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

The American flag waves at the top of two ladders from the Palos and Evergreen Park fire trucks at the entrance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery along 111th Street on Friday as part-time Evergreen Park firefighter

2 SECTIONS 20 PAGES

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Photo by Claudia Parker

Daniel Capuano was laid to rest. Fire departments from across the nation attended the funeral for Capuano, who died when he fell through a vacant elevator shaft during a fire in Chicago on Dec. 14.

Fallen firefighter’s family files lawsuit

By Dermot Connolly

The family of fallen Chicago firefighter Daniel Capuano, who was laid to rest on Friday, has filed a wrongful deathnegligence lawsuit against the owners of the warehouse where he died fighting a fire on Dec. 14.

Capuano, 42, of Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, was a 16-year veteran of the Evergreen Park Fire Department, where he worked part-time in between full-time shifts with the Chicago Fire Department.

Evergreen Park Fire Chief Ronald Kleinhaus said last week that this was

the first time an active firefighter for the village had died in the line of duty.

Anilroshi, LLC, is the listed owner of the warehouse at 9213 S. Baltimore Ave., Chicago, where Capuano was fatally injured when he fell from the smoke-filled second floor down an unmarked and empty elevator shaft. He died shortly afterward at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

The suit, filed in Cook County Court, claims the company is responsible for numerous safety violations including the failure to provide protection from falling through holes in the building, and failure to obtain building permits to safely

decommission and remove the elevator.

The Chicago law firm of Motherway and Napleton is representing his family, including his wife, Julie; daughter, Amanda, 16; and sons Andrew, Capuano 13, and Nick, 12.

Chief James Graben, of the Palos Fire Protection District, where Capuano started his career, said more than 3,000 firefighters from across the United States and beyond attended the visitation and funeral services held last Thursday and Friday at

St. Rita High School Chapel in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also there, and spoke at the funeral, as were officials from Evergreen Park and other neighboring communities. Graben said that Capuano was remembered as a great firefighter and family man, who, among other things, helped coach his sons in hockey. His sons attend Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park, as did his daughter, before going on to Mother McAuley High School.

The funeral procession from St. Rita, at 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 111th and Austin Avenue in Worth, was more than

a mile long. People wanting to show their support to his family lined the route as the procession made its way through the city and suburbs.

“People came from coast to coast. I talked to firefighters from Seattle and New York, and someone told me that they even met a firefighter from Australia,” said Graben.

“The Chicago and Evergreen Park fire departments did everything very professionally. He couldn’t have asked for a better send-off. It really was an amazing show of support from the fire service community as a whole for a fallen hero,” said Graben.

Spreading Christmas compassion Video gaming PALOS HILLS

Marist students put hearts into annual gift drive

café approval hits legal snag

By Janelle Frost It was finals week for Marist High School students last week, but that did not keep several students from taking time to wrap gifts during the school’s annual Christmas gift drive.

This is the 11th year that the Catholic, co-ed, college prep high school in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood has held the Christmas drive, which benefited children in the Robbins community and • More photos from Chicago schools.

“The gift drive started of the gift drive: Page 4 thanks to the previous campus minister,” said Patrick Meyer, a campus minister at Marist. “She found the program Alliance for the Children that we still work with today.

This event is so important because Christmas is a time of giving. The Christmas drive helps put things into perspective for our students.”

Around 600 to 700 students and families and 20 teachers participated in the Christmas drive at Marist, Meyer said. And several students took time last Thursday morning to wrap gifts donated to the drive.

“I really want to help because everyone is not fortunate to have a good Christmas, and I think it’s good to help,” said freshman Caitlin Ryan, 14, of Evergreen Park, who participated in wrapping gifts last Thursday at Marist, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago.

“I hope (the children) will have a good Christmas and if they ever have a chance to help others, I hope that they would,” Ryan See MARIST, Page 7

By Michael Gilbert

Photo by Chuck Whittier

Volunteers gather during the distribution of gifts Saturday in Robbins for the annual Marist Christmas Gifts holiday event.

Volunteers in Worth collect gift baskets for needy families

By Kelly White The Christmas season brings joy and cheer to most. However, for some it can bring sadness as the financial difficulties of the holiday take over.

The Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary 991, 11001 S. Depot St., in Worth, lets its Christmas spirit shine by collecting Christmas gift baskets for needy families stuffed with food and toys for village families.

See WORTH, Page 7

The Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary Post 991 coaches Bethanne Lode (left) and Mary Frestel directed the event that saw the legion put together 78 gift baskets that were distributed to families with a combined total of 117 children.

Photo by Kelly White

Just when you thought it was safe to start saving those quarters to use at a video gaming café in Palos Hills…

One of the more controversial topics in Palos Hills in recent memory hasn’t been settled just yet.

Two weeks after Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st) argued the council’s vote to create a new classification in the liquor ordinance for video gaming cafés should have been ruled “out of order” and possibly “illegal” — claims Mayor Gerard Bennett disputed — because of what he believed to be incorrect procedure, City Attorney George Pappas presented his findings on the matter to the council during the committee of the whole meeting last week.

In a 15-page document containing a recap of the proceedings and information from “Robert’s Rules of Order,” Pappas determined the ordinance to OK liquor licenses for a pair of video gaming cafés was “validly enacted with some technical rule violations.”

“It’s up to the city council whether they want to rescind (the ordinance approved Dec. 3) and start the process all over again,” Pappas said at the meeting in Dec. 17.

The saga over video gaming cafés — businesses that would offer a light food menu and then up to five gambling machines — began back in October when the council voted 5-4 against drafting the ordinance to approve the liquor licenses needed for a pair of gaming cafés to open in town.

A month later and with all 10 councilmen present, Ald. Dawn Nowak (5th) made the same motion and this time Bennett broke a 5-5 tie and voted in favor of drafting See PALOS HILLS, Page 5

2 The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Oak Lawn man charged with selling counterfeit merchandise Chicago police have arrested and charged an Oak Lawn man and another individual in an undercover operation targeting several retail businesses engaged in selling stolen iPhones, counterfeit merchandise and untaxed cigarettes.

Asad A. Abumuslem, 52, of the 9700 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn, and Saad Abdulhadi, 22, of the 14300 block of South Springfield Avenue, Midlothian, were each charged with one felony count of Continuing Financial Crime Enterprise and one count each of felony Theft.

Operation “Clean Break” was conducted over a span of 10 months by Intelligence Section Officers in conjunction with the Asset Forfeiture Unit. Acting on gathered community intelligence, police launched an investigation

THE

into allegations that the businesses in question were purchasing stolen iPhones and reselling them to unsuspecting customers.

Further investigation, according to police, revealed that the targeted businesses were also selling untaxed stamped cigarettes and counterfeit merchandise.

Officers were able to utilize a variety of investigative techniques, including several undercover buys, and video and electronic surveillance to identify and apprehend the two offenders charged. Officers recovered nearly $68,000, a sizable quantity of untaxed cigarettes, and three vehicles including a Mercedes SL550.

Abumuslem and Abdulhadi appeared in bond court at 2600 S. California in Chicago on Friday.

Abumuslem was released after paying a $25,000 bond.

REPORTER

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

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POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge License charges • Muhammad K. Abusalim, 18, of the 8400 block of South 84th Court, Hickory Hills, was charged with driving on a suspended license when he was stopped at 8:35 p.m. Dec. 16 in the 10100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he also was cited for driving without insurance or headlights. Abusalim is due in court on Jan. 20.

• Assad M. Jabir, 32, of the 9700 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:10 p.m. last Thursday in the 10400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and only one headlight. He is due in court on Jan. 13.

• Ramiro Salgado, 48, of the 6600 block of South Kilbourn Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving without a license and other offenses following a traffic stop at 8:20 a.m. Monday.

Police said he was also charged with driving without insurance or headlights. He is due in court on Jan. 20.

• Ann M. Arias, 34, of the 7800 block of West 103rd Street, Palos Hills was charged with driving on a suspended license and no insurance when she was stopped at 12:38 a.m. Saturday in the 6500 block of West 95th Street. She is due in court on Jan. 29.

• Paul Melvin, 25, of the 3600 block of West 109th Street, Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license at 10:05 p.m. Friday at 111th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having no taillights. He is due in court on Jan. 13.

Theft charges •Ariel Campbell, 20, of the 8200 block of South Morgan Street, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 5:15 p.m. Saturday at Kohl’s department store in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said she was observed concealing clothing worth $262 and leaving the store with it. She is due in court on Jan. 16.

• Charlene M. Harris, 25, of the 1500 block of Tearle Court, Flossmoor, was charged with retail theft at 8 p.m. Saturday at Kohl’s. Police said she left the store with clothing worth $674.

She was held for a bond hearing and is due in court on Jan. 28.

Evergreen Park Retail theft charges • Derion Thomas, 31, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft for allegedly stealing a $100 piece of luggage from Meijer, 9200 S. Western Ave., at 6:46 p.m. Dec. 12.

• Andrea Holman, 25, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft

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at 3:51 p.m. Dec. 11, at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St. Police said she was accused of taking a karaoke machine worth $50.

• Patrick A. Tait II, 31, of Chicago, was charged with felony retail theft for allegedly marking down items worth $251.37 that he was buying for himself while a cashier at Carson’s, 9700 S. Western Ave, as well as 46 items worth $1,225.93 for a friend.

The friend, Joshua Jabril, 26, of Chicago, was also charged with felony retail theft.

• Deontae Moss, 26, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 7:23 p.m. Dec. 16, at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St. Police said he took an Otterbox cellphone case worth $29.92.

DUI charges are filed • Kristina Spetly, 33, of Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic accident on Dec. 13 in the 9800 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said she was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without insurance.

• William Stroccia, 35, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and other offenses when he was stopped at 4:06 a.m. Dec. 12 in the 2300 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance.

• Luis Martinez, 47, of Oak Lawn, was charged with DUI and other traffic offenses when he was stopped at 10:19 p.m. Dec. 15, in the 3400 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also cited for following too closely and improper use of signal.

• Two men were charged with battery for allegedly physically attacking a man sitting in a car at 1:02 p.m. Dec. 15, in the 2800 block of West 102nd Street. Police said Dwayne Moore, 29, of Chicago, and his brother, Trevell Moore, 26, pushed and punched the man in the face and body. A third man, Terrell Price, 27, of Chicago, was charged with assault for holding his keys in his hand, as if they were a gun, and threatening to kill the victim.

Oak Lawn Attempted package theft is foiled Ivan A. Macon, 33, of the 9600 block of South Merton Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with felony theft at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 after police said he used his position as a temporary UPS employee to try to steal a television by redirecting it to his neighbor’s house.

UPS security notified police that Macon might be attempting the theft after discovering that the delivery label on the package had changed from Oak Forest to an address across the street from Macon’s house. Police arranged with UPS to be on the scene when it was delivered, and arrested him when the neighbor told him it had arrived and he took possession of it. Police said the neighbor was uninvolved. Macon was held for a bond hearing.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest Christopher M. Cascone, 21, of the 17100 block of South 70th

Avenue, Tinley Park, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and possession of cannabis, following a traffic stop at 108th Street and Cicero Avenue at 8:21 p.m. Dec. 1.

Police said they found two prescription anxiety medications on bottles labeled for other drugs, and a small amount of marijuana and two pipes used to smoke it. He was also charged with improper use of an electronic device and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cascone was held for a bond hearing.

Retail theft charges • Michael F. Campbell, 33, of the 9700 block of South 51st Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with retail theft after security personnel reported seeing him take a pair of $300 wireless headphones from Target, 4120 W. 95th St., at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 12. After he was detained outside the store, police determined he was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a speeding charge in DuPage County. Campbell is due in court on Jan. 7.

• B. Ann Jackson, 63, of the 800 block of West 68th Street, in Homewood, was charged with retail theft for taking two food items from Jewel, 8801 S. Ridgeland Ave., at 8:40 a.m. Dec. 15.

Police said she was seen bringing cottage cheese, a magazine and a piece of fruit through a self-checkout lane, and only paying for the fruit. She was also charged with disorderly conduct after reportedly becoming verbally abusive with security personnel and police when she was stopped. Jackson is due in court on Jan. 21.

Charges filed for threats in ER Tommy D. Nichols, 27, of the 11900 block of South Yale Avenue, Chicago, was charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespassing following an altercation with security officers in the emergency room of Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., at 3:40 p.m. Dec. 11.

Police said Nichols brought a friend in for treatment of a gunshot wound. Police said Nichols became verbally abusive and physically threatened two security guards, who detained him when he refused to leave the premises. He is due in court on Feb. 16.

Driving charges filed Araceli Ortega, 38, of the 5300 block of South 73rd Avenue, Summit, was charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and no proof of insurance, when she was stopped at 8:42 a.m. Dec. 12 in the 4300 block of West 103rd Street. She is due in court on Jan. 13.

Home burglary A home in the 10800 block of South Kolmar Avenue was reported burglarized between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

Homeowners discovered a rear door had been forced open and a dresser appeared to have been disturbed but nothing was missing from the residence.

Eric Walker, 28, of the 8500

block of South Green Street, Chicago, was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and driving without insurance and improper use of registration following a hit-and run incident at 11:32 p.m. Dec. 12, in the parking lot of Arena Bowl, 4700 W. 103rd St., at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Police said he hit a parked car and was pulled over at 103rd and Pulaski Road. He is due in court on Jan. 7.

Construction scam under investigation Police are looking for a 49-yearold Justice man who took and cashed a $1,000 check for tuckpointing work that was never done on a garage in the 8700 block of Tulley Avenue.

The victim reported the apparent scam on Dec. 14, explaining to police that on Nov. 16, shortly after she submitted an online request for tuckpointing, the suspect called her on the phone. He said he worked for Empire Construction and a few minutes later, came to her house and gave her a verbal estimate for the work.

On Nov. 19, he provided her with a work order and asked for a personal check to be written to a woman who he said owned the company. The check was cashed and he said supplies would be dropped off and work would be done on Dec. 8. But police were called when the work was not done and attempts to reach the man and the company were unsuccessful.

Palos Hills Man charged after window is broken Jason Allen Domagala, 22, of Chicago, was charged with criminal damage to property on Dec. 14 after he allegedly broke a window in the 8500 block of 105th Terrace.

DUI arrests are made Stanley Palarz, 67, of Palos Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic offenses after being stopped Dec. 15 in the 11100 block of Roberts Road.

Diego E. Saucedo, 34, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and other traffic offenses on Saturday in the 11200 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Battery charges are filed Karen M. Wantroba, 53, of Orland Park, was charged with battery on Dec. 17. Police said she battered two people during a fight in the 8500 block of 102nd Terrace.

Joshua A. Nowacki, 25, of Palos Hills, was charged with domestic battery on Dec. 16.

Police said he struck a woman in the head in the 8400 block of 101st Terrace. No medical attention was required

Car burglariy reporter A car burglary in the area of Cour Montreal was reported on Dec. 16. Police said a debit card, a piece of art and miscellaneous items worth a total of $100 were taken from the vehicle. A laptop computer was also reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in the Cour Michelle area on Dec. 15.

Copper stolen from house Police are investigating a report of copper wire worth $600 being stolen from a residence in the 9900 block of South 87th Avenue on Dec. 15.

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

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

Area police departments Chicago Ridge Evergreen Park Hickory Hills Oak Lawn Palos Hills Worth

425-7831 422--2142 598-4900 499-7722 598-2272 448-3979

Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Reporter

3

A Christmas story about a mother’s deep love In the spirit of the holiday season, I’m sharing a column I originally wrote for the Southwest News-Herald on Dec. 23, 2011.

I

would like to share with you a Christmas story that underlines the strength and resolve that comes only from the love of a mother.

The Great Depression hit Chicago like it hit most cities and towns across America. Fathers were suddenly out of work. Soup lines were seen in every neighborhood.

The lines were as long as the sad faces that accompanied them.

The holidays were especially hard. The early 1930s were a dismal period, with prospects far and few between. At Christmas, stockings were not filled. Presents were missing Joe from underneath Christmas trees. In fact, many Chicago Boyle residents had no tree at all.

This was not lost on Ann, whose family had moved several times during these turbulent years before settling near Ogden Park on Chicago’s South Side. Her husband, Terence, a World War I Army veteran, was in and out of work. Terence, who was gassed during the war and would later suffer from emphysema, was previously married. He had a son that he and his wife named Frank.

Tragically, his wife, the former Mary McLaughlin, died giving life to Frank. That meant Frank’s birthdays on cold January days were often sad affairs. Terence would visit the cemetery to mourn his late wife on Frank’s birthdays.

Ann met the grieving Terence sometime later.

Legend has it that while they may have fallen in love, it was Frank who actually stole her heart.

Frank meant everything to her. She filled the void that was often missing from an emotionally distant Terence.

So, when Christmas Eve arrived in Chicago in the early 1930s, Ann was despondent. Terence was not working and this holiday season was going to be less than jolly.

When Ann tried to delicately explain this predicament to an excited Frank, he told her not to worry. “Santa Claus will bring the presents and the tree,” gushed Frank.

For an instant, tears began to well up in Ann’s eyes. But sadness quickly turned to determination. It was then she looked at Frank and said, “that’s right.” But after putting Frank to bed, she wondered aloud what she was going to do. They had no presents and no tree.

Desperate, she called a friend who came over in case the excited Frank woke up. Ann grabbed her coat and raced outside into the cold and bitter wind. After walking a couple of blocks, she reached a cab stand. It was there that her emotions just came out. She cried as she told the cabbie that her son was not going to enjoy Christmas the next day because they had nothing to give.

Ann apparently touched this cabbie’s heart.

He rounded up cab drivers from the area and beyond. They somehow managed to purchase several gifts for a young boy. And they also accompanied Ann home with a Christmas tree.

The cab drivers were more than happy to give what they could. They even helped decorate the tree. They also brought a large meal.

They were not going to let the Depression ruin a young boy’s Christmas.

Frank awakened to see a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments surrounded with presents.

And what was Ann’s gift? Seeing a young boy with a beaming smile was enough for her.

Frank said Santa Claus came. Well, he did.

But this is not just a story. Frank was my dad, the late Frank T. Boyle, who would later join the Marines, seeing duty at Okinawa during World War II. He married a neighborhood girl, Charlotte Rose Lynn, and had six children.

My father never related the story. It was always my mother who would bring it up. She was aware of the power of the human spirit. It was a worthwhile lesson to pass along to her children.

Never give up, despite the odds. Santa Claus is just around the corner.

And a Merry Christmas to all.

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

Photo by Sharon L. Filkins

An honor that’s oh so sweet

The Evergreen High School Band practices last week in preparation for their trip to New Orleans to perform at halftime of the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome.

Evergreen Park H.S. band to perform at Sugar Bowl in New Orleans

By Sharon L. Filkins While most people will be winding down from Christmas-time activities on Monday, Dec. 28, it will be a different story at Evergreen Park Community High School. More than 80 people, including band members, choir members, staff, chaperones and travel guides, will board two motor coaches headed for New Orleans and the trip of a lifetime.

Sixteen hours and 915 miles later, they will begin a flurry of non-stop activities over a two-day period, which will culminate in their performance during halftime at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Evergreen Park High School marching band is one of two south suburban schools which have been invited by WorldStrides OnStage programs, in conjunction with Heritage Festivals Producers, to perform during the halftime show finale at the Sugar Bowl game at the MercedesBenz Superdome in New Orleans. Also invited was the Carl Sandburg High School marching band. Both schools will join bands from across the country in the halftime show of the major college game between Ole Miss and Oklahoma State.

According to the WorldStrides OnStage organization, an invitation to perform at the Sugar Bowl is an honor reserved only for the most talented student performers from across the nation.

Ken Kazin, the band director at Evergreen Park High School, has been teaching at the school for 28 years. He has traveled with WorldStrides three times.

“A trip like this doesn’t just happen. It takes more than a year to get everything organized; the logistics, the paperwork, the funding, the practicing, etc,” said Kazin.

Accompanying Kazin will be his wife, Amy, who also teaches at the school where she is the choir director and color guard coordinator. “It is great that the whole music department can travel together because some of the kids are in both the choir and the band. The performances have to be staggered, so they can move back and forth between the two groups,” she said.

