have to give us the same See FUNDS, Page 5

Mayor casts deciding vote on video gaming cafés in Palos Hills

By Michael Gilbert The controversy over allowing video gaming cafés in Palos Hills has not subsided in the last month.

Four weeks after Mayor Gerald Bennett cast the deciding vote to break a 5-5 deadlock to create a new classification in the liquor ordinance for the gaming cafés, the mayor was once again called into duty.

This time it was to break a 5-5 stalemate last week to approve licenses for two gaming cafés — Stella’s Place and Durbin’s — to come to town.

In the moments prior to Bennett’s vote, Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st) argued the motion made by Ald. Dawn Nowak (5th) to consider the licenses for Stella’s and Durbin’s should be ruled “out of order.”

Kleefisch’s claim was that back on Oct. 15, Nowak made a motion to have City Attorney George Pappas draft an ordinance creating a license in the liquor ordinance for gaming cafés that was ultimately defeated by a 5-4 margin. At the very next meeting on Nov. 5, Nowak, now with all 10 aldermen present, made another motion to have Pappas draft an ordinance, which came down to Bennett’s deciding vote.

Kleefisch stated that on Nov. 5 Nowak should have asked the board to “reconsider” the ordinance rather than make a make a motion to request Pappas draft the ordinance. He argued that what he believed to be incorrect wording be ruled an improper motion and out of order.

See PALOS HILLS, Page 5

Photo by Claudia Parker

Candace Green, 3, pets a reindeer as her mom, Morgan (right) and 1-year-old Reece look on during the annual Dickens Christmas in Evergreen Park on Saturday. Below: A horse-drawn sleigh takes residents around for a ride at Circle Park. More photos: Page 4.

DICKENS OF A FESTIVAL Evergreen Park celebrates spirit of Christmas at annual gathering

By Claudia Parker • Correspondent

T

he novel, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, shares the critically acclaimed tale of how a mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge transforms into a compassionate, generous soul as a result of his encounters with ghosts from his Christmas past, present and future.

While written in the 19th century, the story's message of celebrating Christmas with a charitable heart amongst a community of family and friends remains relevant today.

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton presented the annual Dickens Christmas on Saturday at Circle Park, located at 97th and Homan Avenue, to share Dickens’ Christmas spirit with folks from near and far. Those who’ve been around for many of the 15 years since the annual tradition began are familiar with the offerings. But those new to the scene seemed astonished that all the festivities were free.

Santa sat in a gazebo posing for pictures with patrons

while his seven-row sleigh chauffeured families around Circle Park. Live reindeer manned by elves accepted pats on their backside while horses hauled the sleigh. Those looking for a more modern mode of transportation were able to board an 18-seat Polar Express train.

Evergreen Park residents Steve and Liz Babiarz brought See DICKENS, Page 8

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Sandi DiGangi holds one of the hundreds of turkeys she will be preparing for free holiday meals for the 6th Annual “Feed the Needy” Christmas Dinner she will be serving up in her Big Pappa’s Gyros restaurant at 10806 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, on Christmas Day. She is also collecting toys that will be given to children with the meals.

Big Pappa’s to prepare big meals for less fortunate on Christmas

By Dermot Connolly A serious health scare earlier this year has not stopped Sandi DiGangi, owner of Big Pappa’s Gyros in Oak Lawn, from going on with her 6th Annual Christmas Dinner to feed the needy and working poor.

DiGangi said that even a family tragedy, her mother-in-law’s death on Thanksgiving Day, did not prevent her from bringing 90 Thanksgiving meals to homebound seniors in Oak Lawn.

That was just practice for the big event on Christmas when she expects to feed at least 3,200 families, providing them with a tradi-

tional home-cooked holiday meal of turkey and the trimmings, as well as presents for any children in the house.

That number has grown from the 750 meals served when she and her family began the tradition of serving free holiday meals in the restaurant at 10806 S. Cicero Ave. in 2010.

They went through 236 turkeys last year.

DiGangi considered selling her business earlier this year after being misdiagnosed with throat cancer. She was hospitalized twice for several weeks at a time for See BIG PAPPA’S, Page 8

2 The Reporter

Thursday, December 10, 2015

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Retail theft charge

Supplied photo

Cook County Clerk David Orr pulls out names as Director of Elections Noah Praetz looks on Tuesday in determining the ballot positions for the March 15 Presidential Primary election.

Ballot positions chosen for Presidential Primary election Cook County Clerk David Orr and Director of Elections Noah Praetz conducted lotteries on Tuesday to determine the candidate ballot positions in the March 15 Presidential Primary election.

Twelve drawings — eight for the first ballot spot and four for the last spot — were held for a total of 10 primary races – nine Democratic and one Republican.

The lotteries for the first position on the ballot were comprised of candidates competing for the same office who filed their nomination petitions simultaneously Nov. 23 at 9 a.m., the first day of candidate filing.

At 9:30 a.m. at the Clerk’s downtown Chicago office, Orr and Praetz stuffed slips of paper into bottles for each race, and tossed the bottles into a fishbowl.

The bowl was shaken, and the order in which Orr picked the bottles determined ballot order for each race.

The first lottery was for the Democratic contest for Clerk of the Circuit Court. Two candidates were included in the lottery. Orr first pulled out the bottle con-

THE

taining candidate Jacob Meister’s name, giving him the top position in that race. Dorothy Brown, the incumbent, will have the second spot on the ballot in the race for Clerk of the Circuit Court.

In the Democratic Primary for Cook County State’s Attorney, candidate Kim Foxx got the first spot on the ballot over current State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

A separate lottery was held for candidates vying for the last spot on the ballot. In the Democratic race for Clerk of the Circuit Court, Michelle Harris was awarded the last spot on the ballot. She will proceed after candidate Tio Hardiman, who was selected as the second-to-last position on the ballot.

Anyone who filed after 9 a.m. on Nov. 23 and before 3:59 p.m. on Nov. 30 will be on the ballot in the order they turned in their nomination paperwork.

The list of candidates who filed with the Clerk’s office will be updated periodically to reflect who has withdrawn their candidacy and whose candidacy has been challenged.

REPORTER

Chicago Ridge / Evergreen Park / Hickory Hills Oak Lawn / Palos Hills / Worth Publisher Amy Richards Editor Joe Boyle Sports Editor Jeff Vorva Advertising Sales Val Draus To advertise call (708) 448-6161

Brena D. Nelson, 21, of the 6300 block of South Hamilton Avenue, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s, 9700 S. Ridgeland Ave., at 4:45 p.m. Friday. Police said she was stopped by store security guards after leaving the store with jewelry worth $225 that she had not paid for. She is due in court on Jan. 29.

Drug arrest is made Wajdi M. Darmohammad, 23, of the 5300 block of West 87th Street, Oak Lawn, was charged with delivery of cannabis at 11:40 p.m. Friday in the 10300 block of South Central Avenue. Police said he was arrested by officers conducting a narcotics investigation after he delivered a small amount of cannabis. He is due in court on Jan. 13.

Employee charged with theft Maysoon B. Hummad, 23, of the 8000 block of 95th Street, Hickory Hills, was arrested and charged with theft on Friday for allegedly making several fraudulent returns and purchases while employed at Carson Pirie Scott, 9800 S. Ridgeland Ave. Police said they were called to the store by store security officers who reported witnessing her make the fraudulent returns and purchases on three separate dates, stealing items worth $299.96. She is due in court on Jan. 26.

Evergreen Park Traffic violations • Richard Burns, 56, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:56 p.m. Nov. 23 in the 2700 block of West 87th Street. Police said a loaded revolver was found in the car.

• Kyle Ridley, 23, of Evergreen Park, was charged with possession of cannabis, driving without insurance, and speeding when he was stopped at 1:14 a.m. Nov. 4 in the 9200 block of South California Avenue. Police said he was carrying 12.7 grams of cannabis in the car.

Retail theft charges

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• Marshun McGee, 37, of Harvey, was charged with felony retail theft for allegedly stealing electronics worth $647.81 from Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 2:33 p.m. Nov. 20. Police said he took a video drone, a tablet and other electronics.

• Kevin Bankhead, 28, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft and criminal trespassing when he was arrested at Walmart at 2:49 p.m. Nov. 26. Police said he had been banned from the store, and had taken a $10 bottle of vodka.

• Leroy Jefferson III, 26, of

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Disorderly conduct David Laff, 34, of Evergreen Park, was charged with felony disorderly conduct for making a false police report at 8:41 p.m.

Dec. 3 in the 3400 block of West 95th Street.

Police said he called 911 to report being robbed by three knife-wielding men, but the knife he said they used came from his house. Police said he later admitted making the false report in order to be re-admitted to the hospital to get prescription medication.

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Warrant arrests made • Khalid B. Salmeh, 19, of the 9100 block of South Beloit Avenue, Bridgeview, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a suspended license charge when he turned himself in at 8:56 a.m.

Tuesday at the Hickory Hills Police headquarters, 8800 W. 87th St. He posted bail and is due to appear in court on Dec. 31.

• Omar Cendejas, 33, of the 3400 block of West 62nd Place, Chicago, was arrested on an outstanding warrant after he was turned over by Palos Hills police at 7:36 p.m. Nov. 21. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear on a retail theft charge.

Oak Lawn Driving and drug charges fil d Thomas M. Janusz, 48, of the 15600 block of Gouwens Lane, South Holland, was charged with possession of drug equipment and multiple driving offenses after being pulled over at 8:45 p.m.

Friday in the 9900 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said he was charged with reckless driving and aggravated speeding more than 70 mph in a 35 mph zone. Police said a crack pipe and other drug paraphernalia were found in the car. He was also cited for driving without insurance, following too close, improper land usage and no proof of insurance. Janusz is due in court on Jan. 6.

Cashier is charged with theft Christina M. Taala, 23, of Elm Lane in Glenwood, was charged Dec. 2 with four counts of retail theft for allegedly undercharging friends and family for merchandise while she was working as a cashier in recent weeks at Home Depot, 4060 W. 95th St. Store officials, who fired Taala, told police that once on Nov. 11, and three times on Nov. 29, she rang up merchandise being purchased, and then reversed some of the charges, allowing customers she knew to leave the store without paying for some of the items they bought. The loss to the store amounted to more than $500.

Taala is due in court on Jan. 6.

Traffic stop leads to charges • Rayniece A. Koger, 26, of the 10200 block of Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving on a suspended license when she was stopped at 11:20 p.m. Sunday at Southwest Highway and Cicero Avenue. She was also cited for speeding, failure to signal, driving without insurance. Police said she was also wanted on an outstand warrant from DuPage County for failure to appear in court on traffic offenses. She is due in court on Jan. 21.

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• Keith A. Colquitt, 26, of the 4500 block of Heartland Drive, Richton Park, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 7:53 a.m. Monday in the 8500 block of West 95th Street. Police said

he was also cited for speeding.

He is due in court on Dec. 31.

• Harold Foster, 55, of the 8400 block of South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license and disobeying a traffic control device when he was stopped at 10:08 a.m. Friday in the 8700 block of South Roberts Road. He is due in court on Dec. 31.

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• Antonio Jackson, 34, of Chicago, was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, improper lane usage, driving without insurance and unlawful possession of cannabis after a traffic stop at 5:54 a.m. Nov. 28 in the 3100 block of West 91st Street. Police said the charge was raised to a felony because of past arrests.

• Martin Logisz, 26, of Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a collision that occurred on Nov. 28 at 100th Street and Central Park Avenue. Police said he was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance and illegal transportation of alcohol.

• Marcus Watson, 23, of Chicago, was charged with DUI following an accident at 2:50 a.m.

Dec. 1 in the 3200 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also charged with possession of cannabis, speeding and improper lighting.

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• Ma Guadalupe Lopez-Ramos, 43, of Blue Island, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 12:42 p.m. Nov. 21. Police said she took batteries and medicine worth $47.68.

• Derril Wells, 19, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 10:35 p.m. Nov. 30.

Police said he tool light bulbs and cellphone equipment valued at $93.44.

• Kieana Donald, 18, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 10:20 a.m. Nov. 29 at Walmart.

She took six items of clothing and chicken nuggets totaling $47.62, according to police • Michael Butler, 22, of Chicago, and William Wyatt, 28, of Harvey, were charged with retail theft after allegedly stealing video games from Walmart at 7:07 p.m.

Nov. 30. Police said Butler took a game valued at $20, and Williams took items worth $50.

• Shawn Akins, 18, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 9:19 a.m. Dec. 1 at Meijer, 9200 S. Western Ave. Police said he took a $15 phone charger.

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• Alexander Villamil, 28, of the 9700 block of South Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and other offenses when he was stopped at 1:50 a.m. Dec. 2 in the 6600 block of West 95th Street.

Police said he was also cited for driving on a suspended license, no insurance, speeding, failure to signal, and driving without headlights when required. He was also charged with failure to yield to emergency vehicle and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Police said an open can of beer was found in Villamil’s car. He was held for a bond hearing the same day.

Driver found with drugs in car Deana M. Parks, 38, of Hobart, Ind., was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop at 9:14 p.m. Nov. 22 in the 10200 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Police reported finding a container holding crack cocaine, a crack pipe, and one prescription pill for anxiety. Parks was held for a bond hearing.

Home burglarized on 89th Street Police responding to a burglar alarm found that a house in the 5700 block of West 89th Street had been broken into at noon on Nov. 30. The homeowners were out of town and a lawn chair had been placed under an open kitchen window. Nothing inside appeared to be disturbed.

Theft suspect caught fleeing liquor store Glenn White Jr., 20, of the 300 block of West 62nd Street, Chicago, was charged with felony retail theft for allegedly stealing a $33 bottle of cognac from Gennaro’s Liquors, 5549 W. 87th St., at 5:10 p.m. Nov. 30. Police said he was caught after fleeing the scene in a car with two other men.

Palos Hills Two sets of tools reported stolen • Tools were reported stolen from a van parked in the 9600 block of West 96th Street between Nov. 30 and Dec. 2. The owner told police when he discovered at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 that the lock on the rear door had been punched out and two drills, several cordless saws and a tool bag were missing.

• A man reported several tools missing from locked storage containers in the 8600 block of West 109th Street at 1 p.m. Dec. 3.

Resident finds car vandalized A resident of the 11200 block of South Moraine Drive reported finding his vehicle damaged in front of his home between 9:30 a.m. Nov. 30 and the same time on Dec. 1. The man said he found two windows broken on the car,

Worth Multiple driving charges • Miguel A. Perez-Aponte, 27, of the 16300 block of South Homan Avenue, Markham, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 6:49 p.m. Sunday in the 11000 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Police said he was also charged with improper use of an electronic communication device and driving without insurance. He is due in court on Jan. 22.

• Ahmad Jafry, 24, of the 5700 block of West 106th Street, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving on a suspended license when he was stopped at 10:46 a.m. Dec. 1 at Harlem Avenue and Southwest Highway. Police said he was also charged with improper use of an electronic device, failure to signal when required, improper lane usage, and failure to notify the secretary of state of an address change for both his license and registration. He is due in court on Jan. 22.

Police report information is provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt.

They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in court.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Reporter

Spending time and ‘sawbucks’ during holiday shopping

Lifting their voices and holiday spirits

went out with my brothers and sisters for our annual Christmas shopping spree on Friday. The day begins with a large breakfast at a popular restaurant chain and then we go off and so some shopping.

But the day is not dedicated to just shopping. If I am able to buy a few presents, that is a bonus. The day is dedicated more to conversation over meals and coffee.

Later on we have dinner with some drinks and maybe more coffee.

The idea of this annual outing is to get together and chat, find out how everyone is doing and have some fun.

Life is not perfect, but at least for one day we get to enjoy ourselves before meeting up again at the end of the month for our family Christmas party.

During the course of the day, a variety of subjects are discussed. Sometimes they are of a serious nature but often we reminisce over past events.

Sometimes one of my brothers or sisters recall an event that I don’t rememJoe ber or was not present for when it hapBoyle pened. But it is interesting to note that often one of my siblings may recall something that happened in a totally different light than I do. That’s what is great by getting together for a day.

The large parties are great, but often there is not enough time to talk to some relatives individually. On our shopping day, we have more time.

One of my brothers brought up that when my father would go to get gas at the local gas station, he would either say, “two bucks worth” or “give me a sawbuck.”

Those terms are hardly used today. But back in the early 1960s, attendants would fill your tank and wash your windows. They might even check under your hood.

We weren’t sure of the exact definition of “sawbuck.” I said it was $10. But since most of my brothers and sisters have cellphones with all the bells and whistles, they looked up more history on the origin of the word.

“Sawbuck” was a slang word for a sawhorse that was in extensive use in the 18th century. A sawhorse was devised by putting together two pieces of wood into an “X” shape. With an X-shaped support at each of two ends, the contraption served to hold wood for cutting.

With the advent of the U.S. 10 dollar bill, which bears the Roman numeral X, “sawbuck” became slang for the bill, as people associated the shape with the sawhorse.

The slang term “buck” originated in the mid-19th century in reference to the dollar, according to one definition found online.

I knew that sawbuck was a slang term for $10. When my dad got $10 in his tank back in those days, he got a lot of gas. It was probably more common to get $2 worth of gas. Of course, everything is relative. We have seen some steep gas prices since the oil embargo in the early 1970s. But as we approach Christmas, gas is below $2 at many stations. Who would have thought that would happen? That is worth celebrating.

But there is more to the word sawbuck then I realized.

In the mid-1900s, sawbuck became street slang — with its origin tied to Chicago — for a $10 bag of marijuana.

One definition I found states that “since 1985 or so, the term has referred to a $10 bag (actual bag or any kind of package) of any street drug (heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana or other drugs).

Needless to say, when my dad was getting gas in the early 1960s, drugs were not on his mind, or on the mind of the filling station employee. I doubt if drug dealers even use the term now.

There are some words or terms that begin to fade over the years. Sawbuck is one of them. Heck, even referring to cassettes or VHS tapes may be foreign words for anyone born in the last 20 years or so. I guess you can include DVDs and CDs to the list.

Pay phones are almost nonexistent. The last pay phone I saw was at 63rd and Troy in Chicago a few years ago. I think the pay phone is still there, minus the phone and cord.

It is more or less a museum piece. People walk back and forth past the old relic without even looking up at it. They don’t look up because they are gazing at their cellphones.

We had fun at our annual Christmas shopping outing.

It is a time to look back, including recalling getting $10 worth of gas at the local filling station.

Volunteers from the Oak Lawn Library sing holiday songs and carols Sunday at the Village Green gazebo.

The carolers were part of the Holiday Open House that took place at the library.

I

Joe Boyle is the editor of The Reporter. He can be reached at thereporter@comcast.net.

Photo by Joe Boyle

Lipinski: Expand background checks Congressman discusses security, refugees, economy at town hall meeting in Oak Lawn

By Janelle Frost Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) talked last week about national security, the economy, and funding for roads, and he also fielded questions from residents during a town hall meeting at the Oak Lawn Public Library.

In the wake of last week’s California mass shooting, the Nov. 13 Paris terrorist attacks, and the thousands of refugees fleeing war and terrorism in Syria, Iraq and surrounding countries, Lipinski offered a variety of thoughts.

“The threats we face are not just abroad but at home,” Lipinski said during the Dec. 3 meeting, referring to the attack in San Bernardino, Calif., which is being treated as an act of terrorism. “These are tough times we are living in. One thing I proposed for is those on the no-fly list to not be allowed to purchase guns.

“I think we should expand background checks … we can work on background checks before people can purchase guns. I think we can have federal laws. We’re trying to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.”

Christina Finn, of Oak Lawn, like a lot of those in attendance, expressed the need for more to be

Photo by Janelle Frost

Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) listens and answers questions from a constituent during a town hall meeting on Dec.3 at the Oak Lawn Public Library.

done to protect those in America.

“Laws are pieces of paper,” Finn said during the meeting. “Unless we take care of the criminals and thugs and not allow them access to weapons and guns, it’s not going to make a difference.”

The majority of residents at the meeting strongly disagreed with letting refugees from Syria into the U.S., fearing terrorists could take advanatage of that opportunity to enter the country.

“We get the FBI involved to do checks for anyone coming from Syria. I do not want to close (our country) off to keep anyone from

coming in,” Lipinski said. “It’s a lot of people over there. It’s a horrible situation. We can’t take them all in.

“I think we shouldn’t say no to letting people in,” Lipinski continued, which drew “no’s” from the crowd. “I think people really in danger should have a place to go.”

Robbie Katherine, of Oak Lawn, said after the meeting that she was disappointed to hear Lipinski will support allowing refugees into the U.S. and funding the Refugee Resettlement Program when the U.S. has homeless veterans, children and families in need of care.

