Reporter 12 28 17

Top local sports stories of 2017

REPORTER IN SPORTS

THE Volume LVIII, No. 42

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

Lawyer: Stagg AD suspension falls short

By Jeff Vorva

Consolidated High School District 230 officials suspended Stagg Athletic Director Terry Treasure for two days without pay for a violation of professional conduct on Friday, but the lawyer for recently fired Stagg cheerleading coach Bridget Guzior claims that was too light of a punishment.

Attorney Tom Skallas called the decision “just sad” and that Guzior must “seek justice in a court of law.’’

Guzior was fired after a special D230 meeting on Dec. 12 for violations including using a profanity in a text message to a student.

Attorney for fired cheerleading coach says two days without pay for athletic director is ‘slap on the wrist’ In August, she was suspended and subsequently filed a sexual harassment charge against Treasure in September with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Guzior signed it on Dec. 13 after the firing.

The 29-year-old Orland Park resident made claims against Treasure that included him calling her “hot” and “someone who knows how to take care of a man.” Guzior also claimed he hugged her tight and kissed her

on the head.

Attempts to reach Treasure were unsuccessful. The District had no comment other than to provide a copy of a letter dated Friday from Superintendent James Gay to Treasure regarding the suspension.

The letter said Treasure did not violate sexual harassment policy but did violate policy for professional conduct.

In the letter Gay said that Treasure admitted he made comments about

her appearance and “side-hugged” her.

“In explaining your actions, you said you did not intend to offend Ms. Guzior, but rather to show your support, demonstrate empathy and improve her morale — especially on the occasion where she confided in you that she was separated from her husband and worried she would remain single,” Gay wrote. “Following See SUSPENSION, Page 9

Photo by Jeff Vorva

District 230 Superintendent James Gay is shown during a special meeting on Dec. 12 in which the board fired Stagg cheerleading coach Bridget Guzior. On Friday, Gay sent a letter to Stagg Athletic Director Terry Treasure suspending him for two days.

Wrestling icon and Oak Lawn resident Craig dies

from 1993 through February.

Craig was honored for his reOne of the biggest names in tirement during a home match amateur wrestling history, Dan in January and kids who were Gable, was speaking at the Uni- several generations removed from versity of St. Francis in Joliet in Craig sang his praises.

2002. The wrestling legend had “He’s the best of the best,” thenthe attention of everyone in the Astros senior Robert Muhammad room, including Oak said to the crowd. “WithLawn resident Jim Craig. out him, I wouldn’t be Eisenhower’s Bryan the person I am today.

Barham, who coached He’s like a father figure.’’ with Craig in the past, A couple of the coach’s said that Gable’s focus traditions were to hand after the speech was on out sticks of gum after Craig. his wrestlers competed “What was amazing and to always wear suits to me is that when it to matches. He said he Jim Craig was over, everyone was owns 50 suits and sometrying to go see Dan Gable and times he brought hats — includDan was leaving the other side ing cowboy hats — to wear during of the gym to get to Jim Craig,” the action.

Barham said in January. “I think “When I started out back in that shows the legendary criteria 1959, coaches wore ties and suits,” and all that he has accomplished Craig said in January. “I wore a in his outstanding career. But his bow tie back then, by the way. accomplishments pale to what a Wrestling is such a tough sport. great person he is.’’

It gets a hard rap sometimes. If Craig died on Sunday at the I can literally dress it up a little age of 80. bit, I feel it’s important. Dress up He retired in February after 64 and step up.’’ years in the sport, including 55 Prior to coaching at Shepard, as a coach. His last job was as See CRAIG, Page 9 a Shepard High School assistant

By Jeff Vorva

Two Dist. 230 teachers receive national awards

By Dermot Connolly Photo by Kelly White

Dominika Bryniarska (from left), 15, of Oak Lawn, and Natalia Tylka, 15, of Oak Lawn, wrap gifts together during Oak Lawn Community High School’s Operation Santa gift wrapping party on Dec. 20 at the school in Oak Lawn.

GRANTING GRANTING WISHES WISHES OLCHS spreads goodwill through Operation Santa Claus

By Kelly White ’Tis the season of joy and giving, and Oak Lawn Community High School students are standing strongly by that view.

For the 13th consecutive year, students from all grade levels participated in Operation Santa Claus this December.

Operation Santa Claus is similar to the Angel Trees commonly seen at lo-

cal shopping malls during the holiday season, according to Operation Santa Claus organizer and Oak Lawn Community High School math teacher Ellen Kruger.

“We adopt families from the Oak Lawn High School community who demonstrate a need for assistance, as determined by the counselors and social workers,” Kruger said.

In order to become a part of the project’s wish list, every family par-

ticipating had to have at least one or more students attending Oak Lawn Community High School, with ages ranging anywhere from freshmen to seniors.

“I used to get families referred by Oak Lawn Family Services, but as the years went by, there was such great need within the Oak Lawn High School community that I was able to fill all of See WISHES, Page 9

The District 230 School Board at its meeting last week recognized two faculty members who received national awards.

Dr. Stacey Gonzales, director of curriculum for the district, was named among the top 30 education technology leaders in the United States by the Center for Digital Education, a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding.

She was a leading force behind the district’s ongoing technology program, which has provided every student with a Chromebook laptop computer this year and more teacher training on how to get the best use out of the technology in the classroom.

The CDE called her one of the 2017 “Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers,” education and technology leaders who are “transforming the educa-

tion landscape through the use of digital tools.”

During the “Digital Learning Program” update she gave at the meeting last Thursday, Gonzales said all students now have the computers, and they are a hit with students and teachers alike. Now in Phase 3 of the program, this was the first semester that students in all four years have the computers.

“It has been a really smooth semester so far,” said Gonzales.

“It has been a really busy year, but so far, so good. Students have told me they would rather be using the $179 Chromebooks than the $1,200 desktop computers they have at home.

“This has not been a top-down thing,” she said, “All 140 teachers have been involved from the beginning. That is the key to success.”

Gonzales and other district officials are now getting involved in See TEACHERS, Page 9

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge

stole $221.25 from cash registers over a nineday period.

Ida Henry, 37, of the 1300 block of South Komensky Avenue, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Secret in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said she took merchandise worth more than $300 out of the store. She is due in court on Jan. 25.

Hickory Hills

Retail theft

Submitted photo

Golden prizes

Steven Rosenbaum (center) president and COO of Prospect Savings Bank, a division of Hoyne 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. 6. Tom Doyle (left) won a 24-inch HDTV and Joseph Uraski won a $75 Target gift card.

Fundraiser to be held in support of Incarnation Elementary School

A fundraiser in support of Incarnation Elementary School and for the students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will be held from 2 to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 7 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park.

The money raised during this event will help to lessen the deficit of the current school year and bring the school closer to the amount that needs to be raised.

Incarnation School has been in existence for over 50 years.

Event tickets can be purchased now for $35 at https://www. givecentral.org/location/156/ event/14417. Advanced sales qualify for an entry into a raffle for a 55-inch TV. Tickets can be purchased at the door on event day for $40.

The cost of admission includes food buffet and alcoholic beverages. Dancers from Lavin

Cassidy School of Irish Dance, a performance by members of the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, entertainment by headliners Superfly Redneck Band, along with more activities Football fans will be able to watch the NFL Wild Card playoff games on the four large screens in the banquet hall!

In addition to an assortment of raffle basket prizes with the cork pull wine raffle, also to be raffled off are Disney Park Hopper passes and four-day Lollapalooza passes.

To inquire about sponsorship or to learn more about how to help, visit https://sites.google.com/view/ incarnationschoolpalosheights/ home.Residents may also email IncarnationPC.Events@yahoo.com.

Donations may be sent directly to the school at: Incarnation Catholic School, 5757 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, IL 60463.

DUI charge

Christopher Stark, 25, of the 4800 block of West 121st Place, Alsip, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 8:55 p.m. Dec. 20 at 111th Street and South Ridgeland Avenue.

Police said he registered a .165 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also cited for improper lane usage and driving on the median. He is due in court on Jan. 31.

Suspended license

• Destiny Kelliher, 22, of the 5400 block of South Highland Court, Crestwood, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:45 a.m.

Dec. 19 at 107th Street and South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance. She is due in court on Jan. 3.

• Caritina Zavala, 48, of the 4300 block of West 118th Street, Alsip, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:35 a.m. Dec. 16 in the 9600 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for improper lane usage.

She is due in court on Jan. 3.

Domestic battery

Steve Pfieffer, 26, of the 7000 block of West Mather Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with domestic battery after police were called to a disturbance at his home at 9:45 p.m. Monday. Police said he allegedly punched a family member in the upper body.

He was held for a bond hearing on Tuesday.

Evergreen Park Harassment charge

Rasheed Abrams, 42, of Riverdale, was charged with harassment by telephone at 2:38 p.m. last Thursday in the 9400 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said he allegedly made more than 100 calls to someone over a fourday period.

Retail theft

• Jerry Redmond, 51, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 10:03 p.m. Dec. 16. Police said he took 12 household items worth $132.99.

• Corey Livsey, 48, of Country Club Hills, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 9:12 a.m. Dec. 28. Police said he took baby formula and photo storage items valued at $176.80.

• Aaron Johnson, 49, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Mariano’s, 2559 W. 95th St., at 5:34 p.m. Dec. 19. Police said he took alcoholic beverages and audio-visual equipment worth $236.91.

• Charles H. McCray III, 33, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at CVS, 3200 W. 95th St., at 1:48 p.m. Dec. 19. Police said he took 19 toiletry items worth $171.11. Police said he was also charged with resisting arrest.

Theft charge

Patricia Thomas, 23, of Chicago, was charged with theft at DSW shoe store, 9690 S. Western Ave., at 1:35 p.m. Dec. 19. Police said that while working there, she allegedly

Suspended license

Athine T. Grove, 25, of the 9000 block of Oakwood Drive, Hickory Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10:37 p.m. Friday on the block where she lives. She was also cited for driving with suspended registration and is due in court on Jan. 12.

Cannabis possession

Christina A. Stameson, 24, of the 9600 block of South Marion Avenue, Oak Lawn, was issued a local ordinance violation for possession of 10 grams of cannabis following a traffic stop at 1:52 a.m. Saturday in the 7800 block of West 95th Street. Police said she was also cited for driving a car with expired registration.

Trespassing charge

usage, failure to signal when required, failure to wear a seatbelt, driving without insurance, and fleeing or eluding police. He is due in court on Jan. 25.