Kazin said the band travels every two years.

“This is the school’s second appearance in New

Orleans. We were there in 2005. We have also played in the Outback in Tampa, Fla. and the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.,” he said.

He added that there is a criterion for a band being selected. “It is important to be in the competitive circuit, which we have been, but more importantly, the kids have to be good; they have to learn their music.”

They also have to work hard. Kazin said the trip is a nice reward for all the work the students have done over the last two years.

“There have been many late-night practice sessions and long hours at fundraising events, such as car washes, cheesecake and cookie dough sales and sales of Christmas wreaths and poinsettias,” Kazin said. “While there will be a number of performances, the itinerary is full of wonderful opportunities for the students to truly experience the essence of New Orleans, the people, the culture and the Louisiana cuisine,” said Kazin.

The band will participate in the first Sugar Bowl parade and will give a concert in Jackson Square.

The choir group will also perform at The Gazebo, located across from Jackson Square.

Other highlights of the trip will include a visit to the National World War II Museum, a bus tour of the city, and a Swamp Tour conducted by native Cajun Captains. “During the bus tour, we will visit the 9th District, which suffered the devastation of Katrina. We want the kids to get a real feel for the people and what happened there,” Kazin said.

Special treats will include dinner at the famous Court of Two Sisters restaurant, lunch in the French Quarter and Natchez Jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River, where the students will experience New Orleans food and the music of the Dukes of Dixieland.

A major highlight will be a New Year’s Eve dinner dance and awards ceremony in which all Sugar Bowl massed bands will participate.

On New Year’s Day, the band members will practice bright and early at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in preparation for that night’s game.

After taking a break for lunch and a tour of the famed St. Charles Avenue and the Garden District, they will return to the Superdome for the game

District 230 board can trumpet three-peat tax levy hike of zero

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Assistant Principal Greg Gardner and Sandburg Superfanz Student Section executive board members Eric Simkowski (from left), Trevor Hansen, Kelly Golden, Emily Cosler and Molly Donegan pose for a photo after explaining the new SuperfanZ Rewards app to the District 230 Board.

For the third straight year, the High School District 230 board of education has managed to approve a tax levy request without an increase.

The total tax levy request of $106.4 million, which represents 84 percent of the district’s annual revenue, is the same as the levy amount extended last year.

The school board voted to adopt the property tax levy at the meting held last Thursday at Sandburg High School.

Board members said this is the fourth out of the past five years that the levy request has not been raised.

“We’ve had 12 years of balanced bud-

Hazardous liquid waste to get extra attention from Cook County Cook County will now collect information on and inspect facilities housing hazardous liquid waste as a public safety measure.

An ordinance approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 16 will require businesses that store hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents and other highly toxic chemicals to report the type of substance in the facility, the location of the chemicals and how the chemicals are stored.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control will also inspect these facilities and maintain detailed information, such as photographs and maps of storage areas.

Businesses defined under the ordinance will be charged an annual fee that helps fund inspections.

The information collected will be kept by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and will be available to first responders.

The goal is to protect the res-

and their halftime performance. Immediately after the game, they board the motor coaches for the trip home, arriving in Evergreen Park on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Looking forward to the trip was Jonathan Alexander, a senior band member. “It’s my last year at EPCHS and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my holiday break than with the band I call my family.”

Commenting on the busy trip agenda, Kazin said it serves a two-fold purpose. “It keeps everyone on a tight schedule. “We are very careful.

We are not only representing the school, we are representing the entire community of Evergreen Park. We want nothing but good reviews and accolades from this trip. Additionally, we plan as much as possible so the kids get the full essence of the city of New Orleans. Some of them may never have the chance to go again. We want this to be a wonderful lifetime memory.”

Emily Van Sickle said she was excited. “I can’t wait to be a part of the Mass Band during the Sugar Bowl. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

“I’ve been to New Orleans before but going with the band is going to be a different experience,” said Jasmine Robb.

Eight chaperones will assist in the hectic schedule. Kazin estimated there is one chaperone for every eight students.

“I’m excited to spend a week in a place I’ve never been and get to see new things,” said Deven Moore.

“I am so excited to see New Orleans for the first time with our little band family. We are going to do so well down at the Sugar Bowl, I can’t wait,” exclaimed Lizzie O’Dyer.

Maggie Zofici, a band member on her second bowl game trip, said “The first time I was an observer, so I am very excited to participate this time. I look forward to seeing a new city and having fun with our band family.”

“I am very excited that we will be performing in the Sugar Bowl,” said Max Schultz. “This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, so we will have a great time.”

Agreeing was Treazune Owens. “I can’t wait to be there and make new music friends.”

idents of the County and first responders in the event of an emergency, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

“We’re taking an important step in preserving the health and safety of our first responders, as well as of our residents who live near businesses and other facilities that store hazardous chemicals,” Preckwinkle said. “The ordinance passed today by the Cook County Board will give us better information and improve our ability to quickly transmit that information to local police, fire and other officials in the case an emergency.”

About 1,000 businesses in suburban Cook County will be subject to the ordinance, which will go into effect Jan. 1. The estimated annual fee for these businesses is approximately $100 to $150.

Examples of businesses that will be subject to the ordinance include large industrial facilities, large dry cleaning plants, auto body shops, commercial printers and metal platers,

among others.

Businesses in Chicago, which has its own ordinance

related to hazardous liquid waste, will not be subject to the ordinance.

gets, while 67 percent of school districts in Illinois are operating at deficit spending,” said Dr. James Gay, superintendent of the district that includes Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew high schools.

“We continue to increase what we offer to the district. We still provide our students with top-quality educational opportunities. I think the students and taxpayers are getting their money’s worth,” said Gay. “It’s not easy, but it is right for the kids and right for the community.”

“It is really a full-team effort,” said Board President Rick Nogal. “Balancing the budget without a tax increase and See DISTRICT 230, Page 7

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Our Neighborhood

The Reporter

4

Marist students, staff make holidays brighter Students, staff members and volunteers from Marist High School collected toys and other items for students in Robbins and Chicago’s West Side the past couple of weeks.

The presents were delivered to students from Robbins

in time for Christmas. Kids were delighted to receive toys. Marist students felt a sense of accomplishment that they were able to bring smiles to the faces of these kids.

The Marist Christmas Gifts event followed another charitable activity that took place over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Marist students, staff members and volunteers helped raise funds to buy food for needy families at Thanksgiving.

Photo by Chuck Whittier

Santa Claus greets a young girl during his appearance in Robbins on Saturday as part of the Marist Christmas Gifts event.

Photo by Chuck Whittier

Volunteers and Marist students hand out toys and other gifts to residents of Robbins during the Marist Christmas Gifts event Saturday.

Photo by Janelle Frost

Several Marist High School students, along with Campus Minister Patrick Meyer (in the background), wrap gifts from the school’s annual Christmas gift drive on Dec. 17. The gifts were donated to the Robbins community and to Chicago schools through the Alliance for the Children program.

Photo by Chuck Whittier

Two volunteers check a list of presents that will be distributed to kids and families during the Marist Christmas Gifts event in Robbins.

Compiled by Joe Boyle News and events from our archives Marine suffers injury but provides support for 11-year-old boy • 50 years ago

From the Dec. 23, 1965 issue The story: U.S. Marine Corporal James Zieler, 22, who grew up in Oak Lawn, will not be

home for Christmas. Medics wanted him to stay in the U.S. Naval Hospital in Philadelphia until he is completely accustomed to his new leg.

Zieler was wounded on Sept. 27 when a Viet Cong machine gun blast struck his left foot. He was evacuated from the war zone to a field hospital, then flown to Philadelphia after stops at hospitals in the Philippines and California.

Zieler graduated from Harnew Elementary School and Oak Lawn Community High School. He enlisted In the Marines after his 1962 graduation from Oak Lawn High, where he starred in track.

After getting fitted with his new leg, he traveled to another hospital to cheer up an 11-year-old boy who lost both of his legs after he was burned by a high tension wire. Zieler was scheduled to be home to see his parents in January.

Put another log on the fire in Chicago Ridge • 25 years ago

From the Dec. 22, 1990 issue The story: Chicago Ridge was reviewing plans how to store firewood in the village. George

Witous, the village attorney, was reviewing an Alsip ordinance regarding ways to stack firewood and was directed to prepare a similar ordinance for Chicago Ridge. Witous contended the ordinance was meant to set a control of firewood to keep it off the ground.

The quote: “If you’re going to store it six inches above the ground a rodent is going to crawl up that,” Witous said. “I think it can take a little more thought regarding what you are trying to do. I’m not pleased with it.”

Tense K9 dogs finds a home with Oak Lawn police officer • 10 years ago

From the Dec. 22, 2005 issue The story: The Oak Lawn K9 dog named Burt was relieved of duty after struggling with

stress related to the job. However, the 2-year-old Dutch shepherd still has a partner for life in Oak Lawn police officer Todd Tennsion. Imported from the Netherlands, Burt began training with Tennison in 2004 after the four-year Oak Lawn police officer applied to become a dog handler with the department.

Tennison was selected from a field of 10 other applicants. He soon realized how anxious Burt was. He brought the dog to the Chicago Ridge Animal Clinic and the staff diagnosed the problem.

Tennison then brought him home to stay as a pet after Burt was relieved of his duties.

The quote: “For seven hours he would spin around in the back seat, and when I’d open the car door to let him out, he wouldn’t want to leave,” said Tennison. “I think part of it was him being away from me (in the back seat). If he would be right next to me, he might have been alright.”

5 The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Chicago Ridge author says he has ‘Heavenly visions’

By Dermot Connolly Seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary in his bedroom, premonitions of world events and even an alien encounter are just part of life for Chicago Ridge resident Jerry Eroncig, who has written a book about his experiences.

“I’ve seen it all. Sign after sign after sign.

Nothing bothers me,” said Eroncig, 62, during a recent interview at Krapil’s Steakhouse in Worth, where he is a manager.

Entitled “Heaven Files,” the 160-page book begins with Eroncig’s 1988 encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who he said appeared to him at 3:30 a.m. one morning in his Chicago apartment.

“I quickly sat straight up in bed. I stared at a figure standing at my bedroom door; it was the Blessed Virgin Mary. She held in her hands a round, glowing ball. There is no doubt in my mind that it represented the world,” said Eroncig, a native of the Wrightwood neighborhood, where he attended St. Thomas More School and Bogan High School. He said that experience and others that followed have renewed his faith in God. He said Mary was wearing blue and green robes, and described her face as “beautiful and glowing.”

“She was trying to tell me something, but did not speak,” said Eroncig of the apparition.

“I wondered what Mary was trying to tell me. This curiosity consumed me for years after that incredible encounter,” he said. Soon afterward, he moved to California and then Las Vegas, mainly working as a security guard. But no matter where he went, Eroncig said his supernatural experiences continued.

Although these encounters have led to many sleepless nights, Eroncig describes himself as “blessed and gifted.” He wrote

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Newly published author Jerry Eroncig, of Chicago Ridge, holds a copy of his book, “Heaven Files,” during a recent interview at Krapil’s Steakhouse in Worth, where he is a manager.

the book because he felt he could help others by sharing his experiences.

He said Mary still makes her presence known to him in the form of glowing blue and green lights in his darkened room. He also sees red and blue lights, which he interprets as God. “It usually happens while I am in bed, but wide awake,” he said. “It can happen in a hotel room or anywhere,” he said. While they don’t speak, he said he can feel the light, as well as reassuring shoulder pats and kisses, letting him know that they are there.

“I’m telepathic,” he said, explaining how he also has premonitions of tragic events.

Although he said he usually cannot tell where in the world they are occurring, everything from hurricanes to boats capsizing, he said the visions precede similar events by a day or two. He said his premonitions included one of 9/11, which he describes in the book.

He is unclear on how God communicates with him. And although he said the premonitions of tragic events are not detailed, Eroncig said he has worked with law enforcement agencies from the FBI on down in order to limit or prevent atrocities.

“I can’t tell you everything, but 9/11 could have been a lot worse,” he said.

He maintains that “the world is in danger” from international terrorism, and his mission is to “undermine their insurgence.”

In addition to details about his premonitions, the author also includes in his book an illustration of an alien with triangular facial feature that he said materialized out of a haze in his apartment. He said he was watching television when he saw the creature appear from a haze across the room, and come toward him. He said it did not speak, but just stared at him before disappearing.

While he said he got goosebumps watching the figure come toward him, Eroncig said he did not feel the urge to bolt from the room, as many people would.

“What you will read in Heaven Files will challenge your beliefs, but these are true and incredible experiences,” he said, adding that a co-worker who has read it said it “changed his life.”

Eroncig said he is planning to have booksigning events in the area in the new year but it is currently available on several sites online, including www.tatepublishing.com and www.amazon.com.

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

With this being Christmas Eve, we decided to stay with a holiday theme for this week’s Whatizit. Most people answered correctly that last week’s photo was of a tree with holiday lights. We ring those Christmas bells for readers who responded that the decorated tree can be found at the Village Green at 94th and Raymond in Oak Lawn.

The Village Green, which is located next door to the Oak Lawn Library and the Oak Lawn Municipal Center, is always a beautiful sight during the holiday season. Lights can be found on the trees and bushes at the Village Green, and on the gazebo.

Worth resident Celeste Cameron was right when she said it was a tree and lights along the road and sidewalk. Theresa and George Rebersky Jr., also of Worth, also said it was a decorated tree.

Joliet resident Nancy Carley was more specific, stating that the trees are trimmed with lights at 9440 S. 53rd Ave. She also mentioned the gazebo.

Jan Merchantz, of Evergreen Park, said the tree trunk is decorated with Italian lights along Raymond Avenue in Oak Lawn. E.J. Oahueke, of Oak Lawn, also was correct. Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum stated that it is the decorated parkway at the Oak Lawn Village Green. Happy Holidays to everyone who participated!

This week’s clue for the photo above: Caring for youths.

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

SUDOKU

‘Welcome’ to the People’s Republic of Christmas

I

wanted to write a warm and fuzzy Christmas column this week, but I got side tracked.

Let me explain.

The other day, I was picking up a prescription at a familiar pharmacy. (Remember when we called them drug stores?) I was in a Christmassy mood, so I took a detour to browse through the “seasonal” section. (Too bad that “Christmas” has become a dirty word to so many retailers.)

I wasn’t looking for anything in particular.

More than anything, I was looking for a few touchstones from my youth to give me a smile and make me feel warm inside. (Watching my VHS copy of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” always does that to me.)

I was seeking comfort and the familiarity of an old-fashioned American Christmas, or at least the kind I recall from my youth.

Instead, I found myself in the People’s Republic of Christmas.

Just about every item I looked at, it seemed, had three words in common: Made in China.

Let me say at this point that I have absolutely nothing against the Chinese people.

In fact, I have a very dear niece who is ethnically Chinese. And Chicago is the great world-class city it is, in part thanks to the Chinese who live here and have helped build

it and maintain it.

But I do have a problem with (and I hope you do, too) the huge amount of goods that used to be made here that are no longer.

Things now made in China and elsewhere. Hey, I’m glad they have jobs — but not if it means Americans lose ours.

Up and down the “seasonal” aisles I browsed.

Trinkets made in China.

Candy made in China.

Wrigley’s chewing gum Joan Christmas tin made in Hadac China. Charlie Brown and Snoopy figurines made in China. Even Mickey Mouse.

At this store, you couldn’t even cloak yourself in an American Christmas. The Santa suit in a bag? Made in -- you guessed it.

Seems like everyone has bolted the USA. Pepperidge Farm now bakes some of its treats in Indonesia. (Remember their TV commercials in the 1970s in which they boasted about their American goodness, and the on-screen pitchman’s Yankee pronunciation -- Pep-ridge Faahhm?)

Same with Royal Dansk cookies. Forget Denmark. Jakarta is where it’s at.

So I recoiled from Chinese Charlie Brown, the Mandarin Mickey Mouse, the Shanghai Snoopy — and I fled to the last bastion of Christmas, the Lord Jesus.

Too late, sad to say. Nativity-themed Christmas cards, trinkets, everything with Jesus, Mary and/or Joseph was made in China.

And given China’s ongoing persecution of Christians (most notably Roman Catholics and evangelical Protestants — everything from everyday discrimination to imprisonment and torture), images of Jesus from the People’s Republic of China are a bitter irony.

My head started spinning, so I headed for the ladies room to compose myself. I washed my hands, threw a little water on my face and turned on the automatic dryer. A large label on the dryer said, “Made in China for the Dayton Electric Manufacturing Co., Niles, Illinois.”

That did it. I headed over to the “pain reliever” aisle to buy some aspirin. They’re not made in China. Yet.

Answers on Page 7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Joan Hadac is an award-winning journalist who is editor and publisher of swchicagopost.com, an online news service serving six Chicago neighborhoods near Midway Airport.

Secretary of State urges drivers not to drink and drive

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminds motorists who are celebrating during the holiday season to be sure to drive safely and don’t drink and drive.

“Drunk driving causes death and injury on our roadways every year during the holidays,” White said. “Let’s keep the roads safe for our loved ones and others by driving sober.”

In 2014, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, there were seven driving fatalities, three (42 percent) of which were alcoholrelated in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Five of the 10 fatalities were alcohol-related from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day,

according to IDOT. Ninety-three percent of all drivers arrested for DUI lost their driving privileges, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Eighty-six percent of all drivers arrested for DUI are first-time offenders, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

The National Highway of Traffic Safety Administration states that the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is four and half times higher at night than during the day. An average of one alcohol-related fatality occurs every 53 minutes, according to the NHTSA.

Vouchers for eye exams and glasses The newly formed Chicago Ridge Lions Club, through the assistance of the Lions Foundation and VSP Global, has passed out vouchers for free vision exams and free eye glasses for students that qualified at Ridge Central School on Dec. 17. The Lions Club met on Monday to hand out vouchers for Willow Springs Seniors that qualified at their meeting. Taking part during the senior citizens event were (from left) Willow Springs Lions member Mike Smigielski, Mary Waitcher, seniors vice president; Gerda Van Howe, seniors president; Sandy Jacobsen, seniors secretary; and Bill Lammel, president of the Chicago Lions Club.

Second City comedy group will perform at Moraine Valley The Second City comedy theater group will perform “Hooking Up with The Second City” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

The show will be held in the Dorothy Men-

Palos Hills

Continued from Page 1

the ordinance at the meeting on Nov. 5.

Only nine aldermen were present two weeks later so Nowak asked to “hold” a vote on the ordinance until the Dec. 3 meeting. However, another alderman moved for the passage of the ordinance, which was seconded.

Prior to the vote on the motion, another alderman moved to table consideration of the ordinance “until we get a full count [of aldermen].” The issue was tabled after a 5-4 vote.

At the next meeting on Dec. 3 all 10 aldermen were present and the motion to approve the licenses for the two video gaming cafés was passed after Bennett cast the

ker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.

The revue will include a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between.

Tickets for “Hooking Up with The Second

tiebreaking vote.

In the report, Pappas wrote “instead of moving to ‘table’ a vote on the ordinance made at the Nov. 19, 2015 meeting, perhaps a more appropriate motion would have been to ‘postpone the vote to a time certain,’ which in this case would be the next meeting of Dec. 3, 2015.”

He further stated a motion to “table” is made to put a pending question aside temporarily when a different matter of an urgent nature has risen and requires immediate attention. Pappas noted that Nowak’s statement on Nov. 19 could, however, be construed as a “motion to postpone” the vote to Dec. 3.

In his report’s conclusion, Pappas said “although technical motions such as ‘motion to rescind’ and a ‘motion to postpone’ were

City” and other upcoming performances can be purchased online at morainevalley.edu/ fpac or by calling (708) 974-5500. Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office, located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

not made and voted upon, what transpired cannot be said to be so egregious as to void the passage of (the) ordinance.” “(The ordinance) was enacted by a vote of the majority and I don’t think even though the motion to draft was not properly made there is no question that the city council can review that decision and change their opinion and that is what happened.”

Kleefisch, who has been the most vocal against the video gaming cafés, was undecided on whether he would pursue the matter any further.

“I’ll make a determination after I read (Pappas’) findings,” Kleefisch said when asked after the meeting.