“Take care of those in America

Renovation of an old children’s clothing store that will become a medicinal marijuana center in Worth continues and is scheduled to be completed within the next month.

Worth Mayor Mary Werner said that the renovation is moving along. But she added that paperwork has to be completed before the dispensary opens.

“Everything is moving along well with the construction,” Werner said on Monday. “But more will have to be done before the (dispensary) opens. Inspections have to take place first.”

But Werner said that they have come along. Well over a year ago, many Worth residents had concerns about a medicinal marijuana dispensary in the village. Speculation ranged from the building attracting drug addicts and crime.

Those concerns were alleviated through a series of meetings that were held last year. The marijuana is designed to alleviate pain from patients who have a variety of ailments. Illinois law has 39 conditions and diseases that already qualify for medicinal marijuana use with a doctor’s signature. Cancer, glaucoma, HIV, hepatitis C and multiple

before helping other people,” Katherine said.

As for the economy, Lipinski said he sees good and bad.

“The economy plows along,” he said. “Unemployment is down 5 percent, which usually is a good sign. But I know, you feel it, the economy is not good. People lost their jobs, changed jobs, the benefits are not there. It’s a tough time economically. I hope to do things to get our economy moving.”

There was news shared during the meeting that could help people traveling on the roads and on public transportation.

Residents were happy to hear about the passing of a funding bill for roads and public transit. Lipinski said it would increase federal funding over five years by 10 percent for road improvements and by 15 percent for public transit.

The bill will help “put people to work, help the economy, and move goods better,” Lipinski said.

“We also have money in there to help ease congestion on roads.

There’s nothing specific yet, no specific projects listed in the bill, but through the bill there’s guaranteed funding for five years. It hopefully will make things a little better here.”

Oak Lawn Village Board approves ‘sensible’ budget

By Dermot Connolly The Oak Lawn Village Board approved the 2016 municipal budget on Tuesday, and Mayor Sandra Bury pointed out that for the third year in a row the corporate tax levy has been reduced.

“This is astonishing in these times,” she said, explaining that since 2013, the tax levy has gone down 5.6 percent. That will mean a reduction in the village’s portion of local property tax bills.

The total budget figures were not immediately available on Tuesday night, the last meeting before January, but annual budgets in recent years have been in the $56 million range.

The mayor explained that the portion of the 2016 budget used to determine the corporate tax levy on property tax bills is $13,886,695, compared to $14,197,609 for this year. This does not include other sections of the budget, such as water and sewer that are funded through separate fees.

Bury said that while unfunded pensions for the police and fire departments continue to be the village’s largest challenge, the village was able to increase pension contributions again this year while still reducing the tax levy.

“I’m very proud of that,” she said, noting that the police and fire pensions are now funded at a rate of $2.9 million each. “That is approximately three times what it was in 2011,” she said.

Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) agreed that it was a “sensible budget,” that increased pension funding while still supplying the everyday services that residents expect. “You have to be fair to everyone,” he said. “People can’t afford it if we keep raising taxes.”

“We do not print money. One of the only ways we can increase revenue is by increasing sales tax revenue by bringing in good businesses,” said the mayor, encouraging residents to shop locally this holiday season. “If everyone just bought one more gift in town, that would help,” she said.

Worth medical marijuana dispensary will most likely open in January

By Joe Boyle

3

sclerosis already qualifies. the town hall meeting, Werner issued ID cards were able to buy In the meantime, work con- knew the dispensary was viable. medical marijuana for the first tinues at the site of the future “Yes, it took a lot of work time as of last month. Worth medicinal marijuana dispensary over a year ago,” said Werner. is one of four locations in the at 11425 S. Harlem Ave. Wer- “The first thing we had to do south and southwest suburbs ner said that the earliest the was create an ordinance to al- that will have a medical cannadispensary will open is in late low a dispensary to come here. bis facility. The other facilities December. The mayor said that Back then it was illegal. The will be in Homewood, Justice most likely the center will open ordinance had to be passed. We and Posen. in mid-January. talked to a lot of people who had Illinois is the 23rd state to legal“I know they are doing a lot concerns but we answered their ize medical marijuana, although of construction,” said Werner. questions. Our board approved the drug remains illegal under “But there will be some ‘rough it unanimously.” federal law. inspections.’ The plumbing will The dispensary could provide More information can also be have to be inspected along with more revenue for Worth. More obtained at Info@windycitycanbehind the dry wall.” than 3,000 patients with Ilinois- nabis.com.

The Worth Palos Fire Department District will also have to make inspections before the dispensary opens, added Werner.

A town hall information SUNDAY DECEMBER 13th meeting was held in Septem12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ber to inform residents about the dispensary. Residents who 12621 S Regina Lane, Palos Park are seeking employment could $282,000 work at the dispensary. Forms Ranch home sits on 1/2 acre are available from the group Serving Your Happy Community 30 Years Palos Park 100thfor Anniversary that will manage the Worth Serving Your Community for 30 Years site, Windy City Cannabis.

Tom Maloney, Laurie Mead, Broker Long Time Palos Park Resident Residents who are seeking inTom Maloney, Long Time Palos Park Resident Selling Buying?

Serving Your Communityor for 30 Years formation or seeking employ“List with LAURIE” Cell: 708.228.7912 Long Time Palos Park Resident Selling or Buying?

Tom Maloney, ment can contact the website, Long Time Palos Park Resident Cell: 708.228.7912 Selling Buying?

WindyCityCannabis.com. laurie.mead@cbexchange.com Expect theorBest Cell: 708.228.7912 Cell: 708.228.7912 After that meeting, which laurie.mead@cbexchange.com Expect the Best laurie.mead@cbexchange.com RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE laurie.mead@cbexchange.com Expect the Best drew a large crowd to the Worth RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Village Hall, most residents be1 in Sales in PalosRESIDENTIAL Palos Heights 1Park in Sales&inBROKERAGE Palos Park & Palos Heights gan to see the advantages#of hav# Operated

by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC. 1 in Sales Park & Palos Heights ing the dispensary. Even beforein PalosRESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Operated by Coldwell Banker Residential Realat Estate, LLC. Call Tom Maloney

OPEN HOUSE

Happy 100th Anniversary Palos Park Happy 100th Anniversary Palos Park

Laurie Mead, Broker Laurie Mead, Broker “List with LAURIE” Laurie Mead, Broker “List with LAURIE” “List with LAURIE”

#

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

Call Tom Maloney at Operated by Coldwell(708) Banker Real Estate, LLC. PalosResidential Park 100th 903-9865 Call Tom Maloney at Tab 2014 Palos Park 100th Tab (708) 903-9865 Palos Park 100th Tab (708) 903-9865 2014

Bury thanked Brian Hanigan, the village finance director, and department staff, for working so hard on the budget details. She also credited the village’s “bargaining partners,” the union representatives, for working with the village to agree on fair contracts.

The mayor also thanked local state Reps.

Kelly Burke (D-36th) and Fran Hurley (36th), as well as state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D18th), for working to ensure the passage of Senate Bill 2039. That is the legislation that Gov. Bruce Rauner signed on Monday to allow Oak Lawn and other communities to get the motor fuel tax revenue, local gambling receipts and other revenue that has held up in Springfield since July because of the ongoing budget crisis. It also released funds that were due to 911 facilities, such as the one in Oak Lawn.

“This is huge for the village,” Bury said.

“The budget process is not perfect, but this is proof that the two sides in Springfield can work together.”

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Evergreen Park welcomes annual Dickens Christmas The annual Dickens Christmas was celebrated Saturday at Circle Park in Evergreen Park with numerous activities for children and adults alike.

The annual festival is named in honor of 19th century

British writer Charles Dickens, who penned the classic “A Christmas Carol” in 1843. The day of activities were held in Dickens’ memory as a salute to Christmas and the holiday spirit.

Children got an opportunity to pet a live reindeer and could take a ride on the Polar Express. Santa Claus met children and parents alike at the gazebo. Residents also took a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh.

Above: Children take a ride on the 18-seat Polar Express at the annual Dickens Christmas fest in Evergreen Park on Saturday.

Left: Members of the Evergreen Park Community High School junior varsity cheerleading squad helped out at the annual Dickens Christmas fest.

Above: Sheryl and Matt Webster take a photo with Santa, accompanied by their daughter, Melanie, 8, at the Dickens Christmas fest.

Far left: Characters dance to the Christmas music being pumped from the loudspeakers at Circle Park.

Left: Jasmine Jarrett paints the face of Evergreen Park resident Natalia Martinez, 7, at the Dickens Christmas fest.

Photos by Claudia Parker

LIBRARY BRIEFS EVERGREEN PARK

Snow in Chugginton party is planned Kids can hop aboard Chuggers for a Chugginton Party at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy St. Registration is required from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary. org. Residents can also call (708) 422-8522.

Pokemon Club to hold next meeting Pokemon fans can gather for a session beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at the Evergreen Park Library. Guests can meet other players and can have battles and trade cards. Visitors can bring Nintendo DS, games and trading cards to the Pokemon Club.

Registration is requested from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

Kids pajama party Kids of all ages are invited to wear pajamas and bring a favorite teddy bear for a family story time at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the Evergreen Park Library.

Registration is requested from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org. Registration will also be held by calling (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN

‘Gift Wrapping Party’ A gift wrapping party will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Shoppers can turn their frantic gift wrapping habit into a fun afternoon. Library staff will provide the scissors, tape, workspace, holiday, music and light refreshments.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-2990 or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS

Morning Movies presents ‘The Age of Adaline’ The Morning Movie will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills.

The movie is “The Age of Adaline,” which is about a woman born at the turn of the 20th century who is rendered ageless after an accident. After many years, she meets a man who complicates the eternal life she has settled into.

Popcorn, pop and movie theater snacks will be served.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-8446.

Pokemon Club fans to play games at next meeting The Pokemon Club will gather for a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Green Hills Public Library. Pokemon fans can bring their Nintendo DS,

games trading cards, books and anything else related to Pokemon to share and discuss. All ages are welcome. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-8446.

Movie night for teens and tweens will feature ‘Elf’

The film “Elf” will be shown at the Teen/Tween Movie Night for ages 10 to 17 at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Green Hills Public Library. Guests can snack on pizza and drink pop while watching Elf. One lucky person will have a chance to win a copy of the movie.

Registration is required and limited to 30. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Crochet 101 is off red for teens and adults Teens and adults can take part in learning to make basic stitches in Crochet 101 from 10 to 11 a.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Green Hills Public Library. Materials will be provided by the library.

The sessions are held every Wednesday of the month.

Basic stitches will be made for charity. More information can be obtained by calling Amanda Rubino, (708) 598-8446, ext. 122.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives Palos Hills Teen Club provides toys for ‘forgotten children’ • 50 years ago From the Dec. 9, 1965 issue The story: The Hickory Hills Teen Club is presenting its Christmas dance in the spirit and

Preschool dance party

tradition of the holiday season by planning an evening of fun and Christmas cheer dedicated to the “forgotten children.”

The Cook County Hospital Children’s Division will have in residence at Christmas about 400 children, ages 1 to 14. Either through parental neglect or poverty, many of these children will not be remembered at Christmas. No organized charity sponsors a Christmas event for these children.

The Teen Club decided to change that and planned a night of music, food and refreshments for these kids.

Officers and committee members of the Teen Club will deliver the toys to the hospital that will be delivered to the boys and girls on the tour.

A preschool dance party will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at the Green Hills Public Library. Kids can dance to the songs at this event. All ages are welcome.

New building for Oak Lawn police and fire departments

Science Saturdays continue Science experiments will be held with children at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Green Hills Public Library. All ages are welcome. However, kids under the age of 6 are required to be accompanied by a caregiver.

Registration is required and limited to 30. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Craft sessions The next craft sessions will be held at 3 and 5 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 21 at the Green Hills Public Library.

All ages are welcome to attend the afternoon craft sessions.

Students can learn about technology and Mbot robot The Tech Club will be held for students in the third through eighth grade beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at the Green Hills Public Library. Students will learn to explore and tinker with technology and robotics. Participants will experiment with Make Makeys, Squishy Circuits and the Mbot robot. Registration is required and the session is limited to 25. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

• 25 years ago

From the Dec. 6, 1990 issue The story: The Oak Lawn police and fire departments will be getting an early Christmas present with the scheduled move next week to the village’s new public safety building. Police Chief Frank Gilbert said the department will begin moving some detectives, patrol officers and administrative personnel in to the new building at 94th and Raymond by Christmas.

The building will house a 4,000-square-foot police station. The building also houses a 10,200-squarefoot fire station. Construction began in 1987.

Worth officials discuss TIF district proposal for 111th Street

• 10 years ago

From the Dec. 8, 2005 issue The story: Worth officers discuss establishing a tax incremental financing district that will encompass more than 20 properties near 111th Street and Ridgeland Avenue.

During a public hearing, residents and property owners within the proposed TIF district listened to the village’s economic strategy to lure developers in to building at the corner of 111th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, where Paul’s Plumbing Supply, a condominium building, a Worth School District playground and several adjoining properties are currently located.

The quote: “We will not use eminent domain or any other thing to take anybody’s land,” said Worth Mayor Ed Guzdziol. “If a developer wants to come in and offer bags of money to you for your property, whether you sell it to him is your decision. That’s the market, that’s the American way.”

Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Reporter

Evergreen Park trustees unhappy about unexpected costs from alley paving project

By Sharon L. Filkins The Evergreen Park Board Meeting on Monday was moving smoothly through its agenda until a report from Village Clerk Cathy Aparo revealed that a local contractor was seeking $37,000 in coverage costs on a recent alley paving project in the village.

The report sparked an uncharacteristic heated debate among the trustees who protested the amount sought by Evergreen Paving as excessive and unprofessional. The company had previously submitted a bid to pave three alleys in the village in the amount of $52,377. Upon completion of the project, a bill was submitted for an additional $37,000 because of unexpected problems in the soil.

“They made a mistake and now we have to pay? A company is supposed to do its due diligence on a proposed project when they submit a bid,” said Trustee Mark Phelan.

“Didn’t they test the soil? This is just wrong.”

Public Works Director Bill Lorenz said this was an unusual situation.

“We have worked with this company for a long time and have not required testing of soil samples from them,” said Lorenz.

“It is an extra cost, whether they do it, or we hire an outside firm to do it. This particular location was just worse than we had thought. It is understandable they ran into unexpected problems.”

Trustee Mark Mazullo asked Lorenz how much it would cost to hire an outside firm to do the soil testing. “It could be $5 or $6,000, replied Lorenz. Mazullo commented

LEGAL NOTICE

that it would seem to be better to spend that amount rather than $37,000.

Phelan questioned approving the request.

“What will happen if we don’t pay this extra amount? We handle our residents’ money and we have to be responsible.”

“If we don’t pay this bill, the money will be spent on attorneys to fight a law suit,” said Mayor Jim Sexton.

Joining the fray, Village attorney Vince Cainkar suggested that in the future the soil testing item could be specified in the bid specs.

“I am not pointing any fingers and I realize mistakes can be made, but I don’t ever want to be sitting here doing this again,” said Sexton. “We work very hard on our budget for the year and this is an unexpected expense.”

Before a vote was taken, Trustee James McQuillan suggested that the board grant Sexton the authority to sit down with Evergreen Paving to negotiate a lesser amount but stipulating that if that didn’t work, given the circumstances, the bill should be paid.

The vote passed 5-1, with Mazullo casting the opposing vote.

In a later conversation with Aparo, she was asked about the unusual vocal reaction of the board members. She replied that an Open Finance Meeting had been held an hour before the 7:30 p.m. board meeting and the village budget had been extensively reviewed for the public.

“The numbers and the budget were still fresh in their minds and everyone was on the same page regarding the finances of the

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

Chicago Ridge residents Dan and Kathy Higgins had the correct answer to last week’s Whatizit photo quiz. They knew it was the Hickory Hills Park District.

Specifically, it was Kasey Meadows Park, which is just west of the Hickory Hills Park District Field House. Kasey Meadows Park includes playground equipment for kids and a sprinkler system for those hot summer days (remember those?).

Baseball fields can be found just west of the playground. The park district attracts kids of all ages during the summer and winter. Many kids and some adults get out their sleds and toboggans to go down the steep hill in front of the park district field house that faces Roberts Road.

The Hickory Hills Park District address is 9100 S. 88th Ave. Kasey Meadows is located at 8047 W. 91st Place. They are right next door to each other.

This week’s Whatizit photo appears above. The clue: Improve your mind.

Send your guess by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net. Make sure to include your name and hometown.

SUDOKU

LEGAL NOTICE

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

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

STANDARD BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.STANDARD BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 2, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 16750, PARIS FOUNTIS, DORA FOUNTIS, AND UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants

TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM E. COFFEY III A/K/A WILLIAM E. COFFEY A/K/A WILLIAM COFFEY, LISA M. COFFEY A/K/A LISA MARIE COFFEY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants

14 CH 9174 9948 SOUTH WOOD LANE Palos Hills, IL 60465

village,” said Aparo. “So it came as a shock to them to hear of a $37,000 expense which came out of nowhere and was not included in the budget.”

In other action, the board discussed continued improvements to the village’s 10-acre Urban Farm and approved three contracts for the work. They included: Evergreen Electric, $45,988; Precision Cement, $18,000; and Evergreen Mechanical, $17,500.

Sexton said they are all local companies.

“We are always glad to give our local businesses work,” he said. He added that the work will begin in the spring when hopefully, the State releases the $500,000 grant money owed to the village.

Public Works Director Dennis Duffy reported that the village ice rink may not open on Saturday, Dec. 12 as planned, due to the unusually warm weather.

“If it stays in the 60’s, I don’t care if the rink never opens,” said Sexton.

Proclamations were approved: Proclaiming the year 2016 as the “75th Anniversary Year of the Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer,” Sexton said it is one of the first churches in Evergreen Park. He commended Pastor James Hyland for the “wonderful work” the church has done in the village.

In conjunction with the Secretary of State and AAA, a second proclamation recognized December, 2015 as “Drunk and Drugged Driving 3D Prevention Month.”

In a final vote, the board approved to change the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting to Monday, Jan. 4, instead of Dec. 21.

5

14 CH 17159 8124 W. 91ST PLACE Hickory Hills, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 24, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 30, 2015, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 33 IN JOHN C. DUFRAME AND COMPANY'S PALOS GARDENS, A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 10 ACRES) IN SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 9948 SOUTH WOOD LANE, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-415-017-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $1,885,418.71.

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: ROETZEL & ANDRESS, LPA, 20 SOUTH CLARK STREET, SUITE 300, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 580-1200 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.

ROETZEL & ANDRESS, LPA 20 SOUTH CLARK STREET, SUITE 300 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 580-1200 Attorney Code. 49399 Case Number: 14 CH 9174 TJSC#: 35-16812 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 5, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2016, 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: LOT 22 IN MOWATT’S HIGHLAND MEADOW SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 10 ACRES (EXCEPT THE NORTH 16 1/2 FEET) OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 8124 W. 91ST PLACE, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-421-009-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $307,187.98.

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

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

For information, contact DAVID T. COHEN, DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES, 10729 WEST 159TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467, (708) 460-7711 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES 10729 WEST 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 Attorney Code. 25602 Case Number: 14 CH 17159 TJSC#: 35-17513 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.

Supplied photo

OLCHS food drive a big success

The student council at Oak Lawn Community High School collected 56 full meal baskets during the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Brett Habas’s Honors Physics class was the winner with 11 meal baskets.

Michele Kennamer’s class (above) collected 10 full meal baskets. Baskets were donated to food pantries at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn and Our Savior’s Church in Burbank.

Funds

Continued from Page 1

amount as last year. State senators and representatives know we depend on those funds,” he said.

“I’m just glad to see some movement toward agreement.

Hopefully, this will spur them on to do more,” McLaughlin added.

“All our local governments are happy about this,” said Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett, who is president of the Southwest Suburban Conference of Mayors. “Hopefully, the funds will start coming to us in January.

“The hold-up of these funds affected 1,300 cities and villages around the state,” Bennett said.

“It took a lot of work to get this done, and to get (legislators) to see that this money was never part of the state budget, and

Palos Hills

Continued from Page 1

“You don’t ask our attorney to draft motions on motions that have failed,” Kleefisch said following the city council meeting on Dec. 3. “The way I interpret Robert’s Rules (of Order) she could have made a motion to reconsider the vote that failed. The motion Ald. Nowak brought up on Nov. 5 was an improper motion and should have been ruled out of order.”

Bennett disputed Kleefisch’s claim and said there are no rules in parliamentary procedure that prohibit an elected official from bringing back a motion as long as it does not take place at the same meeting the motion was originally voted on.

