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Thursday, December 14, 2017

Full speed ahead for candidates Lottery decides positions for gubernatorial primary ballot By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mike Wolf of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood was one of the protesters chanting during Monday night’s Palos Township general meeting.

Board business gets done despite spirited protests

Campaigning for the 2018 gubernatorial election being held March 20 officially got underway on Monday when Cook County elections officials held ballot lotteries to decide the ballot positions of the various candidates. Candidates from established parties were required to submit nominating petitions between Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. In total, Cook County Clerk David Orr and Director of Elections Noah Praetz held 15 lotteries, including 14 for the first ballot spot, and one for last ballot spot. All were for Democratic Party races. The 14 lotteries for the first position on the ballot were comprised of candidates competing for the same office who filed their nomination petitions simultaneously at 9 a.m. Nov. 27, the first day of candidate filing. A separate lottery was held for the candidates who filed between 4 and 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Anyone who filed nominating papers after 9 a.m. Nov. 27, and before 3:59 p.m. Dec. 4, will be listed on ballots in the order they filed. Locally, the most interesting race is likely to be the one to replace Cook County Commissioner Ed Moody (D-6th), who has decided not to run for election. The three candidates in that race, listed in the order they will appear on ballots, are Patricia Joan “Tricia” Murphy, Louis Presta and Donna Miller. Murphy, a Crestwood resident, is the daughter See CANDIDATES, Page 10

Palos Township board members tackle agenda amid loud chanting By Dermot Connolly A little snow on the ground Monday did not stop the activists who have been packing into Palos Township Board meetings since July to protest Trustee Sharon Brannigan, whose resignation they are demanding because of posts on social media that some people found offensive to Muslims and people of Middle Eastern descent. And a lot of yelling in the building did not stop Palos Township board members from doing their job. The controversy has drawn overflow crowds to the monthly meetings at 10802 S. Roberts Road, and Monday was no different. Brannigan had perhaps 10 supporters in the crowd of approximately 42 in the main room, and there were dozens more residents the lobby. At previous meetings, protestors waited until the floor was opened to the public. But on Monday, as soon as the Pledge of Allegiance

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Although small in numbers, Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan had a few supporters at Monday night’s meeting.

was over, they started chants such as, “Hey hey, ho ho, Sharon Brannigan has to go!” The few Brannigan supporters waved their own signs at their opponents, but their frustration was palpable, especially when opponents turned

to them, chanting, “Racists have got to go!” and “Go home racists!” “We want to make sure there is no business as usual until Sharon Brannigan resigns,” said one woman, explaining the tactic. However, while many protestors left thinking that no business had been done, Township Supervisor Colleen Schumann said afterward that the shouting did not prevent the board from quickly completing its entire agenda, including passage of the 2017 tax levy. The board members used microphones to speak to each other and speakers were placed in the main boardroom and lobby, but observers could not hear them above the din. “We knew what we had to do for the people of Palos Township and we did it. We were ready to have the meeting, and following the agenda is the law,” said the supervisor. “We tried open the floor to the public three times, See TOWNSHIP, Page 10

Brannigan vows not to quit, hopes for ‘meaningful conversation’ By Jeff Vorva “HEY HEY, HO HO, SHARON BRANNIGAN HAS TO GO! HEY HEY, HO HO, SHARON BRANNIGAN HAS TO GO!” That loud, soccer-like chant went on for all eight minutes of Monday night’s Palos Township General Meeting in Palos Hills. An estimated 42 people crowded the board room at the Roberts Road facility and many more crammed the lobby. Most of them were there to try to disrupt the meeting and prevent the board from conducting its business, including approving its tax levy ordinance. The issue is that many of the protesters want Brannigan removed from her position — whether it’s by firing or resignation — because of comments she made on social media in July that are viewed by some as racist. Protesters have been showing up in full force to meetings since summer and they say they will continue until Brannigan is off the board. Brannigan has issued apologies that were deemed too-little, too-late by some. So it ap-

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Although few could hear her because of the audience chanting for her dismissal, Trustee Sharon Brannigan conducts Palos Township business during an eight-minute meeting Monday.

pears the yelling and controversy will still be a monthly occurrence in 2018. For her part, Brannigan said in the summer she will not resign and reiterated that on

Monday night. “No…no, that’s not going to happen,” she said matter-of-factly. Some observers said that of all the meetings since July, this was the loudest the protesters have been. Right after the Pledge of Allegiance the chanting started, as some hoped it would disrupt the meeting. The board, meanwhile conducted its business before adjourning, although few, if any, in the audience heard it. After the adjournment, Hatem Abudayyeh, the director of the Arab-American Action Network, congratulated the protesters and promised that they would continue to show up while Brannigan held her position as trustee. “They will realize that they will never do business in Palos Township until she resigns!” he shouted minutes after the business was done. Brannigan said she won’t quit but wants meaningful dialogue in the future. “I’ve addressed everything that they have complained about and apologized numerous See BRANNIGAN, Page 10

Trial delayed for Oak Lawn woman accused of killing her grandchild By Dermot Connolly Oak Lawn murder suspect Alfreda Giedrojc, 66, made a brief appearance in court last Thursday, only to be told that the start of her bench trial was postponed for a second time, until Jan.18. Giedrojc, who speaks Polish, has been in Cook County Jail since Oct. 6, 2013, when she allegedly killed her 6-month-old granddaughter, Vivian Summers. She is charged with first-degree murder. The baby, her daughter’s child, was left in her care at her home in the 6600 block of West 91st Street. Giedrojc Giedrojc’s attorney, assistant public defender David Dunne, told Judge Colleen Hyland last Thursday that forensic psychiatrist Mathew Markos requested more time to complete a requested report on Giedrojc’s mental health. Markos is the director of Forensic Clinical Services for Cook County Circuit Court. Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Deno agreed to the Jan. 18 date. The original start date of the trial had been set for Oct. 24. According to published reports following the incident, Giedrojc’s son-in-law, Joel Summers, of Bolingbrook, had dropped Vivian off that morning at her grandparents’ home before going across the street with his father-in-law to help a neighbor with a rehab project. At previous hearings, prosecutors outlined the case, alleging that Giedrojc hit the infant in the head with a sledgehammer after the two men left the house. They said she moved the baby from a couch to the floor. She then allegedly retrieved a See TRIAL, Page 10

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Hickory Hills kicks off bicentennial

POLICE REPORTS

Hickory Hills officials raised the bicentennial flag on Dec. 4 outside City Hall. Taking part in raising the flag were (from left) Monika Wojturski, Building Commissioner John Moirano, City Clerk Dee Catizone, and Deputy Building Commissioner Marilyn Gabrysiak. The Illinois Bicentennial will be a year-long celebration that will culminate Dec. 3, 2018, which will be the state’s 200th birthday.

Chicago Ridge DUI charges

• Melissa Skerrett, 43, of McAllen, Texas, was arrested on an outstanding DuPage County warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 99th Street and Sayre Avenue at 10:25 p.m. Nov. 30. Police said she was stopped for disobeying a stop sign when they discovered the warrant. Skerrett was turned over to DuPage County Sheriff’s police after being processed for the traffic offense. • Alan Bruce, 55, of the 7200 block of West 113th Street, Worth, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 111th Street and Central Avenue at 11:05 p.m. Dec. 4. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and failure to signal when required. He is due in court on Dec. 20.

Submitted photo

Oak Lawn resident charged with robbery and shooting at two women restaurant while the other met Medrano beside her car in the A 26-year-old Oak Lawn parking lot. But when the victim woman remained in Cook Coun- showed her the money, Medrano ty Jail this week, held without allegedly displayed a handgun bond after allegedly roband snatched the cash bing and shooting at two and the victim’s purse women who met her to before driving away. buy marijuana. The two women then Jessica Medrano was got in their own car denied bond when she and followed Medrano made her first court to 92nd Street and 52nd appearance last ThursAvenue, where Medrano day in Bridgeview. She allegedly got out of her faces one count of armed car and fired two shots Medrano robbery and two counts at them. of aggravated discharge of a The victims, who were not infirearm. jured, fled the scene and called Oak Lawn police said Me- police. drano was arrested following an An investigation led to detecarmed robbery that occurred at tives identifying Medrano and approximately 10:30 p.m. Dec. arresting her without incident at 4 in the parking lot of Jedi’s her home in the 9700 block of Garden, 9266 S. Cicero Ave., South Karlov. Marijuana and a where she had arranged to meet weapon of the same caliber used two women who wanted to buy in the crime were found at the marijuana from her. residence, police said. According to reports, one of Her next court appearance is the women waited inside the scheduled for Jan. 3. By Dermot Connolly

Domestic battery

Kurt Westergren, 36, was charged with domestic battery following a disturbance at his home in the 10400 block of South Moody Avenue at 10:20 p.m. Dec. 2. Police said he grabbed the hair of a woman in the house and pushed her down. He was held for a bond hearing on Dec. 4.

Possession of cannabis

Xavier Mireles, 26, of the 3600 block of South Vernon Avenue, Brookfield, was charged with felony possession of cannabis with intent to deliver following a traffic stop at 9:50 p.m. Dec. 3 at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said that a bag containing more than 245 grams of marijuana was found in the car. He was held for a bond hearing.

Retail theft

Maricela Guerrero, 26, of the 2600 block of South Sawyer Street, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at the Charlotte Russe store in Chicago Ridge Mall at 12:05 p.m. Friday. Police said she took merchandise worth $156. She is due in court on Jan. 3.

Suspended license

Rafat Ismael, 49, of the 15200 block of South Kenton Avenue, Oak Forest, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:50 a.m. Sunday at 105th Street and Central Avenue. Police said he is due in court on Jan. 3.

Evergreen Park Drug possession

• Deana Parks, 40, of Hobart, Ind., was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 7:04 p.m. Dec. 4 in the 3800 block of West 93rd Street. Police said she was carrying .25 grams of crack cocaine and a glass pipe with drug residue. She was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with one headlight.

• Judith Grove, 61, of Alsip, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 11:32 a.m. Dec. 2 in the 3900 block of West 97th Street. She was carrying .9 grams of heroin, and was also cited for having a defective windshield, police said. • Ryan Lasso, 31, of Chicago, and Jessica Kelly, 33, of De Soto, Mo., were both charged with felony possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 6:53 p.m. Dec. 5 in the 3400 block of West 95th Street. Police said Lasso was driving and neither claimed possession of 1.6 grams of crack cocaine, and .5 grams of heroin found in the car, so they were both charged. They were also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia for a glass pipe that was also found. Lasso was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, improper use of electronic communication while driving, and having a defective windshield. • Michael Ross, 55, Chicago, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and other offenses following a traffic stop at at 6:11 p.m. Dec. 5 in the 8700 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said he was carrying .4 grams of heroin. He was also charged with retail theft after police said it was determined that 13 items, mainly toiletries worth $72, that were found in his car had just been stolen from a nearby Walgreens. He was also charged with driving with a revoked license, no insurance, illegal transportation of alcohol, and disobeying a stop sign. • Melissa Lloyd, 37, of Chicago, was charged with possession of a controlled substance after police said they witnessed her buying .5 grams of heroin at 5:55 p.m. Dec. 6 in the 8700 block of South Pulaski Road. Police said she was also cited for failure to secure a child with a seatbelt. During the same incident, police said Gregory Liddell, 39, of Crestwood, was charged with resisting arrest. They said he swallowed the narcotics he was carrying. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia because police said he was carrying syringes and a burned aluminum can with drug residue.

Retail theft

Roselyn Walker, 24, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 5:12 p.m. Dec. 6. Police said she left the store pushing a cart filled with 75 assorted items of merchandise worth a total of $488.94.

DUI charge

Alton Smith, 51, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 5:26 p.m. Dec. 2 in the 9300 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said he was also charged with driving with a revoked li-

cense, speeding, improper lane usage and failure to signal when required.

Hickory Hills

Suspended license

Elmer Spraggins II, 30, of the 9600 block of South Loomis Street, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:05 p.m. Sunday in the 8600 block of West 87th Street. Police said he was cited for having no registration plate light. He is due in court on Jan. 12.

Retail theft

Chicago residents Jennie N. Common, 47, and Maneka L. Heath, 38, of the 5500 block of South Parkside Avenue, were charged with retail theft at CVS, 8811 W. 87th St., at 3:52 p.m. Saturday. Police said Common, of the 9800 block of South Ingleside Avenue, took a bottle of fabric softener, two bottles of hemorrhoid medication, and an air freshener worth $29.73 in total. They said Heath, of the 7700 block of South Normal Avenue, took a bottle of skin moisturizer worth $18. She was also cited for obstruction of identification because she initially provided a false name. Both women are due in court on Jan. 12.

Oak Lawn

Suspended license

Maria A. Walker, 40, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 6 on 103rd Street. Police said she was also cited for driving a vehicle with suspended registration and driving without insurance. She is due in court on Jan. 10.

DUI charges

• Hugo A. Fuerte, 30, of Burbank, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 5:56 p.m. Nov. 22 at 87th Street and Central Avenue. Police said he was found asleep at the wheel, with his vehicle blocking traffic at the intersection. He registered a .224 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also cited for improperly stopping on the roadway, and is due in court on Jan. 3. • Ryan J. Chaffin, 25, of Hickory Hills, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs following a two-car crash at 11:26 a.m. Nov. 27 at 95th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue. Police said that after several hypodermic needles and a tin with drug residue were found, Chaffin was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, as were his two passengers, Waseem M. Benyyssen, 28, of Alsip, and Ahmad A. Omar, 28, of Burbank. Omar was also arrested on an outstanding Burbank warrant for driving with a suspended license. All three are due in court on Jan. 9. • Kyle J. Sheehan, 25, of Oak

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Illegal solicitation

Anthony J. Mazar, 59, of Bridgeview, was charged with soliciting for contributions in a roadway without a valid permit at 9:09 p.m. Dec. 3 at 111th and Parkside Avenue. Police said he had been giving a village ordinance violation for the same offense at the same location in September. He was begging for money, saying he was homeless. He is due in court on Jan. 10.

Worth

Suspended license

• Jose Alvarez-Bartolo, 56, of the 5000 block of West 32nd Place, Cicero, was charged with driving with a suspended license at 2:11 p.m. Dec. 5, following a traffic collision in the 11000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to signal when turning left. He is due in court on Dec. 22. • Zuhair D. Hamdan, 44, of the 10800 block of South Lloyd Drive, Worth, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9 a.m. last Thursday in the 7100 block of West 107th Street. Police said he was also cited for expired registration and defective tail light. He is due in court on Dec. 22. • Anthony C. Larios, 45, of the 5700 block of West 65th Street, Chicago, was driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:27 p.m. Friday in the 7200 block of West 107th Street. Police said he was also cited for driving with expired registration, no insurance, failure to signal when required, and not notifying the secretary of state about an address change. He is due in court on Dec. 22. • William F. Waldorf, 67, of the 10600 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 10900 block of South Oak Park Avenue at 11:47 a.m. Dec. 6. • Jennifer North, 41, of the 15100 block of South Drexel Avenue, South Holland, was charged with driving with a suspended license in the 10700 block of South Depot Street at 8:06 p.m. last Thursday. She is due in court on Dec. 22. Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.

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Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Reporter

OAK LAWN VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Board approves decrease in property tax levy for 2018 Budget of $58,365,982 passes unanimously By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Kelly White

Dressed in Christmas attire, Max Parisi (left), 5, smiles alongside his brother, Mikey, 6, at the Chicago Ridge 5th annual Children’s Christmas Party at AMC Theatre in Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday morning.

Chicago Ridge kids, parents enjoy annual Christmas party

By Kelly White Jennifer Watt has been attending the Chicago Ridge Children’s Christmas party since she was a little girl. Now, with three kids of her own, Watt carries on the tradition of continuing to attend with family every year. “I went to this my whole life growing up,” said Watt, of Chicago Ridge, who attended the movie with her kids, Julia, 18; Samantha, 10; and Alyssa, 9. “It’s something kids really look forward to and it holds a special place in our hearts for not only the children of Chicago Ridge, but the parents as well.” “I like this event a lot and it’s something I enjoy coming to with my family every Christmas season,” Watt’s daughter, Julia, said. The Watt family joined 600 other Chicago Ridge residents on Saturday morning during the 5th annual Children’s Christmas Party, a day featuring Christmas carols, popcorn and movie fun. The free event open to all children and their families living in Chicago Ridge was hosted by Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar. The movie was shown at the AMC Theatre in the Chicago Ridge Mall. The theatre donated its space, featuring six movie theaters for the day. “I look forward to this every year,” Tokar said. “It’s been a great tradition here in Chicago Ridge. You see not only children, but parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. The absolute best part about it is the smiles and laughter that comes continuously all day from the children. They are so genuinely happy and this is all for them.” Tokar has been running the Children’s Christmas Party since 2012, with funds for the event coming directly from his political fund. The village was not responsible for any of the financial costs affiliated with the party. Prior to Tokar, former Chicago Ridge Mayor Eugene Siegel hosted the party for 28 years. Tokar noted that AMC Theatre was gracious and donated popcorn and pop free of charge to all attendees. The day began with Balloon Dude Dale making crazy balloon animals, followed by a children’s magic show and sing-

The Oak Lawn Village Board approved a $58.3 million 2018 operating budget during its meeting on Monday, which followed a brief public hearing. No residents made any public comments during the 7:15 p.m. hearing that preceded the regular meeting. The budget, as well as the property tax levy, were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda, without any comment from board members. The 2018 approved budget of $58,365,982 is $1.6 million more than the 2017 budget of $56,713,204. But on the bright side for residents, Village Manager Larry Deetjen pointed out after the meeting that there will be a “slight decrease” in the village’s property tax levy. According to preliminary information, the village’s 2017 tax levy, for property tax bills due in 2018, will be $14,300,000. That is a slight reduction from the $14,310,903 paid this year. That was also down slightly from the previous year. In other financial matters discussed at the meeting, Trustee Bud Stalker (5th), the fire department liaison, notified the board that the village’s contract with the firefighters union is ending at the end of this year. Without getting into specifics, he said the village has offered the firefighters a new “fair and equitable” four-year contract that would save the village money without requiring any layoffs over the four years. “Any savings would go toward paying down the $90 million pension debt,” said Stalker. The

contract still must be approved by the union. In police-related matters handled at the meeting, the board approved the purchase one “2018 prisoner-transport vehicle” for $63,157 from Hawk Ford. Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) stressed that the vehicle is being bought with asset forfeiture funds, rather than tax money. “This is money taken from the bad guys,” said Vorderer, a retired police officer. “Do we transport a lot of prisoners?” Trustee Tim Desmond (1st) asked Police Chief Randy Palmer. “This would mainly be for transporting Oak Lawn prisoners. It could also be used on patrol,” explained Palmer. “The vehicle we have now is rusting at the frames, and we can’t get it into the (garage) bays.” He said the new vehicle would also have a camera in the rear passenger compartment, to comply with state law. Earlier in the meeting, Palmer and Mayor Sandra Bury presented department commendations to Detective Peter Hennessy and Amy Tucker, RN, the nurse at Oak Lawn Community High School, for saving the life of a 16-year-old student who went into cardiac arrest at the high school on Nov. 10. Palmer pointed out that Hennessy is a CPR instructor who taught most of the department. He notified Tucker of the emergency and she used an automatic defibrillator to revive the student. “They are absolute gems every day of the week. Their quick reactions were instrumental in saving this student’s life,” said OLCHS Supt. Michael Riordan.