• Andrew Spolar, 35, of Crestwood, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2:15 a.m.

Dec. 16 at 111th Street and Pulaski Road.

Police said he registered a .189 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also cited for failure to signal when required. He is due in court on Jan. 19.

• Roman R. Duran, 21, of Orland Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 3:51 a.m.

Dec. 16 in the 9700 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said he was found asleep at the wheel, and his license was suspended pending a court appearance on a previous DUI charge. He was also cited for improper parking on the roadway, driving without lights when required, driving without insurance and failure to wear a seatbelt. He is due in court on Jan. 9.

Two 13-year-old boys were issued citations for trespassing after police said they were found in the skate park in Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91st Place, at 3:57 p.m. last Thursday. Police said they were called to the scene by a park employee who saw them in the closed park. They allegedly climbed over a fence to get in and out of the park.

They were turned over to the custody of their parents.

Revoked license

Oak Lawn

Palos Hills

• Dwain L. Watson, 61, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Jewel, 9424 S. Pulaski Road, at 10:46 p.m. Dec. 15. Police said he put four bottles of whiskey and four bottles of tequila in a bag and left the store.

He is due in court on Jan. 11.

• Sabrina P. Acosta, 24, of Chicago, was issued a village ordinance citation for retail theft at Target, 4120 W. 95th St., at 3:17 p.m.

Dec. 19. Police said she was detained by a loss prevention officer who reported seeing her put a waterproof speaker in her purse.

Police said she admitted also taking a watch and four other items worth a total of $143.55 that were found in her purse. She is due at a hearing in Village Hall on Jan. 8.

Thaer Nimer, 27, of Oak Lawn, was charged with reckless conduct following an incident at 11 a.m. Dec. 19. Police said Nimer and his employer were arguing over pay, and the employer fell down when Nimer drove away.

He is due in court on Jan. 9.

Marlon G. Williams, 38, of Kenosha, was charged with driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop at 1:01 a.m. Dec. 16 at Cicero Avenue and 94th Street. Police said he was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon after a set of brass knuckles was found in the car, as well as driving without insurance, and disobeying a traffic control device. He is due in court on Feb. 1.

Reckless conduct

Retail theft

Drug possession

Nicholas S. Wielander, 36, of Oak Lawn, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 5:04 p.m.

Dec. 15 in the 8800 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police pulled him over initially because an 89th Street resident alleged that he had just violated an order of protection by coming to her house. They said several drugs were found in his vehicle, including six grams of cocaine, amphetamines, hydrocodone and steroids. In addition to five counts of felony unlawful possession of a controlled substance, Wielander was charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of anabolic steroids, and violation of an order of protection. He was held for a bond hearing.

DUI charges

• Michael A. Pironti Jr., 35, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 9:42 p.m. Dec. 14 in the 6000 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was speeding and driving recklessly, and although a patrol car followed him for a mile with lights and sirens, he did not stop until her arrived at his house. He was also cited for speeding, improper lane

Neglect charge

Stacy Tustin, 41, of Palos Hills, was charged with neglect of a minor when police were called to her home at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

They said that when Tustin’s daughter left the residence, she refused to let the girl back in. She is due in court on Jan. 9.

Garage burglary

A garage burglary in the 8900 block of 98th Place was reported at noon on Friday.

The police said a resident, who had not been living in the house due to a fire, reported finding numerous power tools, a snow blower and several TVs missing from the garage.

Battery offense

Police are investigating a reported battery incident that occurred outside Holiday Banquets, 10140 S. Roberts Road, at 11:45 p.m. Monday. They said a woman leaving the banquet hall after a Christmas party saw a man and woman arguing in a car. She said that when she went over and asked the woman if she was OK, the man got out of the car and punched her in the mouth.

Retail theft

Police are investigating a retail theft report at the Shell gas station, 10300 S. Harlem Ave., at 2 a.m. Monday. A store clerk reported that a woman took three bottles of malt liquor and left without paying for them.

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

SW Suburban Widows and Widowers plan first meeting of 2018

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Beverages and snacks are served at the meetings. Entertainment is provided at most of the sessions. Activities also include organized restaurant get-togethers, dances, theater outings, discussion groups and interaction meetings.

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Reporter

PALOS HILLS VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

‘Mrs. Claus’ holds Christmas bash

Palos Hills joins lawsuit vs. pharmaceutical companies

Kathy Lovitt shares a laugh and her homemade treats with Vernice Szostak, of Palos Hills, during her annual Christmas party held last Thursday morning at McDonald’s, 11050 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.

“I just do it because it makes people happy,” said Lovitt, who began the tradition four years ago of hosting various holiday parties, from Valentine’s Day to Veterans Day for the veterans and other regular customers she has befriended at the restaurant.

By Michael Gilbert

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Bus driver from Chicago Ridge charged with DUI while picking up students

Police said her blood alcohol content was 0.231, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.008, after Drunken driving charges are not that rare. But she was giving a breathalyzer test. it is an eye-opener when the driver charged with Summit School District 104 Supt. Troy Whalen driving under the influence is sitting behind the commended the bus aide and Principal Chris Smith wheel of a school bus. for their quick thinking.

And it really grabs your attention when He said they “did the right thing” by callthe woman who shows up to drive home ing the police when the noticed the driver special needs students has a blood alcohol seemed impaired. He added that none of content, or BAC, of nearly three times the the special-needs students had yet boarded legal limit, according to police. the bus.

Such was the case around 3 p.m. Dec. Kawa, 52, of Chicago Ridge, was charged 20, when Summit police were alerted by with aggravated driving under the influence, Kawa officials at Walsh Elementary School, 5640 police said.

S. 75th Ave., in Summit.

Whalen said the driver was from RichLee According to a news release from the police, Vans, based in Chicago Ridge. The company is a bus attendant at the school “noticed something part of the Cook-Illinois Corp. was ‘off’ with a bus driver and reported it to the Attempts to contact Kawa were not successful. principal.”

A published report said she had been a bus driver That principal, in turn, called the police. for 10 years. A woman who answered the phone at When police arrived, they noticed a strong the Cook-Illinois Corp. office on Tuesday said no odor of alcohol on the bus driver’s breath, police one was in the office except the payroll department said. A field sobriety test was administered, because of the Christmas holiday. and the bus driver, Karen Kawa, failed the test, A published report said a Cook County judge set police said. bail at $5,000 for Kawa last Thursday.

By Steve Metsch

Lipinski: Tax bill favors corporations over middle class Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) said he voted against the Republican tax bill because it prioritizes corporations and the wealthy over the middle class while making corporate cuts permanent.

Lipinski said the bill punishes local taxpayers by capping reductions for property and income taxes, fails to fix the trust fund that pays for roads and public transit, and adds more to a federal debt that is out of control.

“I have been speaking for years with colleagues from both sides of the aisle about how important it is for the future of the middle class that we pass transformative tax reform,” Lipinski said.

“Unfortunately, this bill fails the middle class badly.”

According to the bill, corporations will the top corporate income tax rate fall from 35 to 21 percent.

“Furthermore, most of the benefits for corporations are permanent, while everyone else will see what little help they get expire,” Lipinski said. “As that expiration date approaches, middle-class families will have their ability to pay their bills or provide a better life for their loved ones yet again become a political bargaining chip.”

The congressman added that the cap on the amount of local property and income taxes that can be deduced from federal taxes will hurt many families in the area “In addition, Republicans appear to have added a last-minute tax break for millionaire real estate investors into the legislation,” Lipinski said. “Since the final version of this bill was rushed for a vote, there are bound to be even more loopholes or mistakes added to our tax code.

3

“Finally, Republicans said all along that their tax plan would not add to our debt, which is $20 trillion and rising,” Lipinski said.

“They promised economic growth would pay for the tax cuts. But every analysis done on this bill shows that it will add over $1 trillion more, plus interest, to our debt over 10 years. This is not something we should pass on to the next generation.”

Lipinski said the middle class continues to struggle even as the stock market soars.

“Republicans claimed this bill would prioritize middleclass Americans and give them a big boost,” Lipinski said. “But while this bill spends a lot of money and may further fuel the stock market, it is another example of how Washington fails the middle class and leaves them behind.”

Palos Hills is joining a Chicago law firm’s pending class action suit against pharmaceutical manufactures across the nation that claims the companies deceived physicians and consumers about the dangers prescription opioids.

City officials voted 8-0 last week to approve a motion made

by Mayor Gerald Bennett to join the lawsuit to be filed by Edelson PC against nine major pharmaceutical companies including the Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma L.P., the Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical, the Ohio-based Cardinal Health Inc., and the San Francisco-based McKesson.

According to an “issue brief” created by Edelson and provided

by Palos Hills, the lawsuit will also allege pharmaceutical companies allowed millions of pills to enter the black market. In doing so, the lawsuit will claim the pharmaceutical companies caused public nuisance, negligence, fraud as well as violations of the Medicaid False Claims Act, State Medicaid Integrity Lawns and State Consumer Protections Laws.

The alleged damages from the “opioid epidemic,” which total more than $78 billion, include lost productivity, increased health insurance costs, increased criminal justice costs and increased substance abuse treatment. Some of the more common opioids include OxyContin, Vicodin and Dilaudid.

“In addition to the pain caused to individuals and families affected by the epidemic, communities across the United States have shouldered real costs in trying to combat the opioid epidemic,” according to the issue brief.

While the opioid epidemic has not been very prevalent in Palos Hills, (police said they have responded to only one opioid overdose) Bennett said he was asked by an attorney of Edelson PC to join the lawsuit and said it was important for the city to lend its support.

Citing a report that recently aired on “60 Minutes,” City Attorney George Pappas said some manufacturers are distributing pills but not following U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration requirements to keep a record of where the drugs are going, and if they also receive an unnecessarily large order of pills. Both Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson were named in the report for allegedly filling hundreds of suspicious orders.

“It was unconscionable,” Pappas said of how some compa-

nies were not following protocol.

“They were sending pills to drug stores and doctors throughout the country without any registration at all. There was no record keeping.

“I think joining [the lawsuit] is good for the city because it shows how we feel about this type of distribution.”

“The sooner the better,” Bennett added.

As there are many lawsuits already on file or expected to be filed soon against pharmaceutical companies and many municipalities joining these lawsuits, Pappas does not expect Palos Hills to benefit very much financially by adding its name. Money, however, was never the agenda for joining the lawsuit, he said.