“The only time you talk about the reconsideration of a motion (cannot take place) is during a meeting in which it was voted down,” Bennett told Kleefisch.

“Any alderman has the right to bring back a motion that was voted down at a past meeting.

“There is no limitation on the fact that (Nowak’s) action originally failed and then her coming back (with the same action) at a following meeting.”

The two continued to debate the issue for nearly 10 minutes with Bennett on two separate occasions asking Kleefisch if he wanted to “sit up here,” meaning the mayor’s chair. Eventually Ald. Ricky Moore (4th) called for a vote

shouldn’t have been included in it.”

“This is a win-win situation for both sides in Springfield.

Whether it spurs them on to come to agreement on the budget is debatable, but before long, they will have to start work on the following year’s budget so it will get convoluted,” Bennett noted.

“We’re relieved to know that they are releasing our funds, our taxpayers’ money,” said Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz. He said his city expected to receive perhaps about $200,000, including MFT funds and the portion of the local use tax.

Like Orland Park, he said his city was not depending on the state action to balance the budget.

“We have very good staff members who go through every line item. We try to live within our means,” Straz said. on Nowak’s motion with Aldermen Moore, Nowak, Joe Marrotta (4th), Pauline Stratton (2nd) and Mike Lebarre (3rd) voting in favor of approving licenses for Stella’s and Durbin’s.

Aldermen Kleefisch, Joan Knox (1st), Mark Brachman (2nd), A.J. Pasek (3rd) and Mary Ann Schultz (5th) voted against.

Representatives of Stella’s previously told the council they have plans to open on 111th Street and Southwest Highway in the building that formerly housed Hills Pharmacy. The café operated by Durbin’s would be located in the strip mall in the 10100 block of Roberts Road.

“I think these are going to be upscale facilities – a nice addition to the city,” said Nowak, who was unsure when either video gaming café would open for business. “I think a lot of people think video gaming will bring in the riff raff but the proposal Stella’s presented to us was a very nice, upscale facility.”

Kleefisch said he believed if Nowak’s motion was ruled out of order that it was “possible” the item would be prohibited from coming up for discussion again.

He also understood that may not have been the case.

“I realize I may lose the main motion, but I want to the procedure to that point to be correct,” Kleefisch said.

Pappas declined to comment on the issue when asked by The Reporter after the meeting.

Answers on Page 7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Beginning on 5 No ordinary party 9 Keister 13 Big Island coffee region 14 Sap-sucking insect 16 Put on board 17 Learning ctr.

18 “Being John Malkovich” director 20 Bit of dust 21 Readies for another voyage 22 “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” co-star 26 Portions out 29 One making waves 30 Sean Lennon’s mom 31 Occasionally 32 Three-time Hopkins role 34 At hand 35 Slangily, overimbibe; literally, what the starts of 18-, 22-, 49- and 54-Across can do 38 Fictional archaeologist Croft 40 Bakery array 41 Promises 44 “Hawaii Five-0” actor Daniel __ Kim 45 Cellular messenger 48 Ambien maker 49 Saddle storage area 51 Longhorn rival 53 Mandlikova of tennis 54 Nervous habit 58 Prophet’s concern 59 Promgoer’s concern 60 Really enjoy 61 One of 28 Monopoly cards 62 Places for hats 63 Jazz singer Horne 64 Icelandic literary work

DOWN 1 With hands on hips 2 Northern Mexican state 3 GM navigation system 4 Meant to be 5 __-relief 6 iPhone purchase 7 See 12-Down 8 Enjoy the Pacific Crest Trail 9 Literary arcs 10 Redeemed from captivity 11 Carpenter’s tool 12 With 7-Down, punny message site 15 Make leaner 19 Leave at the altar 23 Expert on feet?

24 Foot part 25 Wrecks completely 27 Tetley offer ng 28 Estonia, until 1991: Abbr.

31 Doomed 1588 fighting force 32 Gigs for 22-Across, often 33 Expressive rock genre 35 Bribing 36 Rescue op 37 Smell bad 38 Old DJ’s platters 39 India Pale __ 42 Shapeless mass 43 Start of a selection process 45 Didn’t stay put 46 “Thanks, but I’m set!”

47 Actress Plummer 49 Hackneyed 50 __ Island 52 Bibliog. catchall 54 Brief refresher 55 Solitaire foundation card 56 Wimple wearer 57 Credit-weighted no.

Answers on Page 7

6 The Reporter THE

COMMENTARY

Thursday, December 10, 2015

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Ray Hanania

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Misleading breakfasts, and Laquan McDonald

We need to take a collective breath after recent attack

A

cts of violence continue to be the norm in this country.

It seems that as soon as we see television reports or read accounts in newspapers or on our phones of a shooting, another tragedy occurs.

The latest in the seemingly endless carnage of this past year are the shootings that took place at a San Bernardino, Calif., social service center. The alleged assassins were a gun-packing, recently married couple. The man and wife dropped off their 6-month-old child at a relative’s residence and stormed into the social center, firing 75 rounds of artillery at defenseless people gathering at a holiday party.

The alleged killers reportedly supported the Islamic State, or ISIS. However, while ISIS praised Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, 27, for murdering 14 people and wounding 21, the husband and wife were not ordered to carry out these brutal acts.

Farook, who was born in Illinois, and Malik, who was born in Pakistan, died in a shootout with police a couple of hours later.

This crime is still being investigated, but it appears the couple carried out the assault because of their support of ISIS. At least we know that Malik posted that on her Facebook page the day of the murders. However, it is important to note that they were inspired by ISIS. They had no direct involvement with this terrorist group. But make no mistake about it. This couple was prepared for their rampage. It was horrible but it could have been worse.

In the meantime, a nation looks on with trepidation, especially residents of San Bernardino and Southern California. This has become the new normal. Individuals who appear to live unassuming lives carry out a horrific crime in which they shoot and kill multiple victims. They might be linked to a small cell with ties to terrorist groups or they might just be on their own. Now these criminals are inspired instead of being directly tied to ISIS or other terrorist organizations. That is difficult to defend against.

President Obama hears about how this has become the new normal. However, he doesn’t think that people or legislators should accept that premise. He advises Americans that they should not lump all Syrian refuges in the same sentence with ISIS, al-Qaeda or other terrorists. The majority of these Syrian refuges who are fleeing their country to escape the tyranny of ISIS are women and children. Most of these refugees are in Europe because it is usually at least a two-year wait to be even considered for entrance to the U.S. We understand why some Americans live in fear. These Syrian refugees are the least of our problems. However, if just one person with links to terrorism crossed our borders, all hell will break loose. And Obama, who attempted to assure a wary nation in a speech Sunday night, said that the nation’s resolve to fight terrorism will be “relentless.”

The president said we will prevail by being strong and smart.

He said the U.S. will be resilient and we should not be wrapped in fear. But it is hard for Americans to be at ease after Paris was attacked at several locations just minutes apart on Nov. 13. In Paris, 130 people were killed.

This is not a war in the conventional sense. Members of ISIS seem to have no problem alienating any country. The U.S., Great Britain and Germany are targets. But we know they also have focused on France and even Russia.

Their ideology and what they stand for become murky. The idea that these terrorists project their actions as some sort of holy battle in the name of Allah is absurd. True believers of Islam have denounced these fanatics. But we realize that this is an election year and the call for tough talk — and even considering sending in ground troops to Syria — is appealing to some.

But again we appeal to common sense. If the day comes that ISIS is either obliterated or weakened, other cells will develop.

That’s where the president is right. We need to be vigilant and relentless. But we need to be smart as well and not inspire more martyrs.

Park Lawn’s Holiday Drawing can result in winners and cheers In this season of giving, we are unfortunately reminded that there is also evil in the world. So it is nice to see that there are organizations that provide some holiday cheer and brings smiles to those in need.

Park Lawn, 10833 S. Laporte Ave., Oak Lawn, provides services that promote independence, choice and access to community living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Services include adult developmental training, vocational services, supported employment, residential opportunities and recreational activities. Park Lawn was founded in 1955 by a small group of parents, and today over 500 individuals are enrolled in its programs. These individuals have the opportunity to pursue a life of productivity, independence and happiness the same as any other individual.

The organization will hold a Holiday Drawing today (Thursday, Dec. 10) at the Park Lawn School and Activity Center. No reception will be held. Winners need not to be present to win. The grand prize drawing is $5,000. The second prize is $1,500 and third prize is $500.

Ticket purchasers are eligible for the 50/50 split the pot for an additional $20. Tickets can still be purchased by visiting www. parklawn.com or calling (708) 425-6867.

Park Lawn also participated in the Giving Tuesday event earlier this month, and officials stated that they raised over $35,000.

They are presently still working on figuring out the match total.

Organizers are delighted with those figures and are now looking forward to the Holiday Drawing.

Donations to Park Lawn go toward a great cause. We should point out that many other organizations and local businesses raise money for Park Lawn as well. The owners of the Flap-jacks restaurant, now located near 95th and Cicero in Oak Lawn, has raised money for Park Lawn over the years.

Local businesses and residents who can give something to Park Lawn would be helping out a great cause. And remember that the Holiday Drawing is tonight. Somebody might be a big winner. In our opinion, Park Lawn is already a winner.

Proceeds benefit programs and services at Park Lawn for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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 telephone 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

I Christmas has always been a ‘scary’ holiday

By Glenn Mollette Black Friday shoppers throughout America affirmed the hustle and madness of Christmas. Mall shopping was down by 10 percent but zaniness seemed to be up by at least 10 percent or more. Viral videos of mall fights and huge crowds did not entice hesitant shoppers to jump into the weekend fray of traffic jams and shopping craziness.

Most Americans did not break a stride over the Thanksgiving holiday when it came to pursuing routine shopping and travel activities. However, the news kept us on edge with high alerts about the ever lurking possibility of terrorism.

Ever since Sept. 11, 2001 Americans have rightly lived with paranoia of imminent danger. We are a bit scared about flying but we do it anyway. We have become a bit scared about concert and sports events but mostly we go anyway. We have become nervous about public crowds such as the Boston Marathon or a parade. We just don’t know what might happen. Some idiot who has deemed his or her own life worthless may show up anywhere with the goal of killing anyone. It’s just crazy and scary.

Radical militant Muslims who utilize their own slick media resources do everything possible to continue this fear. I don’t want to give them anything, but sadly they have been successful. They have succeeded in fear mongering. However, they have not succeeded in halting the American way of life, nor the French way of life.

The American people will not stop flying or traveling the highways. Americans went to

the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. They will go to Times Square and they will attend the sporting events throughout our country. They will also go to the malls and they shopped on Black Friday. The only reason the store traffic for Black Friday was down was because more people were shopping online, which was up 10 percent last weekend.

The first Christmas was scary. Mary and Joseph were flat broke. They had taxes to pay. They had a baby coming into the world.

She turned up pregnant before they were married and nobody bought the Holy Ghost story.

In the meantime, King Herod, who was scary in his own right, ordered all the male babies under 2 years old to be murdered.

He didn’t want any competition from a baby who might take his place. We can hardly imagine all the emotions that this peasant family of Mary, Joseph and the baby experienced. Since then, Christmas has presented challenges and some new anxieties for most of us.

We have growing fears in America. Terrorism, joblessness, taxes; life’s uncertainties abound for all of us. The first family of Christmas didn’t let the scary stuff stop them from experiencing the wonders of that first Bethlehem night. Life for them wasn’t easy.

We have to keep moving and living strong in America. We have to deal with and overcome this scary stuff today as we rediscover and celebrate the joy and real meaning of Christmas in our hearts and lives.

Glenn Mollette is syndicated columnist and author. He is the author of 11 books.

Crude awakening: U.S. crude oil export ban must go

By Margo Thorning The Obama administration is currently lifting economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for reductions in its nuclear ability. The deal will open the floodgates for Iranian crude oil to flow into the global market.

But thanks to 40-year-old legislation, the floodgates guarding American crude are locked tight. Except for a handful of exceptions, it’s illegal to export U.S.-produced crude. That’s right. In effect, we are sanctioning ourselves.

That needs to change. Allowing U.S. crude oil exports would boost GDP, reduce prices at the pump, and create jobs. Our lawmakers shouldn’t wait any longer to lift the antiquated ban on crude exports.

The ban originated in the aftermath of the 1973-74 Arab oil embargo. With the fresh memory of “No Gas” signs and long lines at the pump, as well as a new awareness of the country’s dependence on imported oil from the Middle East, Congress in 1975 banned U.S. crude exports to safeguard our domestic supply.

It might not even have been a good idea at the time, many economists say. But what’s certain is that the export ban has now outlived its original justification.

It’s no longer the 1970s. Today, American oil producers are in a dramatically different market. Far from experiencing an oil shortage, the United States is now one of the top producers of fossil fuels in the world. In midJune, our nation produced a record-breaking 9.3 million barrels of crude oil per day.

The outdated ban has also left Americans with a mismatched oil refining system. The Gulf Coast oil refineries, made to handle heavy crude oil, are not equipped to deal with the “lighter, sweeter” crude coming in from North Dakota and Texas. Some of that oil has no place to go because of the ban.

Letting American crude flow freely would

mean big financial gains at home. According to Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group, ending the ban would help give the economy a $23 billion boost by 2030.

A green light for crude exports would also mean more jobs -- nearly 400,000 annually.

Lift the ban and the United States would see an additional 964,000 jobs in 2018.

Because of lower oil prices, the energy sector has laid off thousands of workers since last year. If the ban remains, total layoffs could worsen.

Removing the ban would bolster U.S. crude production and, by adding to global oil supply, reduce global crude prices. As a result, according to energy researcher IHS, ending the ban would slash gas prices by an average of 8 cents per gallon per year. Over the next 15 years, that would add $265 billion to consumers’ pocketbooks.

Unleashing U.S. crude exports would also strengthen national security. Lifting the ban could help loosen Russia’s energy grip on our European allies. According to the American Action Forum, U.S. crude exports “could result in the displacement of over one-third of Russia’s exports to Eastern Europe alone” and reduce Russia’s oil revenue by about $58 million per day.

Congress has taken the first step toward ditching the ban. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill to lift it. But there’s still a long road until full approval.

John Boehner recently asserted, “certainly the United States should not be the only country left in the world with such a ban in place.” He’s right.

If Iran is allowed to export crude oil, why can’t the leader of the free world?

Margo Thorning is senior vice president and chief economist for the American Council for Capital Formation.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fight against Alzheimer’s has to be stepped up Alzheimer’s is the sixth and only leading cause of death among the top 10 in the U.S. without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression – yet. It is costing the government $226 billion this year alone, and costs are set to skyrocket to $1.1 trillion by 2050.

How can we even begin to budget for this crisis that will end up bankrupting America?

I don’t know that we can. Unfortunately, these staggering numbers do not even begin to capture the personal effects of the disease, which cannot even be imagined. This is why finding a cure is for Alzheimer’s is not optional.

I lost my grandfather to this devastating disease three years ago, and that’s when I became an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Watching him slowly slip away from us was such an incredibly painful experience that I would never wish upon any other family.

It was also a powerful inspiration to advocate for a cure. By consistently leading Illinois’ strong bipartisan coalition of legislators in the fight for greater funding for National Institutes of Health-led research, Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) has made it clear that he fully understands the fiscal danger that Alzheimer’s poses to the United States and how his work can have a personal effect on the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease. I hope other congressmen will follow his example so we can finally put an end to Alzheimer’s.

To find out more and join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, visit alz.org.

— Samantha Rapp, 3rd District Alzheimer’s Association Ambassador, Hometown

hopped on over to one of my favorite breakfast restaurants with my son over the weekend, figuring we could talk about the deficiencies at his high school.

As soon as we got the menu, he pointed to a page promoting a discount for seniors, ages 55 and up.

Of course, I’m “”55-plus.” He wondered why I don’t take advantage of the senior discount?

I told him it wasn’t a “discount” at all. It was just slick, misleading advertising to make a place look “senior friendly.”

A genius in math, I explained efficiently that the breakfast restaurant was not offering a discount at all, but rather less food at a higher price.

“Why would they do that to seniors?” he asked.

Businesses care more about money than they do customers.

If they cared about customers, I explained, they would make more money. But that means that the business has to have confidence in their products and respect the public.

Take this breakfast menu promotion for “55-plus”, I explained.

The menu had a pretty tasty “Breakfast Sampler.” Two eggs, two bacon strips, two pork sausage links, two pieces of ham, hash browns and two buttermilk pancakes. All for $8.99.

On the 55-and-over promotion page, the same restaurant offers the “55-plus Breakfast Sampler.”

One egg, one strip of bacon, one pork sausage link, one piece of ham, hash browns and one buttermilk pancake.” The cost? $5.19.

Basically, I explained, it’s the same meal, cut in half. But, is the price cut in half? No. In fact, the “55-plus” Breakfast meal costs almost $1 more than the regular Breakfast Sampler.

Half of $8.99 is $4.50, not $5.19.

You probably figured out the breakfast chain I’m talking about, but it’s the same at almost every restaurant offering senior discounts.

If a senior customer — or any customer — wanted to eat less, he or she could order half as much food. I’d understand the higher premium to do so. I could deal with that kind of a promotion and not complain about paying more on average Why lie? Why exploit senior citizens and baby boomers, pretending to give us a break on breakfast when they’re really not.

I’d really like to hear your senior citizen scam. Promised discounts that are not discounts at all. Where do you go to get ripped off? Email me with your story (and location) and I’ll publish it.

And that brings me to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

What’s worse than killing a teenager allegedly on drugs, acting strange with a pocket knife in hand? Lying about it and then covering it up. That’s what Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez clearly did in the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

McDonald was killed 14 months ago on Oct. 20, 2014. Someone clearly destroyed video evidence.

And some clearly lied on the police reports about what McDonald did, because one video survived the Emanuel cover-up.

Why cover it up? Mayor Emanuel, Chicago’s worst mayor, was seeking re-election four months later.

To ease criticism, cowardly Emanuel fired McCarthy. But the public demands Emanuel and Alvarez should resign, too.

It would have been terrible to see a 17-year-old shot three times while acting erratically. That’s what police claimed Officer Jason Van Dyke did. But it turns out Van Dyke fired 13 more times as the boy was lying on the ground, motionless.

That’s pathetic. That’s outrageous. That’s outright murder.

That’s disgusting.

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

Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Reporter

7

Lost dog is found with help from some ‘Good Shepherds’ C an you remember the last time you lost something? I’m not talking about the remote control or your keys. I’m talking about “the can’t eat, sleep, or think until I find it” kind of lost. In this case, it wasn’t an “it” at all, it was Demon, my Uncle Charles’s dog.

This occurred in December, three years ago in Terre Haute, Ind. They had been having unpredictable, global warming type weather, where tornado-like winds had knocked a portion of his fence down. Demon, which got his name from his mischievous behavior, leaped to the streets like a wild horse in an open field.

Uncle Charles took off to find him, initially, angered by his rebellion. But his emotions took a drastic turn just as suddenly as the weather. What was once high winds had shifted to freezing rain. Night faded into morning.

Not a sign of Demon anywhere.

This feeling was familiar to Uncle Charles. He had experienced two prior situations where his dogs had run off.

In both instances, those dogs, Honey and Brownie, had been struck by cars.

His worry swirled his thoughts like a hurricane. After almost two days, he had just about given up. “Lord, even if you don’t bring ‘em back, can you just keep ‘em safe? Send ‘em to a good home where he’ll be cared for,” he prayed. Feeling as though he had no choice, he let go.

Ivy, a family friend, didn’t have a choice, either. It was Ivy’s second time having to use Uncle Charles’s phone. The high winds knocked out her power and not even her cellphone was getting reception. She had seen the somber look upon Uncle Charles’s face. She felt bad for the fella. That’s why that morning, after reading her morning paper, she was in good spirits about needing to

use his phone again.

“You’ve gotta see this article. This has got to be about Demon,” she told my Aunt Andrea, Uncle Charles’s wife, while flipping to the ad section.

The title of the ad read, “Family Hoping Dog Can Be Found for

Christmas.” The ad went further to describe the dog, where it was found and their contact information.

Turns out, a 13-year old boy with a big heart saw him. He was sitting under a tree with icicles in his fur, looking totally exhausted. Together, this boy and his family expressed a love for Demon you don’t hear about often. They took in this scary, old, matted-haired, droopy-eyed dog and nourished him. They fed him, bathed him and brushed his teeth. They even found him an old collar worn by their previous dog.

Being dog owners themselves, they knew Demon’s owner must be stewing. They went a step further and placed an ad in the paper. The reunion was nothing other than a Christmas miracle.