WORTH VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Saraya Restaurant might be replaced by hookah lounge

Photo by Kelly White

Chicago Ridge friends (from left) Alyssa Watt, 9, and Lexie Thoma, 8, show off their balloon animals they received at the Chicago Ridge 5th annual Children’s Christmas Party at AMC Theatre in Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday morning.

a-long Christmas carols. Santa, Mrs. Claus and some of their elves also made a visit out from the North Pole to hear Christmas wishes and to take photos with children and their families. “It’s really nice to have Santa here,” Tokar said. “The children are always so excited to take photos with him.” And he was right, according to Khloe Flynn, of Chicago Ridge. “My favorite part about the day is seeing Santa and the elves,” said Khloe, 7. Volunteering their time were Chicago Ridge public works members and Chicago Ridge clerical staff and trustees, along with the Chicago Ridge police and fire departments, who worked the day taking movie tickets and helping AMC staff to hand out popcorn and beverages. “This is such a great community event for the kids,” said Village Clerk Barbara Harrison. “It’s really wonderful for all of the kids to have an event like this where they can all come together for a fun day and to celebrate the holiday season.” “The kids really look forward to it, and we see the same returning families every year,” said Judy King, Chicago Ridge mayor’s secretary. “I see people at the event who came when they were

children themselves and now they are coming and bringing children of their own.” “This is a really nice event that brings the entire family together; we’re here with our children and grandparents from both sides of our family,” said Kim Parisi, of Chicago Ridge. Tokar gave tickets away to more than 600 Chicago Ridge children and their family members, with a maximum of six tickets allotted per household. Of those 600 tickets, 450 of them were distributed to children, according to King. The movie shown at the theater was the newest Disney Pixar movie, “Coco,” which was just released in theaters on Nov. 22. The movie was chosen by AMC staff. “It’s a new movie that everyone is excited about, and it’s familyfriendly and fun for everyone,” Tokar said. After the movie, every child in attendance received a gift bag filled with goodies to take home, provided by Tokar.

By Sharon L. Filkins

Based on a discussion at the Dec. 5 village board meeting in Worth, a local restaurant mightclose by the end of the year and be replaced with a proposed hookah lounge. The discussion revolved around a recommendation from the village’s Real Estate Development Board (REDB) that a special use permit be granted to applicant Tarek Obaid to establish a retail tobacco store, Alkeif Hookah Lounge, 7011 W. 111th St., along with a variance to reduce the required number of off-street parking spaces. Currently, the facility is occupied by the Saraya Restaurant. “The Saraya Restaurant is going away and, if approved, the proposed retail tobacco store will be located in the building,” said Mayor Mary Werner. She also said the new store will be allowed to use the Metra lot for parking. Obaid said he plans to use valet parking for the new business. In recent months, the Saraya Restaurant had been seeking a special use permit to build a parking lot on the property immediately adjacent to the restaurant. After months of providing plan

revisions required by the village, two ordinances were approved by the village at the Oct. 21 meeting, allowing the construction of a parking lot with special variances at 7015 W. 111th St. Plans for the parking lot included asphalt paving and installation of guard rails to define parking spaces and prevent drive through traffic to the alley behind the restaurant. Following approval of the ordinances at that meeting, Phil Riley, architect on the project, asked Werner if parking would be allowed on the current gravel surface until it can be paved next spring. “Since this ordinance was not approved until tonight, we are past the seasonal deadline for paving projects,” he said.

Werner initially said, “No, parking on the gravel lot is not permitted.” However, Greg Jones, the village attorney, stated that Riley could submit a written request to allow the interim parking. “It will then come before the board for review,” he said. In conversation on Monday with Village Clerk Bonnie Price, she said the business license for the Saraya restaurant expires on Dec. 31. “We have not received an application for its renewal,” she said. She added that if the special use permit is granted for the tobacco store, its license would become effective Jan.1. Werner was not available for any additional comments.

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4 The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

‘Beauty and the Beast’ guests welcomed to library tea party

Local children accompanied by their parents attended the “Be Our Guest” Tea Party for the first- ever Beauty and the Beast event at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave., on Dec. 5. Children enjoyed having some tea with their

friends during the night activity. Members of the Chicago Ridge Library staff also participated in the event. Irene Ciciora, the head of the youth services department at the Chicago Ridge Library, also took part in the activity, sharing tea with

Irene Ciciora (center), head of the youth services department at the Chicago Ridge Library, enjoys tea with local children a the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest” Tea Party.

Sewar Alkhalidi, 9, of Chicago Ridge, sips tea at the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest” Tea Party.

the youngsters. While celebrating the book and the movie of “Beauty and the Beast,” the rest of the night of fun was arranged for children to interact and socialize. Many of the children were dressed in costumes

that looked like those featured in the movie. The tea party is one of several activities that are being held this month at the Chicago Ridge Library for children and to celebrate the holiday season.

Chicago Ridge cousins (from left), Kaydence King, 3; Clara King, 4; and Mallory Meyer, 4, are decked out in their favorite princess outfits to enjoy the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest” Tea Party. They attended the event with their grandmother, Judy King, of Chicago Ridge.

Chicago Ridge sisters (from left) Sahzeia Jahangir, 12, and Sadeia, 10, say cheers with their tea cups.

Photos by Kelly White

Samantha Zimmerman, youth services associate at the Chicago Ridge Library, attends the library’s Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest” Tea Party with her 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn.

Some light is shed on illuminated LED business signs in Palos Hills By Michael Gilbert Palos Hills officials plan to discuss later this month whether to pull the plug on LED storefront window lights, which are becoming more popular — but also potentially distracting to drivers — as business owners try new ways to attract customers. Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) told the council and a handful of residents present for the committee of the whole meeting Dec. 7 he has obtained ordinances from five nearby towns who either prohibit the window lights completely or have restrictions in place. Copies of the ordinances were given to the aldermen to review and Kleefisch asked the council to discuss the issue at the next meeting on Dec. 21. Kleefisch has made clear his dislike of the lights at prior meetings and he reiterated that stance last week. “To me they appear garish and are not something that makes our community more attractive,” he said. “Part of the purpose of an ordinance is to ensure our community appearance is acceptable so that is why I brought it to the council for consideration.” Palos Hills currently has nothing specific in its books that address the window lights, Kleefisch noted. Approximately 10 businesses in Palos Hills have the lights and this method of gaining customers’ attention appears to be on the rise, he said.

As more businesses place the lights, which are typically close to 60 watts per bulb, in their windows, Kleefisch said he is concerned it could deviate a driver’s eyes off the road and on to the storefront. “I passed by a couple of them and they were so bright that it distracted me from my driving,” he said. “It was such an intense light that I had to look where it was coming from.” If the city does opt to prohibit the window lights, Kleefisch said a decision will need to be made on whether to grandfather those 10 or so businesses with them already. He said it is a topic that has been briefly discussed at previous meetings but no consensus has been made. While Kleefisch has not heard from any residents whether they are in favor or opposed to the lights, he said people are definitely noticing them. “To this day I have not had any calls or emails from anybody but when I’ve brought it up in conversation with my neighbors they right away respond ‘Oh yea, I’ve seen them,’” he said. “I didn’t poll them for their opinion, but they are aware of them.” When interviewed by The Reporter after the meeting, Alderman Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward) said if it came to a vote she would be in favor of allowing the businesses to use the lights. “It’s a trendy thing to attract attention to their business and most of the lights aren’t

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real bright,” Stratton said. “It’s mainly at small businesses and small businesses are still struggling because the economy hasn’t come back. I back small businesses so I’m not opposed to the lights.” Ald. Ricky Moore (4th Ward) said after the meeting he was still undecided on whether the lights should be prohibited. “If something is a distraction then it’s certainly something we should talk about,” Moore said. “Ald. (Kleefisch) has a point if something is blinking or is so bright that it is truly distracting then it could possibly cause a traffic accident or worse. I think we will have some more conversations and come to a happy compromise.” Moore said he too has not been contacted by any residents about the storefront lights and was unaware of any traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers blaming the lights. “We just need to proceed forward and be fair to our businesses,” he said. “I’m openminded to both sides.” In other news, Ald. Joe Marrotta (4th Ward) announced a new driving school is slated to open in Palos Hills in the beginning of 2018. Ultimate Driving School is slated to open in a vacant storefront at 8104 W. 111th St., Marrotta said. He did not have an exact timetable for the opening but expected it within the next couple of months. It will be the second driving school in the city as Palos Driving School is located also on 111th Street, he said.

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News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Hearing conducted on whether ‘I A Woman’ film is obscene

From the Dec. 14, 1967 issue:

The story: A hearing on charges that the Swedish-Danish film “I A Woman” is obscene was conducted Dec. 12 with the hearing continuing on Monday, Jan 15 at the Oak Lawn Branch of the Circuit Court. The circuit court is awaiting a federal court ruling, which is expected to affect this case. Named in the complaint, filed by assistant state’s attorney Nicholas Juric, are Aubudon Films, owner of the movie, and Teitel Film Corporation. Included in the complaint is AT and K Enterprises, owner of the studio theater at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue in Chicago Ridge, where the film was shown last fall. The quote: “Also named in the complaint is Frank McCrindle, the manager (at the theater), and Robert McEwen, the projectionist,” Juric said.

• 25 years ago Palos Hills mayor angry over proposed water rake hike From the Dec. 10, 1992 issue: The story: An angry Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett said he was disturbed to read about a potential 20 percent rate hike for water sold to the city by Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn’s draft of a 1993 budget anticipates nearly $1.2 million more revenues from water sales to other communities next year, which translates into an estimated average rate hike of 25 cents per 1,000 gallons, according to Oak Lawn Village Manager Michael Feeley. Bennett threatened that Palos Hills will look for another water supplier if the Oak Lawn rate increase is not justified on a cost basis. The quote: “This city will take a very strong position against any rate increase that is without justification,” Bennett said.

• 10 years ago Stony Creek Golf Clubhouse enters catering business From the Dec. 13, 2007 issue:

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The story: In an attempt to bring in more revenue during the offseason, the Oak Lawn Park District’s golf course is considering entering the catering business. Stony Creek Golf Clubhouse, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, is adding catering to its restaurant and banquet facility in attempt to boost business during the winter months, said Chris Chenoweth, general manager at the Stony Creek Clubhouse. The quote: “It’s a new idea and we hope it’s a big success,” Chenoweth said. “We’ve upped the ante, we want to re-establish who we are and we’re real excited.”

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Reporter

Buona Beef open for business in Oak Lawn

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Hills fun. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net. Several readers had the correct response to last week’s photo quiz. The photo showed a portion of the Columbus Manor Elementary School, 9700 S. Mayfield Ave., Oak Lawn. The school nickname is the Mustangs. The clue was “Mustang Pride.” Palos Park resident Ron Wagenhofer knew the right answer was Columbus Manor. Also answering correctly were Hickory Hills resident Janice Mastro and Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum.

SUDOKU

Answers on Page 8

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Physics building block 5 Barbecue side 9 Run-of-the-mill 14 Track tipster 15 “How’s it goin’?” 16 Grammar topic 17 Folk story 18 Autobahn auto 19 British peers 20 It may be coiled in the grass 22 Frozen drinks 24 Brownstone entrances 26 Hebrew : Ben :: Arabic : __ 27 “... that golden key / That __ the palace of eternity”: Milton 28 “For real?” 29 Alias in a landmark case 30 Auctioned wheels 31 Unlikely replies from sycophants 32 Get dolled (up) 35 Atlantic and Pacific, in Monopoly: Abbr. 37 Prefix with magnetic 39 Subscriber’s order 43 Like some coffee tables 44 Biological building block 45 “Veep” network 46 Henry VIII’s sixth wife Catherine 49 Public health org. 51 Sends 53 Chef’s chamber 54 NYC airport 55 Brahms’ Opus 18, for one 56 Messenger bags 58 Bend at a barre 59 Nobelist Root 60 Kentucky border river 62 Publisher Adolph 65 Samurai without a master 66 Nix 67 Wailuku’s island 68 Speaks harshly 69 Endor villager 70 Design detail, for short

DOWN 1 All-hrs. cash source 2 Fisher-Price product 3 Privy 4 Ore. skiing destination 5 Crocs, e.g. 6 Guff 7 “Yes, cap’n!” 8 Home builder’s purchase 9 Salt Lake City team 10 Equine-like fish 11 Not ready for harvesting 12 Catching some z’s 13 To a smaller degree 21 Commercials on the tube, in adspeak 23 In need of leveling 24 Holiday song ender 25 Level, e.g. 33 Ancient source of prophecy 34 Award for excellence in the field 36 Nail polish 38 Fritos snack 40 Bit of ocean chop ... or, literally, what each part of 3-, 8-, 10-, 34and 38-Down can have 41 Up to it 42 Too far off the trail 46 Tough questions 47 Land of Arthurian legend 48 Eye part with rods and cones 50 Kidney-shaped nut 52 Geometry rules 55 Hobgoblin 57 Followers of Attila 61 Skater Midori 63 Palette shade 64 Incite to go after, with “on”

Answers on Page 8

By Kelly White Buona Beef, the original Italian beef restaurant, held a “beefcutting” ceremony on Dec. 5, welcoming its newest store to Oak Lawn. Yes, you read that right: a beefcutting ceremony instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting event. Family-owned and operated by the Buonavolanto family of Berwyn, the 21st location of the wellknown beef restaurant opened its doors to customers in Oak Lawn at 6235 W. 95th St. Construction of the new location began in April and completed in November, using the remaining time in November and December to train staff before the grand opening. The restaurant marks the group’s third new opening in 2017. “Oak Lawn has been very easy to work with,” said Don Buonavolanto, principal owner of the Buona companies. “Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We couldn’t have picked a better location for our 21st location.” Working along with Don are Joe Sr., founder; and his other family members, Joe Jr., Carlo, Jim and John. Founder Joe Buonavolanto Sr. was among a group of Italian immigrants who made the Italian

Buona Beef held a “beef-cutting ceremony” on Dec. 5, welcoming its newest store to Oak Lawn. Taking part in the cutting of the beef were (from left) Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th), Mayor Sandra Bury, Don Buonavolanto, principal owner of the Buona companies; and Village Clerk Jane Quinlan. Photo by Kelly White

beef sandwich a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene, taking a second mortgage on his home in order to open the company’s first restaurant in Berwyn. His focus remains solely on family and tradition, according to the Buonavolanto family. In attendance at the beefcutting ceremony, where a three-foot-long beef sandwich was commemorated then enjoyed, were Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury, members of the

Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, village board trustees, the Buonavolanto family and Oak Lawn store staff. “We want to welcome them to Oak Lawn,” Bury said. “We are all so excited to have them here with us. It’s a great location on 95th Street. The food is good and nutritious and the new restaurant is absolutely beautiful.” Bury was referring to the restaurant, which holds a slightly different design than some of

the other Buona Beef locations. The Oak Lawn location’s design is evocative of Chicago’s meatpacking district, with the exterior covered in turn of the 20th century style brick. The interior features an exposed industrial looking ceiling, polished concrete floors and subway tile throughout. The space is bright and features floor-to-ceiling windows, seasonal outdoor seating, and a double drive-through for faster ordering. As with every Buona location, the Oak Lawn restaurant offers dine-in, and carry-out and delivery services. “This restaurant really brings a lot to Oak Lawn,” said Jane Quinlan, the Oak Lawn Village Clerk. “It’s beautiful inside and has wonderful curb appeal on the outside, with a location that just pops out as you drive along 95th Street.” “I was very happy to hear that they were opening up a restaurant right here in Oak Lawn,” said Oak Lawn Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th). Restaurant owners also decided to keep the staff local. “We hired nearly 90 employees prior to the opening and all of them are from around the Oak Lawn area,” Don Buonavolanto said. The family-owned fast casual chain serves a blend of old-school Chicago classics, including its signature Italian beef, Italian sausage, beef and sausage combos, meatball and pepper and egg sandwiches, alongside fresh, scratch-made fare including pizzas, salads and more. The menu also features Chicago-style hot dogs and seasonal shakes and sandwiches.

COMMENTARY

6 The Reporter THE

Thursday, December 14, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Durkin dead serious in primary battle

Morrison deserves praise for ending Preckwinkle beverage tax

f you were worried that House Republican Leader Jim Durkin wasn’t taking his primary race seriously enough, think again. As you may already know, Leader Durkin is being challenged by Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub, who has backing from conservative activist Dan Proft and Operating Engineers Union Local 150. It’s a bizarre duo teaming up in an unprecedented attempt to take out a Republican legislative leader. Durkin is the favorite, but one doesn’t want to take any chances in these trying times. So, Durkin has brought in the highly capable Mike Zolnierowicz to handle things on his campaign. Mike Z, as he’s known in political circles, was Gov. Rauner’s deputy campaign manager, then his first chief of staff, then ran Rauner’s massive campaign apparatus until this past July, when Z resigned during Rauner’s Great Summer Staff Purge (and eventual repurge) of 2017 and joined Xpress Professional Rich Services as its political director. Miller Z simply could not stay around after Rauner pushed out most of the people he had brought in (including his replacement as chief of staff Richard Goldberg) and replaced them with what turned out to be incompetent ideologues. After allowing Proft the field to himself for the past several weeks, Leader Durkin’s campaign is now running two new cable TV ads. One is a positive spot that appears designed to address questions about his record made by Proft’s group. “Jim Durkin’s record?” the ad begins, “Durkin stood up to [House Speaker Michael Madigan’s] machine, his tax increase, his unbalanced budgets. Now Jim’s pushing property tax cuts. He knows we need relief. Jim Durkin, fighting for families against Madigan’s tax hikes.” Z didn’t pioneer the use of anti-Madigan themes. That’s been around for decades. But he’s the one who made those attacks ubiquitous with Rauner’s money in the 2014 campaign all the way through the 2016 election, when the Republicans impressively took away four seats from the House Democrats in a presidential cycle. And Z was planning to do it again until he decided to leave Team Rauner. The second, negative TV spot against Straub also brings in Madigan, and uses Local 150’s support for Straub against the candidate. “Ever met Mickey Straub? Don’t bother. You already know the man behind ‘Madigan Mickey,’” the narrator says as a black and white photo of Speaker Madigan is shown on screen. “That’s why Madigan and his union allies are revving up the Chicago machine to grease the skids for Mickey Straub,” the narrator then says as a reference to my syndicated column in the Sun-Times about 150’s support for Straub is displayed. “Say No to Madigan Mickey.” There’s also a mailer designed to warn voters that a “Million dollar Madigan front group is backing Mickey Straub.” And the Durkin folks have started a new website, MadiganMickey.com. “Straub’s campaign is being supported by a Chicago special interest group that’s funneled more than $1 million to Mike Madigan and wants to raise your taxes even higher,” a message on the front page says. “And it’s no surprise they want to hike Illinois’ Gas Tax by 15 cents per gallon. They even suggested that Illinois drivers should be taxed for every mile they drive…as much as $65 per month for the average family.” I don’t know about the cost estimate, but the union has been advocating for just such a pay-by-the-mile plan during the last year or so. Ironically enough, Z worked with a coalition of road builders and Local 150 on a constitutional amendment question last year. The website also previews some other likely attacks against Straub, including campaign fines that he allegedly didn’t pay until he decided to run for the House, and four unbalanced Burr Ridge budgets. So, considering that Gov. Rauner funds most of Durkin’s political operation, does Z’s hiring signal that the GOP establishment in this state is finally starting to patch things up after that huge July crackup? I wouldn’t go that far. But with Rauner’s Republican primary opponent Rep. Jeanne Ives already giving Rauner fits (just look at his bizarre “I am not in charge” press conference last week if you need proof) and Proft looking to pick off House Republican incumbents who voted for the tax hike as well as win some vacant seats, they gotta start somewhere, and Durkin’s race is a good place to do so. But Proft isn’t backing off. His Liberty Principles PAC has been spending about $70,000 a week on cable TV ads. His latest spots feature former Chicago Bears football player Dan Hampton. Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

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GUEST VIEWPOINTS

Middle class hopes unfulfilled by president

By Cong. Dan Lipinski

Bringing people together to solve problems and improve the everyday lives of middle-class Americans has always been my top priority in Congress. Unfortunately, not enough people in Washington make this their priority. Americans in the middle class know that they have often been forgotten or ignored. President Trump promised that he would change that by delivering trade deals that help the middle class, a much-needed boost for manufacturing, a trillion dollar infrastructure bill, and tax reform that would provide relief for the middle class. But so far, the president has failed to deliver. On trade, President Trump has delivered little in terms of real change. He began the year by officially killing off the TransPacific Partnership (TPP), but that deal was already dead thanks to the aggressive fight some of us in Congress put up to let people know how bad this deal would be for middle class Americans. Since then, the president has declined to declare China a currency manipulator even though he said he would stop this unfair trade practice. He has also failed so far to take action against steel imports – up almost 20 percent this year – that are not only hurting American workers, but also our national security. In late October, I joined almost 70 of my colleagues in calling on him to finally act. Similarly on manufacturing there has been little action by the White House. Thanks to a bill that I wrote that got signed into law in the 113th Congress — the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act — the administration will be required this spring to publish a plan to boost American manufacturing. It will be the first time since Alexander Hamilton that America has had a manufacturing strategy. It is critical that the Trump Administration fulfills its obligation and produces a good plan because manufacturing jobs are the type of high-quality jobs that America’s middle class needs. On election night last year President Trump mentioned only one specific policy in his speech — a trillion dollar infrastructure plan. More than a year later, we have yet to see a bill much less have any action on what could have had bipartisan support. The vague plan we have seen mentions only $200 billion in federal money that I have serious doubts will work. In fact, I have said this directly to the president’s infrastructure policy director.