“That’s not the point,” Pappas said. “The point is the city takes a stand against these pharmaceutical companies.”

In other news, Palos Hills officials tabled a discussion on the future of LED storefront window lights until the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 4.

Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward), who has been the most vocal city official against the lights, had hoped to discuss the

issue during the committee-ofthe-whole meeting last Thursday, but due to time constraints, the discussion was delayed two weeks.

The lights, which are typically around 60 watts per bulb, are placed around storefront windows in an effort to attract drivers from the road. Kleefisch has argued the lights may deviate a driver’s eyes away from the road. He has also said the lights appear “garish.” “(The lights) are not something that makes our community more attractive,” he said earlier this month.

While Kleefisch has been vehemently against the lights, fellow Ald. Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward) has previously said that if they help small businesses she is in favor of allowing the lights.

Stratton noted that since small businesses have not fully recovered from the financial crisis a decade ago she is not opposed to owners using this method to bring in customers.

The committee-of-the-whole meeting on Jan. 4 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers.

Secretary of State offices closed for New Year’s Day

Secretary of state offices and driver services facilities open Monday through Friday will be closed Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day Offices and facilities that are open Tuesday through Saturday will be closed Saturday, Dec. 30 in observance of New Year’s Day. All offices and facilities will be open for business Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Individuals can visit the secretary of state’s website, www. cyberdriveillinois.com, to locate the nearest driver services facility and the hours of operation. In addition, drivers can change an address, register to become an organ and tissue donor or renew license plate stickers online.

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4 The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Richards Cooking Club prepares meals at Ronald McDonald House The Cooking Club from Richards High School recently volunteered both its time and talent for families staying at Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn.

“It was part of the Meals from the Heart program, which feeds families with children in the hospital,” said culinary arts teacher Rob Staudacher.

The students prepared a chicken and Swiss cheese casserole, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, garlic bread and a garden salad.

Members of the Cooking Club from Richards High School prepare a meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House adjacent to Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

The Ronald McDonald House provides accommodations for families of pediatric patients at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Supplied photo

The Cooking Club members are all smiles after preparing a meal at the Ronald McDonald House.

WORTH VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Board approves permit for retail tobacco store on 111th Street

By Sharon L. Filkins

The Village of Worth Board of Trustees voted unanimously at the Dec.19 board meeting for a special-use permit to allow a retail tobacco store to operate at 7011 W. 111th St. The tobacco store, Alkeif Hookah Lounge, Inc., will replace the Saraya Restaurant and Banquet facility currently located at the site.

The property is owned by YRR Properties LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, with offices located at 7924 Keystone Road in Orland Park.

The Saraya Restaurant has been in business there since 2012. It will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 31, when its business license expires.

Owner of the Alkeif Hookah Lounge is Tarek Obaid, a resident of Hickory Hills. He is leasing the property from YRR Properties LLC. He said he expects to hold a grand opening for the business on about Feb. 1.

In addition to approval of the special use permit for the retail tobacco store, the trustees also granted a variance to reduce the number of vehicle parking spaces for the site and approved an agreement between the village and Obaid to allow valet and off-street parking.

The agreement will allow the new owner to use a parking lot owned by the village at the southeast corner of South Depot Street and Crandall Avenue for valet parking. For an annual rent of one dollar,

Obaid can use unoccupied parking spaces in the parking lot beginning at 11 a.m., and concluding at 12:30 a.m., seven days a week.

The Alkeif Hookah Lounge will be open from noon to midnight Monday through Thursday, and from noon to 1 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Also approved was an ordinance prohibiting parking in the alley located south of 111th Street between South Worth Avenue and South Depot Street. The alley is directly behind the Saraya Restaurant.

The board also approved an ordinance levying taxes in the amount of $2,912,690 for all corporate purposes, for the fiscal year commencing on May 1, 2018, and ending on April 30, 2019.

Additionally, an approval of an agreement with

Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. will allow the Village of Worth to continue posting community announcements and related information on certain electronic message boards located within Worth’s corporate boundaries.

The message boards are generally located near I-294, south of 111th Street and south of 107th Street.

A special use permit was granted to operate a professional law office at 11138 S. Harlem Ave. and a variance was approved to reduce the required number of vehicle parking spaces at the location.

Mayor Mary Werner announced that the next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3 due to the New Year’s holiday.

Moraine Valley Board points to bright future after discussing increased tax levy

By Kelly White

The Moraine Valley Board of Trustee closed out the year with a public hearing on Dec. 18 to discuss the 2017 tax levy.

Leading the discussion was Robert J. Sterkowitz, CPA, chief financial officer and treasurer of the Moraine Valley board of trustees.

Sterkowitz explained for tax year 2017, the total recommended property tax levy is $38,167,363, which includes a $7,132,953 million bond debt payment from the college.

“The remaining tax levy totaling $31,034,410 is a 3.18 percent increase from the prior year,” Sterkowitz said.

The property tax levy is based on the equalized assessed value of taxable property in Community College District 524, Cook County, and the State of Illinois, which will actually be collected in 2018 and allocated at 50 percent to fiscal year 2017 and 50 percent to fiscal year 2018.

The majority of the levy is to be collected as a tax for educational purposes in the amount of $21,798,075, with another $7,696,067 levied

for operations and maintenance funds that are necessary for the college, according to Sterkowitz.

The balance remaining is to be levied as a special tax to the Local Government and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act in the amount of $459,268; $81,000 for financial audit purposes; and $1,000,000 for protection, health and safety purposes.

“Everything looks very good,” said John Coleman, chairman of the Moraine Valley Board.

“We have good fiscal management here at Moraine Valley, starting with our board members,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, president of Moraine Valley.

Jenkins thanked Sterkowitz and Theresa O’Carroll, the controller at Moraine Valley.

Jenkins also lauded the efforts of Stephanie Meuris, the internal auditor at the college.

During last month’s board meeting, Jenkins and her fellow board members also received good financial news when Meuris introduced John George and Kelly Kirkman, of RSM US, the college’s auditing firm,

who reviewed financial highlights from the college’s audit.

The two reported that the college was issued an unmodified, clean opinion with no issues and no modifications based on its financial statements, state grant activity, schedule of enrollment data and report for compliance for each major federal program.

The work reflected in the financial building process did not go unnoticed by Moraine Valley officials.

“I would also like to thank all of the other staff members for the work and recordkeeping that is done all year long and for the yearly audit,” Jenkins said.

Sterkowitz and the financial staff at Moraine Valley was presented with certificates of achievement in financial reporting, awards certificates of excellence in financial reporting and a distinguished budget presentation award by the college during the board meeting.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into our financial department,” Sterkowitz said, “It is really our staff here that makes it great.

The future looks good at Moraine Valley.”

Cong. Rush opposes short-term government funding legislation Cong. Bobby L. Rush (D-1st) said last Thursday that the passage of the Republican short-term government legislation, also known as the Continuing Resolution, is a deliberate neglect of the American people.

Rush added the Republicans have been focusing on padding the pockets of the one percent and corporation at the expense of U.S. citizens. The congressman added this bill does nothing to tackle the list of critical overdue priorities of the American people “This hollow, irresponsible, and weak short-term CR leaves children at risk, does not protect DREAMers, and denies adequate funding for the resources our veterans desperately need,” Rush said. “Congressional Republicans have abdicated the obligation of everyone in government, to fight for the least amongst us.”

Rush said the Democrats asked and encouraged bipartisanship and the Republicans refused that offer.

“In doing so, they have left many Americans facing additional uncertainty. Their careless conduct only strengthens my resolve in continuing to fight and advocate for access to health care by supporting critical funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers (CHCs), defending DREAMers by supporting passage of the DREAM Act, and working on behalf of veterans who are facing a dire shortfall at the VA.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Oak Lawn area youth provide donations for local organizations From the Dec. 28, 1967 issue:

The story: Youths from Oak Lawn and nearby communities have been doing charitable acts and raising funds to assist the Southwest YMCA in reaching out to families and organizations throughout the year.

Twenty-one students showed up at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home to collect for the Oak Lawn Community Chest. Eighteen were from Richards High School. The Alpha Omicron Phi-TriH-Y Club from Oak Lawn Community High School decided to donate $60 to the Oak Lawn YMCA. They are also donating $75 to the Garden School for the Handicapped and $25 for a party for children.

The quote: “We say thanks to all the girls and boys for being so generous,” said David Stubbs, director of World Services for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

• 25 years ago School District 117 requests tax increase for the 11th time From the Dec. 24, 1992 issue:

The story: North Palos School District 117 will try for the 11th time to obtain voters’ approval for a rate increase in April 1993.

In presenting the district’s proposed tax levy to the board last week, Ken Geraghty, the assistant superintendent, underscored the need for the referendum. The school board approved both the district’s 1992 tax levy at a total of $6.97 million and also approved the maximum of its educational fund tax rate from 1.52 percent to 2.27 percent of the equalized assessed valuation of real property in the district. The levy is an increase of 4.13 percent over last year. The proposed tax rate increase is about 49 percent. The levy was set at higher rate to help the district pay off bond interest from previous years, according to Geraghty.

The quote: “We owe it to the kids to pass this referendum,” Geraghty said. “They deserve a quality education.”

• 10 years ago Coyotes have become comfortable in southwest suburbs From the Dec. 27, 2007 issue: The story: Coyotes are becoming more plentiful in the southwest suburbs, according to the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

Coyotes have ventured out of the forest preserves into urban areas in most of the U.S., including the southwest suburbs, according to Chris Anchor, wildlife biologist for the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Experts say that coyotes are mostly harmless as long as people do not provide them with food. The animals are primarily nocturnal. One of the most interesting behavioral habits discovered in Anchor’s study is that a number of coyotes are surviving in cities and villages, never venturing back to forests after going unnoticed by residents.

The quote: “The public often has no idea,” Anchor said.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Reporter

5

‘Read to Dogs’ event is a treat for canines and kids

WHATIZIT?

By Kelly White

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo quiz (above) is: Hills school.

Due to the upcoming New Year’s Day holiday, responses with your name and hometown should be sent by noon Saturday to thereporter@comcast.net.

One reader had the right response to last week’s quiz. Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum had the correct answer: The Nativity scene that can be found at the northeast corner of 95th Street and Cook Avenue in Oak Lawn. The quiz was difficult because there are a variety of Nativity scenes in the southwest suburbs. Many of those scenes marking the arrival of Christmas can be seen in Oak Lawn and neighboring communities.