Ald. Mary Ann Schultz (5th), who, like Kleefisch voted against

issuing the liquor licenses, did not anticipate she would bring the topic up for further consideration at the next board meeting in three weeks.

“The outcome is going to be the same so honestly I don’t see why it would be worth wasting the time,” Schultz said after the meeting. “Hopefully we will follow procedure a little more closely next time. I don’t want to set a precedent.”

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

ACROSS 1 Predicament 5 *1-/9-Across 9 Mutual fund charge 13 Up to it 14 Prefix with plasm 15 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient 17 Nocturnal critter 18 Source 19 Adams’ “Nixon in China,” for one 20 Handled vessel 22 Pouches 24 Orch. section 25 Site of unexpected change?

27 Didn’t trick, maybe 29 See 62-Down 32 With 49-Across, bad break ... and what each answer to a starred clue creates vis-à-vis the answers that define it 34 Prayer set to music by Schubert and Gounod 36 Choice to sleep on 40 Diva highlights 41 Distillery founder John 44 “Ray Donovan” star Schreiber 45 Aptly named bird 47 Italian almond cookies 49 See 32-Across 52 British pen pal’s last letter?

53 Part of a Buddhist monk’s ordination 56 Ridge just below the surface 58 “Father of,” in Arabic 59 Identical 61 Place where cheap shots are a good thing 65 Allow to attack 67 Dagwood’s annoying little friend 69 Inflict on 70 1985 Chemistry co-Nobelist Jerome 71 “Avatar” race 72 Always 73 “Easy to be Hard” musical 74 *73-/75-Across 75 Business

DOWN 1 Overdue, as pay 2 Instrument to which an orchestra tunes 3 Bushels 4 Pitchers’ places 5 White-faced cattle breed 6 Roxy Music co-founder 7 Stirs 8 Knish filling 9 Unfastens 10 Up and down, say: Abbr.

11 “Give it __” 12 Puccini’s “Vissi __” 16 Stern 21 Like “la vida” in a Ricky Martin hit 23 French vineyard 26 Gallic girlfriend 28 Jane Eyre’s charge 29 *1-/53-Down 30 Declare 31 Where to find a hero 33 Play with, in a way 35 Irritates 37 Cheese holder 38 Idée source 39 *16-/64-Down 42 Russia-China border river 43 Numismatist’s find 46 Reliant soul 48 Casting aid 50 Constellation near Scorpius 51 Bind 53 Converse 54 West Indian folk religion 55 __Sweet: aspartame 57 Friend of Che 60 Where Goliath was slain 62 With 29-Across, Balkan city on the Danube 63 Rte. through Houston 64 Reactor part 66 Will Smith title role 68 DIII doubled Answers on Page 7

COMMENTARY

Thursday, December 24, 2015

THE

The Reporter

6

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Maybe we should link voting to having sex

Christmas is here, but peace is in short supply his is Christmas Eve, and soon it will be time for celebrating St. Nick’s journey from the North Pole. Children are anxious and will have trouble going to sleep tonight. Parents and adults of all ages will recall those days when they were filled with such excitement.

Christmas Day should be a day of joy that includes the giving of gifts and greeting relatives and friends. For at least one day, adults should be as happy as a carefree child. Of course, we know that the feeling of calm and excitement doesn’t last. Adults are faced with life’s realities while doing the best we can to shield our kids from them.

Peace on Earth will be mentioned in songs and greetings today and throughout the holiday season. They are noble words, but we know that they often ring hollow. The world is as volatile as it has been in years, locally and nationally.

The kind of turbulence that has gripped Chicago also has cast a shadow over Baltimore, Ferguson, Mo., and Cleveland. Racial strife is nothing new, but it has exploded this past year. The actions of some police officers are in question after reports that in several instances black men have been killed due to excessive force.

Like we said last week, the majority of police officers perform their jobs admirably under a tremendous strain. But all it takes is the actions of a few individuals to create an atmosphere of distrust and hate in predominantly black neighborhoods. As we enter a new year, that distrust is evident in the City of Chicago. The healing process will take a long time.

Turn on the TV or read the front pages of daily newspapers and it is evident we don’t have peace on Earth.

Look at Syria, for instance. We don’t have the room here to discuss all the aspects of this tragedy. Violence began in Syria in March 2011 and civil war has caused havoc ever since. The United Nations estimates that more than 200,000 people have died in the fights between President Bashar al-Assad’s government and the rebel forces that want him removed.

The UN’s Refugee Agency says more than four million people have fled Syria to neighboring countries. Many of the refugees have been arriving in Europe, trying to reach countries such as Great Britain and Germany.

The trouble in Syria began in 2011 when locals took to the streets to protest after 15 schoolchildren were arrested and reportedly tortured for writing anti-government graffiti on a wall. The protests were initially peaceful, but the government eventually reacted angrily and began to fire shots, killing four people. The violence just escalated from there, with protesters wanting al-Assad gone.

There also is unrest in the Ukraine as a dispute over the occupation of land has resulted in continuous bloodshed. Russia is at odds with the United States and many European nations over its bold entrance into the Ukraine. On the other hand, Russia has a fragile alliance with the U.S. and allies over the civil war in Syria. The Russians back al-Assad and have been firing shots at any rebels in that country. Some of those rebels oppose al-Assad.

The only common denominator Russia has with the U.S. and the allies is that they detest the Islamic State, or ISIS. These fanatics presently occupy portions of Iraq and are trying to take hold in Syria. ISIS has been in the news a lot of late.

We also have mentally ill people carrying out acts of violence in this country, time and time again. Some of them have been inspired

by ISIS, although the terrorists have not directed them. The presence of ISIS has many residents on edge. These are not conventional enemies like we have dealt with in the past.

ISIS may eventually be obliterated but another faction will develop from the ashes. We should have learned that after the Iraq War, which has since inspired more U.S. enemies.

There is no peace on Earth. But for one day we hope our readers enjoy the spirit of the season. We have dealt with monsters before and will again in the future. But for today, enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Fear should never conquer love.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

T

Remembering firefighter’s love of his family and his job We often hear about the dangers that police officers have to deal with on a daily basis. While some officers have come under criticism of late due to a series of excessive force incidents, the majority of the members of the police department are dedicated and responsible.

And it can be a dangerous job. So, we salute them for their courage and valor.

We also were reminded recently that being a firefighter can also be dangerous. The death of firefighter and paramedic Daniel Capuano, 42, is a stark reminder of the perils of the job. Capuano died Dec. 14 while battling a fire in a vacant warehouse on Chicago’s Southeast Side. The current resident of Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood was a member of the city fire department for 15 years.

His death also hit home for a lot of southwest suburban residents because Capuano was also a part-time Evergreen Park firefighter for the past 16 years. This has been a difficult period for members of the Evergreen Park Fire Department. When reached by our reporter Dermot Connolly on the day Capuano died, Evergreen Park Fire Chief Chief Ronald Kleinhaus said, “It’s a very sad day here.

This is the first time something like this has happened to us.”

Firefighters love their job and the camaraderie. They realize the job can be dangerous, but fatalities usually aren’t on their minds when they go on a run. From everything we have heard since the tragedy, Capuano was described as a great guy who would go out of his way to keep up everyone’s spirits.

The fact that he leaves behind three children and a wife makes his death all the more tragic.

Capuano got his start by attending the fire academy and he received EMT training for the Palos Fire Department. He stayed with the Palos department for about eight years, according to Palos Fire Chief James Graben. His parents also still live in Palos Park.

Capuano also worked for the Lemont Fire Department.

The circumstances in Capuano’s death adds to the tragedy. The accident should not have occurred. The elevator shaft that Capuano fell through was empty and not blocked off. Capuano was not able to see because of heavy smoke at the fire. Published reports have stated that there were numerous building violations. Construction was taking place at the building but the City of Chicago said there were no building permits requested or filed.

His death affects many communities in our coverage area, as well as Chicago. The fact that this occurred at this time of year is also heartbreaking. Leaving behind a wife and children as Christmas approaches is very sad.

But Capuano loved his job with the Chicago Fire Department.

He loved being a part-time Evergreen Park firefighter. He was an active father who helped coach the St. Jude Knights Hockey Club.

He lived his relatively short life to the fullest. His legacy is that he was devoted to his job and he leaves behind many friends and relatives who loved him.

Capuano worked at a dangerous job. But from what we have heard, this is what he always wanted to do. That’s what we should remember as we salute his efforts.

hey didn’t teach me “New Math” when I went to school in the 1960s, which is probably why I am better at math than many of the younger “whippersnappers” that have come along who think they are smarter than baby boomers.

But I do know that most Americans who can vote in elections don’t vote. The numbers are clear but the percentages seem to vary because some only calculate the total number of people who are registered to vote but don’t include those that don’t register but who can.

Let me explain: Often missing from the tabulations is the total number of Americans who are old enough to register but don’t register, so sometimes they are not in the equation.

Many election reports will say that in 2012, 66.8 percent of people voted. Well, that’s not accurate in the bigger context.

The 66.8 percent represents the number of “registered voters” who didn’t vote.

That’s a terrible reflection on a nation founded on several principles, religious freedom (which apparently doesn’t exist in this country any more) and freedom to vote, which finally was fully realized to include women and blacks earlier in the last century.

The real number to shame this country is 57.6 percent.

That’s the actual percentage of people who can register or who have registered to vote, but didn’t vote, according to the last presidential election is 2012.

What do we do?

Well, for one thing, we can make voting more like sex.

That would have its benefits and its shortfalls.

The benefit? The voting process would be a lot faster and in shorter time.

Let’s be honest. Congress lies to us all the time about raising and not raising taxes. So, if we’re going to get screwed (can I say that word in print?), making voting more like sex makes sense.

I mean “screwed” is the operative word here, isn’t it?

For example, why does a candidate for national office spend $50 million to win a job that pays $400,000 a year for president and even less for the Congress, only $175,000?

They know that when they get to Washington, their campaign supporter contractors can buy a toilet seat for $10 and sell it to the government for $10,000. (That applies to almost everything bought by our government under every administration.)

Therein is the problem. The taxpayers get screwed.

Take the unofficial campaign slogan of one of our former presidents: “I want to be president to meet women.” In fact, that is the exact same campaign slogan of his wife, which is fine with me of course, because I don’t discriminate against the LGBT community.

We can tie sex to taxation. It might make a difference. For example, right now we have the highest taxes for fighting crime, and we have the highest crime rate in the country. We have the highest tax for education, and we have the highest rate of school failings.

It makes sense then. The higher the taxes the higher the amount of sex we have, although I am sure when it comes to sex, some people are already high enough. Can you imagine the election promises?

We’ll all be screaming for more taxes. And the politicians won’t have to lie about taxes at all. The state’s pension troubles will be resolved, maybe.

And, at least, if no one cares about voting, they’ll care about having sex.

That’s a good thing, I think.

Isn’t it?

T INSIDE THE FIRST AMEDMENT

Limiting or closing down access to ‘free speech’ is not a joking matter government censorship, not the decisions of private companies. Already, in response to If this were a joke, it would have to start ISIS posts involving savage violence and the out: “So, three censors and a Senate commitbeheadings in 2014 of American journaltee walk into a bar...” ists and others, social media outlets such as Except that it’s no joking matter when Facebook, Google, and Twitter have moved to those calling for private or public censoring quickly take down such posts as quickly as of the Internet include the two leading canthey are spotted. didates for leader of the Free But should the Google World, the head of the largest chief’s plan gains any tracThe First search engine and information tion, it surely will revive talk company on the planet, and of bringing such massively Amendment’s several members of a U.S. Senpowerful private information guiding principle companies under the First ate committee.

The free flow of information — and thus, their is that the best Amendment and communication of ideas content decisions — as quasi— even repugnant ones — is a counter to speech governmental entities, much hallmark of American democas we view electric, water and you don’t like is other public utilities. racy. Even “hate speech” has constitutional protection when Other Web battlegrounds inmore, not less, it offends, insults or attacks. clude the provision of governspeech.

The U.S. Supreme Court ment “back-doors” to encryphas a long string of decisions tion of Web messages, and defending speech and speakers an active proposal in the U.S. that many Americans would like to shut off Senate Intelligence Committee that would or shut down. But within a just a few days of require private internet firms to report suspieach other: cious terror activity to government authorities.

Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Such easy-to-the-eyes tools have major Google, said in an Op-ed piece for The New flaws. Critics of giving government the keys York Times that his company and others to decipher communication say it will also should create algorithmic “tools to help depave the way for skilled terrorists to underescalate tensions on social media — sort of mine Web security, and will allow repressive like spell-checkers, but for hate and harassregimes to track down dissidents and thwart ment.” press attempts to uncover corruption and Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton human rights violations. Opponents of the called on Web companies to “disrupt” terror Senate legislation requiring private companies groups’ ability to use social media for recruit- to monitor and report is more likely to have ment and communication, to “deprive jihadtwo negative effects: Some companies to ists of virtual territory.” turn away from current levels of surveillance GOP poll leader Donald Trump said at a to avoid liability, or to flood police with all South Carolina rally that “in certain areas” manner of “suspicious” e-mails so as not to we should just shut down the Internet. be blamed for missing a critical note.

Clinton and Trump took clear aim at the Left unsaid is what many deem the mostFirst Amendment. Trump said, “Somebody effective counter to terrorist propaganda and will say, ‘Oh freedom of speech, freedom of to attempts to recruit new advocates: The speech.’ These are foolish people.” And ClinFirst Amendment’s guiding principle that the ton said, “You’ll hear all the usual complaints best counter to speech you don’t like is more, — freedom of speech. But if we truly are not less, speech. in a war against terrorism and we are truly Brave people like the Syrian online freelooking for ways to shut off their funding and dom fighters “Raqqa is being Slaughtered shut off the flow of foreign fighters, we have Silently” effectively use news and information to shut off their means of communicating.” gathered at the risk of death from inside their But as FBI Director James B. Comey said nation to show there’s no “paradise on Earth” in a program Dec. 9 at the Newseum, the in ISIS-held territory, and to discredit the noold model of a Web site “watering hole” tion that there’s salvation in harming others. where terror operations and communications There’s nothing “foolish” in that. were centralized is gone — replaced by a world-wide, diverse set of points of contact Gene Policinski is chief operating officer and communication that defy simple counterof the Newseum Institute and senior vice terrorist moves. president of the Institute’s First Amendment Schmidt may be on better legal ground Center. He can be reached at gpolicinski@ with his robotic-powered battle plan, since newseum.org. Follow him on Twitter: the First Amendment protects only against @genefac

By Gene Policinski

Call a friend or relax with family this Christmas

By Glenn Mollette I received a call from an old friend this morning. I’ve known him now for over 40 years. When I was 20 years old I lived four months with him and his family in Dayton, Ohio while I attended Wright State University.

The call was a simple Merry Christmas call that caught us up on family and life in general. The call began to wind up with Bill telling me about all the times that he thinks about me, and how much he loves our family.

The sentiment is mutual I expressed and we were able to exchange warm Christmas greetings. The call made my day.

I brought my Army son home from the airport Sunday evening. After a long flight home he relaxed in our family room as we caught up on small talk. Just the fact that he was in our home and was safe made my day.

A couple who works with us at our office came by our home last week bringing gifts.

The gifts are beautiful but the effort they made to tell us how much they enjoy working with us and that they love their jobs still after seven years meant a lot.

We often make Christmas difficult. We stress ourselves out. We get into fiascos over gifts, travel, money and how to celebrate the holiday. The first Christmas was about the birth of a baby. People around the world have tried to find all kinds of ways to celebrate his birth for over 2,000 years. It’s amazing how we sometimes mess up his birthday and the holiday.

This week try focusing on enjoying and loving people. It’s often the simple conversations we have along the way that make our Christmas Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author. He is the author of 11 books.

We want to hear from you Letters should be 350 words or less. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Writers must also include their address and telephone number for verification, but that information will not be published and will remain otherwise confidential. Mail letters to the editor to The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net

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

7 The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Marist

Golden Eagle prize winners

Continued from Page 1

Oak Lawn resident Steven Rosenbaum (far right), president of Prospect Federal Savings Bank in Worth, Oak Lawn and Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood, congratulates the two top prize winners at the Golden Eagle Club’s Christmas luncheon held on Dec. 2. William Tumaitis won a Keurig coffee maker and Anne Mikal won a 24-inch HD-TV.

Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre Group will be holding auditions for ‘The Addams Family’ The Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre group will be holding a casting call for the production of “The Addams Family” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Residents trying out must be at least 16 years

Worth

Continued from Page 1

Sunday marked the 67th annual Christmas basket collection for

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM E. COFFEY III A/K/A WILLIAM E. COFFEY A/K/A WILLIAM COFFEY, LISA M. COFFEY A/K/A LISA MARIE COFFEY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 14 CH 17159 8124 W. 91ST PLACE Hickory Hills, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 5, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 22 IN MOWATT’S HIGHLAND MEADOW SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 10 ACRES (EXCEPT THE NORTH 16 1/2 FEET) OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 8124 W. 91ST PLACE, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-421-009-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $307,187.98.

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES 10729 WEST 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 Attorney Code. 25602 Case Number: 14 CH 17159 TJSC#: 35-17513 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

of age, except for boys ages 10 to 12. Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared to sing a song from the show.

Callbacks, if necessary, will be on Tuesday, Jan. 12. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

continued.

Maura Smith, 17, of Mount Greenwood, and a senior at Marist said her love for Christmas and little children is why she’s been a part of the Christmas drive since her freshman year.

She said the presents, which she helped wrap last Thursday, bring the children “so much happiness and joy over the season,” and the gifts are ones any child would want.

Alliance for the Children works with Chicago schools to obtain the children’s wish list tags, which vary, Meyer said, but most of the items given to the drive are everyday essentials. Most of the children ask for socks, underwear, coats, boots, diapers, toys, and baby bath essentials, he said.

Alliance for the Children is run by husband and wife, Dorian and Kim Conty.

“It has been an awesome partnership” with Marist, Dorian Conty said. “The kids (at Marist]) get excited every year and love to participate. It brings them together

season.

“The number of volunteers we have continues to grow every year for both the Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas baskets,” Lode said. “This year, between the two collections, we have had well over 200 volunteers.”

Each family received a ham, fresh produce, meat, bakery, dairy food, personal hygiene items, household paper products, household cleaning supplies, children’s toys, family sweatshirts, hats and mittens.

“Families inform us beforehand the number of children in each of their families, along with the children’s sizes and gender,” Lode said. “That way, we can shop for the sweatshirts and guarantee each family has the correct number of sweatshirts in the correct size and they are gender appropriate.

There is a not a limitation on the number of sweatshirts a family can receive. It is based on the number of children within their

household.”

Canned and dry foods collected by the Worth Lions Club during their “Ton of Food” collection that took place in November were also distributed.

Toys R Us gift cards were also distributed as gifts for children up to the age of 16 living within the village.

Families were chosen based on need. Data on individual families’ needs is gathered from information within the Worth School District, the Worth Village Hall and the Worth Township.

The holiday basket collection has been taking place since 1948, according to Lode, who has been serving the auxiliary for 45 years.

Lode stepped up to the role of organizer of the event, along with Frestel, after her mother Anne Lode died.

“We like to take care of the people within our village,” Lode said. “It is really an amazing event.”

met it.”

Nogal pointed out that in addition to balancing its budget, Continued from Page 3 District 230 has also received the with a decrease in state fund- status of “financial recognition” ing has been a challenge, but we from the Illinois State Board of Education, the highest rating possible. He said Standard & Poor’s has also awarded the district a LEGAL NOTICE AA rating, indicating its strong IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, financial health.

ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION “We are firmly committed to being fiscally responsible to our U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, taxpayers while providing the outv. standing education our students ZEYAD HALEEM; U.S. BANK N.A.; RIVIERA deserve and our community exREGAL UMBRELLA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; RIVIERA REGAL I CONDOMINIUM pects,” said Nogal.

ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS and Also at the board meeting, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Sandburg Vice Principal Greg Defendants.

Gardner and student leaders on Calendar 61 the executive board of the SuperCase No.: 15-CH-15362 fanZ student section program at Property Address: 11125 S. 84TH Ave. #3B Sandburg discussed the success Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 of Rewards, a geo-location app for smart phones that rewards NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Sandburg students for attending NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: ZEYAD HALEEM school athletic events.