The only specific plans we’ve seen on infrastructure from the White House this year were in the president’s budget, which proposed significant cuts for transportation. Fortunately, we have been able to fight off those cuts so far, but the Third District, our region, and our nation need a robust infrastructure bill that will fix transportation systems, including public transportation, water and sewer systems, and other infrastructure in desperate need of repair. This would not only put people to work in the short term, but also make our economy more efficient, producing jobs in the long term. The tax bill at this point looks like a complete failure for the middle class despite Republican promises. The bill adds $1.5 trillion to our debt over 10 years, with corporations receiving $1 trillion, a very wealthy few receiving about $100 billion through eliminating the estate tax, and about $300 billion in cuts spread out among all other taxpayers. The House bill, which I voted against, takes away deductions that are critical to middle-class families, such as the deductions for student loan interest and for extraordinary medical expenses. In addition, the House bill severely curtails the deduction for state and local taxes paid, with the Senate version of the bill completely taking this away. This will particularly hurt people in high tax areas such as ours. I had hoped to vote for tax reform because we all know our country needs it, but this is not reform and worst of all it doesn’t help — and in some ways hurts — the middle class. I hope, but do not expect, the bill to change significantly before final passage. Finally, there is one issue that doesn’t just impact the middle class but impacts all Americans — especially women — which needs to be addressed. The stories we are hearing about sexual harassment and assault are sickening, and we now know that Congress has been the site of some of this horrible behavior. We must do all we can to fight the scourge of sexual harassment and all harassment in our society. In Congress, we need to change how we deal with incidents of harassment. That is why I am cosponsoring the ME TOO Congress Act to empower victims to bring mistreatment to light and have cases adequately adjudicated. There is so much that we as a society need to do to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity at all times. I am hopeful that this moment will cause a real significant move toward that goal.

Berlin Wall and President Trump’s wall

From everything that we read and hear the illegal immigration situation is still an ongoing problem. It seems as though the politicians on both sides of the aisle just keep kicking the can down the road. President Trump was elected on promises that he made as he campaigned for the job. One of those was that he was going to build a wall on the U.S and Mexico border. I just read the article from a fellow contributor to The Regional News and The Reporter newspapers, titled “Tear down all walls in the name of freedom.” Of course, there were a few good points and some not so good in the letter. In my opinion there is no comparison between the Berlin wall and the Trump wall. The most important point being that the Berlin Wall was to keep the East German people in and the Trump wall is to keep illegals out. As I see it, it is not comparing apples with apples in this scenario. Soon after WWII and Germany was divided, the East German government (a communist country) began asking to be allowed to put up a wall. It was not until sometime in 1961 that they were finally given permission to do so. This was after about two million of their citizens had fled the country. All of this I remember very well since I was a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, based in Peoria, Ill, and a soon to be a first-time father. So as things progressed and the wall was built and the flow of East Germans trying to flee to West Germany was stopped, American was put on alert that the Cold War could turn hot. Soon after the wall went up, the 169th Fighter Squadron was called to active duty as of Oc. 1, 1961 Dean Koldernhoven’s letter gave us the short version of how America dealt with the Indians in the past and present times. It also covered what the president has been attempting to accomplish in his short time in office. Knowing full well that Mr. Koldenhoven is a “Trump Hater” should be considered as you read and digest the letter. In an article from another paper that was titled, “Immigrant taking refuge in city church sues federal government.” That just blows my mind. How in the world can a person that is in this country illegally and in

fact in the process of being deported sue any government body? It is a long drawn out and complicated story and I won’t attempt to tell it here. All these years later, this person was somehow able to remain in the U.S. until the government found out about her prior arrest, which had made her ineligible for legal status. Of course, we can all have empathy concerning her plight and her fight for not wanting to leave her family. This is just one story from around the country that has touched the lives of so many people. It comes down to the fact that there are so many more people that come through the front door and wait their turn to become citizens of this great country. So, the question is, is it fair to those who do the right thing? I say no and the Trump wall may be the only way to put an end to this Illegal immigration problem. It has to stop somewhere and the sooner the better. Our elected officials have to fix this problem. The really sad story that has to be told over and over is the one of Kate Steinle. This young woman was walking arm and arm with her father on Pier 14 in San Francisco when she was shot and killed. Her killer was a man that has ignored the law and found his way back to the U.S. a number of times. He should not have been where he was shooting at sea lions. But he was and Miss Steinle became a victim. By the way, the shooter was not convicted, not even of manslaughter. San Francisco, like Chicago and many other large American cities, is a sanctuary city. If the border was better protected or Trump’s wall is built maybe, just maybe, we will not have an illegal immigrant problem. The American people want, expect, and in fact, demand an end to the out of control number of illegals coming into America and the large number that are in America and have been for many years. We the people need to be assured that our borders are safe and secure from any form of outside threat. I am not saying that all of the ideas that President Trump has put forward are for the best, but if one of the answers to this problem is a 30-foot-high wall, then I say build it. — Don C. White, Palos Hills

he one-cent tax on soda and sweetened drinks finally ended Dec. 1. A penny doesn’t sound like much, but the tax was compounded by being applied to the number of ounces in a drink. For one 20-ounce bottle of pop, the tax equaled 20 cents. That was oppressive. Worse is that the creator of the tax, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, devised her tax with the goal of exempting families who live in her district on Chicago’s South Side while placing the enormous tax burden on families that live in Chicago’s suburbs. There are nearly 1.2 million residents who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Food Stamps) to make food purchases. Under federal guidelines, you can’t tax SNAP spending. The vast majority of SNAP recipients live in Chicago. Preckwinkle could have proposed a sales tax on every sale in Cook County, but her own constituents would have been upset along with everyone else. Ironically, she won office by denouncing her predecessor, Todd Stroger, who imposed a one percent sales tax hike. But after Preckwinkle was elected, she hypocritically reinstated the Stroger sales tax. Preckwinkle lied to get into office. Sean Morrison represents the 17th District, which cuts through Cook County’s suburbs from north to south. It includes much of the southwest suburbs. He is the committeeman of Palos Township, which has been targeted by a small group of Middle East extremists who are politically allied with Preckwinkle. If it wasn’t for Morrison, we would still be paying the one-cent per-ounce tax on soda pop and sweetened drinks. Morrison is much like his anti-tax predecessor Liz Gorman. There is a history of speaking out against unfair taxes in the 17th District, and we should be thankful. Preckwinkle, like many of her allies, place the burden of taxation on the suburbs while putting most of the services in Cook County. Many of her Chicago allies are anti-suburbs. Morrison was joined by a few other commissioners, including 16th District Commissioner Jeff Tobolski of McCook. Yet through sheer persistence, Morrison prevailed by refusing to be bullied. Preckwinkle, a Democrat, targeted Morrison, a Republican. The viciousness and personal animosity from Preckwinkle was heavy. Although Preckwinkle whined that she was disturbed by the personal nature of the criticism, the truth is that Preckwinkle made this personal and was even worse. Families in these two districts could feel the burdensome weight of Preckwinkle’s tax. Most of the county’s services benefit Chicago-area residents. Suburbanites are an afterthought. The suburbs are bullied by Chicago policies, including the skewered policies and spending of the Regional Transit Authority. We’re forced to cough up to help pay for the pathetic management of the Chicago Public Schools. Suburbanites need to recognize that the issue isn’t Democrats versus Republicans. It is suburbanites versus Chicago politicians who don’t care about our issues or concerns. When a politician steps up to the plate that cares for our concerns, we need to make sure we give that elected official our support. Fortunately, I doubt that Preckwinkle can get re-elected this spring. She faces a tough challenge from Bob Fioretti, who, by the way, would have beat Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the last mayoral election if he, not Jesus Garcia, had received the backing of the powerful Chicago teachers Union. And by the way, Garcia enthusiastically supported the Preckwinkle tax until the polls showed it might hurt his “electability.” When the Preckwinkle soda tax finally came down, we owe our gratitude to Morrison, Tobolski, John Fritchey and Bridget Gainer — Chicago-based commissioners who had the courage to confront the oppressive tax — and to suburbanites Timothy Schneider, Richard Boykin, Gregg Goslin and Peter Silvestri. Let’s not forget those courageous commissioners. And let’s not forget Preckwinkle, who needs to go. It’s not a partisan issue. Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Reporter

Palos Indoor Farmers Market to host holiday celebration Saturday The holiday season celebration of the Palos Heights Indoor Farmers Market will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 16 in the Orchard Room of the Palos Heights Recreation Department, 6601 W. 127th St. The Stagg High School Madrigal Singers will perform. Local artists will be on hand and face painting will also take place. Fresh farm ingredients for holiday dishes will be provided at the event. Vendors returning from the Summer Market include Zeldenrust and Lyons

Farms, Sikta Salmon, Windy Hill Farm, Olivaceto, Eating Well, Aracely’s Bakery and Tamales, Camille’s Confections, Rita Schultz DayDreamer Jewelry, and Pampered Chef. New vendors to the Winter Market include Rustic Knead Bakery (artisan breads and croissants), Salad Bowl Creations (cranberry sauces and healthy Mediterranean bars), Homewood Kitchen Gardens (organic teas) and Island Soapies (Natural soaps and personal care products), Etalaya’s Exotic Mandel Broit and Ethereal Boutique, Chiro One, and possibly more.

Large quantities of fall/winter produce, including onions, leeks, white, red and sweet potatoes, winter squash, Brussel sprouts, apples, cider, eggs, greens, local honey, popcorn, meats, fish and more are available from the farmers. Toffee is available for dessert tables for holiday parties. Olive oils and vinegars are available. Gift packages are also available. Hot tamales can be purchased as well as veggie patties. Desserts are available at Eating Well. Jean Freeman is the winner of the Nov. 18 Farmers Market gift certificate

raffle. A $5 Farmers Market Gift Certificate Raffle will take place at the end of each market. All attendees are welcome to enter. Canned food items will be accepted for area food panties at all indoor markets. Palos Heights Farmers Market Gift Certificates will also be for sale. They are sold for $5 each and can be used at both the winter and upcoming summer Farmers Markets. LINK cards are accepted at the Palos Heights Farmers Market. Stop by the city table to start the process.

DEATH NOTICES

Sounds of Christmas

Rosanne Bocian

The Holy Redeemer Choir performed a variety of Christmas carols and holiday favorites during the Dickens Christmas in Evergreen Park that was held on Dec 2 near the gazebo in the Community Center parking lot. The choir also performed a version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Jane Flood

Rosanne (Mary) Bocian (nee McCambridge), 80, a former Palos Heights resident, died Dec. 2 in Colorado. Mrs. Bocian was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Joseph; daughters, Carleen McDermott and Siobhan Kleinman; sons, Patrick and Joseph II; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at St. Alexander Church, 7025 W. 126th St., Palos Heights. Inurnment will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.

Photo by Joe Boyle

Thanksgiving meal attracts unwanted guest

bet most of you are focusing on Christmas looming in the near future. If you’re up to par on your decking of the halls and shopping, maybe it’s not so much looming as it might be for others. As for me, I’m still feeling the effects of this past Thanksgiving. It was one I will remember well. I think I will always look back on it with warm and furry feelings. Did I say furry? I meant fuzzy. I think. When I host a holiday dinner, brunch, or party, something always goes awry, it’s just a given. And it usually gets a lot of laughs from the family. They know how detail-oriented I am, and how hard it is for me to shrug off a glitch. There was the year my husband drove off to the annual Thanksgiving morning family football game, with all of my side dishes for dinner packed into his back seat. That’s a good tip if you don’t have a lot of refrigerator space; you might want to jot it down. But in this case, all I could imagine was mashed potatoes and stuffing splattering all over his back seat and windows as he rounded a corner. Everything was fine, but he loves to bring it up every year, especially the part about me running down the driveway in my pajamas screaming, “Are my sweet potatoes OK?” There was also the Christmas dinner when I thought I was very diligent about removing the neck and giblets. Sometimes I’ve missed one or the other, and my husband has a real look of glee when he carves the turkey, wielding the little bag of organs around like he just delivered an eight-pound baby boy. This particular year, I was putting the finishing touches on my homemade gravy by chopping up the lovingly cooked kidneys and liver, while my husband hummed and sliced the turkey. Suddenly he stopped, and with a flourish, held up a whole plastic pouch clearly marked “gravy.” There was a moment of silence before I snatched the bag from him and emptied the contents into the pot I was stirring. Live and learn, I guess. What’s next? A hidden treasure map? A lottery ticket? So, back to this year. Everything was running like a well-oiled machine. My guests had eaten one of my better turkey dinners, and my

daughters actually cleaned up the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher without getting into a fight that could have involved some hair pulling. Extended family and friends filled the house, chatting while they ate and raised their glasses in good cheer. Janet reveling in all of Boudreau thisI was when I felt a tap on my shoulder. My 12-year old niece leaned in and said quietly, “Aunt Janet, there’s a mouse in the kitchen.” My heart dropped into my stomach, and I feigned surprise. “Oh, no. That’s very unusual.” I glanced behind me into the kitchen, and there was the little varmint, running in circles around the trash can. I tried to motion to my husband across the room. It was very silly because there were about five people between us. Waving my hands, I mouthed his name. He looked at me puzzled, just as my niece said loudly, “You have a mouse in the kitchen.” The conversation around me stopped abruptly. There might have been a few exclamations, and some giggling. I gave my husband a pleading look to the effect of, ‘Do Something!’ With that, my brother-in-law, Liam, stood up and brushed the crumbs off his lap, “I’ll take of it,” he said in his Irish brogue. Everyone started applauding and slapping him on the back. Yeah, let Liam wrestle him down. He ran the family farm in Ireland for 20 years! It all made for a funny moment, for some at least. My husband said to me later, “I thought you got the poison down last month.” Of course I did. It never fails. The cold weather starts and the mice make their way in. It’s been a fall occurrence for the past 31 years we’ve lived in this old house. Once that first surge is over, we are okay. I think with the rise and fall of our temperatures this fall, everything is a little off. Some may not agree with our methods of handling the little pests, but we did try everything, including having a professional come out. The first thing I tell anyone who

says “I have a mouse” is that no, you have mice. For every one you see, you most likely have about 25 more hiding in the walls or a niche. It’s not so much that they holler outside to their pals, “Hey, we found a great place to crash for the winter.” It’s more about how fast they multiply. A female mouse only carries it’s litter for 19 to 21 days, and those litters can be as large as 14. That same female can have up to 10 litters a year. And those babies? They can reproduce at the young age of six weeks. I can’t say my method for ridding our home of mice is the most desired, and I would certainly talk to a pest control professional and use extreme care if you have children or pets. I use the plastic boxes that are almost adult proof, much less childproof. You can find them at any hardware store. The poison not only eliminates the adults, but also any litters being nursed inside your walls. I’ve heard that homes with attached garages, like ours, are most likely to have mice. Your home can be as clean as a whistle, but these little rodents will find a way to get at any food source you have. They can squeeze through a space as small as the eraser tip of a pencil. And if you’ve ever encountered their droppings in a place where you store food, it’s an eye opener. Our company left later that evening. Liam had garnered a lot of attention, and was feeling pretty chuffed when he walked out the door. As I was finishing up the last of the cleaning at the kitchen sink, I caught sight of another critter peeking out from under the radiator. I carefully swept the floor and put out a box of “Peace of Mind.” My husband came in, patted me on the shoulder, and thanked me for a great meal and day. We laughed a little about the fiasco, and he said not to feel so bad and that I was a good hostess. I smiled because it’s true. I’m also a clever hostess. Next time a guest sees a mouse in my house, I’m just going to smile and say, “Oh, that’s our pet mouse, Mickey.”

Due to the generosity of residents in Palos Township, two truckloads of food have been donated to the food pantry at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. “I heard the pantry at the college was starting to run low, so we put out the plea to the township,” said John Coleman, chair of the college’s board of trustees. “We thought this would be a great place to donate.” The donation, organized by Colleen Grant Schumann, Palos Township supervisor; and delivered by Gene Adams, highway commissioner, was received with much appreciation on behalf of the food pantry, which is overseen by Teresa Hannon and Shanya Gray, counselors at the college. “What is really nice is that Palos Township recognized that many of our students are in need,” Hannon said. “We really and truly appreciate their generosity.”