SUDOKU

Alexis Griffin loves reading and animals.

The 12-year-old has two dogs at home, Izzy, a poodle, and Maggie, a beagle that she reads to for fun.

“I like reading to dogs because they listen so intently to everything you are saying,” said Griffin, of Palos Hills. “They don’t interrupt you. They are curious and want to spend time with you and listen to your stories.”

Griffin was able to enjoy her favorite pastime at the Green Hills Public Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills, on Dec. 4 during its second annual Read to Dogs event.

The event was geared to help sharpen the reading skills of local children by reading to certified therapy dogs.

“Reading to the therapy dogs was just as relaxing to reading to my own dogs at home,” Griffin said. “It was nice because you were able to pet them, and show them affection, while reading a story to them.”

“The presence of therapy dogs is naturally calming,” said Natalie Djordjevic, the youth programming librarian at the Green Hills Public Library. “These sweet dogs help the children feel more comfortable practicing their reading skills.”

Djordjevic was responsible for organizing the free event, along with Green Hills Public Library patron Sandy Wcislo, a retired reading teacher from Orland Park Elementary School and the owner of two of the therapy dogs at the event. She reached out to Djordjevic to hold the program.

“I love everything about this event,” said Wcislo, of Hickory Hills. “It’s a great experience for both the children and the dogs.”

The interactive reading night gathered more than 30 children of all ages. They were able to read a book of their choice to one of four therapy dogs: two 5-year-old sheepdogs named Hildy and Django, a 3-year-old golden retriever named Tula, and an 8-year-old English cocker spaniel named Casey.

The therapy dogs were brought to the library from The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., a non-profit organization which evaluates, tests, trains and qualifies owners

Photo by Kelly White

Armandas Kirrelaitis, 11, reads to Hildy, a 5-year-old sheepdog at the Read to Dogs event.

and their well-behaved dogs as therapy dog teams. These teams give unconditional love, boost self-esteem, and relieve loneliness and boredom.

“Library staff pulled new and popular picture books, as well as some poetry books for the older children,” Djordjevic said. “We selected the books based on popularity, buzz and reading level.”

“I like school, so I chose a book about what it’s like to attend your very first day of school,” said JB Moreno, 8, of Palos Park, said. “It was a lot of fun. I could tell the dog liked the book, too.”

This event was open to all children at any reading level. However, library staff created the event in the hopes to encourage shy children and struggling readers to come out of their shells and become better readers.

“Reading to therapy dogs helps sharpen reading and oral skills, builds confidence,

encourages children to try more difficult books, reduces stress and is a ton of fun for everyone,” Djordjevic said. “It is really fun and exciting for kids to see dogs in the library and be able to interact with them and read to them.”

Djordjevic compared the experience of children reading to therapy dogs similar to children reading to pets and stuffed animals in their own comfortable home setting.

“Reading to pets or stuffed animals helps to improve children’s reading skills,” she said.

“When children read to animals or toys, they are not judged by their performance. This takes the pressure off, and gives them a sense of comfort and more confidence. This will hopefully inspire them to want to read more.”

After reading to a therapy dog, children participants were able to have their photo taken with the dog and have it hung up in the library.

St. Xavier University of Advancement ‘adopts a family’ Answers on Page 8

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 “I Love Lucy” airer 4 Search, in a way 9 “I Love Lucy” role 14 Caucasian native 15 Havens 16 __ football 17 Detergent in a red container 18 Kind of curl 19 More miffed 20 O 23 Inca __: Peruvian soft drink 24 Taxing people?

25 Meet at the poker table 26 Twitter follower, usually 28 Horseshoe-shaped boat part 32 O 37 Garden pond fish 38 Crook’s invention 39 Meteor tail?

40 Ancient Greek physician 42 Author Deighton 43 O 46 Angles for iron users 48 Course for newcomers: Abbr.

49 “... __ the set of sun”: “Macbeth” 50 Seven-film franchise 52 Smooth over 56 Site of confused activity, and a hint to 20-, 32- and 43-Across 61 Stockpile 62 Sportscast analysis 63 “Rumour __ It”: 2011 Adele hit 64 First sign 65 In need of change?

66 Spacewalk initials 67 Brief copy?

68 Spoke Abyssinian?

69 “L.A. Law” actress DOWN 1 It’s always dated

2 Grand Canyon animal 3 Spiral-shelled creature 4 View from the Qilian Mountains 5 Coming down 6 Muppet in a can 7 Strips off 8 “Outside the Lines” airer 9 Hidden DVD features 10 Garden tool 11 Sub 12 U.S. dept. with a windmill on its seal 13 Escapade 21 Classic 20-Across 22 Genesis name 27 Was supervised by 28 R.E.M.’s “The __ Love” 29 St. with a panhandle 30 “Fargo” director 31 Warmhearted 32 Undisguised 33 Toast topping 34 Word seen under a deer silhouette 35 YouTube clips, for short 36 RR schedule listing 41 More capable 44 Hungarian wine region 45 Widely criticized 1985 product introduction 47 Rude sort 50 Bedroom noise 51 Warmly lit 53 Yearned 54 Polished 55 SAT part that’s judged 56 Wielder of Mjölnir 57 Perfect 58 Grating sound 59 SALT topic 60 More than annoyed Answers on Page 8

The St. Xavier University of Advancement helped to make the holidays brighter by participating in the St. Vincent DePaul Society’s Adopt-A-Family Program, an organization that provides food and gifts for approximately 100 families each holiday season.

Through the St. Mary of Gostyn Parish chapter, the office “adopted” a family of five from a sister parish in Joliet. The staff members provided gifts of winter jackets for the two adults in the family, as well as winter clothing, hats and fleece blankets, and toys for the three children ages 9, 14 and 17 months. Altogether,

SXU’s University Advancement delivered a total of 19 boxes, including: boxes of toys/gifts, boxes of food, as well as gift cards to purchase perishables for their Christmas meal.

Taking part in wrapping the gifts were Sharon Panozzo, gift and record processor; Jennifer Kenyeri, director of special events; Marie Kelly, executive director of annual and special giving; John Bass, associate vice president for University Advancement; Wendy Doherty, executive assistant for University Advancement; Kelly Murphy, manager of media relations;

Nancy Condreva, administrative assistant to the executive director of annual and special giving; and Julie Grisolano, director of prospect research and gift planning.

University Advancement staff who also contributed were Maribel Acevedo, assistant director/ post-award manager of corporate, government and foundation rela-

tions; Jeannette Boudos, executive director of special events; Jean Gainer, executive director of alumni and donor relations; Erin Mueller, executive director of corporate, government and foundation relations; Anna Simons, executive director of advancement services; and Brandon Swanson, associate director of alumni relations.

COMMENTARY

6 The Reporter THE

Thursday, December 28, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

City Dems are knotted on 2018 races

Technology was supposed to help us, not rob us

T

he last time Rep. Dan Burke (D-1st) had a serious primary opponent, in 2010, the longtime Southwest Side legislator won by just 579 votes over activist Rudy Lozano. It could’ve been a closer race had two Latino “candidates” not been put on the ballot to siphon away almost 400 votes from the progressive activist Lozano.

At the moment, the age-old Chicago machine practice of running fake primary candidates designed to draw votes away from opponents is on hold while a federal judge takes a look at a lawsuit filed by Speaker Michael Madigan’s vanquished 2016 primary opponent. Madigan is alleged to have put two do-nothing candidates with Latino surnames on the ballot to draw votes away from Jason Gonzales. That never used to be considered a crime. Unfair and maybe unethical, but not illegal. Whatever it is, Rich now under judicial scrutiny.

Miller it’sThis time around, Rep. Burke is going oneon-one with Aaron Ortiz, a teacher and head soccer coach at Back of the Yards College Prep.

What makes this race one to watch is that Ortiz has been endorsed by Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, a 2015 Chicago mayoral candidate and Bernie Sanders’ top guy in the city in 2016, who is now running for Congress with the support of the retiring incumbent, Cong. Luis Gutierrez (D4th).

Rep. Burke is a member of Speaker Madigan’s leadership team, and his brother Ed is a powerful Chicago alderman. Those guys take care of their own. If Rep. Burke is willing to wage an all-out street fight, then that’s what will happen.

So, two rival Chicago political factions — the regulars and the progressives — are gearing up for battle on several fronts while some are attempting to cut a deal that clears a path for people on both sides.

Commissioner Garcia and his allies are supporting Alma Anaya for Garcia’s county board seat. Anaya has run Garcia’s district office. Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-11th) is supporting his daughter, Angeles Sandoval, for that same county board spot.

Sen. Sandoval, who has one of the strongest remaining political organizations in the city, and Sen. Tony Muñoz (D-1st) have each contributed $55,000 to Angeles Sandoval’s campaign. Sen. Muñoz is a top contender for Illinois Senate President whenever incumbent John Cullerton decides to retire. Ms. Sandoval should therefore have little trouble raising money from special interests.

Sens. Sandoval and Muñoz and Rep. Burke and their allies want Chuy Garcia to pull his support from Ortiz and Anaya, clearing the path for Rep. Burke and Ms. Sandoval.

In exchange, the “regular Democrats” will stay out of the Garcia’s “progressive” campaign for Congress. If not, they may back someone like Sol Flores, the only woman in the race to replace Congressman Gutierrez. Flores was just endorsed by EMILY’s List.

So, that may be why a Public Policy Polling survey was released last week showing Garcia getting 53 percent in the Democratic primary. Everybody else was in single digits, including Flores, who was at three percent. Garcia could wind up cruising to victory, so why not stick to his guns on the other campaigns?

Well, few people like to work more than they absolutely have to, and nothing is ever a 100 percent bet in politics. So, we’ll see where this one goes. A lot of maneuvering appears to be ahead.

A couple of small pieces have already fallen into place.

Lourdez Laura Ramos, who was backed by Congressman Gutierrez, withdrew from the 3rd Illinois House District Democratic primary against Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago). Rep. Arroyo had been supporting Richard Gonzales in the 4th Congressional District primary against Gutierrez, but Arroyo will now reportedly withdraw his backing and word is Gonzales may get out of the race. Gutierrez and Arroyo have been waging a bitter battle over the future status of Puerto Rico.

Alex Acevedo, the son of former Rep. Eddie Acevedo, recently dropped out of the Cook County commissioner race to replace Garcia and endorsed Angie Sandoval. Acevedo and Sen. Sandoval are longtime allies.