This family was being a good shepherd looking after the lost. The parable of the Lost Sheep describes

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Evergreen Park Seniors to hold Christmas Luncheon The Evergreen Park Senior Luncheon Christmas Party will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. Tickets must be obtained and paid for

by Tuesday, Dec. 15. Roast pork will be served at the luncheon.

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

Evergreen Park off rs mini-bus and Meals on Wheels Mini-bus and Meals on Wheels services are available in Evergreen Park. The Office Citizen Services provides the services. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8776.

Girls open house in Evergreen Park

OAK LAWN

Christmas music at Pilgrim Faith Church A special service of Christmas music will be presented at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

The Pilgrim Faith Vocal Ensemble, Harmony Guys, Hand Bell Choir and numerous vocal soloists and instrumental musicians will provide music for the service under the direction of Ellen Pearson.

The church is handicapped accessible.

T-Bolts and Boomer to appear at SW Chicago Christian Family Reading Night Family Reading Night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Southwest Chicago Christian School, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

Representatives of the Windy City Thunderbolts baseball team and their mascot, Boomer, will be on hand to read books to children, sign autographs, take photos and hand out several free giveaways. Free items include vouchers for two free tickets to a Windy City T-Bolts game for every child in attendance and more. The event is open to all families with children ages preschool through eighth grade.

Oak Lawn film group to view and discuss ‘White Christmas’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s free weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1954 holiday film “White Christmas” from 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Johnson-Phelps Auxiliary to hold annual Christmas Party The Johnson-Phelps Auxiliary is hosting their annual Christmas Party from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the post, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn. The fee is $16 per person. A cash bar will be available. Dinner and entertainment will be offered, along with a “Try Your Luck Raffle.” Christmas Bingo will also be held.

Tickets can be obtained at the post or be calling (708) 423-5220 after noon daily. Deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday, Dec. 12. Proceeds benefit the auxiliary veteran and community projects.

Coat Drive is sponsored by park district The Oak Lawn Park District will hold a winter coat drive continues through Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St. Through Dec.13, coats may be dropped off at the Oak View Center’s main office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Dec. 14 through Dec. 19, patrons in need of a winter coat can pick one out at the Oak View Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coats not picked up after Dec.19 will be donated to the PADS shelter in Oak Lawn. For more information, contact (708) 857-2200.

WORTH Worth Park District to host Breakfast with Santa The Worth Park District will host its annual Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at the park district, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Santa will have breakfast with the guests. Children will also have an opportunity to jump on the park district jumpees.

The registration fee is $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and over. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or online at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Gingerbread house workshop Making a gingerbread house workshop will be held at 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 21 at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The registration fee is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

Registration will continue until Monday, Dec. 14. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit online at www. worthparkdistrict.org.

Sports classes will begin week of Dec. 18 Registration is open for various sports classes for ages 4 to 14 at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Floor hockey, flag football, karate, soccer and more activities will be offered. Many of the sessions will begin the week of Friday, Dec. 18. Registration is offered by calling (708) 448-7080.

Claudia Parker is an Evergreen Park mother, author and runner whose columns appear in The Reporter the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Oak Lawn Library is teaming with others for ‘Read’ initiative

EVERGREEN PARK

An open house for girls in the second through fifth grade will be held at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 96th St. Girls are invited to gather for games and Christmas-themed crafts at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Girls will gather for games and Christmas-themed crafts. The girls will also have snacks. The registration fee is $15. Registration will be held by calling (708) 229-3373 or by stopping in at the Community Center.

how a shepherd leaves his flock of 99 to search for the one that was lost. There are so many lost souls in this world. If only we were all like this family that found Demon.

Willing to put fear aside and love someone back to life. I’m sure we all know someone who may be in a vulnerable place. Let’s go after them.

Let us nourish them with fellowship and prayer. Let us bathe them with loving words.

My favorite book says, “I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents, than over the ninety-nine righteous that needs no repentance.”

Luke 15: 7

Photo by Waldemar Reichert

Smith Crossing residents Pat and George Quebbeman suggest participating in community activities during the holidays to avoid isolation.

Smith Crossing residents offer tips for avoiding holiday blues For older adults with children living out of town or those grieving the recent loss of a spouse or dear friend, getting through the holidays can pose formidable challenges. “The holidays can be especially challenging times for older adults,” says Amie Swim, resident service director at Smith Crossing, a continuing care retirement community located at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park.

“The more secluded a person is, the more likely he or she is to become depressed. With depression, physical health can also start to suffer.”

To combat isolation, Smith Crossing provides plenty of engaging holiday activities for residents, including a bus tour of area neighborhoods to view Christmas lights and decorations, plenty of visiting school groups who perform concerts and holiday skits, and a very popular annual contest for residents to decorate their apartment doors.

Even beyond the holidays, the CCRC is a hub of activity. Residents attend on-site entertainment, travel for field trips, watch movies, take enrichment classes, and exercise regularly in the onsite gym.

They also volunteer and serve on various committees.

Since Pat Quebbeman, 85, moved to Smith Crossing with her husband George, 90, in 2012, she notices a significant difference in how she spends her time. “We talk about this all the time,” she says. “If we didn’t move here, I’m not sure what we would be doing, probably just sitting around.”

For years, the Quebbemans have remained active with their church, St. Germaine’s in Oak Lawn. George also keeps in touch with members of his old softball league.

“We were always social and I think that helps,” says Pat, who now serves as Resident Council vice president and enjoys going on field trips. “But I would say to anyone, to avoid isolation, ‘Force yourself to get out there and be with people. It might be tough at first, but you’ll be glad you did.’”

The Quebbemans both enjoy dining with different residents each evening too. “We don’t eat with the same old crowd every night,” says Pat. “We like meeting and getting to know new people.

Honestly, when we lived in our

condo, it seemed like we were aging much more quickly. Now we’re so busy doing things and meeting people, we just don’t have time to think about it.”

Occupying yourself at home alone with craft projects or making gifts or cookies for friends and relatives might work for a while. But there’s more to life than doing things alone, according to Lydia Ponczak, another Smith Crossing resident.

“I’m not shy,” says Lydia, who moved to Smith Crossing just a few months ago from Oak Forest. “I love to be with people, and I encourage everyone to get out there.”

Using Pat Quebbeman’s same words, she says, “Force yourself if you have to. Just do that and be open to what comes. You’ll start having a good time.”

Lydia, who prefers not to reveal her age, insists holiday celebrations with community or among friends can be especially beneficial. “Here, many of us have lost our husbands or we’ve had to get rid of homes we’ve owned for 40 or 50 years. That’s traumatic, but when you sit down and talk with others you begin to learn about common interests. People become sincerely interested in what you’re doing, what’s going on. They’re genuinely happy when good things happen for you. As you get to know more people, it feels a lot like family, which tells me, it’s very important to get out there and make friends.”

SUDOKU Solution

CROSSWORD Answers

About Smith Crossing Smith Crossing is one of only 13 CCRCs in Illinois awarded a fiveyear accreditation for “exemplary conformance” to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the industry’s sole accrediting body.

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

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

For more information about Smith Crossing, call 708-3262300 or visit SmithCrossing.org.

The staff at the Oak Lawn Library, in partnership with businesses, organizations and schools in Oak Lawn, are sponsoring a community-wide “Read” for fall 2016.

“One Book, One Oak Lawn” is an opportunity to share the experience of reading and discussing the same book at one time. Residents can get involved in the book selection process by casting a vote for one of the three final titles to be chosen by a committee of librarians.

Voting is taking place and will

continue through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Votes can be placed at www.olpl.org or in person at one of the ballot boxes in the library and around the community. This includes the library at Oak Lawn Community High School, the library at Richards High School, the Village of Oak Lawn, and Standard Bank, 4001 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn.

The winning book will be announced in April. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Local student performs in Cornell holiday concert A local student performed as a member of the choir for the Cornell College Holiday Concert on Saturday in Mont Vernon, Iowa. KateLynn Hohman, an Ev-

ergreen Park resident, performed with the concert choir, which performed “Lux Aurumque “ by Eric Whitacre and “I Will Lift Mine Eyes” by Jake Runestad.

DEATH NOTICES Michael LeHockey Michael E. LeHockey, 51, an Oak Lawn resident, died Friday in Aurora, Colo.

Mr. LeHockey was a ramp agent for United Airlines.

Survivors include his mother, Bonnie Blonda; sister, Debra LeHockey; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 3 to 4 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 10) at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park. Services will be held at 4 p.m. at Colonial Chapel. Interment is private.

J.J. Washington J.J. Washington, 84, died Saturday at his home in Worth.

Mr. Washington, formerly of Houlka, Miss., was a 30-year veteran deputy sheriff with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.

Survivors include a daughter, Amanda Washington; son, Phillip Traylor; brother, Willie Galloway; three grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Services were Wednesday at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. Interment followed at Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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

11028 11028 Southwest Southwest Highway Highway Palos Palos Hills, Hills, IL IL 60465 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Owned Owned and and Operated Operated by by the the Mintle Mintle Family Family

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

CONSUMER NEWS

Thursday, December 10, 2015

COMINGS & GOINGS

F

may add them to the Mokena restaurant at a later date.

Video gaming is not allowed in Frankfort.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call the restaurant at (708) 336-3750 or visit www. fajitasmexican.com.

Tastee Freez update Last week, I wrote about the Tastee Freez closing in Hickory Hills and how it might have meant the end of an era.

While I still haven’t heard anything from the company, and its website still only lists two downstate locations for Tastee-Freez, a regular reader says the brand is alive and well in Berwyn.

According to Rita Maniotis of Berwyn, Tastee-Freez is alive and well in Berwyn on the corner of 26th Street and Clarence Avenue.

Thanks for the info, Rita.

BP station closed The BP gas station and convenience store at 10631 Southwest Highway in Worth, which reopened earlier this year after being shut down has closed again. The pumps are shut down though there is

Elvis has left the building, but Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Michael Bublé are on their way — sort of— to one of the most popular family restaurants in the Southwest Suburbs.

Celebrity tribute artists have packed in customers repeatedly over the past year or so at Royalberry Waffle House & Restaurant, 6417 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, with another must-see/must-hear Christmas special set for this Saturday evening, headlined by crooners Jimmy Vincent and Nick Gutierrez.

Staff photo

Fajitas has opened a fourth location, on 191st Street in Mokena.

still merchandise on the store shelves.

Mariano’s now hiring for Orland store Mariano’s Fresh Market, which is expected to open early next year at Orland Crossing shopping center at 14225 S. 95th Avenue in Orland Park, has opened a recruiting center for the 400 or so employees the supermarket expects to hire to staff the store.

The center is located at 14432 S. John Humphrey Drive and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interested applicants can also apply online at www. marianos.com/careers.

The store, which is owned by the Roundy’s chain based in Milwaukee, is looking for both full-time and part-time work-

ers for such positions as baker, cake decorator, cashier, catering, floral designer and general staffers.

Kroger plans to buy out Roundy’s grocery stores, including the Mariano’s chain, for $3.60 a share, a total purchase price of about $178 million, the company announced last month.

The company is open to experienced workers as well as entry-level employees..

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

“These special events have been a huge success,” said Royalberry co-owner and Palos Heights resident Frank Salman. “We’ve had tributes to such entertainers as Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Cher, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, the Beatles and others.

This Saturday’s event should be a showstopper, as well.”

Tickets are priced at $25 each and include a home-style meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes, vegetable, soup and salad served at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Drinks and dessert are extra. Tickets are sold at the restaurant. For more information, call 388-6200.

The idea for the celebrity tributes night came from a loyal customer, Salman said. “I always listen to my customers,” he said. “They are a great source of experience and ideas.”

Popular for its breakfasts for more than a decade, Royalberry has in recent years crafted an image as a cozy-yet-chic eatery. A modest yet well-stocked bar was added in 2013, when Salman and his brother, Zeek, remodeled the restaurant in the wake of a small kitchen fire, transforming tragedy into triumph.

“I love Palos Heights. It’s a great place to live, and it’s also a great place to do business,” Salman concluded.

Moraine Valley partners to offer free business safety inspections Moraine Valley Community College has partnered with Safety by Design to provide free and confidential onsite safety advice to employers looking to create or improve their injury and illness prevention programs.

The goal is to develop a safety partnership that protects employees, reduce costs and

increases productivity.

According to Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health, 4,679 workers died on the job in 2014.

“Making a living shouldn’t have to cost you your life. Workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses are preventable. Safe jobs happen

because employers make the choice to fulfill their responsibilities and protect their workers.”

Contact Corporate, Community and Continuing Education at Moraine Valley to schedule a safety assessment. For more information, email Mary Jo Murphy at murphym272@ morainevalley.edu, or call (708) 974-5798.

Project Management certification available at Moraine in January Individuals interested in earning a project management credential can enroll in a five-day intensive program at Moraine Valley Community College from Jan. 25 to 29. Classes will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Participants will gain the knowledge necessary to oversee all aspects of a project and will be prepared to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam.

Moraine Valley’s Project Management Program includes Project Management Essentials on Jan. 25 and 26 ($525), Project Management Advanced on Jan. 27 and 28 ($525) and Project Management Exam Preparation on Jan. 29 ($425). Completion of all three classes will provide the 35 Professional Development Units required to obtain a PMP certification.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has seen a five-fold growth in membership in the last 12 years, 80 percent of which is

driven by the increased use of project managers in the IT and technology sectors.

For more information about the Project Management Program, e-mail Mary Jo Murphy at murphym272@morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-5798.

Registration for classes in person at the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room 125 on campus, or by calling (708) 974-2100.

Participants also can register online at morainevalley.edu/ccce/register-noncredit-classes.

Big Pappa’s

meals out of her Oak Lawn restaurant, DiGangi and her family have been volunteering at homeless shelters and elsewhere for the past 19 years. She said she does it all in honor of her son, Gary, 5, who died in a fire in 1995.

“I was able to help those in need,” said DiGangi, who remembers growing up poor herself in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.

“God always blessed me, and this is what Christmas is all about, giving back, especially to the children,” she said.

The restaurant owner said that 1,300 people have already signed up for the meals, and she is expecting to serve at least as many as they did last year.

“We stopped counting after 3,200,” she said. Local volunteers, often Oak Lawn police officers, deliver some of the meals to homes in the Oak Lawn area, but she said that in addition to nearby communities such as Chi-

cago, Burbank and Summit, many people come from as far as Orland Park and Park Forest to pick up meals.

“There will be a line around the block, there always is,” she said, explaining that people are asked to come between noon and 6 p.m., but they often are handing out meals up until 9 p.m.

“I figure if people come from as far away as Park Forest, they need a meal. People don’t realize, a lot of these people have absolutely nothing. Food is expensive,” she said. “And every child will get at least one gift. I tell them Santa stopped by here with their gifts, because they might not have gotten any at home.”

Monetary donations and unwrapped gifts for children may be dropped off at the restaurant. Donations may also be sent through a GoFundMe site set up for her by a supporter at www.gofundme.com/bigpappasxmas/

High School junior varsity cheerleading squad were doing face painting, crafts and helping children decorate cookies.

“I have 11 girls volunteering,” said their coach, Tracy Rewers. “We came here after practicing from 9 a.m. to noon for our first cheerleading competition tomorrow (Sunday) in Crystal Lake.“We arrived at 1 p.m. and worked until 4:30. The girls have had a long day.”

Despite their long day, their energy was electric. They were chanting cheers as they posed for a picture inside EP’s community center. Prior to that, they were laughing and socializing during a quick break to eat hot dogs and chips, compliments of the Evergreen Park Food Pantry, which were offered to everyone while supplies lasted.

Village Clerk Catherine Aparo served community members from the kitchen window.

“Don’t forget your water,” she said after sliding miniature bottled water across the counter to people picking up their grub.

Several vendors sold items from inside the warm corridors of the community center as well.

Steve Donegan works for the EP Recreation Department. “Everything is going exactly as planned,” he said. “We’re having a great turnout and people seem to be having a good time.”

Spectators seemed to be quite amused by two little entertaining characters that were busting their moves to Christmas carols playing from the loud speakers of a Block Rocker.

Donegan said this was his first year working the venue. “I just started a few months ago but I remember when this used to be stretched along 95th Street.

It was 15 years ago when Mayor Sexton started that things relocated over here,” said Donegan.

Matt and Sheryl Webster came out with their two daughters, Melanie, 5, and brandnew baby Charlotte, 8 weeks. “We’ve been coming since things were on 95th Street.

Matt’s been an EP resident his entire life,” said Sheryl Webster. “Our favorite thing to do is take pictures with Santa.”

The celebration concluded with the sounds of harmonic caroling voices and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Continued from Page 1

health concerns, had two operations and was told she was going to die at one point before she gradually recovered.

“I’m going to be doing this as long as I am alive,” she said, giving thanks to her children, Tony, 20; Michaline, 17; and Nicolette, 14, for pitching in and never complaining about not having a holiday at home.

While her health battles did not keep her down, DiGangi acknowledged that both monetary and gift donations are down considerably over previous years. She pointed to a counter lined with gifts, noting that in past years they had a table full by now.

Last year, in addition to donations, she added $5,000 of her own money.

While this is her sixth year serving the

Dickens

Continued from Page 1

their entire family to the happenings. They have two children, Grace, 7, and Jacob, 5.

“I loved riding the sleigh,” said Grace. “The most fun for me was the train,” said Jacob.

Liz Babiarz smiled at the joy on their faces.

“We just moved to Evergreen Park in July.”

She said. “We thought this would be a fun family outing.”

Her parents, Tom and Bernell Albano were visiting from Albuquerque, N.M. “This is a wonderful community offering,” said Bernell Albano “I can’t believe it’s all free!” There was one thing Mrs. Albano said she didn’t appreciate though. “Liz made us walk here against my will,” she said playfully. “We live two blocks away. She’s just cold,” responded Liz Babiarz.

Many kept warm sipping on complimentary hot chocolate and munching on fresh popped popcorn from under the tents, where there was more than shelter from the wind.

Members of the Evergreen Park Community

diversification, by ho knows itself, can’t guarantee where the a profit or protect time goes? against loss. If you Although 2015 is do need to adjust, or almost in the books, “rebalance,” you can you can still make do so fairly easily in some year-end investtax-deferred accounts, ment and financial such as your IRA or moves that may help 401(k) – but for those you get off to a good Scott held in a start in 2016. Here are Johnson investments taxable account, you a few suggestions: should talk to your tax • Boost your 401(k) advisor on how to manage the contributions. Ask your employer if you still have time tax consequences of rebalancing. to add more to your 401(k) • Evaluate your insurance before the year ends. If not, situation. This past year, did at least increase your contriyou undergo any changes in butions in 2016, especially if your personal life, such as your salary goes up. marriage, divorce or the ad• Consider “tax-loss” selldition of a new child? If so, ing. We experienced considerable turbulence in the financial review your life and disability insurance to make sure they markets this past year, so you are sufficient for your needs, may own some investments that have lost value. Generally and list the proper beneficiaries on all insurance policies. speaking, it’s a good idea to • Start an emergency hold these investments if they fund. If you don’t already still meet your needs, but if have one, start an emergency you do decide to sell them, fund before the year is out. you can use the loss to offset Ideally, you’d like to have capital gains taxes on investbetween six and 12 months’ ments you’ve sold that have worth of living expenses in appreciated. If the loss from the sale was greater than your such a fund; without it, you combined long- and short-term might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to capital gains, you can deduct pay for unexpected costs, such up to $3,000 against other as a new furnace, a major income. And if your losses car repair or a big medical exceed your capital gains by bill. For this fund, you’re less more than $3,000, you can interested in return than in carry the remaining losses preservation of principal, so forward to future tax years. put your money in a low-risk, • Review your asset alliquid account. location. Make sure your Making these moves can asset allocation – that is, help you close out 2015 on your investment mix – is still a positive note — and ring appropriate for your time in the new year with greater horizon and goals. You might confidence in your financial consider being a bit more agfuture. gressive if you’re not meeting your financial targets, or more conservative if you’re getting Scott Johnson, CFP., is a closer to retirement. If you financial advisor with Edward want greater diversification, Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos you might think about addHills, (708) 947-1965. Edward ing an asset class that tends Jones does not provide legal to react to market conditions advice. This article was writdifferently from your existing ten by Edward Jones for use investments. Diversifying your by your local Edward Jones portfolio may help reduce the financial advisor. impact of volatility; however,

W

‘Christmas crooners’ show set for Royalberry

By Tim Hadac

8

Timely suggestions for end-of-year investing

Fajitas opens fourth location ajitas Mexican Restaurant, a local chain based in Countryside, opened its fourth location a few weeks ago in a strip mall at 88th Avenue and 191st Street in Mokena.

Owner Walter Narsolis opened his first location in Countryside before branchBob ing out and opening in Bong Tinley Park in 2010 and Frankfort in 2012.