Moraine Valley Community College Trustee John Coleman (right) and Gene Adams, Palos Township highway commissioner, help deliver a portion of the food donated by the township to the college’s food pantry. Supplied photo

Cook County launches ‘Cook Central’ mapping and data hub mapping applications such as Connect to Cook to provide business owners, residents and entrepreneurs with free access to critical information to help them open a business or relocate to Cook County,” Preckwinkle added. Available data include map layers such as transportation infrastructure, recreation, housing, business and manufacturing locations. The Connect to Cook app can help entrepreneurs determine customer communities, display potential competitor locations and analyze the population within a specific drive-time or distance.

Jane D. Flood (nee Broda), 91, died Saturday at his Worth home. Mrs. Flood was a homemaker. Survivors include daughters, Cynthia Lupa, Melody LeWald, Shelly Mroczka and Audrey Dambek; 12 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Services are at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 14) at PalosGaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Geraldine Kluszewski Geraldine Kluszewski, 82, a Hickory Hills resident, died Dec. 6 at the Lexington nursing facility in LaGrange. Mrs. Kluszewski, who was a homemaker, left no immediate survivors. Services were Monday from Lack & Sons Funeral Home to St. Patricia Church. Entombment took place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Shirley O’Connor Shirley Mae O’Connor (nee Beeson), 82, a longtime Oak Lawn resident, died Saturday at Brookdale Senior Living in Orland Park. Mrs. O’Connor was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Conklin; son, Tim; sister, Sandra Polit; and four grandchildren. Services were Tuesday from Curley Funeral Home to St. Linus Church. Interment took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Sylvia Tamosaitis Sylvia Tamosaitis (nee Pupka), 82, an Oak Lawn resident, died Dec. 6. Mrs. Tamosaitis was a nurse’s aide. Survivors include sons, Leonard, Edward and David; and four grandchildren. Services were Monday from Lawn Funeral Home to St. Germaine Church. Interment was private.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

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

Palos Township residents donate to MVCC food pantry

Cook County unveiled “Cook Central” — a mapping and geographic data hub for sharing information with the public. Cook Central is a one-stop shop for the County’s Department of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Cook Central was unveiled on Dec. 1 at Cook County’s GIS Day celebration. “When people think about maps they’re usually focused on getting from point A to point B,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “GIS Day is a reminder that mapping can help us get to point B in many more ways than providing driving directions. “For example, at Cook County we use GIS

The market representatives would like to thank this year’s Palos Heights Farmers Market sponsors. They include Dr. John Principe, MD, of Wellbeing MD Center for Life; Palos Health; The Private Bank; CNB Bank and Trust; United Trust Bank; Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Running for Kicks, Golden Shoes; and Camille’s Confections. Additional information about the market can be found at www.palosheights. org, by emailing farmersmarket@ palosheights.org. Residents can also join them on Facebook or call (708) 361-1800.

Many other interactive maps are available on Cook Central. The new hub is also home to GIS open data. Digital tool developers can also use it to build their own maps and applications at no charge. In 2014, Preckwinkle and County Commissioners eliminated charges for County GIS data. To learn more about Cook Central and see the new application, visit cookcountyil. gov/CookCentral. For more information about the Cook County GIS program can be obtained by visiting cookcountyil.gov/gis.

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

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

8 The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Time to review investment strategy for the year

COMINGS & GOINGS

Pop’s Beef celebrates Ugly Sweater Day

op’s Italian Beef & Sausage locations are encouraging patrons to wear their favorite holiday sweaters on Friday, Dec. 15, which is National Ugly Sweater Day. Guests who don a holiday sweater will each receive a free half-order of fries. “We hope that our local neighborhoods will jump into the holiday spirit with us,” Kacie Radochonski, director of operations for Pop’s Italian Beef and Sausage, said in a release. “We wanted to find a fun way to give back to our loyal fans Bob this holiday season and knowing Bong the Midwest winter weather, we know there’s nothing better than a good holiday sweater and some delicious hot fries.” Besides the free fries, customers can share a photo of themselves wearing the sweater for a chance to win a $50 Pop’s Beef gift card. All they have to do is post their photo to their personal Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account with the hashtag #PopsBeef in the caption. The photo with the most likes will determine the winner, which will be announced and contacted directly on Dec. 16. “With all locations participating, we’re hosting Chicagoland’s biggest ugly sweater party,” said Radochonski. “So, bust out your best holiday sweaters and bring the whole family – we can’t wait to see all the wacky sweaters.” Pop’s Beef was founded in Palos Heights in 1980 and now has 15 locations in Chicago, the south and southwest suburbs and northwest Indiana. For more information about the locations and hours, visit PopsBeef.com.

Orland Park fitness center holds grand opening

Right Fit fitness center held its official grand opening Saturday in Orland Park. Right Fit Orland Park at 10498 W. 163rd Place is the third location for the fitness center, which also has locations in LaGrange and Willowbrook. It specializes in adult group training, personal training and sports performance training. Manager of the new location is Linnea Lones. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to noon on Saturday, by appointment Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Pop’s customers who wear holiday sweaters on Friday will get free french fries.

For more information, call (708) 789-9021.

Last Brown’s Chicken closes in Chicago

Brown’s Chicken closed its last restaurant within the Chicago city limits last month when it shuttered the location at 6909 W. Archer Ave. in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. “We lost our lease,” said a spokeswoman at the corporate offices in Villa Park. “It is very expensive to operate in Chicago. Taxes and other costs are very high.” She said the site had been operated by a franchisee. The lot is 125-feet by 125-feet and includes a 2,350-square-foot building with a drive-through lane. It is listed for sale at several real estate sites for $749,900. The chain was founded in 1949 in Bridgeview by John and Belva Brown, whose first location was a trailer at 80th Street and Harlem Avenue. There is still a location at 87th Street and Harlem in Bridgeview. The company once had more than 130 locations, but most of them closed after the 1993 massacre at a Brown’s in Palatine. Seven people were killed and two men were eventually con-

Photo by Bob Bong

victed for their roles in the murders. In 2005, the chain concentrated its locations in the Chicago marketplace. It now is down to 23 sites in the Chicago area; nine are in the south suburbs. The chain closed its last location in northwest Indiana last year.

Sam’s Club remodel complete in Tinley Park

Sam’s Club held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 1 to mark the official grand opening of its remodeled store in Tinley Park. The store at 16100 S. Harlem Ave. had been undergoing the remodeling for months. The store was open during construction.

Tinley flower shop celebrates grand opening in new digs

Classy Flowers, which outgrew its location at 17311 S. Oak Park Ave. in downtown Tinley Park and moved earlier this year into the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help religious store at 16708 S. Oak Park Ave., celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 30. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

New Weight Watchers in Evergreen Park to offer more programs By Joe Boyle Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton was excited to officially welcome to the village another business with the grand opening of a new Weight Watchers last Thursday morning. “It has been a good year,” the mayor said after he arrived for the grand opening of the Weight Watchers, located at 2508 W. 94th St. “I think this will be it in terms of grand openings for this year. But we will have a lot coming up in the next few months.” Sexton had just attended the grand opening last month of Ulta Beauty in the new Plaza development. The all-purpose beauty care shop joined TJ Maxx, Petco, Five Below and the DSW shoe store to open this past year. The first business to open at the new Plaza was the introduction of the new Carson’s in September of 2016. The new Weight Watchers becomes part of the wave of projects initiated by Sexton and his staff. The series of retail shops where the Weight

meetings.” The new Weight Watchers was previously located at 87th and Kedzie in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. The business actually opened two weeks ago. Briatta was scheduled to hold a session with clients that afternoon. “We are very, very excited about being here,” Briatta said. Weight Watchers originated in the early 1960s under Jean Nidetch, who began inviting friends to her Queens home in New York City to discuss how to best lose weight. Photo by Joe Boyle Briatta said that the new Weight Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton cuts the ribbon for the new Weight Watchers facility in the village during grand opening ceremonies last Thursday morning. He Watchers is introducing new prois assisted at his right by Mary Briatta, team leader at the new Weight Watchers. grams. She added that Lisa Picciola, the territorial manager, is also inEvergreen Park Trustee Carol Kyle (second from right) was also in attendance. volved with the new facility. Watchers is located replaced the old green Park Trustee Carol Kyle at As for Sexton, he is now looking Evergreen Park Golf Course. Along the grand opening. Mary Briatta, forward to further development at the with the businesses, a driving range the team leader at the new Weight new Plaza. can be found on property near 91st Watchers, said she is excited about “We will be looking at the grand and Rockwell, along with 50 Acre the new facility. openings for the Rally House and Park that includes a walking and ‘We just have more room here and Whole Foods 365 in the new year,” jogging path. more privacy for our clients,” Briatta Sexton said. “Everything is just movSexton was also joined by Ever- said. “We have more ample space for ing along.”

Neat Repeats seeking warm clothing for those in need Neat Repeats Resale supports the Clients Assistance Program that supplies much needed clothes and other essential items for clients and children for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. The program has been existence for 30 years. Many clients leave their abusive situation with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Residents can assist in helping provide new and gently used winter coats, clothing and toys for Neat Repeats Resale, which has a new office at 6602 W. 111th St., Worth. The Orland Park office is located at 9028 W. 159th St.

SUDOKU

Answers

Volunteers are being sought to assist with this program. Neat Repeats Resale is open seven days a week. More information can be obtained by calling Neat Repeats in Worth, (708) 361-6860, or Orland Park, (708) 364-7605. All sales at Neat Repeats Resale benefit the clients served by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence.

CROSSWORD

Answers

s the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals. But on what areas should you focus your attention? Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating the performance of their investments for a given year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic Scott stocks, and your portfolio Johnson probably doesn’t look like that — nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance. Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income. So, assuming you have created a long-term investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need to understand just why your return was lower than anticipated. For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances — and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies — you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities. Investment performance isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking at your financial picture over this past year. What changed in your life? Did you welcome a new child to your family? If so, you may need to respond by increasing your life insurance coverage or opening a college savings account. Did you or your spouse change jobs? You may now have access to a new employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k), so you’ll need to decide how much money to put into the various investments within this plan. And one change certainly happened this past year: You moved one year closer to retirement. By itself, this may cause you to re-evaluate how much risk you’re willing to tolerate in your investment portfolio, especially if you are within a few years of your planned retirement. Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year — and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next. Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

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

Chicago Ridge Baranowsky Ronald James to Torringa Chase, 11029 Massasoit Ave, $245,000.00; Bayview Loan Servicing Llc to Kisel Adam, 10949 Moody Ave, $167,500.00; 10324 Ridgeland Trust 103 to Gf Express, 10320 Ridgeland Ave, Unit #103, $56,000.00. Evergreen Park Odonoghue Maureen to Stefaniak Donald, 9606 S Ridgeway Ave, $245,000.00; Erickson Carol Extr to McShane Erik, 10126 S Homan Ave, $149,000.00; Casanova Juan J Tr to Sanchez Anazandy, 9820 S Maplewood Ave, $110,000.00; Egjk Inc to Fortineaux Marek, 9011 S Troy St, $245,000.00; Papiez Jan to Mrozek Andrzej, 3101 W 95th St, Unit #B1, $45,000.00.

Hickory Hills Helton Thomas to Du Shirley, 9300 S 82nd Ct, $150,000.00; Brown Evan S to Bahena Sergio, 9003 W 92nd St, $225,000.00; Martin Theresa Gdn to Mietus Dominik, 9010 87th Ave, $170,000.00.

Oak Lawn Fannie Mae to Silva Bros Inv Corp, 9307 54th Ct, $80,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Byrbank Inv Grp Inc, 8841 Natoma Ave, $145,000.00;

Hardin William S Adm to Mqml Llc, 6135 W 94th St, Unit #C2, $47,000.00; Groll Craig R to Klocek Stanislaw, 9740 Austin Ave, $190,000.00; Judicial Sales Corp, Hands On Realty, 4712 106th Pl, Unit #3B, $59,500.00; Sink Peter to Wlodarski Nichole, 4930 92nd St, $225,000.00; Torres Mark C to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc, 4832 W 91st St, $205,000.00; Macintyre Lucas J to Tbileh Adel M, 4005 106th St, $205,000.00; Bauer Gary S to Wigginton Natalie, 8833 51st Ave, $180,000.00; Goodrich Gail to Kelley Jake A, 9301 W 93rd St, $123,000.00; Witek Leszek to Klinsky David A, 9725 Karlov Ave Unit #9725407, $61,500.00; Cjc Holdings Llc to Black Oaks Rlty Llc, 9600 S Komensky Ave, Unit #A, $500,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Zajac Marcin, 9123 Tulley Ave, $145,000.00; Zelaya Cesar to Marneris Emmanuel, 9520 Mayfield Ave, Unit #307N, $79,000.00; Keyser William W to Ward Ashley B, 4105 98th St, Unit #85&85G, $94,000.00; Patton Rosemarie Alexis Tr to Ross Jean C, 10320 Central Ave, Unit #305, $103,500.00; Nagel Edward G Iii to Montes Kenneth H, 8837 50th Ave, $181,500.00.

Palos Hills Ksiazka Edward to Kulach Boleslaw, 11012 Theresa Cir, Unit #3D, $143,000.00; Bachleda Simon A to Music Michelle, 8620 W 97th St, $377,500.00;

Sullivan Joyce Tr to Siurkus Jovita, 11215 Cottonwood Dr, Unit #30D, $110,000.00; Bastian Katharina R to Roguska Barbara I, 10050 S 81st Ave, $261,500.00.

Worth El Houmaldi Ahmed to Graczyk Richard A Jr, 7408 W 111th St, Unit

#303, $72,500.00; Harnedy Timothy W to Kasiura Jacek, 6940 W 107th St, $180,000.00; Pruim Roger M Tr to Rubio Jesus, 11225 S Natoma Ave, $160,000.00; Freyer Elizabeth M to Goodson Joseph D Jr, 7333 W 114th St, $137,500.00.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of December 11) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo

RATES 4.000 3.375 3.865

United Trust Bank (as of December 11) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES 3.990 3.625 3.625

APR 4.045 3.430 3.920

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.004 3.650 3.660

POINTS 0 0 0

Prospect Savings Bank (as of December 12) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 3.875 3.625 3.125

APR 3.988 3.781 3.323

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of December 11) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 4.00 3.625 3.375

APR 4.1039 3.7340 3.5163

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

POINTS 0 0 0 POINTS 0 0 0

The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Special Olympics event celebrates 35 years at Moraine Valley The 35th year of Special Olympics was held last month at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Over three decades ago, the Illinois Special Olympics asked if the college would partner with the Special Olympics Motor Activity Program, which works with people who have profound and severe disabilities. As a young adjunct professor at the time, Donna McCauley, professor/coordinator of Recreation Therapy and Recreation Management, was part of the crew who melded the partnership. This type of event wasn’t done anywhere for this population, and Moraine Valley had space in the Building G gymnasium. “It started small. But over time we changed competitive events to open doors for more athletes to participate. I’ve reached out to our education department to help. We have more space, and now it’s being recognized because it’s not done anywhere else in Illinois,” McCauley said. Athletes from agencies within the college’s district that provide services and programs to people with profound and severe disabilities are invited each year, and area high school students are asked to volunteer because each athlete needs at least two aides to get around each station. Although there are 15 competitive events, such as modified basketball, hockey, dancing, or pushing a bean bag off a table, athletes partake in only five at most and only ones that accommodate their functioning level. “You see the range of disabilities here. But things they can’t do at school, they can do here. It’s an

amazing, wonderful event. The athletes cry on the bus and are emotional with their medals, which they show off at school. They’re part of something. You see the joy on their faces just from coming here,” said Margie Pilarski, a special education teacher from Lemont High School, who accompanied a team of athletes. Students from McCauley’s Therapeutic Recreation Programming class also help run the event. Each year, former students return and volunteer because of its impact. “I took her class last year and worked this event, but I volunteered again because I like it so much. It’s a good experience, and you get completely involved helping the participants,” said Moraine Valley student Michelle LaBuda, of Evergreen Park. Every athlete receives a gold medal at the end of the afternoon, and everyone goes home happy. “It’s the highlight of my whole year. I’m still so excited after all these years. When you can set the stage to give people the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate, I don’t know what’s better. It’s a wonderful partnership. We’re giving to a wonderful group of people who aren’t given a lot from their communities. When there’s a day that can honor them, that is so cool,” McCauley said. “You know you had an impact when you put a medal on an athlete, and they smile. The nonverbal expression is all you need. Sometimes that’s all they can do. It’s a contagious event to bring joy and happiness to these athletes.”

Burke working to address shortage of substitute teachers

Supplied photo

An athlete participates in the 35th Special Olympics event held at Moraine Valley Community College.

State Rep. Kelly Burke ( D36th) said she is working to address a shortage of qualified substitute teachers by supporting a new law that eliminates a burdensome licensing fee, which was pushing qualified subs out of the classroom. “As a parent, I believe we have an obligation to ensure our children have access to a high-quality education,” Burke said. “Our children’s education should not stop when their teacher is sick or unable to be in the classroom, which is why we must reduce the burden for highly qualified individuals to become substitute teachers.” Burke helped pass House Bill 3298, which waives the $50 renewal fee charged to teachers reapplying for a substitute teaching license if they have taught 10 full schools days throughout the previous year. The measure also allows new applicants for a substitute teaching license to receive a refund for the license fee if the applicant has taught at least 10 days within their first year of teaching. “We should not be nickel and diming hardworking teachers who are trying to make a difference,” Burke said. “I am thrilled we are providing some relief to educators across our state and I will continue fighting for our teachers and students.”

10 The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

COMMUNITY CALENDAR HICKORY HILLS

Get to know your elf

New Year’s Eve trip is planned for casino in Battle Creek

The Hickory Hills Park District is hosting a New Year’s Eve trip to the Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Mich. Transportation departs from Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, at 9 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The registration fee is $33 for residents and $38 for non-residents. The fee includes transportation, refreshments on the bus, a $30 free slot play, and $10 for food and beverages. Individuals who plan to attend have to bring a picture ID. Guests are required to be at least 21 years old. To register, call (708) 598-1233 or visit wwwhhparkdistrict.org.

Khloe Flynn, 7, talks to Pixie the Elf (also known as Patti Geissler) at the Chicago Ridge 5th annual Children’s Christmas Party at AMC Theatre in Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday morning.

Park district hosts trip to see singer and comedian at Paramount Theatre

The Hickory Hills Park District is sponsoring a trip to see versatile performer Terry Fator on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Transportation departs from the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, at 1:30 p.m. and is scheduled to return at 6:30 p.m. The registration fee is $119 for residents and $124 for non-residents. Fator is a singer, a comedian and ventriloquist. He also does celebrity impressions. To register for this event, call (708) 598-1233 or visit www. hhparkdistrict.org.

Photo by Kelly White

Kids can learn to make Christmas centerpieces

Children ages 3 to 6 can learn how to create a centerpiece for Christmas from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills. The park district will provide the supplies to help create a centerpiece that is best fit for certain families. The registration fee is $11 for residents and $12 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233 or visit www. hhparkdistrict.org.

Hickory Hills Park District trip to see ‘Elf: The Musical’

The Hickory Hills Park District is sponsoring a trip to see “Elf: The Musical” on Thursday, Dec. 21. Transportation will be provided from the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, beginning at 10 a.m. The scheduled return is at 5:15 p.m. Kids under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The registration fee is $75 for residents and $80 for non-residents. More information about special events and programming can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233 or visit www.hparkdistrict.org.