However, state Rep. Theresa Mah (D-2nd) told me last week she is backing Alma Anaya for county board, which puts her at odds with her state senator, Tony Muñoz. But, she said, she is not supporting the Chuy Garcia-backed candidate against Rep. Burke, Aaron Ortiz.

Rep. Mah has her own primary opponent, Francisco Rodriguez, who is apparently backed by former Rep. Acevedo, who is now running for county sheriff. So, there may be another knot to untangle before this is all done.

Got all that? Just your usual Chicago intrigue.

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

W INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

The lazy person’s guide to being a good citizen vorite podcast, or your Twitter feed. There’s no shortage of information in today’s world.

You sometimes suspect that you’re not as The challenge is being able to separate well-informed as you should be. When you the real from the fake, the facts from the read about that study that found that middle opinions, and the Facebook posts from your school kids were unable to distinguish paid crazy uncle from the Facebook posts paid advertisements from news stories, you shook for by the Russian government. your head sadly — then secretly wondered As a lazy person, you may balk at the if you would do much better. idea of analyzing and fact-checking every You’ve heard that most people are so story that comes up in your Facebook feed. entrenched in their own beliefs that even But becoming a better news consumer can indisputable facts can’t change their minds, be as simple as asking yourself two quesand would really like to believe you’re diftions: Who wrote the thing you just read, ferent from most people. and why did they write it?

(But doesn’t everyone think If you read a story about the As a lazy person, you that?) You have, on at amazing anti-aging properleast a couple of occasions, may balk at the idea ties of grapefruit, and then pretended that you were you learn it was written by familiar with a subject you of analyzing and facta spokesman for the Nationactually barely understood. al Council on Grapefruits checking every story You are, in other words, and sponsored by the Grapea person living in the fruit Farmers of America... that comes up in your world. According to the well, that should give you Facebook feed. But Pew Research Center, 64 pause. It doesn’t necessarpercent of Americans say becoming a better news ily mean the story is false, that fabricated news stories but it does mean you should consumer can be as have caused them a great probably look for a second deal of confusion about the opinion before buying stock basic facts of current issues simple as asking yourin grapefruits. and events. A survey conForm your own opinions. self two questions: ducted by the Annenberg You don’t have to have an Public Policy Center found Who wrote the thing opinion on everything, but that the majority of Ameri- you just read, and why you will probably want to cans are poorly informed have an opinion on issues about the basic structures that directly impact you or did they write it? of their own government. your loved ones, or on matAnd this year’s “State of ters that you find interesting. the First Amendment” surThe path of least resistance vey revealed that the majority of Americans is to adopt someone else’s opinion — to prefer news that aligns with their own point echo what your political party endorses, of view, demonstrating their firm commitwhat your friends think, or what your favorment to their own filter bubbles. Unsurprisite writers and TV pundits put forth. ingly, none of this is good for democracy.

We all do this, often without even being As Thomas Jefferson said, “An educated aware that we’re doing it. But if it’s an issue citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival you really care about, you owe it to yourself as a free people.” to delve a little deeper and come to your But enough hand wringing! You don’t own conclusions. want to let the ghost of Thomas Jefferson Here’s a good “recipe” for forming down. You want to be media literate and opinions from writer Kinsey Bluestein: At fair-minded and well-informed. You want to least one “liberal” news source At least one be the kind of person who knows how many “conservative” news source. At least one congressmen there are and can explain what international news source (because these the Electoral College is. You want to be a tend to write about news from a nonpartisan good citizen. It’s on your list of New Year’s viewpoint) Combine and let rest until you resolutions, somewhere between “exercise have a viewpoint you can defend objectively. get more” and “floss regularly.”

You don’t have to have an opinion about It’s not that you’re lazy. It’s just that you everything. Forming your own opinions have a job, and loved ones, and a very limtakes a good amount of your time and menited amount of free time. tal energy. The only way a lazy person can Or maybe you are just lazy. That’s OK manage it is by being generally informed too. about current events, but selective about the Regardless, what are you to do? Let’s things they really stand for. be realistic: You don’t need a list of best Otherwise, you’ll have no choice but to practices for media literacy and civic enadopt other peoples’ opinions, which is gagement. You need a list of good-enough the kind of thing that eventually leads us practices. You need the equivalent of those to take hard, intractable stances on issues individual floss picks. (To any dentists read- we never gave much thought to in the first ing this: I am aware that floss picks are not place. a perfect substitute for regular dental flossIt’s alright to say you don’t know enough ing. But they are a vast improvement over about a subject to weigh in on it. It’s better the nothing I was doing before I started than alright — in a world where people are using them.) constantly pretending to be more knowlGet (re)acquainted with civics. Most edgeable than they actually are, it’s downof us either took civics a long time ago, right heroic. If you reach a point where or didn’t take it at all. If you no longer you must form an opinion on something remember what the branches of the govern— there’s an election coming up, or your ment are, know that you’re not alone and friends are asking you to join a movement that you need not waste time wallowing in or protest — see my previous point. shame. There are resources out there for Stop sharing links to news stories you fully-fledged adults.”Civics 101” is a great haven’t read. According to a 2016 study by podcast if you like listening to things. Khan computer scientists at Columbia University Academy has an “American Civics” Youand the French National Institute, 59 percent Tube series if you’d rather watch something. of links shared on social media are never But if you want a crash course in the least actually clicked. amount of time possible, I’d recommend Resist the urge. If you’re too lazy to read spending a little time skimming the review it, then please be too lazy to share it. sheets intended for immigrants studying for their American citizenship exams.

Lata Nott is executive director of the First Think about where your news comes Amendment Center of the Newseum Instifrom. You probably have your own way tute. Contact her via email at lnott@newsof staying up to date with current events, eum.org, or follow her on Twitter at whether it’s a newspaper, a TV show, a fa@LataNott.

By Lata Nott

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hen I got my first computer in 1980, a Coleco Adam, it was exciting.

And then I upgraded to the IBM PCjr a few years later, and it was amazing.

These computer companies sold us computers on the promise that it would help us better use our lives and spend less time with menial tasks. The computer would do all the work.

They said we would never need paper anymore and that would save the trees. But oh, how it would help us stay in touch with the world through the Internet, which was opening up right about that time, too.

Of course, today, nothing could be further from the truth.

Instead of saving us time, it makes us waste time so we have less time to spend with our families.

Instead of saving the environment, it has created an environmental hazard of silicon diodes and circuit boards that can’t be easily recycled or disposed. Many communities that once touted computer recycling have shut them down because they are so costly.

The trees are dying because computers have created a massive paper production industry that spits out paper at one page per second.

The worst part, of course, is that it is helping to break up families by forcing everyone to spend time on their own. Everyone in the family has to work now because computers are so expensive.

They have become “necessary” and “mandatory.” If you want to survive in this world, you need a computer. The costs of computers are so great that we have to work twice as hard to earn enough money to purchase the technology, which continues to change so fast that before you bring a computer home, it’s outdated and no longer supported.

And when we talk about computers, we are also talking about cellphone technology. And cellphone companies are the real thieves of the computer industry.

I laughed when Sprint asserted I can get four phones for $100 a month. I dumped Sprint after 11 years because my monthly bill for four phones was $239 a month. I switched to T-Mobile, at only $170 a month, which is still higher than my heating bill.

The worst offender is Apple, the company founded by Steve Jobs in his garage. Apple was built on a culture of providing things we didn’t have but needed.

Apple was supposed to symbolize all that society could achieve.

Instead, Apple symbolizes all the profit it can squeeze out of consumers.

Earlier this year, Apple released new updated cellphones. I have the iPhone 6, which cost me about $360. The new iPhone 8 and the iPhone X are a costly $999 and $1,150 each.

Weeks after the new releases, my iPhone 6 started to slow down and have problems. The more I spoke with Apple Tech, the more I suspected they were lying. They kept trying to force me to purchase the new phones that cost three times as much.

This was intentional. They wanted me to toss my technology so I could go out and spend more money on new technology. I wrote about that in my online column at TheDailyHookah.com. When I spoke to Apple Techs online, they insisted it was not true.

But this week, we learned that in fact it was true. Apple forced all previous iPhone owners to update their software making them run slower, claiming that the batteries they had were old and might shut the phone down. Very few phones were shutting down. But everyone was experiencing the slow performance. Basic iPhone Apps like Messenger, Text Messaging, emails and voicemails on old iPhones were not working right.

The truth is Apple and the computer industry is driven by greed.

They don’t care about the social value of their products. They only care about profit.

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

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Reporter

Taking time for you is the most healthy resolution

R

inging in a New Year has traditionally made us think of changes. It’s not about flipping the page of the calendar; it’s about tossing the whole thing away, and putting up a new one.

A fresh start means a clean slate. I’m reminded of when I was a little girl on the first day of school. Opening up that new box of crayons, or a brand new notebook filled with crisp blank pages made me so excited for what was to come over the school year. What would I create, learn, or improve on? The endless possibilities sent a shiver up my spine.

We all love new beginnings. I hear a lot of inspirational sayings about leaving the past in the past, not having regrets. They are a waste of precious time and there is nothing you can change. Except move forward in a way that works better for you. This makes some serious sense.

A lot of folks don’t believe in making resolutions. It can sound like a worn-out cliché. But if you break the word resolution down, it simply means we resolve to do something — anything — and hopefully accomplish it. The bad rap it gets is that our resolutions usually involve making a change that is uncomfortable or painful -physically, mentally, or both. Maybe this is why we choose not to make resolutions.

Change takes courage. It’s only human to want to strive for bettering ourselves. But the idea of failing can be very frustrating, too. Knowing that others might be feeling the same way is somewhat of a comfort.

Everyone is in the same boat, sink or swim!

The beginning of a new year is a better time than any to start off on the right foot. Unfortunately, it comes after one of the biggest holidays of the year, and with no doubt, we are exhausted from the stress of shopping, parties, people, eating and not getting enough sleep. Just when you want to put your feet up to relax, tradition is telling you to set up some goals, get yourself on track, or simply change your lifestyle. Just thinking about it can give you a headache.

People choose Jan. 1 to make resolutions much the way they plan to start something “on Monday.” We have that last chance to overindulge or overdo before we buckle down. But what if our resolutions or goals for the New Year weren’t unpleasant? What if there was a way to put a positive spin on making a change that we would normally only grudgingly agree to? Here are a few personal scenarios that have worked for me.