The newest location is at 19118 S. 88th Ave. in the former Chef Paul’s steakhouse that closed several years ago.

The restaurants specialize in chicken and steak fajitas but offer a full menu with Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos and tamales. They all offer beer, wine and margaritas.

Narsolis said the restaurants are family friendly and he has a kids menu for younger guests.

The Mokena location has a dining room and a separate door for takeout orders. Delivery may be offered at a later date.

Narsolis has three video gaming machines at his Tinley and Countryside locations and

The Reporter

Moraine Valley offering Economic Development Workshop Series Municipality leaders and business owners can attend the Economic Development Workshop Series at the Moraine Valley Community College Business and Conference Center (Building M) at 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

The five-week program will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on each Saturday in January. The first workshop is free. Each subsequent workshop is $149.

Breakfast is included.

The series kicks off with “Why an Economic Development Strategic Plan: A Community’s Blueprint for Growth” on Saturday, Jan. 9. Participants will learn about the elements of an effective economic development program, how it fits into a sustainable plan and the strategic planning tools available.

“Implementing the Strategic Economic Development Plan Using Elected Officials, Staff and Volunteers” will be Saturday, Jan. 16. Topics covered are implementing the strategic plan using existing community

resources such as websites, social media and geographic information systems, and managing the plan using existing staff and volunteers to target new markets.

On Saturday, Jan. 23, the workshop will be “Economic Gardening: Developing a Sustainable Business Retention and Expansion Plan for Existing Employers.” This workshop helps participants understand how to structure an effective business retention and expansion program, sometimes referred to as “economic gardening,” and how it relates to attraction, workforce development, small business development, and other economic development activities.

The final workshop, “Marketing and Attraction Programs,” will be Saturday, Jan. 30.

Register at mvccevents.eventbrite.com. For more information or questions, contact John Neff, director of client solutions in the Corporate, Community and Continuing Education department at Moraine Valley, at neffj9@morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-5534.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 7)

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.470

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.000

4.045

0

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 7)

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.000

APR 4.021

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.250

3.286

0

10-year fi ed

3.125

3.178

0

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 7)

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.000

APR 4.047

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.750

3.814

.25

15-year fi ed

3.125

3.191

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Reporter

9

SAINT PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL 4660 West 94th St. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (708) 423-1040

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Pastor: Rev. John S. Moeller

Come Celebrate the Joy of Christmas with Us THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE Candlelight Communion Service 5:00 p.m.&10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY 9:30 a.m.

Festival Communion Service

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE 7:00 p.m.

Traditional New Year’s Eve Communion Service

St. Mark Lutheran Church

11007 S. 76th Ave., Worth (708)448-6555 COME CELEBRATE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH US! Sunday, December 20

Christmas Cantata at 8 & 9:30 Sunday School presentation and service at 10:45

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Family Service at 5:30 Candlelight Services at 7 & 11 PM

Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Service at 10 AM

Sunday December 27 A service of lessons & carols at 8, 9:30 & 10:45

Rev. Jay Trygstad • www.stmarkworth.org

Savior Divine Lutheran Church

10040 S. 88th Ave. Palos Hills 598-0700 Rev. Martin Pauschke, Pastor

Palos United Methodist Church 12101 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights 448-0798

Christmas Eve December 24, 4:00 p.m.

Candlelight and Communion palosumchurch.org

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church 10400 S. Kostner Ave. Oak Lawn 423-6554 Christmas Eve, December 24

Sunday, December 13 10:30 a.m. - Tree Decorating Ceremony Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve 5 p.m. - Candlelight Service with Holy Communion www.saviordivine.org

Services at 4:30 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church 3240 W. 98th Street 3240 W.60805 98th Street Evergreen Park, IL Evergreen Park, IL 60805 708-422-6301 www.unitedbyfaith-ep.org 708-422-6301

www.unitedbyfaith-ep.org

Christmas Worship Services Christmas Eve, December 24 at 11 pm Christmas Day, December 25 at 11 am Christmas Eve, December Epiphany Sunday, January 2 at 9:30 am

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES 24

11 p.m. Candlelight Worship

St. Damian Church

5300 W. 155th St., Oak Forest, Illinois 60452 708-687-1370 www.stdamianchurch.org info@stdamianchurch.org Tuesday, December 22 7:00 p.m.

Parish Reconciliation Service

Christmas Eve - Thursday, December 24 3:00 p.m.

3:10 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

12:00 a.m.

Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil

Mass Mass Mass Mass Mass

-

Musical Prelude at 2:45 Shaw/O’Day Halls School Choir at 4:15 Musical Prelude at 5:45 Choral Concert at 11:30

Christmas Day - Friday, December 25 6:45 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

Mass Mass Mass Mass Mass

- Musical Prelude at 6:35 - Musical Prelude at 7:45 - Voices of Prayer at 9:20 - Celebration Singers at 10:50 - Musical Prelude at 12:15

Thursday, December 31, New Year’s Eve

Trinity Lutheran Church and School

11500 German Church Rd., Burr Ridge 708-839-1200

Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24 4:30 p.m. - Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion 6:30 p.m. - Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service

Christmas Day Service Friday, December 25 10:00 a.m. with Holy Communion

Christmas Eve Services 5pm and 11pm “Draw Near” Moraine Valley Church

6300 W. 127th St. Palos Heights IL

708-389-1268

morainevalleychurch.org

Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church 7059 W. 127th St. Palos Heights 708-448-0186 www.paloschurch.org Sunday, December 13 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Annual Candlelight Service

5:00 p.m. - Vigil Mass

Friday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Day of World Peace 9:00 a.m. - Mass

Sunday, December 20

9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. - Worship Service

Friday, December 25

10:00 a.m. - Christmas Morning Service

9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn 708-422-5111 www.trinitycovoaklawn.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Sunday School Christmas Program 10 A.M. Christmas Sing-A-Long and Concert 4 P.M.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 Family Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols SUNDAY WORSHIP Worship 10:00 A.M. Sunday School 11:15 A.M.

(Grade 4-6, Confirmation, Sr. High, Adult Classes)

5:30 P.M.

Rev. Dr. James. R. Sandberg, Senior Pastor Mitch Haaby, Intern Pastor

Peace Memorial Church 10300 W. 131st St. Palos Park 448-7833 www.pmcucc.org Invites you to

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with us!

Thursday, December 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 p.m. Harp & Candlelight Service 10:30 p.m. - String Quartet in Sanctuary 11:00 p.m. - Candle Light Service with Caroling and Scripture

Salem United Church of Christ 9717 S. Kostner Ave. Oak Lawn 423-9717 Rev. Steve Hoerger

Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service Friday, December 25, Christmas Day No services

Sunday, December 27

10:00 a.m. - Worship Service

Thursday, December 31

Hope Christian Reformed Church

6:00 p.m. - New Year’s Eve Service

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Lessons, Carols, & Candlelight

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church

5:30 p.m. - Supper (lower level) 7:00 p.m. - Service (upper level)

5825 W. 151st St.

Oak Forest

687-2095

9701 S. Melvina Ave. Oak Lawn 424-1059 Rev. Mark Birkholz, Pastor www.faithoaklawn.org Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service Friday, December 25, Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. - Christmas Celebration Service “Have a Blessed Christmas!”

***Childcare is provided at all services.

212 S. Nolton Ave. Willow Springs 708-839-5255 Wednesday, December 16

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 8:45 p.m. Carols with Candlelight 9:00 p.m. Service

Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day 9:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy

First United Methodist Church 10000 S. Central, Oak Lawn 708-423-1170 www.oaklawnchurch.org Christmas Eve Service Candlelight, Favorite Carols Joyful Message!

Join Us at 5:30 p.m.

Bethel Bible Church

3225 W. 96th St.

Evergreen Park

424-1384

INVITES THE PUBLIC TO THESE CHRISTMAS/DECEMBER EVENTS:

Sunday, December 13, 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Music Program, “Gloria” lead by our worship leader Skyler Revis.

Thursday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Celebration!

10 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Mount Carmel invests in technology upgrades

Over $1,000,000 in technology upgrades occurred this past summer at Mount Carmel High School, 6410 S.Dante Ave., Chicago. These upgrades prepare the campus for a “bring your own device” approach to technology, a model required at most universities,according to school officials.

During the summer of 2015 the campus was improved to a 10 gigabit backbone and the topography changed to reflect a more centralized MDF and additional IDF’s. New switching hardware was installed in all facilities and dedicated fiber runs were installed between all closets.

The wireless network was replaced with 84 high density access points installed across the campus.

These changes have also allowed the installation of a new hosted VoIP phone system and a bandwidth increase of 400 percent.

Mount Carmel’s technology-solution is provided

by Crestron, a partner to many colleges and universities. Crestron integrates disparate systems across campus on one platform and transforms the classroom into a dynamic learning environment that’s interactive and collaborative.

The school will be able to use this collaborative technology design to allow students to use their own laptops and devices to exchange ideas, solve problems together, and make presentations to the entire class, using technology and skills they will find at the university level and in the working world.

“We have been very deliberate in evaluating technology programs,” said Mount Carmel’s principal, John Stimler. “Crestron and the bring your own device model meets the needs of our diverse student body and faculty. Families can choose technology that fits their technological and financial needs, and faculty can feel comfortable knowing

that our infrastructure can support a wide range of platforms and technology tools that are essential for the success of the 21st century learner.”

Faculty member Antonio Mota, Class of 2002, has been using tablets in his Spanish class for the past two years. Mota said he has seen increased engagement among students learning a new language.

“Technology supports and enhances learning that is taking place in the classroom,” said Mota.

“Allowing all students to bring their own device will allow our faculty to teach in new ways, and to expand the classroom globally.”

Students will be required to take training on Mount Carmel’s acceptable use policy, digital citizenship, and device configuration that will allow them to connect to the school’s network. Mount Carmel students will not be able to access the network unless they have completed the training.

Supplied photo

Mount Carmel High School seniors Neil Novosel (left), of Orland Park, and Anthony Thompson use the writable walls in the model classroom to watch an educational video and demonstrate their work in math.

Device requirements include: at least a seven-inch screen, no phones, physical keyboard and at least a three-and-a-half-hour battery life.

Glen Oaks teachers find love in record amounts Teachers at Glen Oaks School, 9045 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, could teach various dating sites how to find true love.

If you are looking for a meaningful relationship with someone you hope to spend the rest of your life with, try spending some time over at Glen Oaks School. Or at least a sip from one of the school’s drinking fountains.

Seven current Glen Oaks teachers are engaged, three others were married this summer and Building Principal Gaylyn Grimm (Pollard) got married the day

after Thanksgiving.

“There’s got to be something in the water,” Grimm quipped. “I mean, what else could it be?”

Well, whatever it is that is helping Glen Oaks staff find true love, it’s working.

Those currently engaged include Haneen Elayan, Stephanie Calahan, Lauren Burke, Penny Hasapis, Melissa Janda, Rebecca Rea and Leila Haddadin. Teachers who were married this last summer include Mia Buczko, Kasia Fulkerson and Tiana Pequette.

Christmas theatrics Third-grade students at St. Catherine of Alexandria School, 10621 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn, performed two Christmas plays for parents and SCA students. Through the plays, the students emphasize that the true meaning of Christmas.

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn High School Community High School students are making holiday wishes come true. The school collected presents again this year for families in need.

Operation Santa continues at OLCHS The 11th annual Operation Santa tradition continues at Oak Lawn Community High School as students help collected presents for needy families.

Oak Lawn Community High School math teachers Sara Nicholson and Sara Strelow, along with dean Jamie Hernandez, are continuing the school-wide Operation Santa Claus tradition.

Items were collected through Friday, Christmas trees are available in the faculty mailbox room, faculty café, and student cafeteria with candy canes. Each candy cane has a gift tag identifying a person, his/her

age, and desired wish or need.

Wishes often include clothing, gym shoes, small appliances, gas cards, grocery cards, musical instruments or toys. Wrapping paper, bags, gift boxes, ribbons and gift tags are also needed and can be dropped off in room 207 at any time.

To this date, Oak Lawn High School has made holiday wishes come true for 214 people with the donation of almost 2,600 gifts and $7,900 in gift card donations. Spartan Santas adopted seven families (30 individuals) this year, all of which have students attending Oak Lawn.

All that jazz Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students Dhati Ash (far left) and Cesar Vazquez participated with the school’s jazz festival band at the Illinois Music Educators Association Junior/Senior Division District 1 Jazz Music Festival at Downers Grove last month. The festival involved only 40 students selected from more than 60 schools throughout the southwestern metropolitan Chicago area. The jazz festival band was conducted by jazz educator Glenn Williams.

Supplied photo

Supplied photo

Richards receives band and choral honors Several students from the band and choral programs at Richards High School in Oak Lawn won selection to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association District 1 and Eastern Illinois University Honor Jazz Combo festivals.

Several students earned selection based on their auditions to the IEMA festival. Earning honors were senior Hani Salameh, who plays the jazz tenor saxophone; sophomore Rafal Czech, jazz trombone; and junior Allison Istok, flue in the concert band.

Sophomore Rebecca Von Bruchauser also won selection to IEMA District 1 choir from Richards. Seniors Allie Kupers and Salameh, both of whom play saxophone, were selected to attend the Eastern Illinois Honor Jazz Combo festival.

Supplied photo

Students from Richards High School selected to the IMEA District 1 festivals include (from left) Hani Salameh, Rafal Czech and Allison Istzok.

Chi. Christian hosts Athletic Shadow Day An Athletic Shadow Day was held Friday at Chicago Christian High School. Shadow guests had an opportunity to visit classes, meet with the various coaching staffs of their sports, and enjoy a pizza lunch.

Supplied photo

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Spot-on projection Sandburg’s CC team finishes 4th in the nation, just as it was projected to do. Page 2

Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

KenVorva, Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thriving on pressure Richards’ Catledge scores 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter vs. Oak Forest. Page 3

Thursday, December 2015 Thursday, March 10, 5, 2015

Southwest •• Section Section2, 2,Page Page11 Southwest

Four forces in area sports Girls Tennis Player of the Year • Boys Golfer of the Year • Girls Golfer of the Year• Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Left: Sandburg’s Anna Loureiro constantly faced opponents that were two or three years older than she was and still finished 26-6 and was among the top 32 in the state. Top center: Pete Vos finished 10th in the state to help Chicago Christian finish fifth. Lower center: Freshman Hannah Kilbane became a postseason star for Sandburg’s girls golf team. Right: Ryan Kozlowski, pictured playing in a rainy sectional game, had a bright season for Sandburg. All four athletes were named the Reporter/Regional’s Athlete of the Year in their respective sports.

ANNA LOUREIRO

PETE VOS

HANNAH KILBANE

RYAN KOZLOWSKI

By Jeff Vorva

By Anthony Nasella

By Jeff Vorva

By Anthony Nasella

One game.

That’s all Sandburg freshman Anna Loureiro lost at the Sandburg Sectional in October, and that came against Stagg freshman Karolina Wolowiec.

The young sectional champion advanced to the Illinois High School state tournament and won her first two matches, which put her in the top 32. Although she lost her next two matches to bow out of the tournament on the second day, her finish was the best in the area and the start of what could be an amazing prep career as she is named the first Reporter/Regional Girls Tennis Player of the Year.

Since the end of her first high-school season, Loureiro went back to the United States Tennis Association circuit. She competed in a tournament in Dayton, Ohio in late November and is ranked No. 213 in the nation among 14-year-olds. She has a 60-31 mark in USTA competition and said that her biggest accomplishment was finishing second at a Level II tournament two years ago.

After facing some of the best players in the country during the offseason, she was able to go 26-6 in her first season for coach Brian Ostrander at Sandburg.

“I didn’t think I would do this well,” she said.

“I tried not to put too much pressure on myself.

Even though the players are older, I expect the best from myself.’’

She said she’s played serious tennis for six years. After she found out she had a knack for playing badminton when she was 8, she decided to give tennis a chance because it was more of an intense sport.

She said she fell in love with the sport because of its individual nature.

“I love how it’s just me on the court and no one else,” she said. “Even though it’s really intense, it’s just me and all I can do is rely on myself.’’

When the Chicago Christian boys golf team advanced to the IHSA Class 1A state finals this past season, it was the first time junior Pete Vos had ever competed on such a prominent stage.

And the way Vos and his teammates performed at the state finals — with the team finishing fifth and Voss placing 10th individually — it would have been easy to mistake the group for a team that competed in the finals before.

And that’s what made Vos’s performance all the more impressive as he shot a 79 on day one and concluded with an 81 on day two at state and earned the Reporter/Regional’s first Boys Golfer of the Year honor.

“We all just wanted to go down there and have fun and also represent the name of our school,” Vos said. “I knew it was going to be a unique opportunity, and I didn’t know what to expect. I knew the competition would be tough, and I definitely didn’t expect to golf so well.”

But to hear Chicago Christian head coach Colin Broekhuis tell it, he wasn’t very surprised by Voss’ success this season.

“He’s been our No. 1 golfer all year, and he’s averaged about a 38 for nine holes all season,” Broekhuis said. “He was so consistent and is very laid back on the golf course.

He and our No. 2 golfer (fellow junior) Nate Kamp both love golf and love coming to practice. They golf all summer long.’’

Voss said he was grateful for where he finished at state but said he had his focus on a loftier height at the state meet.

“The place was great, but I was more focused in honoring the Lord Jesus Christ in what I did,” he said. “It was a memorable experience.”

One of Sandburg freshman Hannah Kilbane’s biggest accomplishments on the golf course this fall was relatively quiet.

The Eagles were at the Marian Catholic Class AA Regional at the Lincoln Oaks course in Crete and fired a 302. Emilyee McGiles was the talk of the tournament by winning the event with a 68.

The oohing and aahing over the dominance shown by the team and McGiles overshadowed an amazing nine-hole stretch by Kilbane, who followed up a front-nine 40 with a stunning back-nine 32.

Kilbane’s other accomplishments were not so silent. She won the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue title (shooting a 79) and was the top Eagles scorer in their second-place finish (73) in sectional play and sixth-place finish in the state tournament (164 in two rounds).

The freshman was named the first Reporter/Regional Girls Golfer of the Year.

It was not the easiest situation to come into. Two years ago, the Eagles qualified for state for the first time in school history and they finished 11th. In 2014, the Eagles took fifth in the state and while they had plenty of talent back, they lost an ace in graduated Frankie Saban.

During an undefeated dual season, the Eagles had shared the wealth with seemingly a different player leading the team every match.

Little did the St. Michael graduate know that she would become such a postseason force. She said she felt welcome right away.

“It’s been really fun because my team has really been awesome,” she said. “No one put any pressure on me. I put pressure on myself because I really wanted to do well.’’

Kilbane said she started getting serious about golf four years ago and has participated in United States Kids Golf events. But her debut as a freshman was anything but kidding around.

When Sandburg senior Ryan Kozlowski was suddenly brought up to the varsity team during his sophomore year when the Eagles entered the IHSA state playoffs, the talented underclassman got a taste of action on a higher stage.

That experience stoked Kozlowski’s desire to be the best. Two years later, he has been named the Reporter/Regional’s first Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

In 2015, Kozlowski scored a team-high 16 goals and helped Sandburg capture a regional championship before the team was denied further advancement on a rainsoaked field against rival Andrew in the sectional.

“I’ll never forget how excited I was with that experience as a sophomore and being able to play during an important part of the season,” Kozlowski said. “I had lots of club experience, but you learn so many parts of the game when playing varsity soccer. I’ve learned so much in the past two years.”

Kozlowski said that as a senior leader he also learned the value of friendship with just about every player on the varsity squad this season.

“I only knew a couple of the guys on the team at the beginning of the season, and I know I’m happy to say that I’m pretty good friends with all of them,” he said. “This was a great group of guys to play with and go to battle with.

“We proved all season that we were a team that could battle back and was always in the game.”

Kozlowski said a great deal of his success is attributed to the guidance of head coach Desi Vuillaume, who said Kozlowski led by example.

“Not only did coach show me how to be a better player, he showed how me to be a class act off the field as a well as on,” he said.

Correspondent

Sports Editor

Sports Editor

Correspondent

Next Week: Boys Cross Country • Girls Cross Country • Girls Swimming

2

Section 2 Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

SWSC’s super football conference is super confusing P

ay attention, class.

There may be a quiz later.

I was good at general math but not algebra. And the new SouthWest Suburban Conference football schedules for next year and beyond have me scratching my head.

Here’s the deal.

The conference has 16 schools broken into two divisions. The Blue has eight of the biggest schools and the Red has the other eight.

Joliet Central and Joliet West will leave the Blue to join the Southwest Prairie Conference and Lincoln-Way North is leaving the Red because the school is closing down.