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for Sandburg began using the app the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage and Other this fall, and is currently the only Relief conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: high school in Illinois to do so, although Stagg, in Palos Hills, UNIT NUMBER 11125-3B IN RIVIERA REGAL CONDOMINIUM TOGETHER WITH ITS is planning to to offer their own UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE version next year. The University COMMON ELEMENTS, AS DELINEATED AND of lllinois at Chicago has also DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 86-059069, OF THAT begun using it.

PART OF THE WEST 641.0 FEET OF THE Students are encouraged to NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE download the free app on their THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED phones, and use it to “check in” AS THE NORTH 700.00 FEET OF THE EAST 395.06 FEET, EXCEPT FROM THE ABOVE THE when they arrive at events. By SOUTH 284.50 FEET OF THE NORTH 517.25 attending school events, they can FEET OF THE WEST 215.00 FEET OF THE accrue points to unlock prizes, EAST 395.06 FEET OF THE WEST 641.00 FEET AFORESAID OF THE NORTHEAST ¬º OF SECwhich include free tickets to TION 23, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12,

homecoming, prom and other occasions.

“This year, we had a bigger turnout for our first football game, which was away at Naperville Central, than last year, when it was at nearby Andrew High School,” said student leader Eric Simkowski.

“We doubled our fan base, and made (going to games) a thing to do,” said Simkowski, adding that attendance at so-called minor sports has also increased.

Also, the students said that instead of limiting the Superfanz section of the stadium to juniors and seniors, with the freshmen and sophomores scattered elsewhere, all four grade levels are now being brought together in the same area.

“Coming in as a freshman, it was very intimidating to go games and sit in a section dominated by juniors and seniors,” said senior Emily Cosler.

“We’re very excited. At the end of the day, it is all about getting involved and showing support for the school,” she said.

While an outside company developed this one, the board also approved two app development courses for fall 2016, in which students will be taught how to create their own apps.

“It is a long way from the basic computer programming classes I took when I was at Sandburg long ago, where I learned to print ‘Pat’ across the screen,” said board member Patrick O’Sullivan.

the family post.

The holiday gift baskets were created solely by volunteers within the community on Sunday morning and given to families in need of help during the holidays.

Everything is done anonymously to protect the identities of the families in need.

Organized by Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 coaches Bethanne Lode and Mary Frestel, the legion put together 78 Christmas baskets that were distributed to families with a total of 117 combined children.

“This is honestly the best Christmas present I can truly give to a person,” Frestel said.

“I love this event. I look forward to it every year.”

Worth Mayor Mary Werner was out early Sunday morning and was among the over 200 volunteers that contributed to putting together and distributing holiday baskets during the Thanksgiving and Christmas

District 230

EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 11125 S. 84th Ave., #3B, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465

SUDOKU Solution

Identification of recording: Document No. 0710835047; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before JANUARY 18, 2016, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

(312) 566-0040 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law fi m is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

a coat drive for the community.

“People don’t have much,” said Morrissey, who has worked with the mission. “It’s tough to see them come in, but when they do come in, they are so happy. It gives these kids hope they don’t get on a regular basis, and brings joy to their faces.”

Marist Campus Minister Colleen Pochyly, who stated in addition to the Christmas drive that they also donate sandwiches once a month to the Robbins community, said once students get involved in service, they want to continue to do it. And because Marist has no service hours, the students who are there really want to be there and are passionate about service.

That was evident through those who participated in the Christmas drive, including freshman Grace Murphy, 14, of Orland Park, who helped wrap gifts.

“I feel giving other kids presents makes you a better person,” Murphy said. “Everyone is not blessed as you are. I like to give back. I know what it was like when I was a kid and got presents. I want to make others feel the same way.”

DEATH NOTICES Robert DeRoos Robert J. DeRoos, 72, an Evergreen Park resident, died Friday.

Mr. DeRoos was a retired heavy equipment operator for the Village of Evergreen Park for over 40 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Evergreen Park Fire Department, retiring as captain in 1982 after 20 years of service.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen DeRoos; sons, Glenn and John; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were Tuesday at Colonial Chapel. Interment took place at Evergreen Cemetery.

Timothy Doornbos Timothy Doornbos, 63, an Evergreen Park resident, died Dec. 17 at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights.

Mr. Doornbos was a sheet metal worker.

Survivors include a sister, Darlene Veach; brothers, Craig and Todd; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and greatnephews.

Services were Monday at Colonial Chapel. Interment was at Garden Hill Gardens South Cemetery.

Santa Moll Santa Moll, 92, a Palos Park resident, died Saturday at Peace Village in Palos Park.

Mrs. Moll was a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Annette Wask; sons, Howard and Thomas; sisters, Anne Berndt, Julie Zygutis, Josephine Bennick and Rose Kowalski; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were Wednesday at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Carlotta Morrison Carolotta Morrison (nee Bocardo), 78, died Saturday at her Oak Lawn home.

Mrs. Morrison, who was born in Eastland, Texas, was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Max; daughters, Mary Garcia, Gloria Morrison and Carole Zuleger; son, Brian; siblings, Mary Helen, Dabar and Michael; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were Tuesday at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

PIN #: 23-23-200-026-1078 and which said Mortgage was made by: ZEYAD HALEEM (UNMARRIED), the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for U.S. Bank N.A. and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, on April 18, 2007, by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds;

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court,

for a common goal, and they love helping other kids this time of year, which teaches kids there are others less fortunate than them.”

Senior Matt Kettering, who helped wrap gifts, agreed.

“I thought it was huge that most students realized how fortunate they are and decided to show their generosity,” said Kettering, 18, of Mount Greenwood. “I hope the people that don’t have as much as we do have an awesome Christmas with the toys and stuff and that the parents have one less thing to worry about over the holidays.”

Two hundred toys were wrapped and distributed in Robbins Saturday, Meyer said, and the rest were to be picked up from Marist by Alliance for the Children to be given to children from Chicago schools.

“I’m overwhelmed with the generosity and spirit of the Marist community,” said Ann DeAngelis, Robbins Mission’s coordinator. “They have been an anchor to this mission since the early days.”

In addition to helping wrap gifts at Marist, sophomore Aidan Morrissey, 16, of Palos Park, has shown his generosity for the people in Robbins by also holding

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

CROSSWORD Answers

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

CONSUMER NEWS

Thursday, December 24, 2015

New candy shop in Orland desserts. Signature offerings include the “One-Pounder,” a corned beef sandwich.

For information, visit the website dasdelianddining.com.

A

Grand opening for D.A.’s Deli

D.A.’s Deli and Dining soul food restaurant held its grand opening Saturday at its new location at 7260 W. 159th St. in Orland Park’s Home Depot plaza.

Owner Darryl Abernathy credits decades-old family recipes as his secret ingredient for whipping up delicious pork, chicken, beef and seafood dishes and sandwiches, sides and

Photo by Bob Bong

Webb Auto Outlet, a used car dealership, opened recently at 10926 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. For information, call the dealership at 708-827-5511.

to come.”

Midway Dispensary’s facility will feature state-of-the-art security, including 24-hour video monitoring by the Illinois State Police, motion detectors and security guards.

According to Larry Doria, a veteran security professional involved in the initial planning, “(T)his building will have more security than neighborhood banks. Midway Dispensary has gone to great lengths to ensure their customers and products are safe and secure at all times.”

For information, call 630728-1992 or visit www.midwaydispensary.com.

Credit unions merge

Great Lakes Credit Union has announced the completion of a merger earlier this month with Phone-Co Credit Union.

It’s the third merger completed

by Great Lakes Credit Union in 2015.

The merger means Great Lakes has a new branch at 225 W. Randolph St. in Chicago (inside the AT&T Corporate building on the first floor). The branch is open to the public and can be accessed directly from Franklin Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Great Lakes Credit Union has more than 65,000 members and more than $693 million in assets. It is headquartered in Bannockburn, with branches in Antioch, Bolingbrook, Country Club Hills, Gurnee, Naperville, North Chicago, Oak Lawn, Round Lake Beach, Waukegan, Willow Springs and Zion.

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

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

BEST OF THE WINE GUY

Santa prepares for his annual worldwide journey

I

n the North Pole, there stands a small cottage with smoke curling up from the chimney. As snowflakes come down covering the house, Santa Claus is finally sorting out letters from children who are asking for certain presents.

Surrounding the house, reindeer are waiting for Santa’s orders. Christmas Eve is here and Santa must get started!

Santa Claus is coming. He’s making a list and checking it twice! It is now the Christmas season and Santa is all set to bring gifts and presents to children and parents alike.

Jolly Old St. Nick, as he is called, will have a twinkle in his eye and will be dressed in a garment of red and trimming in white. He is loading up his sleigh with the many gifts and presents he is to deliver on Christmas Eve. With

leading the way.

Children who are excited and restless can’t wait for Christmas morning. Parents are excited because there are presents for them, too!

After delivering all of the presents, Santa and his reindeer head back home to await the coming Christmas. With a laugh of accomplishment and a “ho, ho, ho,” Santa wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

his cheeks and nose red from the cold, he raises his whip and flicks it over the reindeer.

The excited and jubilant reindeer are on their way. Dancer and Prancer are in the group, and Rudolph with his red nose is

Anthony Scarano is not a doctor. He is an Evergreen Park resident, winemaker and certified naturopath. Suggestions in this space are his opinions based on years of independent study and personal experience. Wine should be consumed in moderation. Overindulgence may be harmful to health.

Marquette Bank employees brighten the holidays for local families Employees of Marquette Bank provided gifts for more than 110 children and adults as part of its ninth annual Adopt-a-Family Project. This employeerun project is an annual event where the bank teams up with local organizations to collect donations to distribute gifts to families in need.

“We have been doing our Adopta-Family Project for nine years and it continues to be such a rewarding experience,” said Betty Kosky-Harn, executive vice president of Marquette Bank. “We are so grateful to our employees and local partners for their time and effort to help brighten up the holidays for these families.”

Marquette Bank raised funds for the

Adopt-a-Family Project by participating in Bank-wide jeans days, where employees could make a $5 donation to wear jeans to work. Over 400 toys were donated by businesses and Marquette Club customers of Marquette Bank through the sixth Annual Neighborhood Toy Drive.

Once donations were collected, bank employees came together and held a “wrapping party” where they spent a few hours after work wrapping gifts for the families. Excess toys from the Neighborhood Toy Drive were donated to the Toy Box Connection, a local non-profit organization that collects and distributes toys to local children in need, and Clara’s House, a shelter for women and children in Chicago.

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

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.470

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.000

4.045

0

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 14)

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.050

APR 4.052

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.379

0

10-year fi ed

3.250

3.255

0

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 21)

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.000

APR 4.047

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.750

3.814

.25

15-year fi ed

3.250

3.314

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

financial advisor in here’s a lot to the world won’t be know about inof much help to you vesting, so it’s a if he or she is not a good idea to get some good communicator. professional help. But You need someone with so many financial who will regularly let advisors out there, you know if you’re on how can you choose track or make sugone that’s right for gestions if you’re not you?

Scott even if you aren’t You may have to Johnson — scheduled to meet for interview several proa while. And, speakspective financial ading of conferring with your visors before deciding on one. financial advisor, you’ll want When you talk to them, see someone who will meet with if you can get a sense of how you when it’s convenient for they might work with you. you, whether it’s in person or Specifically, try to answer the over the phone. following questions: • Avoid making big promDoes this financial adviises? You want a financial sor ... advisor with the expertise and • Understand you? Perhaps experience necessary to help above all else, you want a fiyou make the right moves. nancial advisor who will take And you’ll want someone the time to get to know you committed to your success. and your family, your goals But there’s a big difference and what’s important to you. between someone who prom• Clearly explain investises to do the best possible ing? Once you enter the job for you and someone who investment world, you will promises big results. Be wary likely be curious about it. of financial advisors who Why is diversification imporclaim they can consistently tant? What’s a market corachieve high returns for you rection? How do interest rate — there are very few guaranmovements affect different investments? You will want to tees in the investment world.

• Explain how he or work with someone who will she will be compensated? make the effort to educate Financial advisors get paid in you on investment topics and various ways, often in some answer all your questions. combination of fees and com• Know your investment missions. Ask all potential fistyle? Obviously, you’ll want nancial advisors how they get someone who will recomcompensated; any reputable mend only those investments professional will be upfront that are in your best interest about his or her charges. and that can help you make By finding the answers progress toward your goals. to these key questions, you Therefore, the person you should be able to find a financhoose needs to understand cial advisor who is well-suited your investment personality to work with you. So take — that is, whether you are the time you need to gather an aggressive, moderate or enough information to feel conservative investor. confident in your choice. After • Have a certain investall, you’re enlisting the help ment philosophy? You may of someone who can have a have your own investment style and preferences – and so big impact on your financial do many financial advisors. In future. fact, some financial advisors Scott Johnson, CFP., is a have an overriding investment financial advisor with Edward philosophy that governs many Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos of their recommendations.

Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward You need to find this out Jones does not provide legal before you start working with advice. This article was writsomeone. ten by Edward Jones for use • Communicate frequentby your local Edward Jones ly? The most knowledgeable financial advisor.

T

Midway Marijuana Dispensary underway

Midway Dispensary has announced that construction on its new facility at 5648 S. Archer Ave. on the Southwest Side is progressing on schedule and hopes to have its doors open in early 2016.

“We have been working on this project for more than two years and we are excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Too many people have suffered for too long and we hope to begin providing our patients with the relief we know this medical cannabis can provide,” Midway Dispensary’s Agent-inCharge, Mary McCarthy said in a release.

Midway Dispensary plans to begin holding meetings with patients, community groups and medical professionals interested in learning about the dispensary and the new Illinois medical marijuana program.

“We want to, first and foremost, provide the medicine that will improve the lives of people with qualifying conditions,” CEO Steve Turk said in a release. “We want to help close the information gap that exists between the state and those eligible patients, caregivers and physicians that want to understand how the program works.

We are dedicated to this field of medicine, this community and we understand how important it is that we succeed to ensure we continue to provide relief to our patients for years

8

What to look for from a financial advisor

COMINGS & GOINGS

specialty candy shop called GetHappy last week announced its opening near the children’s play area at Orland Square mall at 151st Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The store specializes in gourmet candies from around the Bob world, including excluBong sive truffles, premium chocolates, caramel apples and a huge selection of gummies.

GetHappy candies can be packaged in five distinct clear containers, which are then customized with a personalized label and a happy card.

“I simply love sweets and am always searching for new candy offerings from all over the world,” Lindsay Erickson, founder/owner of GetHappy, said in a release. “I look forward to growing my business with the new GetHappy location at Orland Square, which is sure to brighten the days of many holiday shoppers.”

The Reporter

Supplied photo

Marquette Bank employees volunteered to help wrap gifts for more than 110 children and adults through the Bank’s ninth annual Adopt-a-Family Project.

Real estate broker classes are offered at Moraine Valley Residents can enter the real estate market by learning to sell homes or get licensed to open a business at the Real EstateTraining Center at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Broker and managing broker classes begin in the spring 2016 semester. The Broker Pre-License Topics course provides instruction in real estate fundamentals. Topics include license law; real property; agency basics; seller and buyer relationships and counseling; local, state and federal laws affecting real estate; brokerage; marketing and advertising; market analysis and appraisal; financing; contracts; independent contractor and employee status; occupational disciplines; and business planning.

The 13-week course is held

from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 26. The cost is $665.

The next course is Broker Applied Principles/Interactive, which covers role play, and situational and case study examples. Topics include listing presentation, buyer representation, agency disclosure, purchase agreements, handling offers, market analysis, fair housing, antitrust, and inspection/repair issues.

This three-week course is held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 5. The cost is $133.

For additional information, call (708) 974-5735. Register in person at the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room 125, on campus.

Residents can also (708) 9742110 or visit online at morainevalley.edu.

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.

Mgmt Grp Inc, 9828 S Turner Ave, $161,000; Green Door Renovations LLC to Fudala Alexsander, 9357 S Spaulding Ave, $110,000.

Chicago Ridge Guerra Ann Tr to Straczek Zofia, 6045 W 103rd St, Unit #1C, $55,000; Karuntozos George to Volz George, 5936 W 111th St, $133,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Sligo 5 Inc, 10654 Oxford Ave, $65,000; Marquette Const to Sumner Brian Samuel, 10614 Princess Ave, $154,000; Bank NY Mellon to Sanders Dwayne E Jr, 10655 Parkside Ave, $79,500.

Hickory Hills Escobar Olga Alvarez to Slaby Monika K, 9054 Forest Lane East, $174,500; Blicharski Matthew to Ghalib Mohamed Ben, 9138 W 95th St, Unit #91383A, $115,000; Svoboda Ronald D to Rada Michelle E, 9030 87th Ave, $180,000; Ammari Anna Raja Extr to Kiryla Ryszard K, 9553 Arrowhead Dr, Unit #2E, $96,000; Custer William J to Lesniak Pawel, 8845 W 92nd St, $219,000.

Evergreen Park HSBC Bank USA to Redman Wardell Jr, 9546 S Campbell Ave, $110,000; Combes Thomas to Woods Monique, 10105 S Albany Ave, $179,000; City Cap Holdings LLC 401K Trust to Wild Timothy Clayton, 9128 S Utica Ave, $175,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Linares Rafael, 9528 S Sawyer Ave, $196,000; Cudrnak Scott S Tr to Brite Const

Oak Lawn Mitrev Lakim to Polick Matthew R, 5254 W 91st St, $175,000; Vail John to Berkowsky Aimee Elizabeth, 10332 S Parkside Ave, Unit #1, $62,000; Raftery Dermot to Gaspar Cynthia, 6625 91st Pl, $500,000; Fannie Mae to Gutierrez Bulmaro, 5221 W 99th St, $146,000; Fannie Mae to Kuriata Marcin, 5711 W 88th Pl, $82,500; Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp to

Edward Gal Inc, 4535 Rumsey Ave, Unit #2C, $35,500; Piltaver Theodore F Tr to Nguyen Michael Minh, 10833 Lorel Ave, $266,500; Taras Eugenia to Ellsworth Melissa, 5630 W 103rd St. Unit #5630208, $87,500; Tachkov Spaska S to Tannous Mark N, 9740 Pulaski Rd, Unit #9740306, $46,000; Kingsguard Prop LLC to LongmoreThomas Merline, 9040 Central Ave, $197,000; Quinlan Amy L to Klupshas Michael L, 9607 Kilpatrick Ave, $180,000; Fannie Mae to Lynch Kevin, 10411 S Komensky Ave, Unit #201B, $51,500; Lorbach Steven E Tr to Raetz Steven W, 5061 Lamb Dr, $130,000; Barnas Lawrence J to Missey Janine M, 4100 91st Pl, $285,000; Dlugopolski Andrzej to Khalid Shouaib, 6141 W 99th St, $230,000; Pikowski David to Gamboa Mario, 4940 Lamb Dr, $169,500; Meierkort Matthew to Arredondo Jacqueline, 8930 55th Ave, $180,000; Bryjak Tomasz to Hanson Eric, 9520 Menard Ave, $154,000; Schofield Richard C to Schofield Richard C, 11000 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #11000NE2, $47,000.

Palos Hills Franczak Tomasz Pawel to Sandoval Amanda, 10985 S 84th Ave, Unit #2B, $120,000; Poturalski Deborah J to Gallegos Ignacio, 9197 North Rd, Unit #9197D, $122,000; Lehman XS Trust Mtg to Chahin Nazir, 8515 W Sun Valley Dr, $185,000; SRP TRS Sub LLC to Cangelosi Calogero, 8733 W Surry Park, $250,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Kowalkowski Wieslawa, 10336 S 88th Ave, $155,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Sitko Maria, 8125 Willow Dr, Unit #50A, $160,000; Bafia Pawel to Caputo Maria, 10630 Brooklodge Ln, Unit #1A1, $127,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Bozen Sheila A, 11129 Northwest Rd, Unit #11129A, $95,000.