OAK LAWN

Skate with Santa at Oak Lawn Ice Arena

The Oak Lawn Park District will sponsor a Santa Family Fun event from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Oak Lawn Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave. Skaters can visit Santa on and off the ice while a DJ provides holiday music selections. Goodie bags will be available and raffles will be held. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Concessions will be available. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-5173.

Children’s Christmas Pageant at Pilgrim Faith Church

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but no one heard us. We were, quite frankly, surprised, that no one wanted to speak.” While the meeting was still underway, two Palos Hills police officers escorted one woman out who allegedly was overheard saying that she was armed. Officials said afterward that they believed the woman just wanted to leave and was not armed. When the meeting adjourned after less than 10 minutes, Hatem Abudayyeh, executive director of the Arab American Action Network, declared victory. “We will do this until she resigns. All of this public pressure is going to result in her resigning,” said Abudayyeh. Other protestors, who came from throughout the southwest suburbs, seem just as determined to keep coming back

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times over,” Brannigan said. “This is the way it is. We got all of our township business done despite the fact that there was screaming and hollering and so forth.

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of the late Joan Murphy, who held the seat before Moody was appointed to replace her when she died last year. Presta is the mayor of Crestwood, and said recently that he intends to remain mayor if he is elected commissioner. Miller is a healthcare consultant based in Lynwood. Incumbent Commissioners John Daley (D-11th) and Sean Morrison (R-17th), are running unopposed in their primaries. Steve Spagnolo, of Willow Springs, is running in the Democratic primary for the 17th District seat, but his candidacy has already been challenged. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, who pushed unsuccessfully for the unpopular sweetened beverage tax, is being challenged in the Democratic primary by Bob Fioretti, He introduced himself at a recent Chicago Ridge Village Board meeting, where he and Mayor Chuck Tokar noted that they were in law school together. Andrew CM Nelson is running in the Republican primary for that position, but his candidacy is among those that have already been challenged.

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sledgehammer that she had placed in her closet the night before, and hit the victim repeatedly in the head and body with it. She then went into the kitchen to get the knife used to slit her throat, police said. Prosecutors said that when the infant wouldn’t stop moving, Giedrojc cut her throat with a kitchen knife. Police were called to the home by another family member who came upon the gruesome scene.

until Brannigan leaves. “We need to hold our local representatives accountable. Those racist comments are unacceptable,” said Mark Kuehner of Blue Island, adding that he was there with other members of South Siders for Peace to support the Arab-American community. Jake Shevitz, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from Riverside, waved a sign stating, “I should be doing homework but this is more important.” “She is not being fair. This is just the right thing to do,” he said. Several of Brannigan’s supporters, who said they were reluctant to give their names for safety reasons, said the protestors are the ones being unfair. “I am here to support First Amendment rights. It is a lynch mob in there. There is no reciprocal tolerance. Sharon just asked a question, and she apologized. What she said was right anyway,” said one woman. Details of Brannigan’s postings, one of

which questioned whether people coming to the area from the Middle East were legal residents, were printed in previous editions of The Regional News. They have since been deleted from her social media accounts. In September, Brannigan issued a written apology, which was printed in its entirety by The Regional. But Abudayyeh said the apology was not acceptable. “She claims she apologized, but we don’t accept that. She apologized for people being offended, but not what she said,” said Abudayyeh. “This isn’t just about the First Amendment. There is nobody here that is being violent. But these remarks by white supremacists are creating fear in AfricanAmerican, Latino and Arab communities. They are emboldened because we have a white supremacist in the White House,” said Abudayyeh. “Hate speech leads to attacks in these communities. That is why we are here. We can’t allow this to go on.”

“I hope that sometime in the future we can have a meaningful conversation. We actually did have somewhat of a meaningful conversation at the last meeting (in November). So, I’m hopeful that it will happen again. I am hopeful.’’ While having someone hurl loud insults at you in a small boardroom month after

month and taking a beating on social media could be unnerving to some, Brannigan said it is not taking a toll on her. “I’m doing fine,” she said. “I’m very patient and I have an open mind. I’m looking forward to having a conversation, and when they are ready, I will be ready.’’

Other contested primaries include Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios running for re-election, and listed first in his race against Frederick “Fritz” Kaegi. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is running against challenger Peter Gariepy, who won the lottery to be listed first in that race. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will face two challengers in the Democratic primary — Edward “Eddie” Acevedo and John Fairman. In the clerk’s race, Orr will not be running for another term. The candidates who will be running in the Democratic primary are Stephanie Joy Jackson-Rowe and Jan Kowalski McDonald. The four people vying for a seat with a six-year term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Board of Commissioners are Marcelino Garcia, Debra Shore, Kerri K. Steele and Martin J. Durkan, who will be listed in that order. In the other Cook County Board races, incumbent Richard R, Boykin is being challenged by Brandon Johnson in the 1st District; and incumbent Dennis Deer, appointed to replace the late Robert Steele in the 2nd District earlier this year, will be running against Paul J. Montes II, Lupe Aguirre, Darryl D. Smith and Ed-

die Johnson III. In the 3rd District, five candidates are vying to replace retiring Jerry Butler. Listed in the order of appearance on the ballot are Joshua Gray, Bill Lowry, Patricia Horton, Chaise A. Williams and Steven R. Wolfe. Cook County Commissioner Stanley S. Moore (4th) will face challenger Maria M. Barlow, followed by Gaylon Alcaraz and Robert R. McKay on the ballot. In the 5th District, incumbent Deborah Sims is running against Timothy ‘Tim’ Parker, followed by Audrey Lynn Tanksley and Dexter Johnson in order of appearance on ballots. The 8th District race will pit incumbent Koyis Arroyo Jr. against Victor Manuel Cuebas II, while in the 12th District, incumbent John Fritchey will be running against Bridget Degnan. In the 13th District, Bushra Amiwala is running against incumbent Larry Suffredin, and in the 14th, incumbent Kevin B. Morrison is being challenged by Ravi Raju. Objections to candidate filings were due in by 5 p.m. this past Monday for all the races. The list and status of candidates will be updated on the website at www. cookcountyclerk.com.

During her court appearance last Thursday, Giedrojc wore a blue jail uniform and her long, brown hair was in a ponytail. The defendant didn’t make any public comments, but just looked between her attorney and the Polish translator who informed her of what was happening. No family members appeared to be present at the hearing. The court case has been going on so long that Giedrojc’s original public defender retired. Giedrojc reportedly admitted to the murder in a taped confession to Oak Lawn police, and has undergone psycho-

logical evaluations while awaiting trial. In 2014, she was found to be unfit to stand trial. But a Cook County judge ruled in 2015 that she was fit to face first-degree murder charges after she had received treatment for a major depressive disorder. Dunne acknowledged after the hearing that the court case has been going on a long time but wouldn’t comment on why Markos needed the additional time to prepare the report. “I don’t have any control of these reports. We just get them when we get them,” said Dunne.

The children and youth of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ will present a Christmas pageant at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec.17 at the church, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn. The church is handicapped accessible.

Parents and children can make gingerbread house class

Parents and their children can create a gingerbread house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquets, 5850 W. 103rd St. The class is for children ages 2 and up. Instructions and materials are included. One gingerbread house will be allowed per child. The registration fee is $20. Register by calling (708) 857-2200.

Oak Lawn film group to celebrate 70th anniversary of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1947 classic “Miracle on 34th Street” with a screening and discussion from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Oak Lawn Park District’s Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

The Oak Lawn Park District’s Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at the Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. The Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt will feature a night of indoor crafts, cookies, hot cocoa and outdoor hunt for candy canes. The fee for residents is $5 and the fee for non-residents is $8. Participants should dress for the weather conditions. Register by calling (708) 857-2200.

Kids Countdown Troll Skate Camp at Oak Lawn Ice Arena

Kids can have fun on and off the ice in the Kids Countdown Troll Skate Camp that will be held at the Oak Lawn Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 29. Daily activities include skating lessons, group routine practice, crafts and games. Participants will perform a group routine at the Kids Countdown Event at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31t. The fee is $99 per camper. Register online or by calling (708) 857-5173.

New Year’s Eve Countdown at Oak Lawn Ice Arena

The Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena’s 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown event will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at the arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave., Oak Lawn. Guests receive a party hat and noisemaker, and can enjoy raffles and music provided by a DJ. Over 500 balloons will drop on the ice after the countdown finishes at noon. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3 (while supplies last). Concessions will be available. For more information, call (708) 857-5173.

Oak Lawn Park District plans fitness classes for New Year

The Oak Lawn Park District is holding a New Year Fitness event from Monday, Jan. 1 through Saturday, March 31 at the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave. Fitness challenge participants will receive a T-shirt, discounts on most Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.) and Community Pavilion winter fitness classes, and have chances to win prizes. During the event, participants can also purchase discounted gym memberships at the Community Pavilion and the Racquet, Fitness, and Gymnastics Center, 10444 S. Central Ave. Register today using code 500500-02. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. More information will appear on the Oak Lawn Park District website at www.olparks.com.

PALOS HILLS

Holiday events are being planned in Palos Hills

The City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will host an evening with Santa at 6 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 14) at the Community Activity Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. The evening includes a hot dog dinner, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and entertainment. The department will be hosting a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Palos Hills Golf Course, 7301 W. 105th St. The event will include a breakfast, a visit with Santa, and entertainment. More information about the events can be obtained by calling (708) 430-4500.

Moraine Board to discuss proposed tax levy

The regular monthly meeting of the Moraine Valley Community College board of trustees and a public hearing on a proposed tax levy for Tax Year 2017 will be held on Monday, Dec. 18. The tax hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the board meeting will immediately follow. The meetings will take place in the Board Room, Building D, Room D219, on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Evergreen Park students visit Art Institute

Supplied photo

Sixty-five students from Evergreen Park Community High School’s Art Department recently attended a field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. The students were from the photography, studio photography, drawing, painting, and advanced art classes. After a guided tour, the students had the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum in which they were able to interact with the artwork from the museum’s permanent collection.

Chicago Christian honor students are recognized during assembly

Chicago Christian High School students who were honored were (front row, from left) Emma Dykstra, Cyla Vos, Rachel Jones, Emma Gricus, (middle row, from left) Charles Woodson, Ella Altena, Adeline Larsen, Liela Pressley, Dailyn Burks, Caleb Thompson, AJ Kuipers, Danielle Tyson, Isayas Aris, Rylei Jackson, Brooke Seiber , Bethany Regnerus, Blake VandeKamp, Mark Schaaf, (back row , from lef) Mae Lopez , Haylie Rynberk, Bella Shan, Michelle Ptak, Spencer Rice, Alfonso Corder, Marley Bulthuis, Lia Moore, Joey Mavrogiannis, Joey Gawron, Stephen Fry, Carly Byrnes, Casey Staroska, Emily Mikitka, Niara Foster, Emily Damstra, Johnny Dieck, Renee Powers, Tim Timmons and David Falb. (Submitted photo)

A recognition assembly was recently held at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights to honor students for their hard work during the first quarter. Students were recognized for academic excellence, Christian character, leadership, determination and other qualities. Students were honored with a special lunch for their efforts The honored students were Emmy Dykstra, of Palos Heights; Cyla Vos, Rachel Jones, Palos Hills; Emma Gricus, Charles Woodson, Ella Altena, Evergreen Park; Adeline Larson, Palos Heights; Liela Pressley, Dailyn Burks, Ca-

leb Thompson, Al Kuipers, Worth; Danielle Tyson, Isayas Aris, Rylei Jackson, Brooke Seiber, Bethnay Regnerus, Palos Heights; Blake VandeKamp, Mark Schaaf, Mae Lopez, Oak Lawn; Haylie Rymberk, Bella Shan, Michelle Ptak, Spencer Rice, Alfonsa Corder, Marley Bulthuis, Orland Park; Lia Moore, Joey Mayrogiannis, Joe Gawron, Oak Lawn; Stephen Fry, Carly Burns, Oak Lawn; Casey Staroska, Orland Park; Emily Mikitka, Orland Park; Niara Foster, Orland Park; Emily Damstra, Orland Park; Jonny Dieck, Renee Powers, Tim Timmons and David Falb.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE Bingo at the library

Bingo is being offered for ages 18 and up from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. Prizes will be awarded to the game winners. For more information, call (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary. org to sign up for this free program.

‘Saturday Sew-In’

Fine Arts Shadow Day

Supplied photo

A Fine Arts Shadow Day for prospective students was held Nov. 30 at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights. Students were able to observe Fine Arts classes including theater, band, choir and art. The day featured a pizza lunch that included presentations from faculty and students from each department, and a special presentation from the Chicago Christian High School IMPROV Team. Pictured in the photo are the shadow day guests for the day.

First radiologic pinning ceremony is held at Northwestern College

The first radiography pinning ceremony was held for the fall 2017 radiologic technology program on Dec. 2 at Northwestern College, 7725 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Eighteen graduates participated in the ceremony, which served as a formal induction into the radiologic technology profession. The fall 2017 rad tech graduates were the first to participate in this public pinning ceremony, marking the completion of their studies in radiologic technology. Although this Northwestern College program yielded its first graduates in 2011, there had never been a pinning ceremony to mark the occasion until recent students requested one. Upon their urging, a pinning ceremony was designed with the assistance of the radiologic

technology students, faculty and administration, with the current first year rad tech students serving as volunteers throughout the day. Northwestern College’s radiography pinning ceremony was hosted in the auditorium of the college’s Bridgeview campus, where its 18 radiologic technology graduates were pinned by Catherine Guerrero, the director of radiologic technology. Raj Patel, an Instructor as well as clinical coordinator of the program, served as the master of ceremony. Patel is also a 2012 graduate of the program. The pinning ceremony also featured a recitation of the history of radiologic technology by Gary Gruenewald, associate professor and clinical coordinator of Northwestern College’s radiologic technology program.

A “Saturday Sew-In” session will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Participants can work on their latest project that will include knitting, stamping and sewing. Guests can bring a sack lunch or can buy their own to this free program. Sewing machines are available on request. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

OAK LAWN

Volunteer to work in the Friends Bookstore

Decorate a truly green tree

Patrons and community members are invited to decorate the tree in the lobby with recycled, natural materials at the Oak Lawn Library. Residents can stop by the table in the lobby and make an ornament for the holiday “green” tree. Participants can use their creativity to color, cut, glue, fold or whatever inspires. More information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Creating handmade holiday gifts

Participants can create gifts with the “Beyond Books” items available for check out at the Oak Lawn Library. Patrons can have their old family videos converted into DVDs. The film scanner works with Super 8, 126, 110 and slides and stores the images onto an SD Memory Card (which can then be saved on newer digital formats). When it’s viewing time, family members can be surprised with movies on the big screen using the Epson LCD Projector.

PALOS HILLS

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

Kids can decorate gingerbread men cookies

Request for book sale donations

The Chicago flag recently turned 100 years old and the history of the city will be explored in a session scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the Green Hills Library. Clarence Goodman will lead the discussion. Guests can bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Registration is limited to 45. The event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Residents can donate gently-used books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library’s Ongoing Book Sale that is being offered at the library. Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older text books. The donation drop-off area is near the library’s Cook Avenue entrance. Interested parties may fill out a short form at the customer services desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation. The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides an ever-changing variety of books, magazines and other forms of media at bargain prices. Hardcover books cost 50 cents each, paperbacks are 25 cents and magazines cost 10 cents each. Audio visual items are priced as indicated. Funds collected from the book sale support library programming and purchases that are beyond their regular budget.

‘Operation Gratitude’ will be offered to U.S. troops

The “Operation Gratitude” project to send care packages to U.S. military members and show support for the troops is being offered at the Oak Lawn Library. The goal of library officials to is to have several letters and colorful drawings to be included in every package and inform the troops that “We Care.” The note can begin with “Dear Hero…” Participants can bring cards, letters and drawings to the Computer Center on the second floor. Library staff will send out the well wishes.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-14-18, a sale will be held at Firestone Roselle Car Care at 1070 W. Lake Street, Roselle Il. 60172, 630-893-3100, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-14-18, a sale will be held at Mazon Auto Works at 501 East Street, Mazon, Il. 60444, 815-448-2122, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

TIMOTHY WRIGHT

DANIEL R. ATTAWAY & KARISSA BERNAL

2006 CADILLAC

1987 CHEVROLET

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Gingerbread men cookie decorating will be offered for children of all ages at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 14) at the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. Registration is limited to 45 per session. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

100-year history of Chicago flag

Learn to make hot chocolate kits

Patrons can learn how to make their own hot chocolate kits beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at the Green Hills Library. Guests can put together hot chocolate, marshmallows, crushed peppermint pieces, and other toppings to be put in mason jars. Participants will then decorate these kits with festive ribbons. All supplies will be provided. Registration is limited to 45. The event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Kids can make holiday wreaths

Kids will have an opportunity to make festive holiday wreaths for their homes during a session scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Green Hills Library. The program is youths ages 10 to 17. Registration is limited to 30. Register online at the greenhillslibrary.org.

Children can participate in science lab

A science lab session will be held for children at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Green Hills Library. Children of all ages are welcome. However, kids under age 6 must be assisted by a caregiver. Registration is limited to the first 25. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Passport Pals to ‘travel’ to new country

Children ages 7 and up will “travel” to a new country each month to learn and explore another part of the world in the next Passport Pals session scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at the Green Hills Library. Kids will learn about history and culture. Registration is limited to 25. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Kids can paint crafts

Children ages 5 and up can make crafts beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27 at the Green Hills Library. Participants will be painting extra items that are still available from other past craft programs. Kids should dress accordingly because the class could be messy. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Students can explore technology

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-14-18, a sale will be held at Trino’s Auto Body Repair at 14354 S. Wood Street, Dixmoor, Il. 60426, 708-389-3113, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 1-14-18, a sale will be held at I-57 Truck & Trailer Service at 2935 Festival Drive, Kankakee, Il. 60901, 815-932-9043, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

WILLIAM P. MARTIN, ELIZABETH MARTIN & ANTHONY MARTIN

MARO ALLEN ENTERPRISES, INC. & CLIFTON MARKS

2000 CADILLAC

2012 FREIGHTLINER

Vin# 1G6KD54Y3YU238944

Vin# 1FUJGLDR8ASAS0198

Lien Amount: $2,069.47

Lien Amount: $2,339.51

Students in grades three through eight can take part in learning about technology during a class to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 at the Green Hills Library. Kids will be able to explore and tinker with Dash and Dot, Spheros, Osmos and a 3D pen. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE The Board of Fire & Police Commission for the City of Hickory Hills will conduct their meetings for 2018 on the following listed dates at 5:00 p.m. at the Police Station, 8800 West 87th Street, Conference The Board of Fire Room: & Police Commission for the City of Hickory Hills will conduct their meetings for 2018 on the following listed dates at 5:00 p.m. at the Police Station, 8800 West 87th January July 2, 2018 Street, Conference Room:8, 2018 March 5, 2018 September 10, 2018 May 7, 2018 November January 8, 2018 July 2, 2018 5, 2018 March 5, 2018 September 10, 2018 HICKORY HILLS FIRE & POLICE COMMISSION May 7, 2018 November 5, 2018 HICKORY HILLS FIRE & POLICE COMMISSION

SCHOOL NEWS

12 The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Marist food drive helps those in need Marist High School’s campus ministry department ran a successful Thanksgiving food drive with school families donating nearly 2,500 food items and toiletries. The items will be given to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Terrence Parish’s food pantry in Alsip, and Caring Patriots, a Chicago veterans group. The drive was themed around the popular Harry Potter book series, with scenery and characters filling the halls at Marist. The collection culminated in a rally on Nov. 17, where students and teachers competed in games based on the books and represented the four “schools” from the series. In the above photo, many of the participants from the rally show just a handful of the items donated. Supplied photo

Supplied photo

Twenty-three students from the Class of 2018 at St. Laurence have been selected as Illinois State Scholars.