I’ll be the first to admit that I loathe exercising. I can’t tell you how much money I’ve wasted on gym memberships that I never used. I have a treadmill, weights and a stability ball at home. But they are nicely stored out of sight. Every January, I Janet to get into shape Boudreau vowed and really start to work out seriously, and then the excuses would come.

One day this past summer I was at the lake and as I was riding my bike. I happened to pass a friend who was doing her daily power walk. We stopped and chatted and I told her how much I admired her for always being on the go, and taking her health so seriously. And then she remarked, “Well, look at you on your bike every day! You’re not exactly a couch potato!”

I was actually speechless for a second.

I love cruising around on my bike in the country, taking in the fresh air and feeling so alive. It never occurred to me that it was also exercise. So is taking my kayak out and tooling around in the garden.

I think if you look at all of the things you can be doing that keep you moving and healthy, you’d be surprised that you are already incorporating exercise into your life. Mowing the lawn once a week, walking a few blocks to grab your lunch when you are at work, walking the aisles of the grocery store, loading up your car with bags, carrying them inside, and then all the bending and lifting as you put your items away. You are moving. Yay! Many of us often feel the day-to-day stresses of being on that work treadmill.

We just go and go and go, and tell ourselves we will be fine once that coveted vacation time comes. Vacations take a lot of work, too. You might find that you have to put in extra time at the office to keep the wheels turning while you’re away. Toss in your travel arrangements, planning for someone to get your mail, water your plants, and feed your fish. You have an awful lot of loose ends to tie up. Hopefully, you aren’t lying on a beach in the middle of a tropical paradise when you finally remind yourself that you can finally relax.

Everyone needs a break, little breaks throughout the day. Studies have shown that multitasking leads us to do a sloppier job than if we handled one task at a time. So calm

your mind and focus on one task, and only one. If you start to feel frustrated, whether you are at work with a looming deadline, or at home balancing your checkbook, put everything aside and get up and have a nice cool glass of water.

I personally grab my latest book and read a chapter. Peek at a few funny videos on YouTube. Turning your attention to other things creates a break in your thoughts, and though you may come back to your task not having any better answers, your mind will be calmer.

We need to know when our mind and bodies are taxed. It’s up to us to know these cues so we that we can stay physically and mentally healthy. Waiting six months for your vacation time doesn’t change everyday stress.

Every January, I find myself promising that this will be the year that I start eating right and hopefully drop a few pounds. It sounds like a great idea until the day dawns. I hear a voice in my head saying, “Less, less, less.”

But what if it’s actually more, more, more?

Load up your refrigerator with fresh fruit and vegetables. Have a drawer filled with granola and healthy protein bars instead of a big bowl of sugary cereal or a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. Have a bowl of oatmeal with berries, nuts and cinnamon.

Have a slice of wheat toast, with protein rich peanut butter, and a container of yogurt.

Really enjoy the variety, and since you have a whole day of moving ahead of you, you will use that fuel and burn off the calories.

Educated choices will add balance to your life, so push for more from your food choices.

I think success and failure depends on how we look at things. You might think you can’t run two miles, but I bet you can walk them.

You think your day is too jammed packed to just sit and read, or do a crossword puzzle.

Believe me your world will not fall apart if you take an hour or two for yourself.

Making New Year resolutions seems daunting because as the day approaches you start to feel dread. You’re going to have to give something up. I don’t look at it that way.

Think of new things to come, new goals and challenges. Give yourself permission to shape your days and weeks to fit your wants and needs. If you put one foot in front of the other on your way to a positive way of life, you are sure to make this the best year ever!

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR HICKORY HILLS

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

The Hickory Hills Park District is hosting a New Year’s Eve trip to the Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Mich. Transportation departs from Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, at 9 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The registration fee is $33 for residents and $38 for non-residents. The fee includes transportation, refreshments on the bus, a $30 free slot play, and $10 for food and beverages.

Individuals who plan to attend have to bring a picture ID. Guests are required to be at least 21 years old. To register, call (708) 598-1233 or visit wwwhhparkdistrict.org.

Afterschool program at Krueger Park Recreation Center

An afterschool program is available for children from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hickory Hills Park District’s Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave. Children will work on their school work, play a variety of games, make craft projects, play sports, or go outside to play. Each day drinks and snacks will be provided by the park. The after school program will only be held on full days of School District 117.

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

The registration fee is $9 a day. Lastminute registration within 24 hours is $12 a day. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 599-7337.

Hickory Hills Park District offers morning school program

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

Children will be given a morning snack and park staff will help them prepare for school each day. Students will be escorted to Glen Oaks Elementary School by a park supervisor or students will be picked up by a school bus each morning.

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

For more information or general questions about fees, call (708) 599-7337.

Preschool to be held at Cynthia Neal Center

A preschool program will be offered at the Cynthia Neal Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills. Classes are offered from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. daily with an option for five days a week, three days a week or two days a week. More information about the program and the fees, call (708) 598-1233.

OAK LAWN

New Year’s Eve Countdown to be held at Oak Lawn Ice Arena

The Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena’s 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Count-

down event will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at the arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave., Oak Lawn.

Guests will receive a party hat and noisemaker, and can enjoy raffles and music provided by a DJ. Over 500 balloons will drop on the ice after the countdown finishes at noon. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3 (while supplies last). Concessions will be available. For more information, call (708) 857-5173.

Oak Lawn Park District plans fitness classes for New Year

The Oak Lawn Park District is holding a New Year Fitness event from Monday, Jan. 1 through Saturday, March 31 at the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave. Fitness challenge participants will receive a T-shirt, discounts on most Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.) and Community Pavilion winter fitness classes, and have chances to win prizes.

During the event, participants can also purchase discounted gym memberships at the Community Pavilion and the Racquet, Fitness, and Gymnastics Center, 10444 S. Central Ave. Register today using code 500500-02. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. More information will appear on the Oak Lawn Park District website at www.olparks.com.

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss “Monterrey’ and first part of ‘Woodstock’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1967 movie “Monterey Pop” as well as part one of the 1970 film “Woodstock” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. For more information, call (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Pryme Tymers host meeting and luncheon

The Pryme Tymers senior organization will hold their next meeting and luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Trinity Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn.

Musician and singer Eric Luckey will perform. His program includes music from the 1920s, ’30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

At noon, a catered beef stew lunch will be served. The cost is $7 and requires reservations. For reservations or more information, call the church office, (708) 422-5111, or Tom Panush, (708) 636-7548. A non-perishable canned good is also collected for the Blue Island Salvation Army Food Pantry.

Winter StoryWalk event to be held at Lake Shore Park

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

The Oak Lawn Park District and the Oak Lawn Library hold the WinterStory activity.

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

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

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

Fish Fry Fridays will be served at Stony Creek

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

The cost is $13.95 for adults and $7.95 for children, ages 10 and under. Tax and gratuity are not included in price. A cash bar is available. For more information, contact (708) 857-2433.

Membership sale at Oak Lawn Park District facilities

Residents can purchase the fitness membership from Feb. 8 through Feb. 11 at several Oak Lawn Park District facilities.

Applicants can save 40 percent off new resident and combo memberships. Membership sale rates are $90 for new residents and $80 for senior residents. Members will have access to the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., and the Racquet Center facility, 10444 S. Central Ave. Some exclusions may apply. For more information, call (708) 857-2420.

PALOS HILLS Palos Hills Rec. Department to host Skate Under Stars

The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be offering their annual Skate Under the Stars event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 at Glacier Park, 101st Street and 78th Avenue, Palos Hills.

The event is free and open to everyone.

Residents should call ahead regarding ice conditions at (708) 430-4500. A make-up date is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26.

Mother/Son Dance will be held at Community Center

The Palos Hills and Recreation Department will be hosting a Mother/Son Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills.

The event includes a light dinner of pizza, dancing and a souvenir. The cost is $30 per couple. For further information, contact the City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department at (708) 430-4500.

7

Wrap party spreads goodwill Nour Hammad (from left) ,16, of Oak Lawn, and Hend Adazid, 16, of Oak Lawn, wrap gifts together during Oak Lawn Community High School’s Operation Santa Claus gift wrapping party on Dec. 20 at the school in Oak Lawn.

Photo by Kelly White

DEATH NOTICES

Viola Beyler Viola “Ruth Beyer (nee Powell), 88, a Palos Hills resident, died Dec. 21.

Mrs. Beyler, who was born in Asheville, N. C., worked for years as a teacher.

Survivors include sons, Steve, Stan and Jeff; sister, Clara Chandler; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were Wednesday at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Timothy Drozd Timothy J. Drozd, 56, a resident of Worth, died Dec. 14.

Mr. Drozd, a U.S. Marine veteran, worked in law enforcement.

Survivors include sons, Timothy and Joseph; mother, Hilda Drozd; sisters, Susan Holgate and Carole Martin; brothers, Joseph and David; many uncles and aunts; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were last Thursday from Becvar & Son Funeral Home to Incarnation Catholic Church. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Austin Morgan Austin Franklin “Augie” Morgan, 70, a Chicago Ridge resident, died Dec. 22 at Palos Hospital.

Mr. Morgan was retired after 36 years of service as a railroad clerk for the Belt Railway Company of Chicago. He also owned the Ark Bible Book and Gift Shop in Oak Lawn in the 1970s. He was also the former president of the Southwest Chicago Chess Club.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice J. Morgan; son, Michael Morgan; many nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 28) at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park. Services are at 10 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 29 at Colonial Chapel. Interment will follow at Chapel Hills Gardens South Cemetery.

Stewart Vander Woude Stewart S. Vander Woude, 91, a Palos Park resident, died Dec. 19 at Manor Care-Palos Heights East in Palos Heights.

Mr. Vander Woude was a retired principal with over 42 years in education, including Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights and 21 years at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn.

He was an Army Air Corps veteran in World War II. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn D. Vander Woude; daughters, Cheryl Marcus and Marcia Kooger; sons, James and John; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services are at 9:30 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 28) at Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church, 7059 W. 127th St., Palos Heights. Arrangements were made by Colonial Chapel.

Kristie Viravec Kristie Ann Viravec (nee Orelik), 49, died Dec. 20 at her Evergreen Park home.

Mrs. Viravec was a chemical engineer.

Survivors include her husband, Eric; daughter, Annabel; sons, Adam and Andrew; parents, Richard and Jacqueline Orelik; siblings, Richard and Carey Viravec; and many relatives and friends.