Worth Chavanne Nicole M to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc, 7329 W 113th St, $129,675; Mietus Jan to Stopka Stanislaw, 7114 W 108th St, Unit #302, $78,000; Buiter Dorothy A Tr to Cary Kenneth W, 11401 S Normandy Ave, $59,500; Sweeney Gary P to Benavides Alisha J, 11159 S Depot St, $127,000.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Reporter

9

Christmas charity can be discovered in any home This column originally appeared in the Inside Oak Lawn Magazine in December of 2013.

H

ave you heard the cliche, go along, to get along? That’s exactly what I was doing back in 2002 when my then new husband, Don, told me he knew how to get where we were going.

He was right; sort of.

The street was lined with cars, Christmas decor lit the yard and the muzzled laughter followed by chatter cued us to believe we were at the right Christmas party. In hindsight, maybe we were, but it’s not where we were invited. I attempted to be discrete when I interrupted his conversation, whispering, “Let’s go! We’re at the wrong house!” but things went a little haywire when he yelled, “What?

We’re in the wrong house?!”

My mother-in-law is notorious for being late. She’d invited us to ac-

company her to a Christmas party of an old colleague of hers. She gave us the address and told us she’d meet us there, momentarily, which meant, in an hour. I didn’t want to go in without her but Don insisted.

Upon our entrance of this extravagantly appointed home, we were greeted by a host who took our coats.

I noticed him, noticing our empty hands. We explained we were guests of Ms. Parker, but she hadn’t arrived.

He smiled as he gave us a tour of the main quarters. “I hope my mother-inlaw has ‘whatever’ we were supposed to bring,” I thought.

On our tour there were beautifully decorated Christmas trees in each room, holiday music playing softly and the scent of pumpkin pie, fresh yeast rolls and honey glazed ham.

We were offered a plate and asked if we were hungry. “I think we should wait a bit.” I said. But not Don, “Oh yes, thank you!” he replied, as he

Smith Village residents benefit from horticulture workshops Nothing ushers in holiday memories more immediately than the ubiquitous smell of fresh cut evergreens. Kristy DeBoer, a horticulture therapist, keeps this in mind when developing plant-related projects for monthly workshops with residents at Smith Village, a continuing care retirement community located at 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago’s Southside Beverly neighborhood.

“Working with live plant materials definitely stimulates the senses,” says DeBoer, 37. “Fresh flowers and plants always smell clean and pleasant, but certain smells go beyond that. They trigger fond memories, such as holidays or special family gatherings.

These fragrances inspire people to start talking and share their experiences, especially when they’re working at a table together.”

Earlier this month, 20 or so independent living residents at Smith Village clamored to take their places at worktables where they assembled holiday table arrangements composed of evergreens, pine cones, and other popular holiday plants and decorations.

In addition to providing intoxicating scents, plants treat the eyes with their colorful flowers, leaves and berries.

“All of these sensations can feel uplifting,” says DeBoer. “Plus there’s the gratification that comes with having created something special. Many residents display their arrangements on shelves outside of their apartments’ front doors or give them to relatives as presents.”

“I like to display my arrangements in my apartment—they make me happy and I love the scent!” says Janis McHugh, who moved to Smith Village from Homer Glen in 2008. “These workshops are one of the offerings women here really get excited about. Many say doing the flowers with Kristy is one of the highlights of living here!”

McHugh adds that many of her fellow residents were once avid gardeners. “I think the horticulture-related activities help them reconnect with nature,” she says.

In warmer months, Smith Village residents have planted theme gardens—pesto, pizza and herb gardens—in raised planters.

“Me, I was never a gardener,” says McHugh. “Years ago, about all I could recognize was a rose, a leaf or a tulip. Now thanks to Kristy, I know so much more.

She is so good about teaching us and explaining so much.”

Whether it’s warm or snowing out, horticulture-related activities offer many rewards. “I try to connect whatever activity I’m planning with the calendar and what’s happening with the local flora,” says DeBoer who grew up in Oak Lawn. “I draw inspiration from various holiday observances and the seasons, and I enjoy gathering materials that are blooming or growing in my yard.”

Instead of run-of-the-mill fern leaves supplied by florists, DeBoer has been known to sup-

Smith Village resident Janis McHugh

ply residents with pussy willow branches, Queen Ann’s Lace and hosta leaves.

DeBoer started conducting horticulture workshops with Smith Village residents in 2013, while earning a recreational therapy degree from Moraine Valley Community College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in landscaping and horticulture design from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., and a horticulture therapy certificate from Colorado State University at Fort Collins.

“I grew up planting flowers with my mom and grandma. I’ve always noticed a special connection between plants and people,” she says. “I enjoy seeing the excitement on people’s faces, especially when they end up creating something beautiful and they didn’t think they could.”

DeBoer offers the following tips for creating floral arrangements: • Look to holidays and seasonal changes for inspiration.

• Use a secure water-tight container.

• For personal touches, consider items you find around your home, including ribbon, containers, ornaments and memorabilia.

• Don’t doubt yourself or criticize your abilities. Just start putting things together and enjoy the result.

“When people hesitate and say they aren’t very talented, I say, ‘Nature is beautiful and we’re working with beautiful materials so there’s really no need to worry about making a mistake,” says DeBoer. “Just relax and enjoy!”

About Smith Village

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

Smith Village also offers shortterm rehabilitation services for residents and others requiring assistance after surgery or a medical incident. For more information, call 773-474-7300 or visit SmithVillage.org.

Post members will receive a call before the bus draws near Worth. Phone cards, desserts and monetary donations are sought for the event.

More information can be obtained by contacting Bonnie Price at bprice@villageofworth.com or call (708) 448-1181.

others but everyone must bring an unwrapped gift, for the Toys for Tots charity.

Now I realized why he looked disappointed after taking our coats.

We didn’t bring a gift -- his only rule, broken! We apologized for the mix up, wrote him a nice check and ran for the door. The party we were invited to was at his neighbor’s, which was next door.

I believe even in mistakes, we’re perfectly placed. From that year forward, we made charitable giving a part of our lives. I learned the route you take to give isn’t what’s important, if when your gift is given, it comes from the heart. Merry Christmas!

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OAK LAWN

taurant and Banquet Facility, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn.

The celebration will bring a Web Superhero, Iron Superhero and the captain of Superheroes for dancing and trivia that begins at noon. Guests can come dressed as their favorite superhero.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch buffet will be available at 1 p.m. and is included in the fee. Guests can bring their cameras to take photos.

The registration fee is $9.95 for adults and $5.95 for children ages 10 and under.

Reservations are required.

For more information or to make reservations, contact (708) 857-2433. Residents can also visit online at www.golfstonycreek.com or on Facebook.

Singers/Family Choir, and the Sacred Heart Cantor Ministry. They will be accompanied by organ and instrumentalists of the parish.

A freewill offering benefits the Sacred Heart Music Ministry. More information can be obtained by calling the parish music office at (708) 974-3336, ext. 245.

Candlelight Christmas Eve services at Pilgrim Faith

First ‘Star Wars’ movie discussion

Daddy Daughter Dance

Former Bulls star, Boomer to appear at school’s open house

PALOS HILLS

Discuss stories of Genesis at Pilgrim Faith Church

Six sessions that cover the story of Genesis 37-47 will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning in January at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Pastor Peggy McClanahan will lead all six sessions. The series is open to everyone regardless of their faith. This study will follow Joseph from his “favorite son” status that made his brothers hate him to the King of Egypt’s second-in-command.

For more information, contact the church at (708) 422-4200 or office@pilgrimfaith.org.

Navy recruits to receive meals at Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post in Worth on Christmas Day Worth residents are encouraged to line up along 111th Street and Depot Avenue to welcome the Great Lakes Navy Base recruits from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Christmas Day as they arrive on a bus for a special holiday meal at MarrsMeyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot Ave., Worth.

began stacking it to resemble a small hill.

It wasn’t until he’d eaten his second plate that I finally agreed to eat. We were well into a competitive networking game when my mother-in-

law called my cellphone. “Where are you?” she said. I rolled my eyes as I looked at my watch. “The second living room, near the back,” I told her.

“I’m in the living room. They only have one,” she replied. “What address did you go to?”

The look on my face must have been telling. A nice gentlemen, who’d been very conversational since we arrived said, “What’s wrong dear?” I whisked passed him to get to Don. The man followed.

We were totally exposed because after Don yelled, “What? …wrong house?” The man replied, “I figured this much.”

He was the owner. Polite and gracious he was, but never leaving us unattended for long. He began to explain the purpose behind the party.

He and his wife were owners of an investment firm. Every year they put together a Christmas gala in their home. Guests are welcome to bring

Candlelight Christmas Eve services will be held at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Both services will feature special music, a Christmas message by Pastor Peggy McClanahan and singing “Silent Night” as each participant lights a candle. The 7 p.m. service also includes a children’s story.

Former Chicago Bulls star Craig Hodges will be on hand to read during “Family Reading Night” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Southwest Chicago Christian School, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

Boomer, the mascot for the Windy City Thunderbolts baseball team, will also be on hand. He will also sign autographs and will be available for photos. Boomer will pass out free giveaways, including vouchers for two free tickets to a Windy City Thunderbolts baseball game for every child in attendance.

This event is open to all families with children ages preschool through eighth grade.

The event is free.

Superhero Luncheon

A “Superhero Luncheon “will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Stony Creek Res-

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s free weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the original 1977 “Star Wars (Episode IV)” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., in Oak Lawn.

Check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Christmas music concert

The “O Come, All Ye Faithful” concert of festive Christmas music will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan.3 at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

“We are happy to present our families and community a beautiful gift of music during the Christmas season,” said James Grzadzinski, music director and Tinley Park resident. “Christmas is a season of joy and giving, and it is important to start this effort in our own homes and families.”

The concert will feature Christmas caroling in English and Polish, as well as festive and reflective choral music of the season.

The program will feature the musicians of the parish including the Sacred Heart Chorale, Sacred Heart Cantori, Sacred Heart Guitar/Piano Ensemble, Sacred Heart Treble

WORTH

Senior luncheon

The Worth Park District is planning its next senior luncheon from noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the park district, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Guests can play some bingo, have lunch and meet new friends. Registration will be held up until one week before the luncheon. The registration fee is $7.

Registration will continue through Thursday, Dec. 31 for the Daddy Daughter Dance to be held at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Residents who register up until New Year’s Eve will receive a $5 discount. The dance will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.

The fee is $30 for couples from the district, and $40 per couple from out of the district.

An additional $10 will be charged for each child from the district, and $15 for each child out of the district.

Included in the fee for the princess ball will be food, music and a special photo.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080.

Winter Break Camp

The Worth Park District Winter Break Camp will be held for children ages 3 to 12 over the holiday break at the park district, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The program is for kids to have fun during the day while their parents are at work.

The program is held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 through Thursday, Dec. 31. Space is limited.

For a full list of pricing and details, call (708) 448-7080 or visit online at www.worthparkdistrict.org. Residents can also stop in at the Terrace Centre at 11500 S. Beloit Ave.

LIBRARY BRIEFS PALOS HILLS

Wi gaming sessions

A Wi gaming session will be offered for kids ages 5 and up from noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Participants can challenge their friends in the Super Smash Brothers Brawl in the Teen Center.

Animals in winter

Facts and stories will be shared on how animals survive during the winter at 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 at the Green Hills Public Library.

Christine Buik will be coming to the library with some live animals. She will discuss and tell stories about these creatures, including what animals migrate, hibernate or stay active during the winter months. All ages are welcome. Registration is required and limited to 90. Please register all that are attending.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Crafts and games during Pete the Cat Story Time

Pete the Cat Story Time will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the Green Hills Public Library. Staff members will read stories, sing songs and make crafts with guests.

All ages are welcome.

p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Green Hills Public Library. Residents can bring their own board games or play with the ones at the library.

OAK LAWN

Book Discussion Group to meet

The Book Discussion Group will hold their first session of the new year with “The Sparrow” at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. This is the first session in January for the “Day Reads/Night Reads” at the library.

The book is written by Mary Doria Russell.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org. Copies of each title are available four weeks before each discussion at the Adult Services Desk on the second floor.

Children keep moving during story session

The “We Like to Move It” session for children ages 5 to 7 will be held from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 at the Oak Lawn Library. Registration is not required. Kids will not sit long in this active story time full of games, dancing and more activities. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Art club session

Oak Lawn Library closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

The Art Club for children ages 6 and up will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the Green Hills Public Library. The art work will be hung in the gallery after they are completed. The program can get messy so kids should dress accordingly. Registration is required and is limited to 20. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

The Oak Lawn Public Library will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 for the observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The library will also be closed Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The library will reopen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 2.

Play board games

Downton Abbey Tea Party

Patrons of all ages can take part in board games that will be played from noon to 2

The season premiere of Downton Abbey is Sunday, Jan. 3, and the Oak Lawn Public

Library is hosting a tea party to celebrate on that day from 2 to 4 p.m. Patrons can drink tea and talk about their favorite Downton characters, costumes, episodes and much more. Library staff also show video clips, play games and have some fun photo opportunities. Dress up in favorite Downton style for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Driehaus Museum’s “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times” exhibit. More information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Youth Services Techies orientation off red

Techies provide basic assistance for Youth Services computers after school, such as signing on, saving and printing will be held at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Orientation is held from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 for youths ages 11 to 14. Registration begins Saturday, Dec. 26. Schedules can be arranged with volunteers. For more information about this and other youth programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

WORTH

Worth Library Board seek applicants to fill vacancy

The Worth Public Library District Board of Trustees is seeking resumes from Worth residents who wish to be considered for appointment to fill a board vacancy. Resumes should be submitted no later than 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 9 to the attention of : President, Board of Trustees, Worth Public Library District, 6917 W. 111th St., Worth, IL 60482.

Applicants can also email resumes to the libraryboard@worthlibrary.com.

The Library Board will interview candidates during their regular meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.12. The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until the next election of library trustees in 2017.

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Reporter

Richards faculty, students supply gifts for ‘Miracle Tree’ Despite weeks of preparation and her organization, Richards High School math teacher Dorothy Groff still seemed a little flustered.

The tape, scissors, bows and gift tags – they were all just here – disappeared into the sea of people who filled her class and eventually flooded into the hallway. She couldn’t keep track of what went where.

“Service comprises a big part of belonging to National Honor Society,” said Groff as students wrapped gifts. “Not everyone comes to every event, but they all seem to remember this one.”

Faculty members at Richards bought the gifts for The Miracle Tree, a holiday ben-

efit for K-3 students at Childs School in Robbins. NHS members wrap the gifts and then secretly deliver them to Childs School where Principal Tracy Olawumi gives them to parents to take home.

The students at Childs School never know who plays Santa. Still, NHS members get to spend time with the children on the day they deliver the gifts by making crafts with them.

“If you’ve been here before, you know how much the children look forward to this day. They’re excited and probably will get a little huggy with you,” Olawumi said to the Richards students.

NHS has organized The Miracle Tree for more than two decades.

Oak Lawn Community High School’s Student Council and National Honor Society helped host a special holiday party with over 40 members taking part for Keyser Family Pediatric Cancer Center patients and their families on Dec. 4.

Student volunteers, all dressed as Spartan Elves in red and green, assisted with food service, craft tables, and mingling. Additional entertainment was provided by Nick Vera as DJ, Tom Repetny as a photo booth operator, as well as numerous professional photographers on hand to take free portraits for families. The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Santa, who read a story to the children, took photos, and listened to holiday wishes.

The Keyser Family Pediatric Cancer Center at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn

Becky Wujcik, a member of National Honor Society from Richards High School, makes crafts with children at Childs School as part of The Miracle Tree event.

Staff members at Childs School provide a list of gift ideas. NHS members write down the requests on the backs of paper ornaments and then decorate The Miracle Tree in the main office at Richards.

Richards teachers take the ornaments and then buy gifts for the students at Childs School. Earlier in the week, NHS students stayed after school to wrap the gifts.

Service comprises an important part of belonging to NHS. Over the course of the year, the organization sponsors a food drive and a dinner-theater for senior citizens – they also make fleece blankets for children in treatment for cancer at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital.

OLCHS ‘elves’ host party

10

Supplied photo

Queen of Peace seniors named as state scholars Five students at Queen of Peace High School from the Class of 2016 have been selected as Illinois State Scholars.

Illinois State Scholars possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank. State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors, representing 652 high schools across the state.

“We are so pleased with the hard work of these young women and proud of their recognition as Illinois State Scholars.

They truly embody our school

Supplied photo

The Oak Lawn Community High School Student Council and NHS members hosted a holiday party for the Keyser Family Pediatric Cancer Center.

is an 8,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art facility developed to deliver high quality outpatient care in a comfortable and healing environment.

The physicians and team treat

children with pediatric cancer and hematologic diseases with the goal of cure. The student council is sponsored by Jennifer Sidlow and the National Honor Society is sponsored by Jessica Nickless.

Marist to host open gym for students An open gym event will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 for students in kindergarten through fourth grade at Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago. Students can enter at the main gym. Marist teachers and coaches will

supervise the students in a variety of games and activities in the school’s three gyms. Participants must register in advance at www.marist.net. For more information, email Patrick Hogan, Class of ’05, at hogan.patrick@marist.net.

Supplied photo

Five seniors at Queen of Peace High School were recognized as Illinois State Scholars. The students are (from left) Krysta Buche, Claire Murphy, Izabela Paraga, Jodi Curtin and Alejandra Cosio.

motto of becoming confident, competent and courageous Women of Peace,” said Hedi Belkaoui, principal at Queen of Peace.

Seniors recognized as Illinois State Scholars were Krysta Buche, Alejandra Cosio, Jodi Curtin, Claire Murphy and Izabela Paraga.

Chicago Ridge student receives Chick Evans Scholarship Antonio Elizondo, a senior at St. Laurence High School, is a recipient of a Chick Evans Scholarship, which is supported by the Western Golf Association that provides full scholarships and housing at major universities for accomplished student caddies.

“The scholarship gives the student the opportunity to attend Elizondo a major university and graduate debt free,” said Tom Allison, Class of 1967 at St. Laurence and WGA director. “Moreover, joining the 10,000 Scholars is a fantastic network to become part of.”

Elizondo, a Chicago Ridge resident, is the latest addition to St. Laurence’s 58 Evans Scholars.

He will be attending the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in the fall.

Jim Reilly, Class of 1979 at St. Laurence and Evans Scholar at Northwestern University, shared his thoughts on Elizondo’s scholarship.

“As a NU ’83 Evans alumn and former WGA/ ESF board member, I have witnessed from both sides how the Evans Scholarship truly changes lives for both the recipient and their families,” said Reilly. “Antonio is an extremely worthy recipient, demonstrated by his strong caddie record, impeccable GPA, long list of extracurricular activities, and finally his maturity as well as tenacity in preparing himself for his outstanding award.”

More information can be obtained by visiting www.stlaurence.com.

Evergreen Park scholars

Nineteen seniors at Evergreen Park Community High School have been selected as Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Students receiving the honors are (front row, from left) Julia Allpow, Sydney Cerrentano, Alillia Clements, Abby Deninger, Colleen Diamond, Sarah Dickey, Madalyn Grohovena, Tamia Hudson, (back row, from left) Emily Huneck, Marissa Keleher, Samuel Kennedy, Gabrielle Lazinek, Edith Morales, Jeremy Onyango, Emma Przeslicke, John Reuter and Emily Sekula. Not pictured were Jonathan Alexander and Matthew Hayes.

Illinois State Scholars selected at OLCHS Twenty-eight students from the Class of 2016 at Oak Lawn Community High School have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is the state agency that recognizes the top Illinois high school students annually with this distinction.

The following students were named 2015-16 Illinois State Scholars: Jamilla Abdeljaber, Danielle Allen, Brea Brennan, Melissa Buss, Brianna Castrogiovanni, Kaeley Clark, Shania Enriquez, Marcus Favila, Aleksandra Gronski, Jacob Janicke, Natalie Kaminski, Kaylee Lacoco, Marisa Loya, Mia Loya.

Also: Kara Melvin, Val Molloy, Ryan Quinn, Steven Raybould, Michael Rodriguez, Sophia Shader, Richard Sheppler, Trevor Spreadbury, Lucas Stillwell, Rebecca Suarez, Kelly Touchie, Nathaniel Warning, James Wiltzius and Adam Ziada.