Local students selected as Illinois State Scholars at St. Laurence Twenty-three students from the graduating Class of 2018 at St. Laurence High School in Burbank have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois State Scholars from St. Laurence are Veronica Belanski, Daniel Carroll, a graduate of Century Junior High School and Orland Park resident; Gabriel Chimera, Humberto Elizondo, Our Lady of the Ridge, Chicago Ridge; Daniel Franko, Jacob Gerloski, Nicholas Heiden, Brandon Hernandez, St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn; Elizabeth Hicks, St. Gerald, Oak Lawn; Joseph Hincks, Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, Oak Lawn; Melissa Madrangca, Brigid Mundt, Jose Munoz, Kerstin Rafferty, Queen of Martyrs, Evergreen Park; Devon Rembis, Kolmar, Oak Lawn; Matt Smuda, Palos South, Palos Park; Joshua Sone and Maciej Staszel, Worth Junior

High School, Worth; George Stock, Emilia Vates, Mya Wrencher, Jessica Zepeda and Adam Zurek, St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn. These students are representative of academic growth at St. Laurence since shifting to a STEMbased curriculum, according to school officials. Thirteen percent of students in the Class of 2018 are Illinois State Scholars, which is nearly double the three-year average prior to the curriculum change. “We are thrilled with our continued increase of Illinois State Scholars,” said St. Laurence Principal Jim Muting. “Our commitment to providing a unique STEM curriculum in a project-based environment continues to pay dividends for St. Laurence students. Congratulations to the 23 students who earned this prestigious recognition.”

Supplied photo

Richards High School students selected to participate in the IMEA District 1 festival included (from left) Tyler Groves, Nia Whitt, Julia Watt, Lukas Williams, Jose DelCastillo, Hanna Bargouthi and Rebecca VonBruchhaeuser.

Richards students audition, earn selection to IMEA festival Several band and choir students from Richards High School in Oak Lawn were recently honored by being selected to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association District 1 festival Students, who auditioned to earn their way to the festival, received the opportunity to perform with other outstanding band and choir students

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

from the region. Richards students selected include Tyler Groves, jazz choir; Nia Whitt, jazz ensemble; Julia Watt, jazz ensemble; Lukas Williams, jazz ensemble; Jose DelCastillo, concert band, Hanna Bargouthi, choir; and Rebecca VonBruchhaeuser, jazz choir.

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Student leaders

Supplied photo

Worth Junior High School participated in the South Suburban Junior High School Conference’s Annual Student Senate on Nov. 17. About 60 students from the 10 conference schools gathered together at Wilkins Junior High School in Justice in order to participate in team building and leadership activities. Students who participate in the Student Senate qualify through the recommendations of administration and staff as a result of demonstrating strong character and leadership potential among their grade level peers. The Worth students who participated and staff members were (from left, top row) Colleen DeGonia, student council moderator; Jeremy Soldano, moderator; Colin Blanks, Lisa Bray, student council moderator, Hanadie Tulemat, (front row, from left) Ty Kupfer, Scarlett Tully and Jenna Abuzerr.

Buddhist monk visits OLCHS Gen Dorje, a Buddhist monk, recently visited Oak Lawn Community High School. His visit coincided with Dan Doyle’s English 3 Honors study of Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. This was the second year in a row Gen visited Dan’s classes. Gen helped the students build background knowledge of Buddhism and meditation in order for them to gain a better understanding of the novel. His question-and-answer period ended with mediation with the students. Many students were surprised to find that Gen has a sense of humor and said his talk helped them understand Siddhartha.

Supplied photo

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

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

Thursday, December 14,2015 2017 Thursday, March 5,

Sandburg, Stagg take two-point stances

Photo by Jeff Vorva

In a football-like collision, Stagg’s Tyler Winkelman (33) and Danny Rentauskas (34) fight Sandburg’s Jack McNulty for the ball Friday night. Stagg won that battle but McNulty hit a game-winning basket with less than a second left to give the Eagles a thrilling 66-64 home victory.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg’s Erin Greenfield (left) collides with Stagg’s Sydney Downs as the two wrestle for the ball Thursday night in Orland Park. Stagg ended up winning the District 230 rivalry game, 43-41.

Eagles boys erase a 10-point Turnaround by Chargers girls deficit to nip Chargers 66-64 includes 43-41 win over Eagles By Phil Arvia Corrspondent

If it were about poetic justice, Todd Allen would have drawn up a play for a three-point shot for his Sandburg team, tied Friday with Stagg at 64 and 6.1 seconds to play. “It went exactly the way I drew it up,” the Eagles coach said. If his aim was to further embellish the storyline, Jack McNulty would have kicked the ball out to Sami Ismail, who scored eight of his game-high 24 points and made two of his seven treys in the fourth quarter as Sandburg roared back from a 10-point deficit after three. Instead, the 6-foot-3 forward collected the inbounds pass near the scorer’s table and drove straight at the left side of the rim. “Before I even got the ball, I surveyed my path,” McNulty said. “Josh Blim, their best player, was the last guy I had to beat. I had to come up with something to get by him, so I went to my go-to, the in-and-out.”

McNulty’s baby crossover worked and he laid in what would be the deciding bucket in a 66-64, Southwest Suburban Blue win before a raucous crowd in Orland Park. “The atmosphere was unreal,” Ismail said. “Sandburg/Stagg games are always like that, but for some reason tonight I couldn’t even hear the guy right next to me. A lot of guys lost their voices tonight. “It was a great win. I thought they came in and stole one from us here last year.” Exactly 364 days after that 54-48, overtime loss, the Eagles (6-1, 1-0) may have stolen one back from the Chargers (3-3, 0-1). Down 51-41 entering the final period, Sandburg forged a tie as Kevin Agwomoh and Ismail bookended a bucket by Stagg’s Obadah AbuRezeq with a pair of three-pointers each. That tied it at 53 with 5:39 to play, and 34 seconds later Agwomoh hit another triple — on his fourth and final shot of the night — to give See EAGLES, Page 4

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

There were times when the bus rides home were quiet. There were times when the Stagg girls basketball players came back to Palos Heights after suffering blowout losses or heartbreakers as they compiled records of 3-25 and More photos 11-17 in the past two seasons with of the Stagg/ a host of underclassmen getting Sandburg a chunk of playing time. boys and girls But they never got discouraged. games: Page 4 “We never got down on ourselves — we always thought about the next game,” senior Jaime Ryan said. “We were looking for when our time would come.’’ That time has arrived. The Chargers opened the season with a 7-2 mark, which included a thrilling 43-41 victory over District 230 rival Sandburg Thursday in Orland Park to open the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue season. Ryan (16 points), junior Nicole Vacha and Sydney Downs came up with big baskets and free throws in

the closing minutes of the game to preserve the victory. “It’s a lot of fun for them,” Chargers coach Bill Turner said. “The experience that we have now is paying off from the two earlier years when we did take our lumps. They think this is their year. It’s a good feeling.’’ In the past, there were times when things just wouldn’t go right for that Chargers. But in crunch time against the Eagles (5-4 after Saturday’s opening round-win at the Oak Lawn Tournament) shots fell, including an awkward-looking off-balance inside basket by Vacha. She wanted to execute a reverse layup but stopped in the middle of her follow through. “Sometimes I get yelled at when I do a reverse,” Vacha said. “So I stopped and threw it up there.’’ The Chargers opened up with a 60-24 home win over Tinley Park and played eight straight on the road. They were scheduled to play Tuesday night against Oak Lawn in Palos Hills. Their only losses were to Lincoln-Way Central (46-32) and Andrew (65-55). Some Sandburg players were tearful after the game. See CHARGERS, Page 4

Jacobs ends 43-day rollercoaster ride with national championship

ational champion. Boy, does that have a nice ring to it. Sandburg senior Dylan Jacobs earned that title Saturday afternoon. He won the last cross country race of his high school career when he took first place in the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championship. One of the guys holding the championship banner for him to break at the finish line was former Sandburg star and two-time Foot Locker national champion Lukas Verzbicas, who won it in 2009 and 2010. The feat was completed in Balboa Park in San Diego, but for a few minutes the area around the finish line could have been called Sandburg Diego after Jacobs ran the 5K course in 15 minutes, 19.7 seconds and beat out super sophomore Graydon Morris of Aledo Texas, who was at 15:23.3. “I knew if I wanted this national championship, I would have to go as hard as I could,” Jacobs said after the meet. The triumph ends a 43-day stretch for Jacobs that featured the elation of winning an Illinois High School Association sectional against a stacked field, signing with Notre Dame and winning a national championship. That span also featured some disappointment, when he finished sixth in the Class 3A IHSA State

Meet after developing a viral infection. He didn’t blame his performance on the illness but it was so bad that Sandburg coach John O’Malley gave serious thought of keeping Jacobs out of the race. In light of that, sixth pace was actually pretty good. The San Diego race also brings to a close one of the coolest rivalries the state has seen in years. Jacobs and Lyons Township’s Danny Kilrea have been going at it tooth and nail the past couple of seasons. Kilrea won the state championship as well as the Foot Locker Midwest Regional. Jacobs beat him at the Hinsdale Central Sectional and on Saturday as the Lyons star Photo by Photorun.net for Foot Locker Cross Country finished third in the nation with a 15:27. That chapter is over. A new chapter begins in Sandburg’s Dylan Jacobs crosses the finish line Saturday en route to winning the Foot Locker National the fall at the two superstars will be at it tooth Championship. Former Sandburg star and two-time national champ Lukas Verzbicas is on the left, cheering on Jacobs after holding the finish-line banner. and nail again almost every day in practice and in meets for Notre Dame. This time they will be on RUNNING WILD: DYLAN JACOBS’ LAST SIX RACES the same side. ND also has an Ohio kid, Zachary Kreft, coming and he finished 12th in the nation Date Finish Event Site Distance Time on Saturday. Oct. 28 1st IHSA Class 3A Sectionals Legge Course, Hinsdale 3 miles 14:39 And this isn’t the last we will see of Jacobs. Nov. 4 6th IHSA State 3A State Meet Detweiller Park, Peoria 3 miles 14:36 Track season will find him working hard on tryNov. 12 4th Nike Midwest Regionals Gibson Course, Terre Haute, Ind. 5K 15:09 ing to lead the Eagles 4x800 team to their seventh Nov. 25 5th Foot Locker Midwest Regional Wisc. Parkside, Kenosha, Wisc. 5K 14:53 straight top-four finish in the state. He also hopes Dec. 2 13th Nike National Meet Glendoveer Course, Portland, Ore. 5K 15:30 to move up a bunch of spots in the 1600, where Dec. 9 1st Foot Locker National Meet Balboa Park, San Diego 5K 15:19 he finished ninth last season with a 4:19.23.

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point

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Section 2 Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

SXU women enjoy climb back to top of NAIA rankings By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

It never gets old. For the third season in a row, St. Xavier University’s women’s basketball team has been ranked No. 1 in the NAIA Division II polls after spending a little time this season at No. 2. The first time it happened was two Decembers ago, and it was a novelty. Coach Bob Hallberg and then-sophomore Kara Krolicki made an appearance on CLTV to talk about the accomplishment. “We don’t get ESPN following us too much so it’s nice to get some hoopla,’’ Hallberg said at the time. We’ve enjoyed the attention. For the rest of your life, you were able to say you were ranked No. 1.’’ A lot has happened in the past two years, including a glorious run to the NAIA National Championship game last season, and the Cougars fell to Marian (Ind.) 66-52 despite owning a 30-23 halftime lead. The early polls had Marian No. 1 and SXU No. 2 this season and when Marian was knocked off 71-60 by St. Francis (Illinois) on Nov. 11 in Joliet, the Cougars were glad they were able to move up to the top spot.

Yes, it’s been done before, but it doesn’t get old for the Cougars. “Being No. 1 is always cool,’’ Hallberg said. “But it’s a challenge. At this level of play, it’s so important to sustain your program. Some schools of this size can get killed by graduation. It may happen next year with us, but we’ve been able to replace some very good players. You don’t want to have a down year. We have to keep getting good players to keep going.’’ And having a No. 1 ranking is not a bad recruiting tool. The Cougars entered this week 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference after beating Judson University, 95-51, in a league game at the Shannon Center on Saturday. Sophomore Chanel Fanter had a monster game with 22 points (including connecting on all four of her 3-pointers), nine rebounds and four blocked shots. Krolicki, a senior who is the reigning NAIA Player of the Year, added 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Brittany Collins came up with 13 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots. Judson (7-5, 4-2) was able to score 35 points in the first half but the Eagles were stymied in the second half, scoring just seven third-quarter

points and nine points in the final 10 minutes. The Cougars scored 51 second-half points. “I think when you are ranked No. 1, you have to protect that,” Fanter said. “People come in there and step up their game. Once we get things going on offense, it’s tough to stop us. We have the type of team where if you shut four of us down, we will have one person who can go off and score. We have a well-rounded offense.’’ As for the pressure of being No. 1? “There’s no pressure on us — but there is also no pressure on the other team,” Hallberg said. “You can make another team’s season if they beat you. When teams come in not expecting to win, they play a lot looser. You have to continue to play hard.’’ The Cougars visit Robert Morris University at 1 p.m. on Saturday and get ready for a trip to Hawaii in the Hoop and Surf Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday, facing Wayland Baptist (Texas) and Carroll College (Montana). They return home for a huge two-game set at the SXU Holiday Classic, playing Goshen College on Dec. 28 and the second-ranked team in the country, Concordia University of Nebraska on Dec. 29.

SXU’s Chanel Fanter scores on a layup Saturday against Judson University. Fanter had 22 points and the Cougars rolled, 95-51. Photo by Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGE SPORTS

CHICAGO FIRE NOTES

Moraine women drop home game to national power JJC

Fire trades Alvarez to Dynamo

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Joliet Junior College’s women’s basketball team, which was ranked No. 2 in the nation in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III polls, came to Palos Hills and beat Moraine Valley (ranked 17th in Division II) 93-87 on Dec. 5. The Cyclones (7-3 after the loss) owned a 73-69 lead after three quarters, but the Wolves (9-1) stormed back and scored 24 points in the final 10 minutes to secure the victory. Ashley Hunter had 22 points and seven rebounds for the Cyclones while Kristin McGee had 21 points and eight rebounds and Creighton Fed had 20 points and five steals. Men’s basketball: Deshawn Wilson exploded for 36 points and added nine steals as the Cyclones beat Carthage’s JV team, 94-86 on Saturday. Cortez King added 15 points and 11 rebounds and David Gray had 14 points.

St. Xavier University Football: SXU offensive lineman Justin Hunter and defensive back Tionte McDaniel were named to the AFCANAIA Coaches All-American second team. Hunter is a senior from Joliet Catholic High School who made the team for the second time in his career. McDaniel is a sophomore from Thornton High School who had 84 tackles this season and is just one of four freshmen or sophomores to earn All-American status. Men’s basketball: The Cougars suffered a rough loss on Saturday as they dropped an 86-81 Chicagoland Colle-

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Arturo Alvarez is heading home. The Chicago Fire traded Alvarez to Houston on Sunday for a second-round pick in the 2019 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Alvarez is a native of Houston. In two seasons, he scored eight goals and added 11 assists in 55 regular season matches for the Fire. Alvarez also appeared in five Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches. A Salvadoran international, Alvarez recently made his return to the national team after a two year absence, earning the start in a 1-0 international friendly win against Canada on Oct. 8. “Arturo had perhaps his two best years wearing our red and we appreciate all that he gave to our club,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “We saw this as a chance to allow him to return home while opening up his minutes for some other players.”

giate Athletic Conference decision to Judson Saturday. Judson came into the game winless in the conference and had a six-game losing streak while SXU came in with a five-game winning streak. The Cougars had a lifetime 21-3 mark against Judson and won 17 straight over the Eagles and owned a 40-34 lead at halftime before giving up 51 second-half points. Senior Quinn Niego led the Cougars (7-6, 3-3) with 22 points and eight rebounds while Tyler Diehl had 21 points including an 11-for-12 performance at the free throw line.

Trinity Christian College Hall of Fame: Former track and country star Andy Jellema and volleyball standout Sara Ooms will be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame on Jan. 20 at the DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center on Jan. 20. Jellema, who graduated in 2009, was an NAIA national qualifier in the 10,000 meter and marathon. He finished eighth in the nation in the 2009 marathon. Ooms, who graduated in 2011, set the school’s single-season attack record with a .389 and was a lifetime .311 hitter. The trolls were 91-66 during her tenure and in 2010 she helped lead the team to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time in school history.

The protected 11

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Quinn Niego (left) plays defense against Judson in an 86-81 loss Saturday at the Shannon Center. He had 22 points and eight rebounds in the setback.

AREA SPORTS REPORT

Area grapplers receive preseason rankings from Illinois Matmen By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The Illinois Matmen website came up with its first high school state rankings of the season in Illinois, and some area wrestlers have made the cut. In Class 3A, the area’s junior class is strong. Stagg junior star Domenic Zaccone was ranked second in 120 after taking second in the state at 113 last year. Montini’s Joey Melendez is rated ahead of Zaccone. Marist junior Michael Leveille was ranked fourth in 106. Sandburg junior Pat Nolan was ranked Photo by Jeff Vorva fifth at 138. Three-time state qualifier Hassan Johnson of Brother Rice, shown earning a pin at sectional Marist junior Jacob Dado was rated action last season, is ranked second in the state at 120 pounds by Illinois Matmen. sixth at 132. Sandburg junior Sam Wojcik was an honorable mention at 132. In Class 2A, Brother Rice senior Myles Ruffin, who finished third in the state in the in 2017, picked up the No. 1 ranking at 285. He finished second in the Harvest Tournament in Indiana. Brother Rice senior Hassan Johnson, a three-time state qualifier, was ranked second at 120 behind St. Rita’s Tommy Russell. Johnson finished second in the state at 120 in 2017 and sixth at 106 in Class 3A in 2016. Brother Rice junior Dominick Murphy was listed as an honorable mention at 160 and senior teammate Paul Gilva was honorable mention at 170. Supplied photo Richards’ Basil Muhammad was The eighth-grade Independence girls basketball team finished 14-2 and earned a division named honorable mention at 120. championship.

Team-wise, Richards was ranked 10th in the state in Class 2A, despite getting off to a 1-2 start. The Bulldogs picked up credit for winning the Fenton Tournament and beating Brother Rice, 43-31.