Services were Friday at Kosary Funeral Home. Interment was private.

Funeral Directory Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

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8 The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

It’s time for your New Year’s financial resolutions

COMINGS & GOINGS

New Indian eatery opens in Tinley Park

F

ans of Indian cuisine, either at home or on the run, have a new place to get their fill in Tinley Park.

Quick India Inc. opened earlier this year at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave., in the space adjacent to the Citgo station at 167th Street and Oak Park.

The site has been home to a number of restaurants over the years including Just Joe’s Bob hot dogs and Willie’s Wee-Nee Bong Wagon a couple of times.

Now it’s a combination Indian fast-food restaurant and an Indian store, according to its owner Brabet Nair. Customers can eat in, take it home or take ingredients home for cooking.

The menu includes Indian fare such as samosas, chicken tikka kebabs and butter chicken.

The store sells a variety of items, including coconut, turmeric, and other spices.

The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday to Sunday.

For more information, call (708) 407-8707.

Burger King in Hickory Hills reopens after remodeling

The Burger King at 95th Street and Roberts Road in Hickory Hills has reopened after undergoing a complete face-lift and remodeling job.

W Quick India Inc. is now open at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

Vintage Scripts Pharmacy coming to South Holland

A new pharmacy is under construction in South Holland that combines modern medicine with holistic healing. Vintage Scripts is expected to open in the spring at 162nd Street and South Park Avenue. It will offer a combination of traditional medicine, ancient remedies, natural alternatives, and holistic healing.

Owners Robin Brown and Alan Alston plan to have health supplements, an organic coffee and juice bar, and a healthcare team.

If successful, they plan to expand Vintage Scripts into Chicago’s Englewood and

Photo by Bob Bong

Bronzeville communities.

Mokena Mart is open again

A convenience store at 19464 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena is open again after being shuttered for a number of years.

Mokena Mart reopened earlier this year.

Store hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call (708) 478-4696.

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

Registration is underway for spring classes at Moraine Valley

Registration for spring semester classes is being offered at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Registration is underway for the spring 2018 semester, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 16 with oncampus credit classes. Additional classes begin Monday, Jan. 22.

Moraine Valley offers classes for those interested in transferring to four-year colleges or universities by earning associate degrees in Arts, Fine Arts, General Studies, or Science. Students also can choose from several career programs offered at the college including allied health and nursing, business and computer sciences, industrial technology, and public service. The college offers noncredit programs, courses and workshops as well.

Some courses are offered in different formats to accommodate student needs. Flexible learning options include evening, off-campus, one-day-aweek, online, weekend, and short-term classes.

With an annual average cost of $4,266, attending classes at Moraine Valley can save students up to $30,000 per year compared to private colleges

or universities.

A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2018 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $122 per credit hour plus fees and books. New students must complete an admission application, www.morainevalley.edu/ apply, and then can register in the registration office, located on campus in the Student Services Center in Building S. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 974-2110 or online at www.morainevalley. edu.

Online classes are offered at Moraine Valley

Over 100 online classes are being offered through the spring semester at Moraine Valley Community College.

Online classes are taught primarily over the internet, while hybrid courses are taught through a combination of classroom and web-based instruction. Both allow students to attend all or part of

their class via the internet with the ability to access the instructor, classmates and course materials.

Access to a web-equipped computer is required.

Some of the online and web-assisted classes this spring include American history I and II, Arabic, general biology I and II, composition I and II, general sociology, music appreciation, intermediate algebra, medical terminology, and world religions, among others.

To learn more about online learning, visit morainevalley.edu/online-learning. A complete list of credit and noncredit classes can be found in the spring 2018 class schedule or online at morainevalley.edu.

Registration is ongoing. Tuition is $122 per credit hour, plus fees and books. New students must complete an admission application, www. morainevalley.edu/apply, and then can register in the registration office, located on campus in the Student Services Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Students can also register by calling (708) 9742130 or online at www.morainevalley.edu.

State Rep. Hurley hosts annual business attire clothing drive State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) held her Fifth Annual Business Attire Clothing Drive this past month, encouraging residents in the community to donate new and gently used business clothing attire to benefit the Find Your Future program at Kaleidoscope.

Hurley collected items at all three of her district offices, resulting in over 500 items being donated.

Find Your Future is a professional enrichment program that matches current and former DCFS-involved youth with paid

SUDOKU

Answers

State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) and volunteers Tim Carlson and Mike Redmond, collected over 500 items during her Fifth Annual Business Attire Clothing Drive.

internships, job skills training and other career development opportunities. The program is managed by Kaleidoscope, which recruits businesses to participate and facilitates additional workshops to reinforce professional skills.

“I am proud to be able to help contribute to the program’s mission by holding my annual clothing drive,” said Hurley. “The donated items will help program participants put their best foot forward in the workplace during the beginning of their careers.”

CROSSWORD

Answers

Supplied photo

e’ve reached the end of another year — which means it’s just about time for some New Year’s resolutions. Would you like to study a new language, take up a musical instrument or visit the gym more often? All these are worthy goals, of course, but why not also add some financial resolutions?

Here are some ideas to think about: • Increase contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. For 2018, you can contribute up to $18,500 (or $24,500 if you’re 50 or older) to your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b), for employees of Scott public schools and some nonJohnson profit groups, or a 457(b) plan, for employees of local governments. It’s usually a good idea to contribute as much as you can afford to your employer’s plan, as your contributions may lower your taxable income, while your earnings can grow taxdeferred. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

• Try to “max out” on your IRA. Even if you have a 401(k) or similar plan, you can probably still invest in an IRA. For 2018, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older. (Income restrictions apply to Roth IRAs.) Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, depending on your income, and your earnings can grow tax-deferred.

Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but earnings can grow tax-free, provided you don’t start taking withdrawals until you are 59-1/2 and you’ve have had your account at least five years.

You can put virtually any investment in an IRA, so it can expand your options beyond those offered in your 401(k) or similar plan.

• Build an emergency fund. Try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a low-risk, liquid account. This fund can help you avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a new furnace or a major car repair.

• Control your debts. It’s never easy, but do what you can to keep your debts under control.

The less you have to spend on debt payments, the more you can invest for your future.

• Don’t overreact to changes in the financial markets. We’ve had a long run of rising stock prices — but it won’t last forever. If we experience a sharp market downturn in 2018, don’t overreact by taking a “time out” from investing.

Market drops are a normal feature of the investment landscape, and you may ultimately gain an advantage by buying new shares when their prices are down.

• Review your goals and risk tolerance. At least once in 2018, take some time to review your short- and long-term financial goals and try to determine, possibly with the help of a financial professional, if your investment portfolio is still appropriate for these goals. At the same time, you’ll want to re-evaluate your risk tolerance to ensure you’re not taking too much risk — or possibly too little risk — with your investments.

Do your best to stick with these resolutions throughout the coming year. At a minimum, they can help you improve your investment habits — and they may improve your financial picture far beyond 2018.

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

Crisis Center to offer training programs at Neat Repeats Resale shops The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is offering Domestic Violence 101 Training beginning again in January.

This training is designed to give an overview of domestic violence. The class will cover such topics as types of abuse, how to identify early warning signs, understanding the cycle of violence and how to become an advocate.

This is a free two-hour training and it is offered at the Crisis Center as well as both Neat Repeats Resale shops.

Individuals considering volunteering either

at The Crisis Center or at Neat Repeats Resale shops or if you’re interested in learning more about the topic of domestic violence you are encouraged to take this training.

Training dates will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 and 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 14 will at the Neat Repeats Resale shop, 6602 W. 111th St., Worth. Training dates will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3 at the Orland Park location, 9028 W. 159th St. To enroll in one of the classes, contact

Deonne Senese, (708) 429-7255, ext. 143, or email dsenese@crisisctr.org. Enrollment is limited and participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s mission is to provide emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and to address the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence. Residents can visit www.crisisctr.org for more information on the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, ways to support its mission, and the services it provides.

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

Chicago Ridge

St. Mark Lutheran Church 11007 S. 76th Ave., Worth (708) 448-6555

COME CELEBRATE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH US! Saturday, December 23

Birthday Party for Jesus Children’s Event

Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve

8:00 a.m. Family Communion Service 7:00 & 11:00 p.m. Communion Candlelight Services

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day Service at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day Services at 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Jay Trygstad • www.stmarkworth.org

Siriani Robert G Tr to Diepholz Alexander Harold, 9832 S Clifton Park Ave, $203,000.00; Giglione Sofia to Krasny Kevin A, 9128 S Central Park Ave, $158,500.00; Whitten Justin N to Hall Lisa, 9346 S Springfield Ave, $209,500.00.

First Midwest Bk Tr to Pearson Richard A, 6428 W 103rd St, $160,000.00; Yanko John D Tr to Balsan Julie C, 6309 Birmingham Ave, $125,000.00; Narbone James P to R Muthana Llc, 6119 Marshall Ave, Unit #202, $56,000.00; Omeara Mary Elizabeth Tr to Banko Joseph A, 6505 102nd Pl, $146,000.00.

Hickory Hills

Evergreen Park

Novelli Teresa Adm to Altenbu;Rg Ryan, 5604 100th St, $197,000.00; Forman Herbert B Tr to Molenhouse Jeffrey A, 4941 106th Pl, $201,000.00; Garcia Zenon to Brewer John R, 9725 S Keeler Ave, Unit #6106, $78,000.00; Brewer John R to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc, 9725 S Keeler Ave, Unit #6106, $62,400.00; Blosser William P to Segura Kelly,

Bayview Loan Servicing Llc to L & P Home Sol Llc, 2929 W 99th Pl, $60,000.00; Goutos Lucas C to Front Door Real Estate Inv Llc, 3121 W 101st Pl, $165,000.00; Sullivan Ernest to Accountable Solutions Inc, 9541 S Troy St, $125,500.00; Piwowarczyk Zbigniew Extr to Abdallah Hani, 9121 S Kedzie Ave, $105,000.00;

Iwanenko Susan L Tr Trust to Bonham Franklin, 9321 S 81st Ave, $165,000.00; First Midwest Bk Tr to Delta Eight Prop Llc, 9012 W 92nd St, $175,000.00; Bird James G to Snyras Gediminas, 9324 S 80th Ct, $115,000.00.