Illinois State Scholars represent about the top 10 percent of high school seniors from 652 high schools across the state.

Selection is based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank. This year, over 19,000 students statewide received this honor.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Meet the new boss New Evergreen Park football coach won a state title at Crete-Monee. Page 2

Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

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

Thursday, December 2015 Thursday, March 24, 5, 2015

Tooth lost, game won Matt Ganser and Brother Rice down St. Rita in hoops.

Page 3 Southwest• •Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest

They’re a Dynamic Duo

Football Player of the Year

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Volleyball Player of the Year

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist quarterback Brendan Skalitzky ran and threw for a combined 4,793 yards in 2015 and was named the Reporter-Regional Football Player of the Year.

Mother McAuley’s Kayla Caffey not only dominated on the court, she took on a leadership role that she had shied away from in the past.

BRENDAN SKALITZKY • Marist

KAYLA CAFFEY • Mother McAuley

By Jeff Vorva

By Anthony Nassella

Even in an era when video-game football scores and stats are being racked up in high school football, Marist senior quarterback Brendan Skalitzky stood out.

Skalitzky passed for 3,705 yards and ran for 1,088 and scored 47 touchdowns helping to lead the RedHawks to an improbable trip to the Illinois High School Association Class 8A state championship game, where they lost to Loyola, 41-0 this season.

Marist was 5-4 during the regular season and became just the fifth team in state history to make it to a title game with four losses.

One of the reasons the RedHawks made it to the state title game was because Skalitzky accounted ELITE CLASS: for 633 yards and all eight touchdowns in a 59-56 A list of the quarterfinal stunner over Barrington in the high- student-athest scoring game in Class 8A history. letes named Skalitzky has been named the 2015 ReporterReporter-ReRegional Football Player of the Year. gional FootHis coach watched the Evergreen Park resiball Player of dent carve up defenses all season. the Year.

“You talk about being one of the best quar- Page 2 terbacks around, all year he was great for us,” Marist coach Pat Dunne said. “He threw the ball. He ran the ball. He can hurt you in a lot of different ways. He’s been a leader.

What he’s done all year – his stats have shown it.

“But more important, the biggest thing about him is that he is such a team player.’’

Whenever people ask him about his own accomplishments, Skalitzky is quick to praise others on the team.

“It’s all the offensive line and (running back Darshon McCullough) — you give that kid the ball in an open space and he is going to make some big plays,” he said. “My wide receivers got open and made big catches. It’s all a team effort.’’

The RedHawks opened the season with a 21-14 loss to Mount Carmel at Soldier Field but then went on a three-game streak in which they beat DuSable, 56-0, St. Viator 45-28 and knocked off Niles Notre Dame, 49-42.

After a loss 29-25 loss to Benet Academy the offense was rolling again, in a 45-21 win over St. Patrick, and a 41-7 victory over Marian Catholic.

They closed the regular season with losses to eventual Class 5A champ Nazareth Academy (62-45) and Joliet Catholic (35-28). They drew the 23rd seed out of 32 teams and knocked off Notre Dame again, 17-14 to open the playoffs. Then came the explosive 59-56 win over Barrington followed by a 31-16 semifinal win over Waubonsie Valley before the Loyola loss.

Even as a sophomore. Mother McAuley’s Kayla Caffey was making an impact as a volleyball player — especially when she turned out to be one of the most valuable players in the Mighty Macs’ Class 4A state championship win over Benet Academy in 2013 by pounding a team-high eight kills in just 10 swings of her right arm.

Two years later, she took her game to a higher level when she assumed the role of a leader. She impacted the play of an entire roster of talented players while not missing a beat with her own ability to take over a match.

Those qualities, along with a.461 hitting percentage, 286 kills, 123 service points, 98 blocks and 17 aces, led to Caffey being named the Reporter-Regional’s first Girls Volleyball Player of the Year.

“My senior season was like no other because I was an upperclassmen and a leader,’’ Caffey said. “There were a lot young players that I was able to take under my wing and teach them the ropes because they were coming up from JV. Varsity is a huge step between the levels, both mentally and physically.

“I encouraged them that they could get this. I remember the way (former Mighty Macs player) Gabby Innis took me under her wing and how it meant so much to me. I remember playing much more intense at state.’’

And Caffey admitted that it took extra effort to be a team leader.

“You just can’t just pay attention to only what you’re doing,’’ she said. “You have to focus on everyone else and that they’re doing their job, too.’’

Head coach Jen DeJarld said Caffey was hesitant to step into a leadership role, but she ultimately took her game to the next level when she did so, and she improved her ability to control a given match.

“Kayla definitely became a captain and team leader her senior year,’’ the coach said.

“She did a really good job of leading despite kind of shying away from it in the past.

With so many great players who were older than her as a sophomore, she felt pretty comfortable with them taking the reins and following their lead.

“But she really embraced the leader role for her senior year, and it showed on the court,” DeJarld said.

“She is one of the most talented players I’ve had the pleasure to coach in 21 years at Mother McAuley.’’

Sports Editor

Correspondent

2

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Cubs and NU’s hoops team hope to break futility streaks T he race is on.

Well, it’s actually been on for many years but now it appears that either a finish line or a mirage is in sight.

I’ve been posing this question for years and it has three answers.

What will happen first? a) The Cubs winning a World Series. b) Northwestern’s men’s basketball team making the NCAA Tournament. c) Neither. The world will end before the Cubs win the top prize and NU makes it to the Big Dance.

In 2016, it looks like both teams are put into a position where it could happen sooner than later.

I don’t want to overhype this or get people’s hopes up, but there are some good signs.

The Cubs gave their fans a huge Christmas present when they signed that washed-up bum outfielder Jason Hayward to a huge contract.

What? He’s not washed up?

He’s not a bum?

Well, that’s what St. Louis Cardinal fans are saying, heh, heh, heh.

On paper, the Cubs look like

JEFF VORVA

Making the Extra Point they just about have it all. Good hitting. Good pitching. A manager that is adored by players and most fans – although he was a washed out bum after that weekend the Cubs were clobbered by the lowly Phillies in late July according to some fans who called in to the sports yak radio stations.

But World Series titles are not won on paper. First, teams must go through a 162-game grind and the playoffs are a month of unpredictability in which the best team doesn’t always win. Just ask Lou Piniella after he guided Seattle to a 116-win season in 2001 and couldn’t bring the big prize home.

It’s going to be a long climb for the Cubs but it should end up being a fun season for the fans.

The smart money is that North-

western would have the better chance. It’s easier to make it to the NCAA Tournament than it is to win a World Series, even though the Wildcats never made it.

Ever.

At least the Cubs won a World Series, albeit more than a century ago.

NU’s streak of failure to qualify is astounding considering they had pretty good coaches such as Rich Falk, Bill Foster, the late Ricky Byrdsong, Kevin O’Neill, Bill Carmody and now Chris Collins, who is in his third year.

Year after year, the Wildcats generally have pretty decent nonconference seasons only to get torn up in the Big Ten Conference.

Carmody had four straight seasons of 17-14, 20-14, 20-14 and 19-14 overall but couldn’t put up a winning record in the Big Ten and that meant four trips to the NIT. This year, the Wildcats have played a soft non-conference schedule and were 10-1 after beating DePaul in overtime Saturday.

I don’t think this is a great NU team, but the key is having a

good Big Ten record. And some Big Ten teams are not setting the world on fire.

I see two winnable games against Nebraska, Minnesota and Penn State.

I see winnable games against Wisconsin, Illinois and Rugters.

That’s nine wins there.

I see two likely losses against Maryland and one likely loss against Michigan State, Iowa, Purdue and Michigan.

That’s six losses there.

They have two games with up-and-down Ohio State and one against Indiana and if they pick off one or two of those games, they are in great position for a plus .500 season in the Big Ten, which should put them in the NCAA Tournament.

But, keep in mind a lot of people have predicted this success after promising non-conference seasons only to have those dreams dashed over and over.

So who wins the end-of-thefutility race?

Let’s hope we all live long enough to see a winner.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Cubs hitting coach and Mt. Carmel graduate John Mallee, who was at Marist recently giving a hitting clinic, is hoping the North Siders can win a World Series. Will they win one before Northwestern gets into the NCAA Tournament?

“We’re going to sell the football program to the community and we hope they are receptive.”

— Jerry Verde New Evergreen Park football coach

New EP coach Verde is hoping to keep top football talent at home

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards’ Hasan Muhammad-Rogers was the 2014 Reporter-Regional Football Player of the Year and is now at Illinois State University.

GRIDIRON GREATS Football Player of the Year winners since the Reporter and Regional merged in 1986: 1986—Jay White (Stagg), senior 1987—Ken Courtright (Sandburg), senior 1988—Efrem Haymore (Richards), senior, and Dave Myers (Stagg), senior 1989—Dave Jensen (Shepard) Sr., and David Demumbrum (Reavis), senior 1990—Tyrone Washington (Shepard), senior 1991—Joe Schissler (Brother Rice), senior 1992—Jim Wroblewski (Sandburg), senior 1993—Allen Ross (Shepard), senior 1994—Kenny Carrington (Richards), senior, and Mike Tracy (Evergreen Park), senior 1995—Zak Kustok (Sandburg), junior 1996—William Andrews (Richards), senior 1997—Bruce Corcoran (Sandburg), junior 1998—Joe Martinez (St. Laurence), senior, and Joe Toner (Shepard), senior

1999—Tom Marsan (Evergreen Park), senior 2000—Mark Hamstra (Chicago Christian), senior 2001—Jon Cleveland (Shepard), senior 2002—Sean Lewis (Richards), junior 2003—Dan Nicholson (Brother Rice), senior 2004—Dion Foster (Richards), senior 2005—Mark Williams (Richards), senior 2006—Alex Haan (Chicago Christian), junior 2007—Alex Haan (Chicago Christian), senior, and Tommie Thomas (Richards), senior 2008—Josh Hodur (St. Laurence), senior 2009—Jon Ryan (Richards), senior 2010-2012 – None named 2013—Nic Weishar (Marist), senior 2014—Hasan Muhammad-Rogers (Richards), senior 2015—Brendan Skalitzky (Marist), senior

FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL

The kids are alright at McAuley

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Despite having a young team, Mother McAuley head coach Ashley Luke-Clanton has not wavered in her belief that maturity will eventually come.

The Mighty Macs posted a 6-5 record heading into this week’s action, defeating traditional powers Fenwick and Marian Catholic, and they competed in games early this week at the Lincoln-Way East Holiday Tournament.

McAuley boasts more than enough talent to keep Luke-Clanton’s confidence high for the present and definitely for the future.

Making big contributions for the Mighty Macs are sophomore Tara O’Malley (14.5 points), senior Caitlin Jandacek (10.2 points), sophomore Vanessa Gavin (9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds) and freshman Grace Hynes (5.1 rebounds).

“This team is good when they want to be good,” Luke-Clanton said. “They’re a talented group with so much ability ... learning and improving every game. Yet, we know we’re going to be an up-and-down

type team because of our youth.

“We just have to get to point where we’re steady. We’re halfway through the season, and I’m waiting on other kids kicking it into gear and also being contributors. I want them to get on the floor.”

In the meantime, the players who have been on the floor have made a definite impact in other wins, which include a sixpoint overtime win over Grayslake Central, a two-point triumph over Maine South, and a 21-point win over North Lawndale.

The biggest impact player offensively has been, without a doubt, O’Malley, though she had her struggles in McAuley’s one-point loss on Dec. 14 to Resurrection with just a four-point effort and foul trouble “Tara handles the ball for us and is an effective scorer,” Luke-Clanton said. “In spite of foul trouble, she plays really well for us and is fully capable of putting up big games for us. Because of that, it frees up other kids and it makes it easy for them to score.”

Luke-Clanton praises Hynes for her high basketball IQ and her ability to excel as an undersized player, at 5-foot-8, in a

full-size position.

“Gracie knows how to go and get a ball,” she said. “She always is in the right spot for us and reads the ball well off the rim.

She handles tough situations and helps get us out of tough situations. She’s very bright and uses her body pretty well.”

Janosek, McAuley’s most experienced player, has also been a double threat.

“Caitlin scores and rebounds pretty well for us, and she gives us the leadership that the team needs,” she said.

Gavin, meanwhile, brings a solid twofold contribution in terms of scoring and rebounding and the promise for an even better future.

“Gavin is going to be a heck of a basketball player,” Luke-Clanton said. “She has good instincts and plays the top of our halfcourt pressure. She shoots the ball well from the three and has started go well to the basket, which she hasn’t done as well in the past.

“She’s expanded her game. She has a high ceiling and hasn’t hit it yet. There’s room to get better, and I’m excited about her getting better.”

The Reporter-Regional’s Player of the Year, Marist’s Brendan Skalitzky, is from Evergreen Park.

Brother Rice quarterback Cam Miller threw for 3,113 yards and 36 touchdowns and he’s from Evergreen Park.

A few other private school rosters are dotted with players from Evergreen Park as well.

That’s a trend the school hopes to break.

Jerry Verde, who was announced last week as EP’s new football coach, brings in a wealth of experience as he has coached at both private and public schools. He’s been on both sides. He’s had kids come to his schools from different communities and he’s had kids stay put.

Time will tell if he can keep some of the Evergreen Park athletes at home, but that’s one area he vows to put a lot of effort into.

“The program will obviously reach out to the youth programs and all the potential student-athletes in the area,” Verde said. “I know how to pay attention to the potential Evergreen Park football players and we will definitely reach out and be a presence there. It is a great school. I can see that just walking in the halls.

As long as you live in the school boundaries, it’s a great place to go when your tax dollars are paying for it.

“There’s no doubt that we want them to be there. We will be a presence. I try not to make many promises but that is one promise that I can make. We’re going to sell the football program to the community and we hope they are receptive. The youth programs are obviously strong. The feeder program and the two or three parishes that could potentially feed into Evergreen Park have great players coming out of there.’’

Verde comes to the Mustang program experiencing it all as a head coach. For six years, he kept the winning tradition going at Crete-Monee High School and won a Class 6A state title in 2012.

In 2013, he returned to his alma mater, Marian Catholic, where he played for an unbeaten state championship team in 1993. But the past three years were trying with records of 2-7,

ROLLERCOASTER RIDE New Evergreen Park coach Jerry Verde’s head coaching experience:

2007 Crete Monee 2008 Crete-Monee 2009 Crete-Monee 2010 Crete-Monee 2011 Crete-Monee 2012 Crete-Monee 2013 Marian Catholic 2014 Marian Catholic 2015 Marian Catholic Overall record:

8-3 6-4 10-2 8-4 10-4 14-0* 2-7 1-8 1-8 60-40

* Won Class 6A state championship

2-7 and 1-8.

“It’s a little humbling, which is fine,” he said. “It was a different set of circumstances and obviously the results weren’t there.

I knew what I was walking into three years ago. For a variety of reasons it hasn’t worked out the way it could have. Marian has been a special place for me and always will be.’’

He has been an assistant coach at the University of St. Francis, Homewood-Flossmoor and Marian before hooking up with Crete-Monee as the top boss of the Warriors’ football program.

EP has had five coaches patrol the sidelines since the start of the 2002 season after Brett Nelson’s 15-season tenure. Two recent coaches, Mike Barry and Dan Hartman, left to take jobs in the Hinsdale school district.

Verde and EP officials hope for a long tenure.

“The No. 1 goal for any coach and especially for myself who has already made a few stops, is to be in a situation where you are wanted,’’ he said. “From a teaching standpoint, you want to be in a school that is solid and supports what you are doing. I really like this situation and I trust the school leadership and it seems like a place you can really spend a lot of time at. I sure as heck hope so.

“It’s a good job at a good place and I hope we can build up the program and they will want to keep me around.’’

• Marian Catholic did not waste any time replacing Verde as Spartans’ officials hired Sean Mele late last week.

Mele has area ties as he was the head coach at St. Laurence from 1997-2000 and at Marist from 2002-2007.

NEXT WEEK

A look at the top local sports stories from 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

BASKETBALL

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE W-L STREAK NEXT BOYS 7-3 W2 at Luther North Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Brother Rice Chicago Christian 9-1 W9 at Romeoville Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. 3-6 W1 at IC Prep Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Evergreen Park 11-1 W6 At Centralia Tournament, Mon., Tue., Wed. Marist 2-6 L4 at Teutopolis Tournament, Mon., Tue, Wed. Oak Lawn Richards 6-4 W1 At Hinsdale Central Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. 3-5 L4 at York Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed., Dec. 31 Sandburg 1-7 L7 at Romeoville Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Shepard 7-1 W6 at York Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Dec. 31 Stagg 2-6 W2 at York Tournament, Sat. Mon., Tue., Wed., Dec. 31 St. Laurence * Records through Monday, Dec. 21

Oak Lawn’s Danielle Quigley and her team hosted the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament last week and will be in the RiversideBrookfield Tournament starting Saturday.

GIRLS L1 Chicago Christian 3-7 7-6 W1 Evergreen Park 9-3 L1 Marist 6-5 L1 Mother McAuley 5-9 L2 Oak Lawn 9-3 W2 Queen of Peace 4-2 W2 Richards 6-8 W2 Sandburg 0-10 L10 Shepard 1-10 L8 Stagg * Records though Saturday, Dec. 19

Photo by Jeff Vorva

at at at at at at at at at at

Lisle Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Ag School Tournament, Sat., Mon. Montini Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. LWE Tournament, Sat., Mon. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue. Wed. Ag School Tournament, Sat. Hillcrest Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue. Riverside-Brookfield Tournament, Sat., Mon., Tue., Wed. Hillcrest Tournament, Sat. Mon., Tue.

BROTHER RICE 55, ST. RITA 42

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

The tooth of the matter: Br. Rice hot, St. Rita not

Nailbiting win over T.F. South could be spark for Richards

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

In the grand scheme of things, Matt Ganser’s two points didn’t much matter in Brother Rice’s 55-42, Catholic League Blue win Friday over St. Rita.

But the two charges taken by the 6-foot-1 Crusaders forward?

“Big,” Rice coach Bobby Frasor said. “He literally lost a tooth on one of them. He just came out of the game and said, ‘I’m fine.’”

Ganser shrugged off the first-quarter orthodontics with an especially crooked smile.

“It’s happened before,” he said. “In eighth grade, at a graduation party, I got hit with a swing.

Broke it right off.”

This time, Ganser was in the lane when he caught an elbow from St. Rita’s 6-5 Chris Williams, who was whistled for the charge.

“That’s what he does,” Rice guard Mike Shepski said of Ganser. “We call him the Caveman, because he works so hard. He always makes the winning play — he does all the little things, grabbing rebounds, taking charges.”

Ganser, guarding taller players much of the night, came away with six rebounds and led a defensive effort that saw Rita shoot 16-of-44 (36 percent) on the night. “(Ganser) can slide his feet and guard anybody — that’s a huge asset to have,” Frasor said. “I liked our defensive effort. I know we’re small, but we play hard and we play smart.”

The Crusaders (6-3, 3-0) showed toughness, as well. Though St. Rita (4-5, 1-2) trailed by 10 at the half, the Mustangs crept within two halfway through the third quarter, and bounced back from another double-digit deficit to within three early in the fourth.

At the latter juncture, Brendan Coghlan drained a 3-pointer for the Crusaders, who also got momentum-blunting treys from John Ryan and Josh Niego.

“Every time we got close, they hit a big ‘three’” St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare said.

Ten of Niego’s game-high 17 points came in fourth quarter, when he hit 5-of-6 free throws, but he was more impressed by the clutch shooting of his teammates, and the ball movement that produced those shots.

“Brother Rice has always been known for really good 3-point shooting,” Niego said. “That’s just being a good teammate. Coach always says we need to see the floor and be willing to pass up a good shot for a great shot.”

Ryan finished with 11 points, making 3-of-4 beyond the arc. Shepski added 11 points and Jack Mahay eight, while Niego also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.

“That’s a great team win for them,” DeCesare said. “That’s what ‘team’ is about, different guys stepping up. We’re trying to get there.”

Williams led Rita with 15 points, while sophomore Jordan Matthews added 12 off the bench, 10 coming in the second half.