Independence strong in the North Independence Junior High School’s eighth grade girls basketball team finished 14-2 overall and was in first place in the North Division of the South Suburban Junior High School Conference. Players on the squad are Tiffani Carlson, Delaney Doyle, Shea Fitzgerald, Kylie Fronczak, Kelly Greene, Roxanne Habbal, Elizabeth Lappano, Ashley Marek, Elizabeth McGeehan, Krysta Reveche, Gianna Spain, Maddy Spass and Sabirah Taiwo. The team is coached by Tony Marinello.

The Fire protected 11 players in advance of Tuesday’s 2017 MLS Expansion Draft. David Accam, Jonathan Campbell, Johan Kappelhof, Dax McCarty, Nemanja Nikolic, Juninho, Matt Polster, Richard Sanchez, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luis Solignac, Brandon Vincent are on the protected list. But David Arshakyan, Jorge Bava, Brandt Bronico, Stefan Cleveland, Jorge Corrales, Michael de Leeuw, Christian Dean, Matej Dekovic, John Goossens, Michael Harrington, Daniel Johnson, Matt Lampson, Joao Meira have been left unprotected. The expansion Los Angeles Football Club will select up to five players from MLS’ other 22 teams. Each current MLS club had the opportunity to protect 11 players from their 2017 roster. Homegrown players on a club’s Supplemental/Reserve Roster at the end of the 2017 season are automatically protected. Only a single player can be drafted from any one club.

Harrell to Cornell Marist running back Delonte Harrell verbally committed to Cornell University. He joins Stagg quarterback Kyle Neputy.

Another tough battle for Bulldogs Richards’ football team, which already has a strong first-week opponent in Lincoln-Way Central for 2018 and 2019, added Chicago Catholic League power St. Rita on its schedule for the second week of those two campaigns.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Arturo Alvarez, who played in 55 regular-season MLS matches the past two seasons with the Fire, has been traded to Houston.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017 Section 2

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS

W-L STREAK

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

5-2 3-4 3-5 5-0 5-2 4-3 7-1 5-2 6-1 3-3

hosts Fenwick, Fri.; vs. Bloom at Crete-Monee, Sat.; at Eisenhower, Tues. hosts Walther Christian, Fri.; vs. Sandburg at Crete-Monee, Sat.; at Elmwood Park, Tues. hosts T.F. North, Fri. hosts Nazareth, Fri.; hosts St. Laurence, Mon.; hosts Rich East, Wed. hosts Tinley Park, Fri.; at Stagg, Tues. hosts Bremen, Fri. vs. Chicago Christian at Crete-Monee, Sat. hosts Lemont, Fri. hosts St. Francis De Sales, Fri.; at Marist, Mon.; vs. Johnson at Marist, Wed. at Joliet Central, Sat.; hosts Oak Lawn, Tues.

L1 W1 L1 W5 L1 L1 W5 W5 L1 L1

* Records through Sunday, Dec. 10; compiled by Randy Whalen

GIRLS

W-L STREAK

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

2-6 10-2 8-1 8-1 6-3 7-1 5-4 0-7 4-5 7-2

at Walther Christian, Thurs.; host Elmwood Park, Sat. at Lemont, Fri. hosts Mother McAuley, Thurs.; at Carmel, Sat. at Marist, Thurs. hosts Oak Forest, Fri.; hosts TBD in Lady Spartan Holiday Tournament, Sat.; at Stagg, Tues. at De La Salle, Thurs. vs. TBD in Lady Spartan Holiday Tournament at Oak Lawn, Sat.; hosts Oak Forest, Tues. hosts Hillcrest, Thurs. hosts Catalyst Maria, Thurs.; hosts Kankakee, Wed. hosts Oak Lawn, Tues.

L1 W4 W5 W1 W1 W3 W1 L7 W1 W4

* Records through Sunday, Dec. 10; compiled by Randy Whalen

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s McKenna Kallianis (right) and her teammates host neighborhood rival Mother McAuley at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday). Heading into this week, the two teams had a combined 16-2 record.

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

Teams waiting until last second to shop for wins Shepard’s Chris Harrison helps up Tinley Park’s Jo Jo Bickhem Friday night in a 69-53 victory in Palos Heights. Harrison had 31 points in the game, three days after putting in the winning basket with five seconds left in a 61-60 victory over Thornton Fractional North.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

McGrath opens Oak Lawn holiday tourney by breaking long-range bombing record By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The eight-team Oak Lawn Varsity Girls Holiday Tournament opened for business on Saturday and history was made right away. The host Spartans had little trouble with Romeoville with a 51-32 victory in the White Pool opener and Sydney Janik led the Spartans with 11 points. But the history was made when junior Madelyn McGrath hit her 126th and 127th career 3-pointers to break Dana Sullivan’s school record. McGrath is already on the Spartans’ record board for most 3-pointers in a game (7) and a season (71). Both of those marks were set last season. In the Green Pool, Sandburg topped Tinley Park, 50-31, as Natalie Stavropoulos popped in 13 points. Sandburg is the defending Oak Lawn tournament champ. Interestingly, the Eagles were 4-0 in the tournament but 1-9 in games away from the tournament at this time last season. Pool play was scheduled to continue Monday and Wednesday with the first-, third-, fifthand seventh-place games taking place at 10:30 a.m. and noon on Saturday

McAuley, Marist in Kipp Hoopfest The Chicagoland Girls Prep Classic is going through a name change. In its 28th year, it will now be known as Coach Kipp’s

Hoopfest, in honor of late Maine West coach Derril Kipp, who died of cancer in 2016. Maine West has been in the showcase all 27 years. “No one has done more to grow, promote and help young girls continue their basketball and educational goals than coach Kipp,” Hoopfest Organizer Jim O’Boye said. Mother McAuley will challenge Glenbard South in the event at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 13. Marist faces Downers Grove North in the following game at 5 p.m. The games are held at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park.

First loss Mother McAuley was the last undefeated area team and dropped a 52-50 decision to Fenwick on Dec. 5. That was a tough loss because Fenwick, rich in girls basketball tradition, was having a rare down spell and came into the game with a four-game losing streak. The Mighty Macs recovered to beat Lighthouse (Indiana) 7045 in the Chitown Showdown at Whitney Young High School on Saturday. Grace Hynes had 23 points in the victory.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Holiday tournaments are coming… Four area teams are in the 32-team 44th Jack Tosh Invitational at York High School in Elmhurst and they are playing in the morning afternoon and night on the opening day on Dec. 26. The pairings came out last week and St. Laurence has an early-morning wakeup call as the Vikings take on Oswego at 8:30 a.m. Brother Rice challenges Waubonsie Valley at 1 p.m. Sandburg mixes it up with Highland Park at 4:30 p.m. Stagg is scheduled to face Minooka at 6:30 p.m. This season, Brother Rice and St. Laurence are not facing each other during the Chicago Catholic League season so the only

way for first-year Vikings coach Jim Sexton to face his alma-mater this season is if both teams either win their first two games or lose their first game and win their second. If both teams win the first two games, they face off in the quarterfinals on at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 28. If both lose the first and win the second, they face in the consolation round at noon on Dec. 28. At Centralia, defending champion Marist opens play Dec. 28 with a 9:15 p.m. game against Arlington (Tennessee). The 16-team Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic announced its field and pairings and Richards opens play against Maine South at

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Bridgeview, IL 60455 Evergreen Park’s Kacey Gardner (right) and her teammates are on the first area team to earn double-digit victories this season.

Marist’s boys team is the last undefeated area team — boys or girls — heading into this week’s action. But the RedHawks (5-0) had to scratch and claw to pick up their first East Suburban Catholic Conference victory as they beat Carmel, 52-48 on the road Friday behind Morgan Taylor’s 16 points. St. Laurence suffered its first loss on Friday with a 69-56 setback to DePaul Prep. Sophomore Jeremiah Williams had 13 points for the Vikings.

SPORTS SALES

7410 S. Harlem Photo by Jeff Vorva

Still unbeaten

BRIDGEVIEW

Double-digit wins

Evergreen Park became the first area team to hit double-digit victories after the Mustangs beat Tinley Park, 55-26 on Friday. The Mustangs were led by Kacey Gardner’s 16 points as they improved to 10-2 overall with the South Suburban crossover victory.

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Photo by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn’s Madelyn McGrath handles the ball against Romeoville on Saturday. McGrath hit a pair of 3-point baskets in the win to take over the No. 1 spot on the Spartans’ list for career treys with 127.

On Thanksgiving, the Regional/Reporter released a special boys basketball section and the headline boldly proclaimed: “Excitement GUARANTEED.’’ So far the season has lived up to that billing. In one eight-day stretch, there were four games that went down to shots in the closing seconds of their games: • St. Laurence’s Isaiah Harvey got things rolling on Dec. 1 when he hit a 3-pointer with 3.6 seconds left and that proved to be the winning basket in an 84-81 victory over St. Joseph in Burbank in a Chicago Catholic League crossover game. It was the first time the Vikings beat the Chargers since 1977. • The next day, Oak Lawn sophomore Sami Osmani buried a half-court shot at the buzzer to lead his team to a 53-50 non-conference victory over Chicago Christian in Oak Lawn. • On Dec. 5, Shepard’s Chris Harrison’s layup with five seconds left helped the Astros to a 61-60 South Suburban crossover win over Thornton Fractional North. • On Friday, Sandburg’s Pat McNulty hit a layup with .06 of a second in a 66-64 victory over District 230 rival Stagg in a SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue tilt in Orland Park. There will likely be more to come…

73rd Pl. 74th St. 74th Pl.

75th St.

Section 2 Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Sandburg vs. Stagg: Two wild nights in Orland Park

Left: Sandburg boys basketball players get fired up before their District 230 rivalry game with Stagg Friday in Orland Park. Above: Stagg girls players stretch before their two-point win over Sandburg on Thursday in Orland Park.

Sandburg’s Jack McNulty (left), shown shooting in the second quarter against Stagg in the left photo, hit a shot with 6/10ths of a second left to help host Sandburg win 66-64 Friday night. Jaime Ryan (above right) scored 16 points to lead Stagg to a 43-41 road victory on Thursday night.

Sandburg junior Natalie Stavropoulos flexes her muscles during the pregame introductions. Stagg junior Nick Harper (No. 5) risked whiplash twice in the first quarter after watching his shots against Sandburg.

Stagg students dressed up in Christmas gear while providing cheer to the Chargers and jeers to the Eagles on Friday night.

Eagles

Continued from Page 1 Sandburg its first lead since midway through the first quarter. “I just felt it,” Agwomoh, whose only other shot of the game was a missed two-pointer in the second quarter, said. “We were always confident. We just knew we had the shooters.” Stagg knew it, too. For three quarters, the Chargers kept them at bay with stifling

defense and by crashing the boards at both ends, building their lead in large part due to 16 second-chance points. “Our kids battled,” first-year Chargers coach Marty Strus, a 2008 Stagg graduate, said. “(Sandburg is) a good team. They shoot the ball well. “They got it going. They fed off their crowd. That’s basketball. It’s a game of runs and they went on one.” Blim led Stagg with 22 points, including nine of its 13 in the fourth quarter. Danny

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg students were quiet during “The Star-Spangled Banner” but after that, they got noisy and stayed noisy during the 66-64 Eagles win.

Rentauskus added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while John Mahoney had 16 points and seven boards. McNulty finished with 10 points to back up Ismail, who also led the Eagles with five rebounds. In all, nine Sandburg players scored. “We play a lot different than we played last year,” Allen said, referencing last year’s junior-laden, 13-14 squad. “We play up-tempo. We put five guys on the floor who can all guard and can all score.”

Chargers

Continued from Page 1 While it is an early-season game and the two teams will play again Jan. 22 at Stagg, this was still an emotional encounter. “This team competes, plays hard and wants to win and that’s the emotion that you want to see,” Sandburg coach Nick Fotopoulos

said. “It’s a big rivalry game and there are a lot of emotions in the game.’’ The team has been battling with the loss of guard Morgan McAuliffe, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the season. Against the Chargers, the Eagles had a balanced scoring attack with Natalie Stavropoulos leading the way with nine points.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017 Section 2

448-6161

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, F/O/O THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST 2007-AR6, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR6 Plaintiff, -v.MICHAEL CLANCY, JOANNA CLANCY, BMO HARRIS N.A. F/K/A HARRIS N.A., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, GREEN OAKS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, GEORGE N REVELIOTIS, D/B/A REVELIOTIS LAW, P.C. F/K/A LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE N REVELIOTIS, P.C., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 09881 10033 SOUTH WALNUT TERR 115 PALOS HILLS, IL 60465

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

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;FANNIE MAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.BRIDGEVIEW BANK AND TRUST, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-2828, VILLAGE OF OAK LAWN Defendants

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.HAFEZ AMIN, MYSSA AYASH A/K/A MYSSA AYESH, A/K/A MYSSA R AYESH, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, LLC Defendants

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 25, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10033 SOUTH WALNUT TERR 115, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-301-006-1008. The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, 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.

2017 CH 03821 9359 RIDGELAND AVENUE OAK LAWN, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 23, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 24, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9359 RIDGELAND AVENUE, OAK LAWN, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-05-302-074-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with an attached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 259127.

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.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 259127 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2017 CH 03821 TJSC#: 37-9607

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 8879 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 16 CH 09881 TJSC#: 37-9698

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. JOAN KLEIN AKA JOAN L. KLEIN AKA JOAN MADERAK AKA JOAN STYLER AKA JOAN L. STYLER; RBS CITIZENS, N.A. SBM TO CHARTER ONE BANK, N.A.; THE RIVIERA IN PALOS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 17 CH 8929 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 Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-23-201-114-0000. Commonly known as 18 Cour La Salle, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a townhouse residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. F17060175 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3068741

448-4000

Houses For Sale

NOTICE OF SALE

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. DAVID MANNING; JUDY MANNING; FIFTH THIRD BANK FKA FIFTH THIRD BANK (WESTERN MICHIGAN) UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS; Defendants, FIFTH THIRD BANK AN OHIO BANKING CORPORATION; Cross-Plaintiff(s), vs. JUDY MANNING; DAVID MANNING; Cross-Defendant(s), 17 CH 4356 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 Thursday, January 4, 2018, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-09-406-023. Commonly known as 14901 AVENIDA DEL ESTE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462. 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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 3571125. Ref. No. 17-00714 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3068715

16 CH 11319 10512 FOREST LANE CHICAGO RIDGE, IL 60415

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10512 FOREST LANE, CHICAGO RIDGE, IL 60415 Property Index No. 24-18-219-012-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 253659. 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. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 253659 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 16 CH 11319 TJSC#: 37-10672

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC DBA CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; PALOS LANDINGS TOWNHOUSE ASSOCIATION; CURTIS WARNER AKA CURT WARNER AKA W. CURTIS WARNER; CYNTHIA CROWELL AKA CYNTHIA WARNER; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WILLIAM WARNER AKA WILLIAM D. WARNER, DECEASED; THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF WILLIAM WARNER AKA WILLIAM D. WARNER; Defendants, 17 CH 5048 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 Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-24-300-213-0000. Commonly known as 14 West Bay Road, Palos Heights, IL 60463. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-010391 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3068750

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NOTICE OF SALE

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ALAN RAPOPORT Plaintiff, -v.ABDULZAHI ABUKATAB A/K/A ABDUL ABUKATAB, THE CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE U/T/A #8002365388, WORLD BUSINESS LENDERS LLC, STOUT STREET FUND I LP, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 5779 8300 PALOMA DR. Orland Park, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8300 PALOMA DR., Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-35-402-013-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $225,642.79. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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: Kurtz & Augenlicht LLP, 123 W Madison St, Ste. 700, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 265-0106 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. Kurtz & Augenlicht LLP 123 W Madison St, Ste. 700 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 265-0106 E-Mail: mkurtz@kalawchicago.com Attorney Code. 46376 Case Number: 15 CH 5779 TJSC#: 37-9781 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.

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. ALICE GIALAMAS; GEORGE G. GIALAMAS; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; ALL FLOOD & FIRE; Defendants, 16 CH 13124 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 Friday, January 12, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-18-416-006-0000. Commonly known as 15800 South 114th Court, Orland Park, IL 60467. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-030627 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3069401

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC Plaintiff, -v.AMAL MUZYED A/K/A AMAL M. MUZYED, TAREQ A MUZYED, ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK Defendants 10 CH 40503 13601 SOUTH 85TH AVENUE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-14 Plaintiff, -v.HUDA ALTAHER A/K/A HUDA ABUASI Defendants 16 CH 002516 10548 GREAT EGRET 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 October 17, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10548 GREAT EGRET DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-29-219-007-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-14405. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-14405 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 002516 TJSC#: 37-9705 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3069761

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13601 SOUTH 85TH AVENUE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-02-115-017-0000. The real estate is improved with a white brick single family home with an attached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 11789. 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. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 11789 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 40503 TJSC#: 37-10084

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MIDLAND STATES BANK; Plaintiff, vs. ZORAIDA GARCIA AKA ZURAIDA GARCIA; ROLAND GARCIA; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 9712 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 Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-13-109-001-0000. Commonly known as 7758 Sycamore Drive, Orland Park, Illinois 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. F16060208 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3068735

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. Plaintiff, vs. HEA SOOK SHIN, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 22, 2004 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 1114017, ARIES INVESTMENTS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, vs. HAFIDA MRABET Intervenor, 15 CH 2946 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on January 25, 2017 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-13-202-037-0000. Commonly known as 15240 Heather Court, Orland Park, IL 60462. 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 Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3069863

Section 2 Thursday, December 14, 2017

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.WERNER STEENVOORDEN, AMANDA A. STEENVOORDEN, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., DISCOVER BANK, UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC Defendants 16 CH 006553 14350 BROOK AVENUE 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 January 5, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14350 BROOK AVENUE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-09-203-026-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-16-05568. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-16-05568 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 006553 TJSC#: 37-10541 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3069462

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR TBW MORTGAGE-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.LINDA DANET, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., WEDGWOOD COMMONS UNIT II ASSOCIATION, INC. Defendants 17 CH 008316 13971 BERKHANSTED CT 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 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 22, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13971 BERKHANSTED CT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-02-308-002-0000. 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 in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-06104. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-06104 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008316 TJSC#: 37-9229 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3070275

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.DARRIN COLLINS, LISA COLLINS, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 17 CH 007252 14426 S. 87TH AVENUE 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 23, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14426 S. 87TH AVENUE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-11-107-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-06311. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-06311 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 007252 TJSC#: 37-9829 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3070201

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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 14, 2017

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

‘Justice League’ drags while ‘Coco’ and ‘Lady Bird’ shine Well, it’s the end of the year, which means that my schedule as a moviegoer suddenly becomes packed. So, instead of reviewing one movie this week, I decided to take a stab at three of them in one go. And, wouldn’t you know it; they are a strange mix of the best of the year and the worst. Let’s start with the worst, shall we? “Justice League” (directed by Zack Snyder) wasn’t just the worst movie I’ve seen in this past year, it’s actually in contention for the worst movie I’ve seen in the past three years. The plot is nonsensical. The tone is inconsistent. Ben Affleck — who had been the only bright spot in “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016, directed by Snyder) — looks as bored playing Batman as I am watching him play Batman. The exceptionally talented Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman gets sidelined in favor of Ezra Miller’s cloying portrayal of the Flash and Jason Momoa’s tiresome dude-bro take on Aquaman. Ray Stone barely registers as the monotone and emotionless Cyborg, rounding out a Justice League that at times feels barely more heroic than an episode of the “Super Friends”. Here’s context for how bad this film was: I saw the fifth “Transformers” movie earlier this year, and Justice League is STILL the worst movie of the year. But the movies did get better in late November…. “Coco” (directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina) is a buoyant and lively comedy about death. Pixar’s latest puts a young boy and wannabe musician named Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) in a tough spot: the grave. After accidentally crossing over during a Day of the Dead celebration, Miguel must find the spirit of his great-great-grandfather — a famed Mexican guitar hero — in the colorful, sugar skull themed afterlife to bring him back to the realm of the living. Coco is a visually stunning (although narratively predictable) celebration of art, music and Mexican culture. It also happens to feature some of this year’s best music, including a ballad so touching, presented in a context so lovely, that it becomes

BRIAN LAUGHRAN an instant Disney classic. But, December brought what might be the best movie of the year…. “Lady Bird” (directed by Greta Gerwig) is one of the best coming-of-age comedies of recent memory. The movie features the captivating and raw Saoirse Ronan as Christine, or Lady Bird — a nickname she gave herself, a teen navigating the toughest year of any young person’s life: her senior year of high school. She’s caught between wanting to fit in and wanting to stand out. Wanting to go away to a liberal arts college on the East Coast, her strapped-for-cash parents (Chicago theatre legends Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts) only have enough money to send her to a school 30 minutes away from their humble Sacramento home. Gerwig’s script packs the emotional punch of a John Hughes classic while her direction invokes the Richard Linklater school of naturalism. It’s a stellar effort from the first-time director. (It would be considered a stellar effort from a ten-time director, as well.) Ronan, Metcalf and Letts (along with Lucas Hedges, June Squibb, Timothee Chalamet, Stephen Henderson and Beanie Feldstein) make for one of the strongest casts of the year. This is a great film, and one that I think will ring true for any person who thought that adulthood would solve more problems than it would create, and was surprised to learn they were wrong. So, to recap: Justice League: F Coco: A Lady Bird: A+

VARIETY

Jay-Z talks race, Trump, O.J. Simpson, therapy, Beyonce and Kanye West By Variety staff In a long interview with New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet published Wednesday, JayZ held forth on a number of topics including O.J. Simpson and his song about him “The Story of O.J.,” race in America, President Trump, former President Obama, his experience with therapy, his relationship with Kanye West, and much more. Jay-Z received a leading eight nominations for the Grammy Awards, which were announced Tuesday, including one for Record of the Year for “The Story of O.J.” Highlight excerpts from the Times story follow:

On “The Story of O.J.”