This is the easy part. If you take away three from 16, you have 13 teams left. I get that.

But here’s where the powers that be throw a little curveball when it comes to next year’s football schedule and possibly beyond that.

Instead of having one division with seven teams and one with six (like they will be doing for most of the other sports such as volleyball, basketball and wrestling) the SWSC officials decided to have one big 13-team super conference for football.

The trouble is, there are nine weeks to play football during the regular season.

This is where it starts to feel a little like algebra in my mind.

Bradley Bourbonnais Athletic Director Mike Lehning, who is the conference representative, tried explaining it to me recently.

“Who you play is based on a combination of size of the school and your record in the conference for the last four years,” he said. “You obviously can’t play everybody. It’s 50-50 based on the size of your school and your record as to how tough your schedule it.’’

But the schedule won’t be 50-50.

tary from their peers for most of their lives and let me make this perfectly clear, it was not all flattering.

I once covered a basketball game in which the coach smartly used his nickname. Chuck Manson sounds a lot easier on the ears than his given name – Charles Manson.

This year, I saw a couple of names pop up in the world of high school basketball from a couple of players who probably enjoyed their names a lot more than they do now.

In Libertyville, there is an emerging star named Drew Peterson.

At Morgan Park Academy, one of the top scorers is Isis Rodriquez.

Tough times to have those names.

JEFF VORVA

Making the Extra Point Some schools will play seven conference game and some will play six.

“If it happens that a team is 7-0 and a team that is 6-0, we will have conference co-champs,’’ he said. “Some crazy things will have to occur for that to happen, but it could. Same if one team is 6-1 and a team is 5-1.’’

It’s a little like the old Big Ten Conference or even the current East Suburban Catholic Conference where no one plays everyone.

The two local teams in the league – Sandburg and Stagg – have interesting schedules.

Sandburg has six conference games. The Eagles will open the season with two non-conference games and will play Thornton the third week, Bolingbrook, Stagg, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lincoln-Way East, a non-conference game week eight and finish the regular season against Lincoln-Way West.

Stagg will play two non-conference games and dive into a seven-game conference schedule by playing Bolingbrook, Lincoln-Way West, Sandburg, Thornridge, Thornwood, Lockport and Andrew.

Some teams will have holes in their conference schedules.

“One team will be out every week,” Lehning said. “Some schools will have to find non-conference games during the season. What’s lucky is that there are other conferences in similar situations. The DuPage Valley Conference is one. The Big 12 --- which is between Peoria and Danville – doesn’t

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg and Stagg, shown playing in the fall, will have an interesting conference schedule in 2016 as Sandburg will play six SouthWest Suburban games and Stagg seven.

have 12 teams. They are looking for games in the middle of their conference season.

“I’m not speaking for the other schools in our conference, but those are other conferences with teams available. We have Urbana in week 7.

For us, that will work. I don’t know where the others are going.’’

He said this setup will “go on as long as we have an odd number in the conference.’’

When it comes to the other sports in which all 13 conference members have teams, it will continue to be broken up into the Blue and Red. In 2016-17, the Blue will feature Sandburg, Stagg, Lockport, Bolingbrook, Homewood-Flossmoor and Lincoln-Way East.

The Red will have Lincoln-Way Central, Bradley, Andrew, Thornton, Thornwood, Lincoln-Way West and Thornridge That’s the easy math.

The tricky part is that it will likely change in 2017-18.

Right now, the conference teams are broken up by enrollment figures from this school year so they can get rolling on finishing up the schedule.

But 2017-18 will be using the enrollment figures from 2016-17, which are expected to be different.

“The numbers of enrollment are going to change,” Lehning said. “Because North won’t exist, all the populations in the Lincoln-Way schools will increase. We won’t know those numbers until next fall. So this is a one-year deal.’’

Got all that? Good. The quiz will be coming shortly.

When I stop scratching my head.

What’s in a name?

I once went to high school with a kid named Ronald McDonald and knew another kid named Richard Nixon.

They were named long before Ronald was a clown and Nixon was not a crook.

Both kids received some commen-

Players of the Year revealed

Is football finally over?

OK, now we can finally run our fall athletic Player of the Year stories.

Anthony Nasella and I have been busy getting these bad boys together and we are recognizing the best of the best in nine sports including eight that we’ve never given postseason recognition to.

We have four on our front page this week.

Next week, look for our Player of the Year winners in boys cross country, girls cross country and girls swimming.

Finally, on Dec. 24 we will run our girls volleyball and football Player of the Year stories.

And I am already digging into the vaults for our top 10 sports stories of the year for 2015, which will run Dec. 31, and have gotten through June and already nine stories have jumped out at me. A lot has happened since then so it’s going to be a year in which it’s going to be hard to choose.

That’s what makes it frustrating.

And that’s what makes it fun.

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Sandburg CC team takes 4th in nation Matthew Begeman and Daniel Palmer. Running, but not scoring points were seniors Alex Pall (184th) and Tim McCarthy (197th).

The only other Illinois team that qualified was Neuqua Valley, which finished 19th.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

For one mile, Sandburg’s boys cross country team was No. 1 in the nation.

But the Great Oak, California squad kicked it into gear and dominated the rest of the way.

Sandburg, also known as the Orland Park Cross Country Club for this event, ended up finishing fourth in the country in the Nike Cross Nationals Saturday in Portland, Oregon.

After taking into account off of the regional qualifying times, the Eagles were projected to finish fourth and the projections proved accurate.

Great Oak had 114 points, American Fork of Utah was runnerup with 163, Dana Hills of California took third with 181 and Sandburg fourth with 196.

Sean Torpy finished 62nd overall and 26th among athletes with teams participating.

His time was 15 minutes, 58.50 seconds over the 5,000-meter Glendover Golf Course. Brandon Lukas took 68th overall, Chris Torpy 70th, Max Lehnhardt 80th and Martin Skucas 107th. Running but not scoring points were Tom Brennan at 149th and sophomore Dylan Jacobs at 189th. It was Jacobs’ first race back since injuring his hamstring at the Hinsdale Central Sectional on Oct. 31.

“It was a heck of an effort,” Sean Torpy told MileSplit USA after the race. “We were wishing we could finish higher.’’

“The top three teams did a great job,” added Brennan. “We did all we could.’’

Sandburg won the Illinois

Wild choice for Athlete of the Month Oak Lawn’s November Athlete of the Month is senior bowler Dylan Catalano-Wild after he helped the Spartans win matches over Lemont and Evergreen Park. The co-captain averaged 255 through four games in the two wins.

“Dylan is a great example of hard work and determination to all of our young bowlers,” Spartans coach Kevin Walery said.

EP sizzles at IC Tournament Evergreen Park’s boys bowling team has been winning several dual meets early in the season and placed second Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Prep Invitational on Saturday at the Brunswick Zone in Glendale Heights.

Shaun Quinn finished fifth individually with a 625.

Sandburg wrestlers dominate Supplied photo

Members of Sandburg’s boys cross country team, also known as the Orland Park club, pose after finishing fourth in the nationals in Portland.

High School Association Class 3A meet in November and has been ranked No. 1 in the United States by multiple national ranking services for a good chunk of

the season.

Casey Clinger of American Fork was the national champion with a time of 15:03.20.

Lyons Township’s Danny Kil-

rea was the second-best sophomore in the race as he finished 45th overall with a 15:48.30.

Lyons, which could be an early favorite to win the IHSA

Class 3A state meet in 2016, finished ninth Saturday with 262 points. Other scorers for the Lions were junior Vince Zona and seniors Connor Madell, senior

Sandburg and Oak Park are two favorites to win the IHSA Class 3A state title in February and the Eagles are off to a red hot start, including dominating with Naperville North quadrangular on Saturday by beating Batavia, Lyons Township and Naperville North by a combined score of 180-21.

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

Cubs coach will provide hitting instruction at Marist event The man who was working hard with stars such as Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber to make them better hitters will stop by and impart his wisdom to area baseball players.

Marist High School will host Chicago Cubs hitting coach John Mallee on Thursday. The event will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the school’s main gym. Mallee will speak about hitting mechanics, demonstrate hitting drills with Marist students, and conduct a question and answer session on hitting and the Cubs.

Mallee is a veteran of Major League Baseball, having played with the Phillies’ minor league system, before serving as a hitting coach for the Marlins and the Astros. He joined the Cubs organization in 2014.

Tickets are $10 per person. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration at www.marist.net is preferred, as seating is limited.

For more information, contact Marist baseball

coach Kevin Sefcik at sefcik.kevin@marist.net.

Marist will host trio of camps

Oak Lawn baseball/softball registration open

Marist High School’s athletic department will offer three camp options for grade school students this winter.

A softball camp, led by state championship coach Colleen Biebel, will be held Dec. 21. The cost for one session is $30, with a price break for additional camps. Times vary by date and grade.

The baseball and football programs will offer camps in late December for seventh and eighth grade boys. Football coach Pat Dunne will run a session Dec. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. He and his staff will help campers increase speed and improve position skills.

On Dec. 29, baseball coach Kevin Sefcik will run a camp from 9 a.m. to noon that will help players improve batting and offensive and defensive skills. The cost of each camp day is $25.

Students who register for both camps receive the discount price of $40.

All camps will be held indoors. Campers should

Registration still open during December for the Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball for kids ages 4-18.

The organization provides instructional leagues for boys and girls, and progress into competitive play for the older ages. Registration for the spring on is online at www.oaklawnbaseball.com.

PBO registration still available

PBO registration for the 2016 season is still available. You can register online through the PBO website. Click on the Registration Link on the Registration tab.

Please see the PBO website for more details on the registration and the program at www.palosbaseball.org.

wear athletic shoes, and bring bats and gloves for baseball and softball camps. Registration is available online at www.marist.net. For more information, contact the Marist athletic department at 773-881-5310.

Oak Lawn to host baseball camp Oak Lawn High School is hosting a six-week baseball camp starting Jan. 3. Oak Lawn head coach Bill Gerny will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call tollfree 866-622-4487.

We welcome submissions from the community at sports@regionalpublishing.com

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE Richards’ Chris Bender and Oak Forest’s Daylon Pienkowski tangle Friday night during Richards’ South Suburban Blue victory in Oak Forest.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg St. Laurence

5-2 5-1 2-4 4-0 2-3 4-2 3-3 1-4 4-1 1-4

W3 W3 L2 W4 L1 W1 L2 L4 W3 W1

at St. Francis de Sales, Friday at Illiana Christian, Friday hosts T.F. North Fri. at St. Pat, Fri.; vs. St. Ign. Sat.; Redhawk Tourn. Mon.-Thurs. at West Chicago, Saturday hosts Bremen, Friday; @Seton, Monday hosts Bolingbrook, Friday hosts Lemont, Friday; hosts Manteno, Tuesday hosts Joliet West, Friday hosts Mt. Carmel, Friday; hosts Solario, Tuesday

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

1-5 5-4 7-1 5-3 2-4 4-1 2-1 2-5 0-7 1-5

W1 L1 W1 W4 W1 L1 L1 L1 L7 L3

hosts Guerin, Thursday; hosts Timothy Christian, Saturday at T.F. North, Friday at Whitney Young, Saturday vs. North Lawndale at Young, Sat.; hosts Resurrection, Mon. hosts Tinley Park, Thurs.; hosts OL Tournament, Sat.-Wed. hosts Regina, Thursday; at Trinity, Saturday; at Reavis, Monday at Bremen, Friday hosts Lincoln-Way East, Thur.; at OL Tournament, Sat.-Wed. at Lemont, Friday hosts Lockport, Thur.; hosts Oak Forest, Sat.; hosts JTW, Mon.

• All records through Sunday, Dec. 6

RICHARDS 68, OAK FOREST 62

Pressure? Bring it on Catledge scores 13 of his 30 points in crunch time as Richards snaps losing streak

Correspondent

Correspondent

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards junior Jaylan Catledge drives for a shot against Oak Forest Friday night. He scored 30 points in a 68-62 victory.

beating 3-pointer then falling 62-59 to Providence St. Mel two days later.

Though Richards (4-2) trailed by as many as seven points in the first half and by six with 2:45 left in the third, the Bulldogs kept up the defensive pressure, ultimately forcing Oak Forest (3-2) into 20 turnovers. Jaaron Coleman scored 15 first-half points en route to a total of 22 to keep his team close, but he also had five of the Bulldogs’ 11 steals.

“Defensively, early, the backdoors were really killing us,” he said. “I knew we had to get our hands in the passing lanes.

“At halftime, coach said they seemed like they wanted it more. But we knew in our heads they didn’t want it more than we did.”

Senior guard Chris Bender demonstrated as much by harassing Oak

“We talk about him establishing himself as the best player on the floor. When he believes it, he proves it.”

— Richards coach Jevon Mamon, on Jaylan Catledge Forest point guard Jim Smyth into an 0-for-4 second half after Smyth scored all eight of his points in the second quarter.

Smyth and Marshaud Watkins (11) were held under their averages. Lance Stewart came off the bench to lead Oak Forest with 15 points, while Jake Jones had 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

“Can I just say Chris did a great job defensively?” Coleman asked. “I want to make sure he gets credit.”

Bender added nine points.

“Our first few games, he was averaging 16 points,” Mamon said. “But he’s becoming our defensive stopper.

We intentionally put him on (Smyth).

We felt like his athleticism, speed and strength would both him a little bit.”

Offensively, after making just 3-of13 shots in the first quarter, the Bulldogs went 17-of-33 the rest of the way.

“I’m proud of the way we kept fighting,” Mamon said. “We kept chipping away. Oak Forest is a tough environment to come in and play. This is a step in the right direction.”

Catledge agreed.

“This time, we weren’t planning on taking another loss,” he said. “We had to step up, and we did.”

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ankles away: Two EP players hope to return soon

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Evergreen Park faced an unexpected wave of tough luck last week when junior starting forward Deanna Stewart suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the Dec. 1 game against Chicago Christian. Then starting point guard Kacey Gardner injured her ankle in practice before last Friday’s Bremen game.

So with two important parts of the Mustangs’ team clutching to crutches with sprained ankles, head coach Bruce Scaduto was trying to find a silver lining in a break-even week that saw his team defeat Chicago Christian 45-28 but suffer a nine-point loss to the Braves.

“Not having Deanna and Kacey is tough,” Scaduto said. “We hope to have Deanna (this week) and hopeful-

Even Pittman can’t figure out how to stop Chi. Christian’s cagey offense

By Anthony Nasella

By Phil Arvia After his Richards team dropped its previous two games by letting fourth-quarter leads slip away, Jaylan Catledge wasn’t shy about taking matters into his own hands Friday in Oak Forest.

With the Bulldogs trailing 51-50 after three quarters, Catledge drove for a bucket from the high post to open the fourth and give them their first lead of the night. Over the rest of the period, he hit 11-of-12 free throws to finish with 30 points and seal a 68-62 Richards win in the South Suburban Conference crossover.

“I kind of embrace it,” Catledge said of the fourth-quarter pressure.

“Personally, I like it — because I know …”

You can handle it?

“Basically, yeah.”

In becoming the first sophomore to ever to win Reporter/Regional Player of the Year honors last season, Catledge was a 78 percent free-throw shooter. Friday, he hit 15-of-18.

His secret?

“Just focus,” he said. “Don’t let what’s around you mess you up.”

Coach Jevon Mamon likes to think his regimen of 25 free throws — at least — per player each practice helps, but he also knows what he has in Catledge.

“We mix in games like who can make the most in a row,” Mamon said.

“Jaylan wins those, too.

“He really does live for the big moment… We talk about him establishing himself as the best player on the floor. When he believes it, he proves it. He didn’t settle for anything tonight.”

Perhaps none of the Bulldogs were in the mood for settling after dropping the title game of District 218 Tipoff Classic to Marist on a buzzer-

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

ly Kacey isn’t out longer than a week.

The sooner we get them both back the better.”

Against Chicago Christian, Evergreen Park (5-4 after Friday’s action) was led by Maddie Vojacek (25 points), who normally averages about 17 points per game.

“When Maddie gets hot, she can hit them,” Scaduto said. “She’s one of our best shooters and a definite go-to player.

“Once we’re healthy, hopefully we can break out of this up-and-down cycle, But it would be nice. Once they start understanding and gain some experience, we’ll be OK down the road. It’s going to take some time.”

Waiting for the squad to fully mend, Scaduto said he’s expecting some growing pains, “We’re making young mistakes; we’re learning, which is good,”

Scaduto said. “We just need to get things going in the right direction.”

Youth and experience lead Oak Lawn Oak Lawn coach Mark Sevedge knows it’s never an easy trip to another team’s gym – especially when it’s a game against South Suburban Conference Red rival T.F. South.

So when the Spartans came away with a 50-46 road win over the Rebels on Thursday night to open the SSC Red season, Sevedge was thrilled.

Leading the way for Oak Lawn (2-5, 1-0) was freshman guard Madelyn McGrath (18 points) and senior guard Kamari Johnson (17 points, 10 rebounds).

“I thought it was a great overall effort by the team,” He said. “They came out and played hard. It’s tough to win on the road, and it’s never easy

to go to T.F. South and win. I’m very pleased.”

McGrath was 5-for-7 from the three-point line and proving why she is one of the best shooters on the team despite being a freshman.

“Madelyn shot the ball well,” Sevedge said. “Being a freshman, she’s going to have growing pains. But we’re going to keep her out there so she can keep learning. She’s going to be a great player over the next four years.”

And the athleticism displayed by Johnson is just one of many skills that impresses Sevedge.

“She’s definitely one of the best female athletes in the building,” he said.

“She has the potential to do what she did against T.F. South every night.

She’s super athletic and able to finish around the basket and can easily score 15 to 17 points a game.”

Even though the Chicago Christian boys basketball team has yet to play its best basketball of the season, the Knights won a pair of games this past week to improve to 5-1 and gave head coach Kevin Pittman something profound to think about.

“I told the kids as we were going over a scouting report of a future opponent, I would have said in the past that we could always figure how a team would play us defensively,” Pittman said. “I can’t do that a whole bunch right now.

“In fact, I told them that I’m much happier coaching for them than against them because I don’t know what I would do defensively against us. I would have an idea, but this is deep team of nine to ten players with different guys who can score. You shut down one, and options two to five open up.”

Those varied offensive options were on full display in a Dec. 1 61-49 victory over Evergreen Park and Friday’s 64-54 victory over Ridgewood in the team’s Metro Suburban Conference opener.

Against the Mustangs, Malik Parker scored a game-high 19 points, Trevor Wolterink added 17 points and Josh Decker chipped in with nine. In the win against Ridgewood, Wolterink led the way with 20 points, Parker added 15, and Daylon Washington and Anajuwon Spencer each chipped in with 10.

The Knights shot free throws better than the coach originally thought.

“If you have told me that we shot 62.2 percent from the line after the game I would have said no way,” Pittman said. “I seriously thought we shot 30 percent — especially after missing eight free throws in the fourth. We kind of let them back in the game a bit, and we were careless with 16 turnovers.’’

Against Ridgewood, the Knights improved on turnovers — committing just eight — but managed just 55 percent from the charity stripe. Still, the team built up an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before Ridgewood attempted a furious comeback with 25 fourth-quarter points.

But Chicago Christian held together.

Spencer added nine rebounds, Wolterlink contributed three blocked shots and Washington chipped in with three assists and three steals.

“The Ridgewood game is probably the best game we’ve played to date,” Pittman said. “And it was a great team effort. We were moving the ball extremely well. We were holding Ridgewood one-and-done on the offensive side. We had our transition game working. We were pushing the ball up the floor nicely.

“Ridgewood scored 11 of their points extremely late on some miracle shots. I’m glad it ended when it did because I don’t know how many more they could have thrown in the way they were falling for them. One thing was certain: I didn’t want to see anymore.”

Holiday tournament pairings Some holiday tournament pairings have been released and the Hinsdale Central Tournament’s first-round matchups have been announced.

Richards has an early-morning wakeup call and will face Hope Academy at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 26 to kick the tournament off.

Other teams in the 16-team tournament include Stevenson, Foreman, HomewoodFlossmoor, Maine South, the hosts and Crespi, Calif.

4

Section 2 Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

THE NEXT LEVEL

Slager racks up top tackling totals for a freshman; Krafcisin heading to Hall

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Grinnell College’s football team had a rough 2-8 season but had the No. 1 freshman tackler in the nation in Division III play.

And if he keeps this up, he could end up the leading tackler in the Iowa school’s history.