“We missed 13 shots around the rim,” DeCesare said. “It’s tough to win that way. But, we’re competing. We’re guarding. We’re just going to have to keep getting better.”

The Mustangs trailed 11-3 after the first quarter and 25-15 at the half, going just 4-of-20 from the floor over the first 16 minutes.

“We’ve got a good group,” Ganser said.

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Photos from top down: Matt Ganser shows off a chunk of the tooth he lost during Brother Rice’s win over St. Rita Friday night; Brother Rice’s Josh Niego goes low to figure out his next move against Paul Kingsley; Brother Rice’s Jack Mahay takes a quick peek back after he stole the ball and went up for an easy layup.

Top photo

by Phil Arvia; others by Jeff Vorva

“Josh and Shep were up on the varsity with us last year. We’ve been playing together for a while.

“For me, if I’m in trouble, I know the guy behind me has got my back — I’ve just got to play hard, because I know they are, too.”

Since his team suffered close losses to Marist and Providence St. Mel early in the season, Richards coach Jevon Mamon has been patiently waiting for a game that would serve as a guidepost of his team.

Friday night’s thrilling 63-62 victory over T.F. South could very well be the most visible sign that Mamon has seen so far this season. It was a hard-fought team win that featured clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Jaylan Catledge, who scored a team-high 22 points while adding eight rebounds and three steals, was 11-of-15 from the charity stripe and sank the tying and go-ahead free throws with “I think the win 30 seconds left. gives our guys Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ defense a lot of confidenied the Rebels dence in what in the closing secwe can do as a onds.

The conference team.” crossover win improved Richards’ — Richards coach record to 6-4 on Jevon Mamon the season and 3-1 in the South Suburban Conference Red. T.F. South fell to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the SSC Blue.

“I think the win gives our guys a lot of confidence in what we can do as a team,” Mamon said. “This is a season where we’re identifying ourselves in who we are and who we really want to be. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction that is helping us accomplish that and our ability to play with any team.

“It was great team win. There were guys who did not score 17 or 22 points, but they contributed to the win. Kids off the bench to hold down the fort and kept us in the game.

“We were happy with the effort. We can always identify where we can improve, but it was an excellent team effort.’’

As for the game itself, Mamon was simply grateful for the happy ending.

“It was an interesting game,” Mamon said. “I guess way that’s the best way I can put it. We came out pretty hot; then T.F. South made a run and we got in some foul trouble. We had about four starters sit on the bench the majority of the second quarter.

“It did come down to free throws, and Jaylan was especially solid for us there. We made our share of silly mistakes too. But anytime you can pull off a win like that, especially against a team like T.F. South, in regulation or overtime, is a good thing.”

The Bulldogs are in the Hinsdale Central Tournament, where they’ll play HopeAcademy at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and the StevensonForman winner or loser on Monday.

“We have the first game of a brand-new tournament on the day after Christmas,” Mamon said. “It will be an early wake-up call, which is always a concern right after Christmas. But I think we’ll be ready to go.”

Coach John Daniels and Stagg wrapped up the 2015 portion of the SWSC Blue season in first place.

Stagg sweats out victory over Joliet Central, leads SWSC Blue

Photo by Jeff Vorva

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Stagg’s 14-point third-quarter lead and 10-point lead with 5:19 left in the game at Joliet Central melted quickly but not enough to do severe damage.

The Chargers’ boys basketball team sweated out a 56-54 victory over the Steelmen Monday in Joliet.

The victory gives the Chargers (7-1 overall) sole possession of first place in the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue with a 3-0 mark while Joliet Central and Joliet West are in second at 2-1 followed by Bolingbrook and Homewood-Flossmoor at 1-1.

Junior John Contant’s 14 points helped give the Chargers a 31-25 halftime lead and he finished with 20.

4

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

THE NEXT LEVEL

Two of the best players in the Laan, er, land Two-time Hill Trophy winner Vander Laan prepares for shot in NFL

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

By his count, Jason Vander Laan’s audience Friday was a crowd of eight — his mom and dad, his girlfriend, his sister and her husband, an uncle, a cousin and a childhood friend.

They watched together as Vander Laan, a quarterback at Ferris State University, was announced for the second straight season as winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.

“Last year, I was up at school, with a lot of teammates,” Vander Laan said.

“This year, I kind of wanted to be at home, around my family, to be able to celebrate with them. … We watched, we all jumped up and screamed a little bit.”

And now it’s on to the work of performing for much larger audiences.

Though Vander Laan, a Chicago Christian graduate and Frankfort resident, has graduated with a degree in actuarial science and won the 2014-15 Division II National ScholarAthlete of the Year award for all sports, he is not pondering a future in the insurance industry. Instead, the man who has run for more yards than any other quarterback in the history of college football is kicking his dream of playing in the NFL into high gear.

“When I was in high school, senior year, my team was 2-7 — and even then people knew I was serious about it,” he said.

“I’m not going to mess around with this.

“At this point, I’ve signed with a pretty good agent, I’m doing real training, I’m going to have a real pro day. I’m going to have a legit opportunity.”

Vander Laan has signed with Robert Walker’s Unlimited Success Sports Management firm, which claims two dozen NFL clients on its web site, none of whom was drafted higher than the fifth round. He is driving Jan. 10 to Atlanta to begin training with Chip Smith, whose clients have ranged from Brian Urlacher and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the U.S. women’s gymnastics and volleyball

some as a tight end.

“I’ve been a quarterback my whole life, since fourth grade — I have no problem continuing as a quarterback. But if I transfer to tight end, honestly I could have just as much fun.”

There’s precedent for the switch.

Bears tight end Zach Miller was a four-year starter at quarterback for Division II University of Nebraska Omaha before switching entering his pro career.

“I’d have to learn how to block,” Vander Laan conceded. “But physicality would not be an issue at all. I’m more of a downhill runner than side-toside. I love contact.”

Miller is also one of many Division II players making their mark in the NFL. According to NCAA.com, as of September there were more than 100 Division II players on league rosters, nine with New Orleans alone.

The only other players to win at least two Harlon Hill Trophies — Johnny Bailey, Dusty Bonner and Danny Woodhead — all got shots in the NFL. Though Bonner washed out in his first training camp, Bailey played six seasons in the NFL, including two with the Bears, and was an all-pro kick returner, while Woodhead is in his seventh season in the league.

“There are guys all over the place in the league — more than people realize,” Vander Laan said. “Guys are drafted Supplied photo every year, and 20 or 30 get Jason Vander Laan is eying an NFL career after a record-setting career picked up as free agents.”

Now, it’s Vander Laan’s turn at Ferris State. to try to join that list. After celAll that is left for Vander ebrating the holidays with his teams.

“I won’t find out until Dec. Laan now is to pick a position. family in Frankfort, Vander That may seem odd, consid- Laan heads to the University 30 or 31 if I get into the (Feb. 23-29 NFL Scouting) com- ering Vander Laan is the only of Northern Alabama for the bine,” Vander Laan said. quarterback in NCAA history Jan. 8 Hill Trophy presenta“There’s a good chance, I’ve to rush and pass for 1,000-plus tion, then has a Jan. 9 date at yards for four straight sea- Chicago Christian, where he’ll been told, I’ll get into it.

“Regardless, at my pro day sons and holds the Division be inducted into the school’s I’ll do the exact same things I’d II record for rushing touch- hall of fame, before driving the do at the combine, so my train- downs by a quarterback. But, next day to Atlanta to begin at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, training for the combine and/ ing won’t change.”

Vander Laan’s pro day, in some see Vander Laan’s future or his pro day.

“Everything else in my life which pro scouts would be in- at tight end.

“I’m totally open to chang- is on hold right now,” he said. vited to observe him at a yetto-be-determined indoor facil- ing positions,” he said. “I just “This is my only chance in life to go full force for this one ity (Ferris State doesn’t have a want to play.

“In college, we had a thing. suitable building), will likely “I wake up every day thinkbe scheduled in March. The bunch of teams scout us.

NFL Draft takes place April Some were looking at me ing about what I have to do to strictly as a quarterback, get better.”

28-30 in Chicago.

Orland Park native boots competition en route to winning Mitchell Award

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Orland Park native and Lyons Township graduate Matt Cotiguala is getting a kick out of the award he just won.

Cotiguala won the Fred Mitchell Award on Dec. 15 which honors the nation’s top kicker in FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA, More than 750 kickers were eligible.

The St. Ambrose kicker was 23 for 25 in field goal attempts with a long of 50 and 28 for 28 in extra points for 97 total points.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for the Fred Mitchell Award,” Cotiguala said in a news release. “The award validates the incredible focus and hard work not only shown by myself but the entire St. Ambrose football team this season. I am proud to have brought this award to the St. Ambrose family.”

The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the All-American place-kicker from Wittenberg University and recently retired Chicago sports writer.

“It is a thrill to congratulate Matt as the first NAIA kicker to receive the Fred Mitchell Award since 2011 and the first-ever kicker from a school in Iowa,” Mitchell said. “With more than 750 place-kickers to choose from, we are extremely proud to recognize Matt among a stellar group of nominees. Matt was at or near the top of the 750 eli-

Orland Park native and Lyons Township graduate Matt Cotiguala won the Fred Mitchell award for the top kicker in the country.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY

No. 1 Cougars stay hot, hot, hot in Florida

By Anthony Nasella Correspondent

Despite the St. Xavier women’s basketball team starting the 2015-16 regular season undefeated and securing the program’s first NAIA Division II No. 1 ranking, head coach Bob Hallberg was looking forward to seeing his squad face some high-caliber competition.

And the Cougars received a double-dose of that competition this past weekend at the Cruzin’ Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where they faced 8th-ranked Davenport University (Mich.) on Saturday and No. 17 (NAIA Division I) John Brown University (Ark.) on Sunday.

St. Xavier (14-0) stayed hot and kept a stranglehold on its No. 1 spot, defeating Davenport 79-71 and John Brown 72-51. It’s the best start to a season for St. Xavier since the 2009-10 campaign, which featured a 17-0 start and ended with a 31-2 overall record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the 2010 NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship.

“We were at the point of the season where we needed to be tested,” Hallberg said. “We’ve had some game lately where we’ve played very well, but we needed to play some very good teams. It was good for us to be able to perform well against quality teams like Davenport and John Brown.

“The girls are going to have to learn that you’re not going to go to the locker room up 30 points at halftime every game. You have to play in close games to get accustomed to those moments. It also helps prepare you for the national tournament.”

Against Davenport, four players scored in double figures for St. Xavier, while holding the No. 2 ranked scoring offense in the NAIA (89.3 points per game) 18 points under its season average.

Sophomore guard Kara Krolicki and junior guard Sidney Prasse each had 16 points. Junior forward Sarah Vozel finished with a double-double effort of 14 points and game-best 12 rebounds, while junior guard Mikayla Leyden contributed 12 points, three assists and three steals.

Draining six three-pointers en route to her gamehigh 18 points and recording a career-best seven rebounds, Krolicki helped St. Xavier to the win over John Brown. The Cougars never trailed in the game, as they jumped out to an early 8-0 lead with six points from sophomore center Brittany Collins.

Collins also scored in double figures, adding 10 points and seven rebounds to aid the victory. Senior center Caitlin McMahon was also instrumental to the outcome, coming off the bench to provide 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Prasse had a solid all-around outing as well, chip-

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mikayla Leyden (left) and St. Xavier’s No. 1-ranked women’s basketball team kept their record perfect with two wins in the Cruzin’ Classic in Forth Lauderdale, Fla.

ping in eight points, five rebounds (career-high), four assists and four steals.

St. Xavier returns home for Christmas and hosts the SXU Holiday Classic. The Cougars open the event on that Monday at 1 p.m. with a match-up against Grace College (Ind.) and Goshen College on Tuesday at noon.

Men win fourth straight Sophomore guard Quinn Niego (Brother Rice) scored all of his game-best 18 points in the second half to help the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team win its fourth straight with an 82-69 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action Saturday afternoon at the Shannon Center in Chicago.

It was a career-high scoring total for Niego as the

gible kickers in many statistical categories. Matt’s record-setting season and collegiate career were extremely impressive.

It was a genuine pleasure for me to be the first to inform Matt that he is the 2015 FMA winner, and I could sense the sincere pride he places on receiving the award.”

Aside from his talent on the field, the Orland Park native volunteers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assisting agents in a variety of projects and he volunteers for a Congressman near his hometown to assist congressional aides. Cotiguala has actively assisted veterans, volunteered for the Special Olympics, served in area soup kitchens and helped develop local high school kickers.

St. Ambrose head coach Mike Magistrelli said “This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Matt. Nobody works harder on and off the field than he does.

His discipline and dedication are what allow Matt to not only excel on the field but also in the classroom and the community.”

Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney, added, “There were dozens of terrific candidates for this Award. In fact, 32 place-kickers were nominated by their schools for consideration. We are looking forward to honoring Matt on Feb. 15 during the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony.”

Cougars improve to 7-5 overall this season and 5-1 in conference play. SXU had five players score in double figures in Saturday’s win and took great control of the basketball committing just seven turnovers on the afternoon. Saint Xavier led by as many as 20 points late in the second half.

Junior point guard Kyle Huppe (Edgerton, Kan./ Gardner Edgerton) and sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien/Hinsdale South) each posted 17 points for the Cougars. Motuzis pulled down eight rebounds and dished out five assists, while Huppe also added five assists. Niego chipped in five assists for Saint Xavier as well.

Saint Xavier returns to action on Monday, with a 6 p.m. home game against Huntington University (Ind.). The Cougars will look to get some payback for an 84-70 road loss to the Forresters back on Nov. 4.

FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN

Women’s hoops team gets closer to victory Trinity Christian’s women’s basketball team fell to 0-13 overall and 0-7 in the CCAC after suffering a pair of close losses last week.

The Trolls played a close game with Indiana University-Northwest (Gary, Indiana) in a non-conference contest. The team trailed by a handful of points through the majority of the game and could not get the upper hand. They were down by eight at the half and within striking distance in the final minutes before IU-Northwest pulled away to hand the Trolls a 69-58 loss.

Kelsie Foster led the Trolls with 13 points while Bethany Jansma and Allie Paluchniak were also in double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. Foster and Lauren Stokes each had seven rebounds.

The Trolls just missed out on a victory at Roosevelt University (Chicago) in a conference game as their final-second shot attempt rimmed out. Trinity led through a majority of the game and was ahead by seven at the half. The team did not give up the lead until late in the game and ended with a 53-52 loss.

Jansma led the team with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Celina Wanta added nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Foster had seven points and six boards and Stokes also had six rebounds.

The Trolls visit Rochester College Dec. 31.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Section 2

5

FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER

Fire announces preseason schedule; Red Stars look forward to new digs

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

New Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic will get to see his team in action for the first time starting in late January.

Chicago Fire announced its 2016 preseason training camp schedule on Friday that begins at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch (3626 N. Talman Ave. in Chicago) on Jan. 25 and includes trips to Tampa, Fla. and Portland, Ore. in advance of the club’s 19th MLS season.

“I’m excited that in just over a month we’ll finally get the team together and begin our preparations for the season,” said Paunovic. “It’s invaluable that we’re able to utilize The PrivateBank Fire Pitch, our own facility right here in Chicago, to set the tone before heading to Tampa and Portland for competitive matches as we build towards opening day.”

After some time in Chicago, the Fire head to the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. On Jan. 31 before returning to Chicago on Feb. 12.

For the final leg, the Fire close out preseason from Feb. 15 to Feb. 28 in Portland, Ore. as part of the 2016 Simple Invitational where the team faces reigning MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers FC, fellow MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC and NASL side Minnesota United FC. Tickets for The Simple Invitational, which allow entry to both matches each day, start at $10 are online at www.timbers.com. Full tournament ticket packages for The Simple Invitational, starting at $39, also will be available for purchase online.

Red Stars react to Toyota Park move The Chicago Red Stars recently announced that the team will return to Toyota Park for the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League season and reaction has been positive. The club had been playing at Benedictine College in Lisle.

“This shows the commitment of both our owner and general manager to provide the players, coaches, and fans with the best game day environment possible,” said head coach Rory Dames.

“The facility at Toyota Park was fantastic last year and having our home games on a top level grass field is a win/win for everyone.”

Alyssa Mautz, entering her fifth season with the team added: “I couldn’t be any happier to be playing next season at Toyota Park. To be able to play on grass makes such a big difference. We perform well at Toyota Park and it is a world class stadium.”

The Stars say they are excited because Toyota Park is a soccer specific stadium, which allows the players and fans to experience a true professional game and environment.

Fire promotes home-grown players The Chicago Fire Soccer Club signed forward Joey Calistri and midfielder Drew Conner as Homegrown Players last Thursday. The former Fire Academy and PDL products become the seventh and eighth Homegrown Players in club history.

“We’re very excited to have Drew and Joey with us,” said Paunovic. “I like their personal-

ity on the field and their overall character. They have a great desire to learn, improve and give their best. They share the same values and passion as our community and we can’t wait to start working together. We welcome them to the Chicago Fire family.”

Calistri, 22, is a Deerfield native who was a four-year starter for Northwestern, racking up conference and regional awards while finishing as the No. 2 leading goal-scorer in program history. The 5-foot-10 striker earned All-Big Ten First Team honors as a freshman and sophomore and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team as a junior and senior. He had 30 goals and 10 assists during his Wildcats career.

Conner, 21, was a four-year starter for Wisconsin and captained the Badgers as a senior.

He earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a sophomore in 2013 and made the All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2012. The Cary native had six goals and 12 assists in his collegiate career. He also helped lead his squad to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2013.

A few images from recent basketball games

Sandburg’s Lisa Theriault tries to get out of trouble against Lincoln-Way North at the Oak Lawn Holiday Tournament.

Brother Rice’s Matt Ganser fights for the ball against St. Rita Friday night. Ganser lost a chunk of his tooth taking a charge against the Mustangs during his team’s victory.

Young members of the Orland Magic hoot and holler at the Brother Rice-St. Rita game on Friday night.

Coaches and scouts at a Dec. 16 game at the Oak Lawn Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament show good judgment by reading up on players via the Reporter-Regional girls hoops special section, which came out in November.

Photos by Jeff Vorva Brother Rice’s Crusader Crazies try to distract St. Rita’s Chris Williams during Friday’s Brother Rice win.

6

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

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7

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2004-3 Plaintiff, -v.LARRY PATIENT, SHERRI L. PATIENT, CASEY TOOL AND LOCK TECHNOLOGY, INC., PROFIT SHARING PLAN F/B/O ELLERY E. CASEY, WESTGATE VALLEY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE CORP. Defendants 10 CH 044691 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-401016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-28028.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-28028 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 044691 TJSC#: 35-15966 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.

I679529

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED & EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.JAN MIETUS, LUDWIKA MIETUS, DEUVILLE CONDOMINIUMS Defendants 15 CH 08148 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 14, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9105 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 1B, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 2301-306-026-1002. The real estate is improved with a tan, brick, condominium; one car attached garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1503435. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1503435 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 15 CH 08148 TJSC#: 35-13429 I677758

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.DORLITA MINTU, GOLFVIEW TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DORLITA MINTU, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 08 CH 27897 8314 WEST 95TH STREET HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8314 WEST 95TH STREET, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-411-031. The real estate is improved with a two-story, single-family townhouse with tan vinyl siding and an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA0816837. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA0816837 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 08 CH 27897 TJSC#: 35-14930 I678154

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.LAWRENCE A. WROBEL, MARILYNN J. WROBEL AKA MARILYNN J ZEITZ AKA MARILYNN ZEITZ WROBEL AKA MARILYNN WROBEL AKA MARILYN ZEITZ, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 25923 9894 WEST 145TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9894 WEST 145TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-09-216-053-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce. com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602.

Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1125799. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1125799 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 25923 TJSC#: 35-14972 I677908

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.JEROME MILLER, ELISA MILLER Defendants 13 CH 06586 8711 WEST VAIL DRIVE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 24, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 8711 WEST VAIL DRIVE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-14-106-008-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1105427.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1105427 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 06586 TJSC#: 35-17250 I677566

For Sale Public Notice Network Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON; Plaintiff, vs.