“It’s like, I’m specifically speaking to us [as black Americans]. And about who we are and how do you maintain the sense of self while pushing it forward and holding us to have a responsibility for our actions. Because in America, it is what it is. And there’s a solution for us: If we had a power base together, it would be a much different conversation than me having a conversation by myself and trying to change America by myself. If I come with 40 million people, there’s a different conversation, right? It’s just how it works. I can effect change and get whomever in office because this many people, we’re all on the same page. Right? So the conversation is, like, ‘I’m not rich, I’m O.J.’ For us to get in that space and then disconnect from the culture. That’s how it starts. This is what happens. And then you know what happens? You’re on your own, and you see how that turned out.”

On how Trump’s election has changed the conversation about racism

“There was a great Kanye West line in one of [his] songs: ‘Racism’s still alive, they just be concealin’ it.’ [‘Never Let Me Down,’ from West’s 2004 album, ‘The College Dropout.’] ... The great thing about Donald Trump being president is now we’re forced to have the dialogue. Now we’re having the conversation on the large scale; he’s provided the platform for us to have the conversation. ... Well, an ideal way [to have

Steve Russell/The Toronto Star/Zuma Press/TNS

Jay-Z performs on his “4:44” Tour at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Nov. 22, 2017. The artist has been nominated for several Grammy awards.

that conversation] is to have a president that says, ‘I’m open to dialogue and fixing this.’ That’s ideal. But it’s still happening in a good way, because you can’t have a solution until you start dealing with the problem: What you reveal, you heal.”

On therapy

“I grew so much from the experience. But I think the most important thing I got is that everything is connected. Every emotion is connected and it comes from somewhere. And just being aware of it. Being aware of it in everyday life puts you at such a ... you’re at such an advantage. You know, you realize that if someone’s racist toward you, it ain’t about you. It’s about their upbringing and what happened to them, and how that led them to this point. You know, most bullies bully. It just happen. Oh, you got bullied as a kid so you trying to bully me. I understand. “And once I understand that, instead of reacting to that with anger, I can provide a softer landing and maybe, ‘Aw, man, is you O.K.?’ I was just saying there was a lot of fights in our neighborhood that started with ‘What you looking at? Why you looking at me? You looking at me?’ And then you realize: ‘Oh, you think I see you. You’re in this space where you’re hurting, and you think I see you, so you don’t want me to look at you. And you don’t want me to see you.’”

On Kanye West

“I [talked to] Kanye the other day, just to tell him, like, he’s my brother. I love Kanye. I do. It’s a complicated relationship with us.... ‘Cause, you know — Kanye

came into this business on my label. So I’ve always been like his big brother. And we’re both entertainers. It’s always been like a little underlying competition with your big brother. And we both love and respect each other’s art, too. So it’s like, we both — everyone wants to be the greatest in the world. You know what I’m saying? And then there’s like a lot of other factors that play in it. But it’s gonna, we gonna always be good. [There’s tension now], but that happens. In the long relationship, you know, hopefully when we’re 89 we look at this six months or whatever time and we laugh at that.”

On his and Beyonce’s confessional albums

“We were using our art almost like a therapy session. And we started making music together. And then the music she was making at that time was further along. So her album came out as opposed to the joint album that we were working on. Um, we still have a lot of that music. And this is what it became. There was never a point where it was like, ‘I’m making this album.’ I was right there the entire time. [The confessional aspect was] very, very uncomfortable, but [...] the best place in the, you know, hurricane is like in the middle of it. ... And that’s where we were sitting. And it was uncomfortable. And we had a lot of conversations. You know. [I was] really proud of the music she made, and she was really proud of the art I released. And, you know, at the end of the day we really have a healthy respect for one another’s craft. I think she’s amazing.”

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS The Center sets holiday fun on farm

The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, has announced a slate of activities for the days ahead. For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650. • “Holiday Farm FUN-ction” is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 16. Children will have an opportunity to visit with all of their favorite Children’s Farm animals, as well as meet with Santa Claus and take a photo. Then head inside to warm up and drink complimentary hot cocoa. Families can then enjoy decorating holiday cookies and making ornaments. Admission is $8, under 2 are free. • “Luncheon: Live Indoor Nativity” runs from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 19. Storyteller Megan Wells will perform a dramatic reading of the story of Jesus’ birth, attended by live animals from the Children’s Farm and fellowship and staff in costume. Luncheons cost $22, and advance registration is necessary. • A Yule Log Service begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 22. The Yule Log Service is a family-friendly evening at The Center, featuring Christmas carols, scripture, stories and a variety of old-fashioned traditions. The highlight of each service is the lighting of the huge log and the opportunity for each participant to throw his or her own twig into the fire, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year. The event will include music, a New Testament reading and poetry. Advance reservations are required. The tickets, $10 each, are actually name tags, so that they can be worn at the Yule Log Service. Those interested are encouraged to get name tag-tickets early.

Bridge Teen Center to host ugly sweater contest

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, offers several free events for teens in seventh through 12th grade. For more information, call (708) 532-0500. These are free events for youths in seventh through 12th grade. • Christmas Karaoke and Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest is on tap from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Students are invited to participate in an ugly sweater contest and sing their favorite Christmas songs on stage. Corner Bakery will provide free food samples. • Drop-In: Study Lounge w/ DIY Belgian Waffles (high school students only) is scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19. Students are invited to make The Bridge their study spot this finals week. There will be a Belgian waffle station, helpful tutors, whiteboards and study supplies available. • Graphic Design: Custom

The live Nativity offers a glimpse into 2,000 years ago.

Supplied photos

The Yule Log Service is a popular event at The Center.

Smartphone Background with Rachel will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Students will use Adobe Illustrator to make a custom phone background. • Drop-In: Study Lounge with Nutella and fruit bar (high school students only) runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 20. Students are invited to make The Bridge their study spot on finals week. There will be a Nutella and fruit bar, helpful tutors, whiteboards, and study supplies available. • Christmas Cookies & Crafts is scheduled for 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Dec. 20. Students will spread Christmas cheer by making holiday crafts and enjoying classic Christmas cookies. • Holiday Movie: You Pick! will be held from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. Dec. 21. Students are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy the show with some friends and popcorn. • Homemade Candles is set for 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Students will make homemade candles using paraffin wax and natural scents. • Food Battle: Hot Chocolate runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Students are invited to participate in hot chocolate food battles and compete with other students by creating the best cup of hot chocolate. Free food samples will be provided by White Castle.

Radio Hall of Famer to be at sports card show

A “Sports Cards and More” show is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Orland Park Civic Center 14750 S. Ravinia, Orland Park. Highlights will include Radio Hall of Famer John Records Landecker, who will sell and sign copies of his best-selling book “Records Truly Is My Middle Name” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Bob Feldman of Nothing Bundt Cakes will be on hand selling sweet gifts. Admission is free and everyone will receive a chance to win door prizes including an autographed Jonathan Toews Chicago Blackhawks Jersey. Winners must be present.

McCord’s Holiday Shoppe features local artists

McCord Gallery and Cultural Center’s Holiday Shoppe is open through Friday, Dec. 22. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. There will be silk scarves, quilted purses, jewelry, picture frames, fused glass dishes and many more crafts on display in the newly renovated space. Local artists created the items on display.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN

Beets brighten up a traditional Hanukkah dish

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.

By Wolfgang Puck With the first night of Hanukkah around the corner, many friends have asked me for ways to cook something different for their home celebrations of the Festival of Lights. I certainly think about that question myself, since I always want to help make sure that my sons appreciate their own Jewish heritage. Cooking for Hanukkah typically involves foods cooked in oil, a symbolic commemoration of the one night’s oil supply that miraculously burned for eight nights when freedom fighters recaptured the temple in Jerusalem back in the second century B.C. So, most holiday menus feature pan-fried or deep-fried potato pancakes (latkes). But many health-conscious people today try to avoid carbohydrate-laden potatoes, so I started thinking about a possible substitute. My surprising discovery was that you could make delicious latkes using shredded beets, which have only about half the net carbs (a figure that represents the total grams of carbohydrates minus the total grams of fiber) in potatoes. Yet fresh beets, shredded and combined with simple seasonings, eggs and some flour, cook to a pleasingly firm yet tender consistency similar to that of potatoes, with a wonderfully sweet flavor and brilliant ruby-red color (or bright yellow one, if you use golden beets) all their own. Some people may be resistant to beets, remembering flavorless canned ones from childhood. If that is the case for you, fresh beets will be a happy revelation. One other memory you may have of beets is true, however: Their red juices can stain your hands or clothing. I suggest working over your sink and wearing kitchen gloves and an apron during peeling and shredding. And be sure to carefully pat the shredded beets dry with paper towels, so the pancakes will cook up crispier and won’t cause spattering in the thin layer of hot oil you use for cooking. At Hanukkah parties, potato pancakes are traditionally served with both applesauce and sour cream. With the flavor of my beet latkes in mind, I’d also like to share a homemade, honey-sweetened applesauce recipe that includes a pleasing note of spice from some whole yellow

STARTING THIS WEEK:

Swap out shredded potatoes for shredded beets to make a healthier version of classic latkes.

mustard seeds, which you can find in any well-stocked supermarket’s seasonings aisle. Simmered along with the apples, the little round seeds pop open pleasantly when you bite on them, adding a subtle touch of exciting flavor to the sauce. Serve the latkes and applesauce (and, yes, some sour cream, if you like) as a first course or the featured treat at your Hanukkah dinner. Or offer them anytime as a great side dish for meat or poultry dishes for the next several weeks of what I hope will be your very festive holiday season! BEET LATKES WITH HONEY-MUSTARD APPLESAUCE Makes about 3 dozen For the honey-mustard applesauce: • 2 cups (500 mL) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Fuji or Granny Smith apples, 2 or 3 apples • 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened apple juice • 1/2 cup (125 mL) honey • 1/3 cup (80 mL) packed light brown sugar • 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh lemon juice • 1 strip lemon zest, about

OMARR’S WEEKLY

ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Being a diplomat is where it’s at. Be discreet and considerate. You are quite likely to get more than your fair share of attention during the week to come, so this may be a good time to dabble in social networking. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Operate in compliance with the laws of attraction. The people who are most strongly attracted to you are probably the best people to be with. You may be able to display your own form of genius as this week unfolds. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may feel the pinch in your pocketbook if you go along with your pals. There may be an incentive to begin a new study in the week ahead or you might receive sound advice that helps you meet your material goals. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Engaging with others can encourage you. Team up with others in the upcoming week to make progress. You have enormous vision and scope; be open and straightforward to be successful in negotiations or in agreements. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You reap what you sow Ask pertinent questions to uncover alternative routes to financial security. The week ahead could be a good time to plant ideas in fertile ground if you are hoping to receive a bountiful harvest. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You could compare the mind to a battery, with intelligence as the terminal. Avoid trivial pursuits and apply your mental powers to something worthwhile in the week to come. Don’t get short-circuited

by a passing whim. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the week ahead co-workers could become friends or vice versa. Someone could invite you to join a team, to engage in a sports program or to travel. Every opportunity contains a hidden benefit of some kind. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The more dollars, the merrier. You might be partial to achieving material success in the week to come, but are just as willing to perform a few good deeds in your spare time. Spread good will as you earn more money. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you and a partner put your heads together you can increase your assets. This is a good week to focus on financial success. There may be some things going on behind the scenes that will work out in your favor. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your work, job or health may be the center of attention in the week ahead. You are passionate about winning and may do so at any cost. You will leave no stone unturned to find the best way to achieve your goals. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your efforts to appear friendly and broadminded may have surprising consequences. Form may be given more weight than substance in the week ahead. Wait until the middle of the week to make major purchases. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might need to grab a robe to cover up the naked truth. In the early part of the week you might say more than you should in group settings. Your social life may be in top gear, but it is good to remember to be discreet.

2 inches (5 cm) long • 2 tablespoons whole yellow mustard seeds • 1 teaspoon kosher salt For the beet latkes: • 3 cups (750 mL) peeled and coarsely shredded red or golden beets, about 3 medium beets • 2 large eggs, beaten until blended • 3 tablespoons allpurpose flour or glutenfree flour • 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • Canola oil, for frying About an hour before serving, start making the honey-mustard applesauce. Put the apples, apple juice, honey, sugar, lemon juice and zest, mustard seeds, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saute pan. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the apples are soft enough to mash with the back of a fork, about 20 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof mixing bowl, remove the lemon zest, and use a potato masher to mash the apples to a

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coarse puree. Set aside. Start preparing the beet latkes about 30 minutes before serving. Put the shredded beets in a large mixing bowl. With several layers of paper towels, press down on them to absorb excess moisture, turning the beet shreds and using more towels as necessary to absorb as much moisture as possible. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the beets. Stir until thoroughly combined. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom. When the oil is hot enough to flow easily when the skillet is tilted, use a tablespoon to scoop up a heaping spoonful of the beet mixture and place it in the skillet, gently pressing down with the back of the spoon to flatten it. Fry until the latkes are golden-brown, about 3 minutes per side, turning them with a small scratchproof spatula. When the latkes are done, transfer them in a single layer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat the process to cook the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary. Serve the latkes as a side dish with main-course meat, poultry or seafood, or as an appetizer on their own, passing the applesauce alongside.

“KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE”: An attack on the Kingsman spy organization’s British headquarters clues its members — including relative newcomer Eggsy (Taron Egerton) — into a villainess’ (Julianne Moore, gleefully chewing scenery) plot to taint the world’s recreational drugs, quite lethally, in director and co-writer Matthew Vaughn’s sequel. There’s a big surprise for fans of the first film that involves Colin Firth’s character, with Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and Channing Tatum playing American agents who get in on the action ... literally. Again this time, the violence may be a bit much for those expecting a lark, but that’s Vaughn’s modus operandi as a filmmaker (“KickAss,” “Layer Cake”). Mark Strong, Bruce Greenwood and music icon Elton John (playing himself) also are featured. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; “Kingsman Archives.” *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “GAME OF THRONES: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON”: Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister (Kit Harington, Lena Headey) both face challenges as leaders as the hugely popular HBO series continues here with its next-to-last season, a shorter one that has seven episodes (three less than the usual). Alliances shift dramatically, but that’s not all the involved factions have to worry about, since an army made up of the deceased is approaching the Seven Kingdoms. Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Aidan Gillen, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and Diana Rigg also continue their roles — and very notable (and noticeable) in the opening episode is music star Ed Sheeran, whose appearance generated mixed reactions from the “Thrones” faithful. DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries; audio commentaries by cast and crew members. *** (Not rated: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “DETROIT”: Typically gritty director Kathryn Bigelow’s urban drama — teaming her again with screenwriter Mark Boal (“The Hurt Locker,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) — gives a very down-to-earth role to John Boyega, who’s now part of the “Star Wars” family, as a secu-

rity guard who becomes caught up in the rioting that occurred in the title city in 1967. Assigned to keep a grocery store safe from looting, he eventually becomes an accomplice to a police plan to identify the person who started the turmoil by firing blanks. That turns out to be only the start of trouble for the guard. The cast also includes Will Poulter, John Krasinski, Anthony Mackie and Kaitlyn Dever (“Last Man Standing”). Co-star Algee Smith also performs on the film’s music score. DVD extras: five “making-of” documentaries; music video. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “HOME AGAIN”: Hallie Meyers-Shyer, the daughter of filmmakers Nancy Meyers (“The Holiday”) and Charles Shyer (“Father of the Bride”), gets fully into the family business as writer and director of this light romantic comedy casting Reese Witherspoon as a mom of two who has a surprising new romance with one of the moviemakers staying in her guest house (Pico Alexander). The relationship is threatened, though, by the unexpected return of her estranged husband (Michael Sheen). Candice Bergen, who also worked with Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama,” and Lake Bell (of mother Meyers’ “It’s Complicated”) also appear. DVD extra: audio commentary by Hallie Meyers-Shyer and producer Nancy Meyers. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

COMING SOON:

“DUNKIRK” (Dec. 19): The Christopher Nolan-directed view of the World War II military operation features Harry Styles and Kenneth Branagh. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “LEATHERFACE” (Dec. 19): The roots of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” character are explored in this horror prequel; Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor star. (R: AS, N, P, GV) “THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE” (Dec. 19): A martialarts master (voice of Jackie Chan) leads young warriors against an enemy — the father of one of the heroes. (PG: AS, V) “MOTHER!” (Dec. 19): Director Darren Aronofsky’s melodrama stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem as a couple who receive unexpected visitors. (R: AS, N, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.