Ryan Slager, a first-year player from Orland Park who went to Stagg High School, racked up 134 tackles, which is the most by a freshman though Saturday’s play. He was the only freshman on the top 30 list and was second in nation behind Hanover junior Ryan Martin in overall tackles (143) and third in tackles per game (13.4) behind Martin (14.3) and Maranatha Baptist junior Ben Schulz (13.9).

The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker had 19 tackles against Knox College, 18 against Beloit and 17

against Illinois College as his top three games of the season.

He had two tackles for losses this season and one sack. On special teams, he ran back a kickoff for seven yards.

He is on pace to beat the school career record of 433 tackle, set by Lee Ryan Slager Kraemer from 1988-91.

Slager’s 134 tackles were the Pioneers’ fifth best in one season as Brett Maloney had 161 in 2008.

St. Laurence grad ready for Hall Former St. Laurence boys basketball star Steve Krafcisin will enter the Illinois Coaches Basket-

ball Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

Krafcisin played for St. Laurence High School in the mid-1970s and was named and All-American.

He attended the University of North Carolina and played his freshman season (1976-77) for coach Dean Smith. The Tar Heels won the ACC regular season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Final Four Championship game.

Krafcisin transferred to the University of Iowa.

He red-shirted the 1977-78 season, and played starting center for three seasons under head coach Lute Olson. Krafcisin led the team in rebounding and field goal percentage his junior and senior year, earning All-Big Ten recognition both years.

The 1978-79 Hawkeye squad shared the Big Ten Conference championship and in 1980, he helped lead Iowa to the semi-finals of NCAA Final Four.

He holds the unique distinction as the only player in NCAA history to play and score in two Final

Fours for two different teams.

He has been an assistant coach for several years in the college ranks and is in his 10th year as head women’s basketball coach at Des Moines Area Community College.

He was 201-83 heading into this season with the Bears.

Broyled over Sean Lewis, a former Richards football standout, was not among the five finalists for the Broyles Award, which was handed out Tuesday.

Lewis is co-offensive coordinator for Bowling Green, which beat Northern Illinois University on Friday night for the Mid-American Conference championship.

The award is given to the nation’s most outstanding assistant coach. Lewis was a nominee.

FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER

Three track stars have Grand (Valley) time qualifying for NAIA nationals They are not wasting any time.

Breaking two school records and qualifying three individuals for the 2016 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships held in early March, the Saint Xavier University men’s track and field team wasted no time opening its indoor season with a bang Friday night at the Grand Valley State University Holiday Open in Allendale, Mich.

Senior Rexford Wiafe (Chicago/Calumet College/Bloom) and juniors Abel Hernandez (Alsip/Shepard) and Alan Guzman (Berwyn/Morton College/ Morton East) all stood out at the season-opening meet with their national qualifying performances.

Last year, the SXU squad had just two national qualifiers over the entire indoor season, so head coach Kyle Rago was ecstatic about the hot start to this season.

“Overall, I could not be happier about last night’s performances,” said Rago. “To have three runners qualify on the first day of competition for a new season is pretty impressive. All three have worked extremely hard to put themselves in this position and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds for our team.”

Wiafe finished the 600 meter run in a time of 1:22.28 to finish fifth place overall and earn a NAIA B standard qualifying time. He surpassed the previous Saint Xavier record by two seconds.

Hernandez also qualified for the national meet in the 5K run (5,000 meters). Hernandez won his heat and set a school mark with a time of 15:01.25, an A standard national qualifying time.

It marks the first time in his collegiate career that he will represent SXU at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships. Guzman was right behind him in a time of 15:03.36 for a B standard qualifying time. His time also shattered the previous school record for an indoor 5K of 15:16.53.

Cougars could be No. 1 With an impressive 101-64 victory over Holy Cross College on Saturday, the No. 2 nationally-ranked St. Xavier women’s basketball team improved to 10-0 and 4-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

But it remains to be seen if the Cougars will find themselves ranked No. 1 when the new rankings are released based on No. 1 ranked Morningside suffering a stunning upset at the hands of unranked Northwestern Iowa. Rankings were released after the Reporter/ Regional deadline.

“We’ll see what happens in the poll this week,” Hallberg said Sunday.

“We’ve been in this situation before.

Supplied photo

Former Shepard standout Abel Hernandez came off a big cross country season and quickly qualified for the indoor track nationals.

When Union lost last season and we beat Union in head to head competition, we were still No. 2. If things go smoothly, we could be the No. 1 ranked team in the NAIA. “That would be a feather in our cap and personal goal for me since I coached Chicago State to a No. 1 ranking in 1984.”

Against Holy Cross, senior center Caitlin McMahon became the program’s all-time leader in career blocks, with 188, and recorded a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds to St. Xavier to the home victory.

Sophomore guard Kara Krolicki led all scorers in the game with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the floor.

Shooting 6-for-6 from the field, sophomore center Brittany Collins scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds.

Junior forward Sarah Vozel reached double figures as well in scoring with 12 points to go along with her six rebounds, four steals and three assists.

“We’re playing like we’re a good team,” Hallberg said. “Our winning margin is 26 points a game. We’re definitely not stumbling, and we’re coming out consistent regardless who are opponent has been. We’re not taking anyone lightly.

“We’re playing at a high level. We’re a hard team to stop because we have all the right combinations -- good guard, forward and center play.”

Men’s basketball players are PUNC rockers Shooting 64 percent (21-for-33) from the field and scoring 51 points in the second half, the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team pulled away after halftime en route to a convincing 86-60 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over Purdue University-North Central (Ind.) Saturday afternoon at the Shannon Center.

The Cougars (4-5 overall/3-1 CCAC) got lift off the bench from sophomore

forward Niko Cahue (Orland Park/ Moraine Valley CC/Sandburg) with a team-leading 14 points along with seven rebounds. SXU was dominant down low outscoring the Panthers, 52-22, in the paint.

Freshman point guard Jacob Strong (Koontz Lake, Ind./John Glenn) also proved to be a key reserve for the Cougars chipping in 13 points and pulling down five rebounds. Senior guard Stanley Moore (Rockton/Sauk Valley CC/Rockton-Hononegah), sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien./Hinsdale South) and sophomore point guard Quinn Niego (Chicago/Brother Rice) all scored 11 points to aid the winning effort.

Saint Xavier visits Trinity Christian College on at 3 p.m. Saturday in Palos Heights.

Women’s basketball still looking for first win The Trolls fell to 0-10 after two loss-

es last week.

A conference game in Joliet at the University of St. Francis, the No. 13 ranked team in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll, ended in another loss for the Trolls. Trinity hung with the Fighting Saints through the first half and held a one-point advantage, 28-27, at the half.

In the final two quarters the Trolls were out-scored 50-27 to end with a 77-55 loss.

Celina Wanta led the team with 21 points and five rebounds. Stokes ended with 12 points and Allie Paluchniak had eight points and five boards.

The Trolls faced Robert Morris University Saturday in a conference contest. Trinity was able to hang with the Eagles, who are receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches Poll, through the first quarter, but struggled to score in the second quarter and the game got away from them. At the half the Trolls trailed by 23 and they ended in a 79-45 loss.

Men’s basketball slides The Trolls faced two nationally

Triton Junior College is hoping to have one of its best seasons in years in women’s basketball and entered it game against Moraine Vallley last Thursday with a 7-2 mark.

But Moraine Valley put an end to Triton’s four game with streak with a double-digit victory – 77-64 – in Palos Hills.

The Cyclones didn’t waste any time and jumped to a double-digit lead midway through the first quarter, keeping it that way the rest of the game. At one time the lead swelled to 22 points, but eventually settled into their 13-point win.

Erin Drynan was in foul trouble early and only played 24 minutes but still led the way with 20 points, 16 rebounds and 13 blocked shots—her third triple-double of the season and her second in a row while playing with an injury.

Michelle Borgen, the No. 4 leading scorer in the country (averaging 22.5 points per game) is making a slow build in her return post-illness and added 19 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots. Kailey Foster (Joliet West) contributed 12 points with six assists and four steals. McKayla Smith (Andrew) helped the flow in the second quarter when she scored seven points and ultimately finished with nine along with seven rebounds. Ashley Carroll contributed six points and five rebounds.

Two days prior, Moraine Valley used three strong quarters to pull out a 69-53 victory over Harper College.

The first quarter was slow as the Cyclones trailed 18-14. Slowly they got into a rhythm in the second and third quarters, outscoring Harper 39-16. At their peak, the Cyclones led by 25 points before settling for the 16-point win.

Drynan (Mother McAuley) got her second triple-double of the season, scoring 26 points (12-for-18 from the floor), corralling 19 rebounds and blocking 10 shots. After a week battling illness, Borgen (Andrew) was back in the lineup, finishing with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Ashley Carroll (Beecher) had eight rebounds in only seven minutes of action.

Men’s basketball drops two games

ranked conference teams on the road and lost two games to fall to 4-6 overall.

The Trolls faced a tough challenge in a conference game at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, the No. 4 ranked team in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll. It was a cold shooting night for the Trinity which struggled to get points on the board. The team fell behind 38-20 at the half and ended with a 70-45 loss.

Jordan Perry led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds. Myles Birgans added 12 points.

On Saturday the team challenged No. 18 Robert Morris University before falling 77-63.

Nari Garrett had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Perry led the scoring with 18 points while collecting five rebounds. Birgans was also in double digit scoring with 17 points.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports; Anthony Nasella contributed to this report.

Tie helps eliminate Trolls from NCCAA soccer nationals was able to make the connection that sent the ball into the net.

The Trolls ended their season with a 14-8-1 record.

After losing the first game of pool 3-2 to Central Christian College on Nov. 30, the Trolls came back with a 2-0 win over Trinity Lutheran College on Dec. 1.

The Trolls scored in the 10th minute.

The goal came from a direct kick situation that left the ball free in front of the goal. Elly Brummel was there to send the ball into opposite side of the net.

For the rest of the half Trinity Lutheran had more shots, but the Trolls held them without a goal.

The Trolls again struck early in the second half as nine minutes into the period, Brummel launched a shot that hit the cross bar. Charging the goal, Kayla Diemer picked up the rebound for a shot that found the back of the net.

Moraine snaps Triton’s 4-game winning streak

The Cyclones are still working out the kinks this season and lost to Harper College, 63-57.

Starting off sluggish, the Cyclones were down by 17 points at one time in the first half. Throughout the second half they picked up the pace and came within two, but couldn’t get over the hump.

Calviontae Washington (Eisenhower) finished the night with 14 points and three assists; David Gray (Oak Forest) posted 13 points and grabbed three boards while Ermias Nega (Wakefield) had 12 points, five rebounds and three assists A second-half slump got the better of the Cyclones Saturday in their quest to break a skid.

Moraine Valley started the game strong against Kankakee Community College, leading for most of the first half. It was a six-to-eight point game until the second half when the Cyclones struggled and dug themselves into a hole. But the Cyclones faltered to the 86-71 loss.

Nega and Tommy Demogerontas (Sandburg) battled foul trouble the entire game, but Nega had 14 points and four rebounds while Demogerontas scored eight and added six rebounds and two steals.

D’Angelo Robinson (Chicago Vocational Career Academy) posted his first double-double this season (10 points, 16 rebounds).

FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

There is an old phrase “A tie is like kissing your sister.”

Well, a tie in Kissimmee, Fla., was a lot worse.

Trinity Christian college split its first two women’s soccer games of pool play at the NCCAA National championships and needed a victory to advance to the championship match, but tied NCAA Division II program Mississippi College 1-1 last Thursday and was eliminated.

Trinity was the first to strike, only to have Mississippi tie the score 1-1 by the half. For the remainder of regulation play and through two overtime periods neither team was able to break the deadlock and the game ended in the tie.

The final shot count for the game had Trinity with five shots and Mississippi with 22 shots.

The Trolls had just two shots in the first half and one of those ended in a goal. In the 28th minute the ball was deflected off the Mississippi goalkeeper and loose in the box. In a crowd and scramble to get the ball, Skye Bryant

FOCUS ON MORAINE VALLEY

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Section 2

5

Images from the hardwood Yes, we’ve been football heavy on the photo page and basketball took a back seat. We have a few photos waiting to see the light of day since the start of the season in late November, and we present them to you now.

Maribeth Karnia of Chicago Christian moves the ball against Richards during a loss in November.

Marist’s Justin Brown slams home a basket in the District 218 Classic title game against Richards.

Richards boys coach Jevon Mamon shouts instructions to his troops against Oak Forest on Friday night.

Richards’ Chris Bender does some fancy behind-the-back moves during a break in the action Friday night against Oak Forest.

Chicago Christian and Richards players follow the flight of Takesha Powell’s 3-point shot during a game in November.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

6

Section 2 Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

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7

Section 2 Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.JEROME MILLER, ELISA MILLER Defendants 13 CH 06586 8711 WEST VAIL DRIVE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 24, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2016, 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 8711 WEST VAIL DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-14-106-008-0000.

The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1105427. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1105427 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 06586 TJSC#: 35-17250 I677566

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MTGLQ INVESTORS, LP Plaintiff, -v.DANIEL J. BRODERICK III AKA DANIEL J. BRODERICK AKA DANIEL BRODERICK, JENNIFER L. BRODERICK AKA JENNIFER L. HOSTY, CITIBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA) N.A., LVNV FUNDING, LLC Defendants 14 CH 9567 10541 SOUTH KOLMAR 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 April 15, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2016, 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 10541 SOUTH KOLMAR AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-15-125-013-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $341,145.29.

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, 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 150, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F14040175.

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 150 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F14040175 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 14 CH 9567 TJSC#: 35-16929 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2004-FF4, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-FF4 Plaintiff, -v.SAWSON HADDAD A/K/A SAWSON R. HADDAD, RAJAEI HADDAD A/K/A RAJAEI J. HADDAD A/K/A RAY HADDAD, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, INLAND BANK AND TRUST, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, INTEGRA BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 1999 A/K/A TRUST NO. 1107004, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 11 CH 028055 17128 POINTE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 15, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2016, 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 17128 POINTE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-313-003. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-11-18640.

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-11-18640 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 028055 TJSC#: 35-16963 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.

I677122

Public Notice Network Ref. No. 15-01394 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD MORTGAGE COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MICHAEL W. CUNNINGHAM; CLEARVIEW CONDOMINIUM VII ASSOCIATION AND COLLEEN ANN KEHOE AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL W. CUNNINGHAM; UNKNOWN TENANTS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 9242 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on September 24, 2015, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 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: Commonly known as 15639 GARDEN VIEW CT., UNIT 2B, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462.

P.I.N. 27-13-401-036-1017.

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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street,Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125.

Ref. No. 15-01394 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I677334

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HEARTLAND BANK AND TRUST COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs.

LEONARD R. GARGAS, AN INDIVIDUAL; FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ILLINOIS, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 15, 1997 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 4953; COURTYARD PROFESSIONAL OFFICE CENTER CONDOMINIUM, INC., AN ILLINOIS NOT-FORPROFIT CORPORATION; UNKNOWN TENANTS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 14 CH 14686 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 Friday, January 8, 2016, 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: Commonly known as 15414 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462.

P.I.N. 27-13-201-041-1002.

The mortgaged real estate is a commercial condominium. The property may be made available for inspection by contacting Mr. Michael Beckerman of Triumph Real Estate at (630) 321-9556. 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.

For information call Mr. Robert L. Dawidiuk at The Collins Law Firm, PC, 1770 North Park Street, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 527-1595.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I677443

For Sale Public Notice Network 14-13-27927 Codilis Associates, P.C. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

STEPHEN PLATOS, AS TRUSTEE FOR CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF EVERGREEN PARK, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED 1-21-1994 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 13551, BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A. F/K/A HARRIS BANK, N.A., Defendants, 12 CH 19383 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 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: Commonly known as 9105 Woodland Drive, Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

P.I.N. 23-03-405-019.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sale Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527. (630) 794-5300.

14-13-27927 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I677344

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NEW as of 7/7/11 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD MORTGAGE COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.INDRE VIZGAITIENE A/K/A INDRE JUCYS, OAK HILLS CONDOMINIUM I ASSOCIATION, SAUGIRDAS JUCYS, WEBSTER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Defendants 15 CH 8519 13228 SOUTH WESTVIEW DRIVE UNIT 2A 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 September 15, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 2016, 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 13228 SOUTH WESTVIEW DRIVE UNIT 2A, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-36-303-143-1011. The real estate is improved with a condominium of 4 or more units; 1.5 car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1503360. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1503360 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 15 CH 8519 TJSC#: 35-13457 I676614

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

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

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.LAWRENCE A. WROBEL, MARILYNN J. WROBEL AKA MARILYNN J ZEITZ AKA MARILYNN ZEITZ WROBEL AKA MARILYNN WROBEL AKA MARILYN ZEITZ, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 25923 9894 WEST 145TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 2016, 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 9894 WEST 145TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-09-216-053-0000.

The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1125799. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1125799 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 25923 TJSC#: 35-14972 I677908

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For Sale

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-8 Plaintiff, -v.NABIL ABDELRAHMAN A/K/A NABIL RAHMAN A/K/A NABIL A. ABDELRAHMAN A/K/A NABEL REHEEM A/K/A NABIL A. RAHMAN A/K/A NABIL A. ABELDELRAHMAN, SAFA ABDELRAHMAN, ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC Defendants 12 CH 36476 10527 SOUTH VICKY LANE Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 5, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2016, 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 10527 SOUTH VICKY LANE, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-111-015-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $309,438.23.

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 The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 291-1717 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. only Please refer to file number 12-061480.

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.

SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 Attorney File No. 12-061480 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 12 CH 36476 TJSC#: 35-14644 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.

8

Section 2 Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A RBS CITIZENS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BANK, N.A. F/K/A CHARTER ONE BANK, F.S.B. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ST. PAUL FEDERAL BANK FOR SAVINGS Plaintiff, -v.ROBERT E. SANGOSTI, SUSAN M. SANGOSTI, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA Defendants 15 CH 008652 8020 BINFORD DRIVE 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 September 2, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 12, 2016, 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 8020 BINFORD DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-02-415-012. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation.

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-08655.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-15-08655 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 008652 TJSC#: 35-13371 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.

I677053

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.MARY PAWLAK A/K/A MARY MARGARET PAWLAK Defendants 13 CH 9550 10515 SOUTH 84TH AVENUE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 5, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2016, 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 10515 SOUTH 84TH AVENUE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-14-202-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500.

Please refer to file number PA1305642.

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

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1305642 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 9550 TJSC#: 35-14544 I676818

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.DORLITA MINTU, GOLFVIEW TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DORLITA MINTU, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 08 CH 27897 8314 WEST 95TH STREET HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 2016, 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 8314 WEST 95TH STREET, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-411-031. The real estate is improved with a two-story, single-family townhouse with tan vinyl siding and an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA0816837. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA0816837 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 08 CH 27897 TJSC#: 35-14930 I678154

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA (FANNIE MAE), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED & Plaintiff, EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED -v.STATES OF AMERICA ROGER A SMITH, SHARON E SMITH, UNKNOWN Plaintiff, OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS -v.Defendants JAN MIETUS, LUDWIKA MIETUS, DEUVILLE 14 CH 20807 CONDOMINIUMS 9111 FOREST DRIVE HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Defendants NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY 15 CH 08148 GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B HICKORY and Sale entered in the above cause on June 11, HILLS, IL 60457 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY will at 10:30 AM on January 8, 2016, at The Judicial GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th and Sale entered in the above cause on September Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to 14, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporathe highest bidder, as set forth below, the following tion, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 2016, at The described real estate: Commonly known as 9111 FOREST DRIVE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public Property Index No. 18-34-411-032-0000. The real auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, estate is improved with a single family home with an the following described real estate: Commonly attached 2 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the known as 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B, highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third 01-306-026-1002. The real estate is improved with party checks will be accepted. The balance, includa tan, brick, condominium; one car attached garage. ing the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be arose prior to the sale. paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real The subject property is subject to general real estate estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor against said real estate and is offered for sale without acquiring the residential real estate whose rights any representation as to quality or quantity of title and in and to the residential real estate arose prior to without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. the sale. The subject property is subject to general The sale is further subject to confirmation by the real estate taxes, special assessments, or special court. taxes levied against said real estate and is offered Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser for sale without any representation as to quality or will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmain \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to tion of the sale. The property will NOT be open for confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to are admonished to check the court file to verify all the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The information. If this property is a condominium unit, property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, makes no representation as to the condition of the other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments property. Prospective bidders are admonished to and the legal fees required by The Condominium check the court file to verify all information. If this Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of this property is a condominium unit which is part of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a morta common interest community, the purchaser of the gagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee fees required by The Condominium Property Act, shall pay the assessments required by The Condo765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property Stan’s minium Property Act,Hauling 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF is a condominium unit which is part of a common Removal of all unwanted (HOMEOWNER), items.

YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the DEADBOLT HOME/BUSINESS LOCKS From offices, areas, YOU homes, HAVE THE RIGHTstorage TO REMAIN IN POSforeclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay garages, apartments, condos, etc. OF AN Installed • Repaired • Re-keyed SESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY the assessments required by0191-348 The Condominium Reasonable rates.

Lic. 7 days 773-206-9309 ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE Property Act,"The 765 ILCS IF YOU Call Tom Lock 605/18.5(g-1).

Doc" WITHwww.stanscleanout.com SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS ARE THE MORTGAGOR Auto Specialist(HOMEOWNER), YOU MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. HAVE THE RIGHT(Sub)708-788-9524 TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION You will need a photo identification issued by(City)773-586-7528 a FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER government agency (driver’s license, passport, OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTforeclosure sale room in Cook County and the same GAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a • Drains unclogged • identification for sales held at other county venues photo identification issued by a government agency where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts PIANO •Sewer Repairs & ORGAN LESSONS (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website Advanced. intoBeginners our buildingor and the foreclosure sale room in & Rod-Out Stations Installed• at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of Mrs. Stella Bruno 773-586-6747 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Cook County and the same identification for sales •Power Rod All Drain Lines• held at other county venues where The Judicial •Sump & Ejector Pumps Installed• Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.•For Seepage Tile & Pump Pits Installed• information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce. refer to file number PA1409333. •Flood Control Systems Installed• com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION 10% Senior Discount & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602.

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THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORARepairs • Free Estimates • Licensed You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at • Interior/Exterior Painting TION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending • Plaster • Drywall Repair IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit sales. • Window Caulking • Puttying The Staining Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com PIERCE & ASSOCIATES & Varnishing for a 7 day status report of pending One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 Also: Carpentry & Tile Work sales. PIERCE gonzalezflooring.com & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Fully Insured 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney Attorney File No. PA1409333 File No. PA1503435 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 20807 Number: 15 CH 08148 TJSC#: 35-13429 TJSC#: 35-15265 I677182 I677758

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with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing systems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

PAGE 12

This is a Part Time Position needed for 1 hour in the morning when school starts and 1 hour in the evening when school is ending on school days, Monday through Friday.

The pay for this position is $19.23 an hour.

Applications are being accepted Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 10, 2015

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS

‘Krampus’ is naughty and just amusing enough The film “Krampus” opens to a montage of a sea of rowdy Black Friday shoppers tearing apart what amounts to a Wal-Mart, all while the Christmas classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays ironically in the background. “Krampus” is a satirized look at Christmas that’s both naughty and nice.

The film follows parents Tom (Adam Scott) and Sarah (Toni Collette), their cynical teenage daughter Beth (Stefania LaVie Owen), and their pre-teen son Max (Emjay Anthony), who fully believes in the Christmas spirit. The family must brace themselves for the arrival of Sarah’s sister, Linda (Alison Tolman), and her grotesque gun-loving family that includes a loud redneck of a husband in Howard (David Koechner) and a cranky aunt (Conchata Ferrell) no one want to see.

They also have to deal with some mean and nasty cousins who pick on Max for still believing in Santa. After the cousins read his letter to Santa out loud, a humiliated Max rips up his letter to Santa and tosses it into the wind. Now that no one has any Christmas spirit, this opens the door for a movie about Krampus.

For those in the know or for those who know how to use Google, Krampus is a figure from European folklore with origins dating back before Christianity. Basically what you need to know is that he is the evil twin of jolly Old Saint Nicholas. While Santa brings the good kids presents and candy and fun stuff, Krampus punishes the bad kids for their behavior, nasty ways, and lack of Christmas spirit.

You may dread the holidays with your family, but at least Krampus hasn’t shown up yet.

This movie is not as campy as co-writer and

director Michael Dougherty could have made it.

Dougherty plays this film as straight forward as possible. It doesn’t seem too over-the-top even though there are killer gingerbread men. Even the actors take a straight forward approach here. They could have easily played up the comedic parts to give this less of a serious tone. Somehow this movie has a serious tone even with a killer snowman and elves.

Overall “Krampus” is semi-scary and semi-funny.

It’s not as funny as you want it to be. It’s also not as scary as it tries to be, part of that is the bizarre reason to give this a more family friendly PG-13 rating. The rating is a puzzling move, in part because no sane parent would take children to see this film.

Just make it an R rated film like it was designed to be and be done with it.

This pines to be an alternative Christmas classic and maybe with changes it could be. At its current state it’s just a B movie that you’ll watch once and be ashamed to admit you actually liked. The film has just enough stuff going for it to be recommended, but did you really think I’d say anything bad about “Krampus?” I don’t want him ruining my Christmas.

Tony Pinto’s grade: B

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS THIS WEEK Isle a la Cache Native games and living history

A Native American games workshop will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

Learn the history of several Native American games and toys and how to make them. Participants may choose to make one or more crafts, including a toy buzzer, a corn husk doll, a ring-and-pin game and a dice game. The program is for ages 8 to 16.

The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required; call 815-886-1467 On Sunday, a Living History Demonstration is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. at the Isle a la Cache Museum. Watch Isle a la Cache Brigade volunteers re-enact an 18th century trading community as they portray musket shooters, cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs or craftsmen. Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program.

For more information on these programs and other Forest Preserve District offerings, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Christmas music luncheon

Christmas music will highlight a luncheon program at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from noon to 2 p.m..

Professional pianist Matt Piet returns to The Center with a program of instrumental pieces, to some of which he will add his own voice, and some popular carols to which he’ll invite the audience to sing along. Piet first played at The Center as a young boy when his grandmother, the late Tillie May, encouraged his interest in the piano. Matt was an amazing musical prodigy as a child and teenager, and now has a master’s degree in music and plays professionally on cruise ships and at clubs and events. The Christmas luncheon costs $20 per person, and requires advance reservations. Call The Center at 361-3650.

Encore Concert Band holiday concert

The Encore Concert Band continues its 17th concert season with a Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Mokena Junior High School, 19815 Kirkstone Way in Mokena.

This free concert will feature selections such as music from the holiday favorite movies The Polar Express and Home Alone, Overture from Hansel and Gretel, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and many other holiday favorites. For further information about the Encore Concert Band and the complete concert schedule, visit www.encoreband.org.

Now in its 17th season, the 50-plus piece band is conducted by music director and founder Bill Schuetter, and has developed quite a loyal following in the south suburbs. Band members range in age from high school students to adults, and musicians interested in joining are encouraged to sit in with the band at a weekly rehearsal on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. at Mokena Junior High School in Mokena.

For information on scheduling a concert in your area or joining the band, call Rachel Ozark at 4377051, send an e-mail to info@encoreband.org, or visit their website at encoreband.org.

The Bridge Teen Center programs

Ugly Sweater Trivia Night - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 11, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host an Ugly Sweater Trivia Night with live music from Reverse Order.

This event will be the first live event in the newly renovated space at The Bridge Teen Center. Free food will be provided by the Great American Bagel.

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

STARTING THIS WEEK:

TONY PINTO

Drop In: Create Your Own Trail Mix - 2 to 6 p.m.

Dec. 15, high school students will get the chance to study for finals after making healthy trail mix.

Funniest YouTube Videos - 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 15, students will share their favorite funny YouTube videos with other students while enjoying some nachos.

Open Studio: Gingerbread House Making Competition - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15, a station will be set up for students to compete in teams to create the best gingerbread house.

Drop In: Bagel Bar - 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16, students will enjoy free bagels and vitamin water while studying for final exams.

DIY Christmas Flower Centerpiece - 4 to 5 p.m.

Dec. 16, a program with Catherine’s Gardens to show students how to make a beautiful Christmas flower centerpiece.

Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese - 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16, a culinary program to teach students how to make grilled cheese and tomato soup from scratch.

Drop In: Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar - 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 17, high school students will get the chance to make a coffee or hot chocolate before settling in to study.

Build A Fort - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17, middle school students will get the chance to make a fort out of blankets and chairs.

Star Wars Movie Night - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Dec. 18, The Bridge will celebrate the release of the new “Star Wars” movie by revisiting the old movies that started it all. Free popcorn will be provided by Costco.

These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

UPCOMING Christmas Teas at The Center

Ladies’ Christmas Teas on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 17 and 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. are offered at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park Each tea includes a large buffet of Christmas punch, tea, cookies, cakes, tea sandwiches, and other goodies, plus an opportunity to make a bag of fragrant fresh Christmas potpourri of balsam, cinnamon, orange peel, hemlock cones, and holly berries. A heartwarming Christmas story is then read before the fire.

While many of The Center’s seven Christmas Teas are already filled, the Dec. 17 and 18 teas still have space available. Tickets must be reserved in advance and cost $30 per person. Call 361-3650.

Southwest • Section 2, Page 9

“ANT-MAN”: One of the more entertaining adventures to come out of the Marvel universe lately, this tale has the bounty of special effects one would expect, but also an extremely likable performance

by Paul Rudd) as a ne’er-do-well thief who unwittingly steals a suit designed by a scientist (Michael Douglas) ... which shrinks the crook down to the size of a you-know-what. He then uses it to oppose an enemy (Corey Stoll, “House of Cards”) who’s applying the technology for his own sinister purposes. Evangeline Lilly (“Lost”), Bobby Cannavale and Michael Pena also star for director Peyton Reed (“Bring It On”) and make their own marks amid the impressively fantastical visuals. DVD extra: deleted scene. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MINIONS”: The characters from the “Despicable Me” movies get their own story — and their own, very detailed history — in this entertaining, animated comedy that’s a prequel to their past appearances. Only happy when they have someone to serve, though they don’t necessarily draw the

nicest masters, they end up serving the whole world when they oppose the sinister Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock) in the iconic London of the 1960s. The script is loaded with clever humor that older viewers will appreciate while youngsters simply get a kick out of the visuals. Among others in the vocal cast are Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan and Geoffrey Rush.

DVD extras: deleted scene; “Jingle Bells: Minion Style” music video. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “KNOCK KNOCK”: Keanu Reeves makes an effective move away from his now-typical actionhero mode in this tense thriller, as he plays a family man who comes to regret answering a knock at his door while he’s home alone.

His decision to help two apparently stranded women (Lorenza Izzo, Ana de Armas) has very big repercussions for him —and it’s only a matter of time until his loved ones return. Eli Roth (“Hostel”) directed and co-wrote the melodrama; Colleen Camp, one of the film’s producers, also is in the cast. *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE X-FILES: THE COLLECTOR’S SET”: The truth may be out there, but it’s also destined to be in the homes of many fans as the Chris Carter-created series makes its long-awaited Blu-ray debut — ahead of the upcoming Fox “event series” sequel that reunites David Duchovny and

Gillian Anderson as Mulder and Scully, the FBI partners who tackle numerous supernatural pursuits.

All nine seasons of the Emmyand Golden Globe-winning show are included, and they also can be purchased separately. Expectedly, the set is packed with special features including deleted scenes and commentaries by Carter and other members of the creative team, including then-”Breaking Bad” mentor-to-be Vince Gilligan. Mitch Pileggi, Robert Patrick (now of “Scorpion”) and Annabeth Gish are among the many other notable cast members. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) “THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED”: Arguably the most flexible business suit ever put on the screen has a new wearer, as Ed Skrein succeeds Jason Statham (and, in the television-series spinoff, Chris Vance) as action-prone troubleshooter Frank Martin.

Though he’s gotten out of the business of transporting items for paying clients, he’s drawn back in when a mysterious woman (Loan Chabanol) recruits him. Soon, he’s dealing with a potential bank heist and the Russian underworld. Ray Stevenson (“Rome”), who’s seen a fair share of screen action himself, also stars as Martin’s father. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Rub two sticks together. Friction will heat things up and could cause a fire. In the upcoming week your desire for risk taking or tendency to be rebellious could rub someone the wrong way. Steer clear of heated arguments.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Accentuate the positive. Be willing to try on new tasks for size.

You could be called upon to test your skills in a completely different venue this week. Stretch your muscles literally or figuratively without overdoing it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You have more sex appeal and charm than usual, but that doesn’t mean that you should push for a commitment or a promise. Use your prowess to make a favorable impression on the job or at the workplace this week.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The light touch is the right touch.

Don’t get too serious, make crucial promises or force someone to make a commitment. Don’t start anything of great importance this week as conditions could change in the blink of an eye.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stick to business as usual. Giving in to whims and uncontrolled desires can land you in the doghouse.

Sticks and stones as well as words can hurt you. Don’t encourage minor spats and disagreements in the week ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use good manners to gain a good opinion. The workplace could be filled with a sense of excitement and agitation. Don’t make spurof-the-moment purchases or significant changes in your finances in the week ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Ignore the urge to roam and romantic

urges. Don’t go to extremes of behavior to impress a new potential lover in the week ahead. Be light hearted and optimistic about serious matters and serious about frivolous pastimes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Bide your time. Good things come to those who are patient. Minor frustrations can grow into major obstacles if you spin the roulette wheel with investments or purchases in the week to come. Wait and see.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “No strings attached” should be your motto. Play the field and take promises with a grain of salt this week. A shift in relationships could be to your distinct advantage although it may not seem that way initially.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19): Too much change invites discord. You may feel your authority is challenged. Chill out and simply take it easy as the week unfolds.

Making adjustments to new situations may be time consuming and difficult.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In one door and out the other. This week can stand out as a time you met people who would have made great strangers.

Keep pushing on the revolving door to bypass connections that aren’t as nice as they seem.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You can’t pour anything from an empty container. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. In the week ahead put your affairs in order and find ways to bolster and strengthen your health.

Chicago Tap Theatre ‘Tidings of Tap’ at MVCC

The Chicago Tap Theatre will perform “Tidings of Tap” at Moraine Valley Community College on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dorothy Menker Theater, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children ages 12 and under.

“Tidings of Tap” is a tap dance celebration of all things wintry, including rhythmic and whimsyfilled interpretations of favorite Christmas, Chanukah and winter songs. The fun, yet sophisticated, family-friendly show features seasonal standards and lesser-known songs as well as the spectacular dancing of Chicago Tap Theatre. Children and parents especially will enjoy the last number, when children are invited on stage to dance.

Tickets to the “Tidings of Tap” show and other upcoming performances can be purchased at morainevalley.edu/fpac, by calling 974-5500, or at the Box Office located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Southwest Alliance Church Sunday Worship Service 11:00AM Followed by food & fellowship

Friday night studies 7:00PM

9855 Kean Ave Palos Hills, IL 60465 Senior Pastor: Pastor Kim & English Ministry Pastor: Pastor Larry welcome you.

708-634-3725

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Southwest • Section 2, Page 10

Supplied photo

Weaving student Sue Wallenberg threads her loom for a new weaving project. Winter art registration at the Log Supplied photo Cabin Center for the Arts at The Center in Palos Park starts Tuesday. Most classes begin in January.

The village of Orland Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Centennial Park is open for the season. Pictured are skaters enjoying the popular amenity last winter.

Log Cabin Center winter art Orland’s Winter Wonderland classes signup starts Tuesday ice rink open for the season The village of Orland Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is open for the winter season and will remain open, weather permitting, until March 7.

The outdoor ice skating rink, located in Centennial Park at 15600 West Avenue and Fun Drive, offers outdoor skating fun for the entire family.

“I think it’s wonderful to see Centennial Park used year round,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “We made the addition of the skating

rink to the park in 2003 and it has been a community favorite ever since.”

In addition to the rink, the location offers a warming house, skate rental, bonfires and familyfriendly activities.

Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. Skaters wishing to rent skates can do so from the warming house for $2 per pair. Helmets are available free of charge and are required for children younger than

eight years of age. Rink closes when warming house closes.

For a full list of events at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink as well as hours of operation, visit the village of Orland Park website at www.orlandpark.org.

For up-to-date information on rink closure, call the Recreation Department Weather Hotline at 403-6290.

— Village of Orland Park

Registration opens Tuesday, Dec. 15, for winter classes at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, located at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

Winter classes are offered for adults in Drawing, Watercolor Painting, Pastel Painting, Basketry, Weaving, Knitting, Stoneware Pottery, Woodcarving, Quilting, Collage, Lapidary, Poetry, Stained Glass, Calligraphy, Silver Jewelry, Papercrafts and Papermaking.

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

A lighter approach to holiday food

By Wolfgang Puck

Supplied photos

Shaving set by Bob Rhodes among gifts made by Inlayed stool by Don Dergantz. local artists and craftsmen.

Gifts for everyone at McCord Shoppe Tis the season to support local artists! The Holiday Shoppe at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, which is open until Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Sundays), has special gifts for everyone.

Shoppers will find jewelry, scarves, household items such as cheese trays, picture frames, lamps, and pillows, and of course, some beautiful decorations. All items are hand made by the fine craftsmen and women in our community.

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

— McCord Gallery & Cultural Center

Clock by Leonard Vitacca at McCord’s Holiday Shoppe.

Family Pottery, Teen Pottery, and Children’s Art are also on the winter schedule. The Log Cabin Art Center offers six-week courses plus occasional oneday workshops. Classes are held in three cozy log cabins in the woods, and are known for their warm and welcoming ambience and excellent instruction.

Registration is required for classes, most of which begin in early January. For more information, call The Center at 361-3650.

It often puzzles me the way people who love good food go wild during the holiday season and then, just days later, try to change their personalities and habits completely and become healthy eaters the moment they have made their New Year’s resolutions.

In my life as a chef, I have gradually evolved a personal approach to cooking and eating that helps me avoid such wild swings between overeating and self-deprivation. And I’d like to share some of those principals with you as we make our way into the final weeks of the holiday season and get ready for 2016.

I believe that really delicious food doesn’t have to be unhealthy.

But healthy food doesn’t have to be boring either, as if it is some sort of punishment you are forced to eat. As a chef since the age of 14, I have long been aware that food is related to both our physical and emotional well-being. And at no time is it truer than at the holidays.

So, in my festive cooking and eating, I try to include as many dishes as possible that not only have highly satisfying flavors and textures, as well as beautiful presentations, but also are good for you. I try to go easy on fried foods, and as much as possible I opt for reduced-fat options of the rich ingredients so many people enjoy this time of year. And, knowing that we always eat with our eyes before we ever put food in our mouths, I always aim to make sure that the foods I serve are a pleasure to look at.

The following recipe for Griddled Potato Pancakes with Smoked Fish is a great example of that approach. It’s inspired by the potato pancakes that are a traditional dish for Hanukkah, which begins its eight-night celebration this year on Sunday evening. You could just as easily serve the pancakes later in the month as a holiday brunch or party buffet item, or even see in the new year by enjoying them with glasses of Champagne or other sparkling wine.

As most people know them, potato pancakes are usually thick discs that have been shallow-fried or deep-fried in oil. But, as you’ll learn from this recipe, you can still get delicious, crispy, much lighter results by cooking thinner versions of the pancakes on a nonstick griddle. I like to top mine with smoked fish and a little seasoned, low-fat sour cream. For even lower-fat results, you can even replace the whole egg with an equivalent amount of nonfat real egg product, found in cartons in the refrigerated case at your supermarket.

So, here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!

GRIDDLED POTATO PANCAKES WITH SMOKED FISH Serves 4 • 1 pound (500 g) russet baking potatoes • 1 small yellow onion • 1 large cage-free egg, beaten • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed • Nonstick cooking spray • 1/4 cup (60 mL) low-fat sour cream • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus small sprigs of fresh dill for garnish, optional • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 pound (250 g) smoked salmon, sturgeon, trout or whitefish, any skin or bones removed, flesh separated into large flakes or cut into bitesize pieces Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Put a baking dish in the oven.

Line a large bowl with a clean kitchen towel.

Using the fine holes of a box

grater/shredder, or a food processor fitted with the grating disc, grate the potatoes. Transfer the grated potato to the prepared bowl.

Grate the onion and add it to the bowl.

Twist the towel around the potato-onion mixture and squeeze out as much liquid as you can.

(Alternatively, you can pick up the mixture by handfuls and squeeze out the liquid.)

Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl. Add the egg, baking powder, salt and pepper. Stir with a fork until well blended.

Heat a large nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.

Spray with nonstick cooking spray. With a metal tablespoon, carefully place spoonfuls of the potato mixture on the griddle, spacing them about 1 inch apart and pressing down on each pancake to flatten them to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Cook the pancakes until deep golden-brown and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes per side. If you have more potato mixture left to cook, or don’t plan to serve the pancakes right away, transfer the pancakes to a baking dish in the oven to keep warm while you cook the remainder.

In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, chopped dill and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Serve potato pancakes with sour cream mixture and pieces of smoked fish. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill.

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