MARK J. HOLDA, ET AL; Defendants, REPUBLIC BANK OF CHICAGO; Counter - Plaintiff, vs.

MARK J. HOLDA AKA MARK HOLDA AKA MARK J. HOLDA; LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA FKA LYDIA ROJAS AKA LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA; HOLDA ENTERPRISES, INC.; FIRST MIDWEST BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; LOMA VISTA NURSERY; CHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICAS LLC DBA CHRYSLER FINANCIAL FKA DAIMLERCHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICA, LLC; STATE OF ILLINOIS; CAPITAL ONE BANK, (USA), N.A., CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Counter - Defendants 12 CH 8082 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-31-107-010-0000.

Commonly known as 6833 West 127st Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence.

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

For information call Mr. Brandon R. Freud at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd., 200 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

(312) 263-3890.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I678834

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

34

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

“Follows Me Everywhere!� Ž

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5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

For Sale F13110209 Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs.

MARK A. PELEGRINO AKA MARK PELEGRINO AKA MARK ANTHONY PELEGRINO; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK; OLD NATIONAL BANK S/B/M TO PRAIRIE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A CERTAIN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 13 CH 26293 Calendar 64 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 Monday, January 18, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 7159 West 107th Street, Worth, Illinois 60482.

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 Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890.

(630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www. fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. F13110209 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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

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

Donate Your Real Estate...

You don’t have to donate a kidney to save a life. ‡ :H ZLOO DFFHSW DQ\ W\SH RI SURSHUW\ ‡ WD[ GHGXFWLEOH ‡ 0DWFKLQJ'RQRUV FRP LV D & QRQSURILW RUJDQL]DWLRQ

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8

Section 2 Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time.

20-30 hours per week.

Day shift.

Please email resumes to

Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at

708-448-4000 Help Wanted

South Suburban law firm seeking full time

LITIGATION SECRETARY

with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficie t in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing s stems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

Please email resumes to: ff azier@odelsonsterk.com

Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative.

The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential

PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 • Fax: 708-448-4160

arichards@regionalpublishing.com For Sale

Wanted

COUCH AND CHAIR

WANTED TO BUY:

Call Diane

708 479-6979

Blinds

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED

Couch 91 inches long, beige, good condition, $100.

Chair also for living or family room; oversize twotone beige leaf pattern $40 Orland Park,

Help Wanted

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PART TIME PRESSMAN

WALKING CANES AND CANE STAND

(708) 598-7351 LEAVE MESSAGE

SNOWBLOWERS,

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

Cleaning Services

Plumbing & Sewer

GGEORGE’S EORG E’S

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By Nicolette

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Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs

Designs • Drapes • Flooring We Repair & Clean Blinds

$10 OFF Blind Repair w/cleaning added $20 OFF Custom Blinds $30 OFF Carpet or Tile $40 OFF Top Treatments or Valances FREE PICK UP AND DROP OFF Not Valid With Other Offers

• • • • • •

We Sell Carpet, Tile & Wood Floor For Much Less Than The Competition

Nurse’s Assistant

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Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

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OUT & ABOUT Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS

Here are films to avoid from 2015 scrap heap With 2015 coming to a close, it’s about time we look back at the year in movies. Next week you’ll hear about movies that you should actually watch. This week you get the bottom feeders, the movies that should have never been made. Here you get to see the six worst of the year as ranked by none other than me, your “esteemed” movie critic.

6) In the Heart of the Sea This Ron Howard directed film starring Chris Hemsworth was recently reviewed, so regular readers should freshly know not to see this sinking ship.

5) Black and White Essentially we get a glorified made for TV movie starring and bankrolled by Kevin Costner. At its core, this is a film about race, and it’s a very stereotypical one at that.

It uses the same tired stereotypes about black and whites that we see all the time. This film wants to start a conversation on race but it in reality it does none of that. There are black and white grandparents, a biracial grandkid, a drug addicted father, and everything else needed for a Lifetime Movie.

4) The Gunman Here we have what was supposed to be the revival of Sean Penn’s career, but instead we get a clunker of an action movie. Is Penn

TONY PINTO an action star? Not in the slightest way. This is basically another made for TV film (I promise not to say that again). Penn plays a former special forces solider who works for a shadowy agency that does security work for a mining company. Most of this film takes place after Penn is reformed and doing humanitarian work to atone for his sins that we never really hear about. The past comes back to haunt him and you don’t have any reason to care.

3) Pixels To quote my review from earlier this year, “Let the nerds take over” is an official order handed down by President Cooper (Kevin James), and that tells you almost everything you need to know about “Pixels.”That’s not a misprint Kevin James really does play the president of the United States in this film starring the once funny Adam Sandler. Pac-man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and other old arcade games drop down from

the heavens to wreak havoc and only Sandler can save the world.

Sandler has done a lot of bad films recently like “Blended,” “That’s My Boy,” “The Cobbler” (this apparently was so bad it went straight to DVD), and “Jack and Jill,” but this is the worst. He has other films that could make this list, but I’ll limit him to one spot.

2) Hitman: Agent 47 Apparently when I reviewed this film I called it “awful,” and what is worse than being called awful?

I don’t think much. Loosely based on the series of “Hitman” video games, it tries to bring the games to life on the big screen. It does a lot of the slow-motion action scenes that were popularized by “The Matrix” trilogy, but this is not The Matrix. This is a “Matrix” wannabe that needed to take a hit out on itself.

1) Jupiter Ascending This is a grand confusing mess brought to you by writer and director Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski who also created “The Matrix Trilogy”. Another movie with a “Matrix” tie that doesn’t work. Mila Kunis and a mostly shirtless Channing Tatum star in this Sci-Fi mess. Alien princesses, organs being harvested, and bad Sci-Fi make this one of the worst films of all time.

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN (NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.)

STARTING THIS WEEK: “BLACK MASS’’: To his roster of memorable performances, Johnny Depp adds Boston-mob figure James “Whitey’’ Bulger in a drama that boasts a superlative cast and taut direction by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart’’), even if the script doesn’t support them consistently.

An FBI agent (Joel Edgerton) who grew up with Bulger makes a deal with the devil by looking the other way on the gangster’s activities while taking whatever underworld information he can get from him.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Bulger’s political-minded brother, with Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Jesse Plemons (“Fargo’’) also featured. *** (R: AS, P, GV) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “PAN’’: The saga of “Peter Pan’’ has had many screen retellings, but few if any have been as offbeat — and, it might be argued, misguided — as director Joe Wright’s (“Affliction’’) take on the tale. The parentless Peter (Levi Miller) is taken from the London orphanage where he resides to Neverland, where he makes a

friend in the Captain Hook-to-be (Garrett Hedlund) and a notable enemy in the pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman, giving the role his typical gusto). As a measure of how different this version is, consider that the buccaneers break into crooning punk-rock songs ... and no, we are not kidding. Rooney Mara plays Tiger Lily in a cast that also include Nonso Anozie (“Zoo’’), Amanda Seyfried and Cara Delevingne (“Paper Towns’’).

DVD extra: “making-of’’ documentary. ** (PG: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “WAR ROOM’’: A martially challenged couple (Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stallings) is affected by a woman (Karen Abercrombie) who inspires them to fight for their family in this faith-based drama, which surprised many industry observers with its strong box-office take on its opening weekend. The man of the household, who has all the external signs of being a success but battles inner demons, has to decide whether he has — and can do with it — what it will take to repair the problems and keep his clan intact. DVD extras: “making-of’’ documentaries; audio commentary by director Alex Kendrick and producer Stephen Kendrick; deleted scenes. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “PAWN SACRIFICE’’: One of the most legendary chess showdowns in history is re-created in

this fine drama directed by Edward Zwick (“Glory,’’”Legends of the Fall’’), as Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan’’) respectively play Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. Their 1972 faceoff was more than a game, since it also represented a contest between their nations — with political pressures coming to bear on both of them. Peter Sarsgaard, Lily Rabe and Michael Stuhlbarg also are in the noteworthy cast, which also includes younger actors playing Fischer in earlier years. *** (PG13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

COMING SOON: “HITMAN: AGENT 47’’ (Dec. 29): An assassin (Rupert Friend) turns on the agency that wants to utilize his very special DNA to create a brigade of similar killers; Zachary Quinto also stars. (R: AS, P, V) “THE PERFECT GUY’’ (Dec. 29): A woman (Sanaa Lathan) comes to regret getting involved with a stranger (Michael Ealy) who begins stalking her; Morris Chestnut also stars. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “A WALK IN THE WOODS’’ (Dec. 29): A travel writer (Robert Redford) tackles the Appalachian Trail with a very dissimilar friend (Nick Nolte). (R: AS, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Too many holiday cheers can put your energy levels in arrears. In the week to come you may find that you enjoy being with some people, but other ones eat up too much of your time. Balance work with play.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your creative talents may be best displayed when teamed up with another person. In the upcoming week you may be attending several social functions where you can display your people skills and flair for the artistic.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your head may be buzzing with new ideas in the week ahead.

Creative and imaginative mental images can be applied in practical ways. You may enjoy making some handicrafts or homemade holiday treats.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may have some clout if you get out and about. Sitting home watching TV won’t bring you the attention or the enjoyment that you crave. In the week ahead head off

to public functions with your special someone.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Peer pressure can push your buttons.

With a holiday on this week’s calendar you may be required to attend one too many social gatherings. Some business matters are top priority and will not withstand passing distractions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may flirt until it hurts as this week unfolds. People will be delighted with your aptitude for good, clean harmless fun. Working, doing things, or going places with congenial companions is at the top of your to-do list.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A holiday outing in the week ahead might act like magic bullet that revives your spirits. It isn’t the opinion of parents, family or a sweetheart that counts but the verdict of the person staring back at you in the mirror.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s the thought that counts. If your aim is to impress, attending to someone’s needs is a much better option than mere money or token gifts. In the week ahead you may tune in on what your partner

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS UPCOMING The Bridge Teen Center programs

New Year’s Eve Party - 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host a New Year’s Eve Party in their new space.

There will be a live performance from singer/songwriter Gabe Burdulis. Free samples will be provided by Bai and Giordano’s.

This free event is for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

Isle a la Cache upcoming programs • Bonne Annee is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

Celebrate Bonne Annee, or “Good (New) Year” like a fur trader from the 1700s and make a vintage French craft to take home as a keepsake. Registration is required

by Wednesday, Dec. 30, for the free, all-ages program; call 815886-1467.

• “An Evening with Emerson” is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Get closer to nature with a short hike; then warm up with hot drinks and a discussion of one of Emerson’s works, the essay “Nature,” which can be accessed at www.archive.org.

The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required by Tuesday, Jan. 5; call 815-886-1467. This is the first of four Nature Writers’ Series programs scheduled at the Museum.

Three others will be offered: “An Evening with Thoreau” on Feb. 4, “An Evening with Carson” on March 3 and “An Evening with Audubon” on April 7.

• Living History Demonstrations are set for noon to 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month from January through April at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Interact with Isle a la Cache Brigade members as they portray fur trading community members from the 1700s.

Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program.

• Busy Beavers Craft Club will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month from January through April at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Learn to make a craft you can take home.

Each month will feature a different craft activity. The free program is for ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

• A Winter Woods Walk is set for 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road.

Explore Isle a la Cache preserve after dark to see or hear wildlife along the Des Plaines River. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk 1 mile. The free program is for ages 12 and older. Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 22; call 815-886-1467.

Chicago’s famed The Second City really requires.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. coming to Moraine 21): Ask for advice if you want something nice. This week your bank account may shrink under a barrage of bills and last minute gift giving. However, someone’s wise counsel can make you a bundle if you listen closely.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may inadvertently put your foot in your mouth early in the week. However, forgiveness is easy to find. Get in touch with relatives at a great distance or friends close at hand to display your generosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You will wonder where the money went when you come home from shopping and it is all spent. As this week unfolds you can find a very good use for your savvy business and financial skills. Balance your checkbook.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Holiday entertainments are odds with efficiency. During the week ahead you may be tempted to take a long lunch or to go home early.

You will have to make up for it with extra effort somewhere along the line.

Southwest • Section 2, Page 9

Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater returns to Moraine Valley Community College with “Hooking Up with The Second City” on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m.

The new show will be in the Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.

The audience will find this gaspingly funny revue a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between. It makes mirth out of missed connections, girls’ night out adventures and all the crazy things people do for love. The Second City has been looking at and laughing about relationships for over 55 years, producing cuttingedge satirical revues and launching the careers of comedy superstars, including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.

Tickets for “Hooking Up with The Second City” and other upcoming performances can be pur-

chased online at morainevalley. edu/fpac, by calling (708) 9745500, or at the Box Office, located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

ed on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, in Building S, Room 103; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY 711); or online at morainevalley.edu.

Moraine Valley dance classes

Moraine Valley class will visit Québec City

Beginning dancers can learn the moves for ballroom, Latin, social, and swing dancing in a noncredit dance class offered by Moraine Valley Community College this spring. The classes will be held at Pilgrim Faith Church United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Students in the Ballroom Dancing, Beginning class will learn proper dance techniques in leading and following, and the basic elements of the waltz, fox trot, tango, rhumba, cha-cha, and swing dance. The eight-week class will be on Tuesdays, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 26.

Learn the basic moves of Latin, social and swing dancing in the eight-week beginner course. It will be Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 26. Couples are required, but each person must register individually. Smooth-soled dress shoes are recommended. Do not wear gym shoes.

For questions, call Corporate, Community and Continuing Education at (708) 974-5735. Register in the Registration Office, locat-

A one-credit course will be offered this spring by Moraine Valley Community College that will take participants to Quebec City, Canada, from April 29 to May 2.

Québec City is one of North America’s most European cities as well as an UNESCO world heritage site. Participants will explore the 400-year-old metropolis on a walking tour, visit Québec’s Parliament and have lunch in the senator’s dining room, visit Montmorency Falls, sample bread from Chez Marie’s roadside bread oven, and stay at the Château Frontenac.

To earn the class credit, students are required to attend three meetings on Moraine Valley’s campus prior to the trip and complete a field activity in Canada.

Participants need a valid passport to travel. The total cost is $1,885, plus tuition and fees, and includes airfare, most meals, hotel, shuttle to and from the airport, visits to museums, and tours.

To secure a spot or for more information, contact Mary Beth Walsh at walsh@morainevalley. edu or (708) 974-5569.

FREE FITNESS WEEK This is your chance to come and try all the great fitness classes we offer.

Monday January 4 - Saturday January 9 Classes will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center 6601 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights Try as many free classes as you want during the week and after you try them you receive a $5.00 off coupon to use toward your registration for the 8-week session starting January 11.

Let us help you reach your fitness goals!

For any questions call 708-361-1807 Child care will be available for AM classes (excluding Spinning) For a list of classes visit www.palosheightsrec.org and click on the online brochure – page 38 is the Group Fitness Calendar

OUT & ABOUT Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Southwest • Section 2, Page 10

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko

Eagle Watch on the Des Plaines in Channahon Eagle Watch on the River is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Thursday, Jan. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 16, and again This fl vorful side dish is good tasting and good for you. from Thursday, Jan. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon.

Take a self-guided walk along the Des Plaines River while watching for American bald eagles wintering around the preserve. Then stop at the Environmental Center to enjoy a free hot beverage while viewing a slideshow and informative displays about eagles. Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program. For more information on this and other Will County Forest Preserve District offerings, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Fotolia.com

Easy holiday vegetable side dish comes from the oven

By Wolfgang Puck

Supplied photo

The duo Switchback has created 14 award-winning Celtic and Americana albums. They will perform two shows at Moraine Valley Community College on Jan. 24.

Internationally renowned duo Switchback to perform at Moraine The Celtic and Americana Roots duo Switchback will perform two concerts at Moraine Valley Community College on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 2 and 5:30 p.m.

The shows will be performed in the John and Angeline Oremus Theater, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The cabaretstyle set up features table seating for $25 for the general public, and $20 for seniors and students.

Theater seating is $20 for the general public and $15 for seniors and students.

“An Afternoon with Switchback” will feature a mix of original and traditional Irish music and a selection of songs from their catalog of over 300 original Americana tunes. Their music has been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.”

Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music around the world for 20 years. Switchback’s concerts include stories of their travels, audience participation and a healthy dose of comedy thrown in for good measure.

These two talented singer/ songwriters formed Switchback 1993 and set out on the road to take their “American Roots and Celtic Soul” brand of music to music halls and festivals in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and other countries. They have shared the stage during that journey with music royalty, most notably The Moody Blues, Leon Russell and John Hartford.

The duo has created 14 awardwinning Celtic and Americana al-

bums. The Irish Music Association presented Switchback with the award for the “Top Duo in a Pub, Festival or Concert” for the USA, Ireland, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

Their television specials “The Americana Sessions” and “The Celtic Sessions” have aired on PBS stations around the U.S. Learn more about Switchback and hear a sample of their music

at WayGoodMusic.com.

Tickets to “An Afternoon with Switchback” and other upcoming performances can be purchased at morainevalley.edu/fpac, by calling (708) 974-5500, or at the Box Office located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

— Moraine Valley Community College

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You might think that, working as I do in the food world, the rush of festive meals coming at the end of the year would leave me feeling tired. But the opposite, in fact, is true.

For one thing, some of my restaurants are closed for the big holiday occasions, so I do get to feel like I have a little time off.

Even more important is the simple fact that I love the holidays, especially cooking for the people I love. From hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, through main dishes to desserts, I enjoy the process of preparing a special menu in my own kitchen.

It might surprise you, though, that one of my favorite parts of holiday menus each year is the side dishes. Too many people overlook such recipes, or leave planning them to the last minute.

Then, they’re often content just to steam or boil some broccoli or green beans and maybe toss them with butter and some toasted nuts; or, of course, they’ll boil potatoes and quickly mash them with butter, and perhaps some cream and cheese.

You probably noticed two things those examples have in common.

For one, they feature everyday vegetables that aren’t likely to surprise the people gathered around your table. And they also include lots of dairy fat, which may increase the likelihood a side dish will taste good but does nothing for how good you might feel after the meal is over.

The following recipe for a special-occasion side dish, though surprisingly easy to prepare, is anything but ordinary. It features not one or two but eight different

kinds of root vegetables, plus a whole head of garlic. And, despite being absolutely delicious and beautiful to behold, it’s a model of healthy eating.

A little more than 1 percent of the dish’s approximate 161 calories per serving come from fat just the traces of fat that naturally occur in the vegetables themselves and the spritz of nonstick spray that coats them before roasting.

Then there’s the flavor. It is incredibly rich thanks in good part to the vegetables’ natural sugars, which caramelize as they roast in the oven.

I hope you’ll add this side dish to your own holiday menu, feeling free to vary the kinds and amounts of roots you include based on your own tastes and on what you find at the farmers’ market.

Here’s to happy holiday meals for us all!

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE MEDLEY Serves 12 to 16 • 8 slender organic carrots, peeled and trimmed • 8 baby turnips, peeled and trimmed • 8 organic fingerling potatoes, scrubbed clean under cold running water, peels left on • 2 large parsnips, peeled and trimmed • 1 medium orange-flesh or ruby sweet potato, scrubbed clean under cold running water, peel left on • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled • 1 kohlrabi bulb, peeled • 1 small celery root (celeriac) bulb, peeled

• 1 small head garlic, cloves separated, left unpeeled • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme • Olive oil-flavored nonstick cooking spray • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives, for serving Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).

Prepare the vegetables, cutting off and discarding any green tops.

Leave the carrots and baby turnips whole. Halve the cleaned potatoes lengthwise. Cut the parsnips diagonally into chunks. Cut the sweet potato into chunks. Halve the onion, then cut each half into quarters. Cut the kohlrabi into thick wedges. Halve the celery root and cut each half crosswise into thick slices. Separate the garlic head into individual cloves, leaving them unpeeled.

Put all the vegetable pieces, garlic cloves and herb sprigs in a large baking dish. Spray with olive oil-flavored nonstick cooking spray and toss until lightly and evenly coated. Season well with salt and black pepper, and toss again to coat evenly.

Roast in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the vegetables are golden brown and tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a metal skewer or small, sharp knife, about 45 minutes. Present the vegetables in their baking dish or transfer them to a heated platter. Garnish with parsley or chives just before serving.