Oak Lawn

4827 Lamb Dr, $162,500.00; Naegele Richard to Gonzalez Miguel, 4029 105th Pl, $233,000.00; Harvey Russell to Pjs Trust, 9049 S Parkside Ave, $100,000.00; Rotunno Richard Extr to Adio Sheun, 9817 Washington Ave, $170,000.00; Strama Karen to Waters William J, 9736 Cook Ave, $190,000.00; Para Bldrs & Developers Inc to Mazur Mark, 9711 Melvina Ave, $340,000.00; Kaczmarek Margaret to Viteri Doris, 11024 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #1102410, $60,500.00; Newton Edward A Jr to Clarke Brian P, 10014 Merton Ave, $116,000.00; Toscano Mary Jo to Rivero Juan Antonio, 9300 54th Ave, $160,000.00; Simonetta Richard Extr to Guzman Enrique L, 5145 105th Pl, $190,000.00; Leslie David to Kukulska Jadwiga, 9204 S Major Ave, $196,000.00; Rivera Nilda N Tr to Bryniarski Adam, 9216 Massasoit Ave, $215,000.00; Cmb Const Inc to Hedderman James T, 10618 S Keeler Ave, $502,500.00;

C&C Invetments Chgo Llc to Sanchez Araceli, 4117 98th St, Unit #64 & 64G, $102,000.00; Wells Fargo Bk to Baranowsky Ronald James, 9637 S Kenton Ave, $152,500.00; Awesome Homes & Cap Llc to Medina Agustin, 8937 Moody Ave, $265,000.00.

Palos Hills Daunoras Kristina to Prismantas Audrius, 8 Cour Mason, $134,000.00; Johnson Patricia A Tr to Toledo Victor, 8647 W 96th St, $234,500.00; King Brian L to Kmit Bogdan, 8526 W 107th St, $277,000.00; American Home Mtg Grp to Mtglq Investors L P, 9190 South Rd, Unit #9190A, $66,500.00; McKinney Joyce to Bakke Florence, 11324 Moraine Dr, Unit #F, $135,000.00.

Worth Lesanche Ronald to Heil Ann M, 11730 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit #8C, $68,000.00; Potas Robert to Patel Ashish, 7400 W 111th St, Unit #103, $58,000.00; Krastin Rudy J to Barone Mark J, 11140 S Nashville Ave, $144,000.00.

The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Wishes

Chicago Christian choirs perform at University Club

Continued from Page 1

the spots from referrals from our counselors and social workers,” Kruger said. “This year we adopted more people than ever before with 40 individuals from 11 different families.”

“I like the ability to help the less fortunate families of Oak Lawn,” said Jasmine Cates, 17, of Oak Lawn.

Candy canes hung on Christmas trees located in the student and staff cafeterias at the school, 9400 Southwest Highway, for one week, each containing a gift tag identifying a person, their age, and desired wish/need. Wishes included anything ranging from clothing, gas/grocery gift cards, and toys in addition to a few specific requests. In order to participate in the program, students and staff chose a candy cane at random, purchased the gift or gifts with their own money, and returned it to the school unwrapped.

The gifts were then wrapped during a wrapping party, hosted

by Kruger, and the 20 students on the Operation Santa Claus school committee on Dec. 20.

From there, the gifts are taken on the school’s Spartan minibus and hand-delivered to the families in need by staff and students.

Students enjoyed the giving project.

“I like that it is a fun and fast way for everyone to contribute to those in need,” said Nicole Arias, 17, of Oak Lawn.

“I like how you get a look at how others are living who are less fortunate, and you have the opportunity to help them,” said Ansam Abdeljaber, 17, of Oak Lawn.

“This is my first year helping, and I am really glad to be able to help those who need it the most,” said Peggy Fritz, 17, of Oak Lawn.

Since 2005, during the holiday season, Kruger and members of Oak Lawn Community High School have collected over 3,140 gifts and over $13,000 in cash and gift cards for Oak Lawn residents, according to Oak Lawn Community High School’s Assistant Principal Marcus Wargin.

“Operation Santa Claus amazes me every year,” Wargin said. “Our students, staff, and families step up to help those in need, and bring joy to our community families

Craig

Continued from Page 1

Craig was a head coach and dean of students at Oak Lawn High School and helped build up grade school wrestling in the area. He also was a D218 board member. He has had an impact on thousands of people over the years.

“Basically, kids are the same but they have some adjustments they have to make to me because I don’t adjust real well,” Craig said. “They have to understand I’m doing this because of them, not because of me. I enjoy work-

Photo by Kelly White

during the holiday season. Ellen (Kruger) goes above and beyond to organize this event each year, not out of obligation, but out of genuine kindness. I am proud to work with her and all of our stakeholders who take time out of their days to support this cause.

It is events like these that constantly remind me of why Oak Lawn Community High School is more than just a school. We are a family and I am grateful to be part of it every day.”

The project originally sparked at the high school after Kruger participated in a similar project through the University Recreation Center at James Madison University. She then adapted it for Oak Lawn Community High School.

“I feel this program brings students and staff together to help those within our own school community,” Kruger said. “We see firsthand the effect these donations have on the families who attend our school. They participate in a program that gives back to the community.

The students who gain the most are those who stay around after the wrap party to load the gifts into the cars of the families who they are being donated to. They see the appreciation and gratefulness first-hand.” ing with them.’’

Craig is not only a local and regional icon, he has made an impact on national and international wrestling as a referee and official.

He was a site coordinator for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and was presented with a rare banner that was at the Olympic facility. He donated the banner to Shepard, and it is in the Palos Heights school’s gym. The only other banner of that kind is in Turkey.

Details on Craig’s wake and funeral arrangements were not available at this paper’s deadline.

1955: Finished second in the state as a high school wrestler in Iowa 1959: Was an NCAA champion at 177 pounds for the University of Iowa 1962: Coached Britt High School to an Iowa state championship 1974: Coached Oak Lawn High School to a second-place state finish 1980 and 1983: Was named wrestling official of the year by South Inter Conference Association 1983: Named event coordinator of the 1983 Junior World Freestyle Championship 1987: Inducted into Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Fame 1996: Honored as the Illinois High School Association grand marshal of the state tournament 1996: Became assistant competition director of the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta 2002: Inducted into the National Coaches Hall of Fame

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is Hereby Given that on 2-4-18, a sale will be held at I-57 Truck & Trailer Service at 2935 Festival Drive, Kankakee, Il. 60901, 815-932-9043, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the Publication of this notice.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 2-4-18, a sale will be held at JM Auto Body Repair, #2 at 4417 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago Il. 60632, 773-801-0631, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

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DARRIEN FLENNOY 2004 CADILLAC Vin# 1GYEK63N44R240710 Lien Amount: $2,800.00

The Chicago Christian High School concert and chamber choirs performed at the exclusive University Club of Chicago on Dec. 14. The choir members performed for members of the club and sang a variety of musical pieces. Pictured in the photo are the members of the Chicago Christian High School choirs who performed.

The students are (front row, from left) Felicia Ceh, Hannah Williams, Overton Dudley, Nathan Rivera, Adeline Larsen, of Palos Heights; Deja Claybrooks, Aariah Moore, (second row, from left) Lauren Voss, Orland Park; Kathleen Tkoletz, Claire Tiemens, Worth; Josiah Vis, Tony Reppman, Evergreen Park; Ella Altena, Evergreen Park; Josiah Friesen, Orland Park; Abby Kuipers, Worth; (third row, from left) Jordan Dryfhout, Orland Park; Isabelle Campbell, Heatherr Van Dommelen, Amri Anderson, Faith Tanis, Palos Park; (back row, from left) ) Molly Smith, Jonah Lopez, Jacob Durham, Brandon Pate and Allyah Nichols.

Roan Jaber (from left), 16, and Heather McFann, 16, pick candy canes earlier this month that hung on Christmas trees located in the student and staff cafeterias of Oak Lawn Community High School during the school’s Operation Santa event. Each candy cane contained a gift tag identifying a person, their age, and desired wish/need for Christmas.

JIM CRAIG’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

LEGAL NOTICE

9

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is Hereby Given that on 2-4-18, a sale will be held at Mexico Auto Service at 8702 S. Buffalo, Chicago, Il. 60617, 773-734-9603, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

ALBECO INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISES & TERRANCE MILLER 2015 GMC Vin# 1GKS1JKJ5FR569288 Lien Amount: $14,585.00

Supplied photo

Suspension Continued from Page 1

guidelines established by the courts, the investigation considered the totality of the circumstances including the frequency of your conduct, the severity of your conduct, whether the conduct was physically threatening or humiliating or a mere offensive utterance and whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with Ms. Guzior’s job performance.

Based on these guidelines, the investigation determines your conduct did not violate (the board’s policy on sexual harassment)…it was found to have violated (the policy for professional conduct).’’

Gay said he considered Treasure’s 25-year employment with no previous discipline, and called this a “lapse in judgment” and warned that future similar behavior could call for termination.

Treasure has a right to a hearing to argue the suspension.

Skallas is not convinced the punishment is enough.

“District 230 officials sent a strong message to students, parents, its faculty and the community they serve,” he said. “In this period of history where women continue to bravely come forward against their harassers, District 230 officials just showed you what will happen if someone comes forward in their schools.

The victim is fired and the harasser gets a slap on the wrist.

Teachers

Continued from Page 1

webinars, helping other districts roll out similar programs.

According to the CDE, the 2017 Top 30 winners were selected based on their efforts to improve education through effective implementation of technology-rich solutions; their impact on student outcomes; and their overall initiative, creativity and leadership skills. Gonzales is one of only two recipients from Illinois this year. The other is Linda Ashida, a teaching and learning facilitator at Elk Grove High School.

Christopher Wendelin, who teaches Advanced Placement English to freshmen, along with senior-level English at Stagg High School in Palos Hills, was also honored for being named a

Gonzalez

Wendelin

Top Ten 2017 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year by the National Society of High School Scholars.

Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, members of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, the NSHSS is aimed at recognizing academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students.

He was nominated for the award by a student, at least in part for The Voice of Witness class he and fellow teacher Lisa

Today’s decision only affirms the fact that Coach Guzior was discriminated and victimized and that she must seek justice in a court of law.’’

In an interview with Guzior six days before Treasure’s suspension, she apologized for using the word “bitch” in a text message to describe a situation, but felt that given her track record and success that it was not an offense that deserved termination.

Skallas said that the punishments were inconsistent. “(The decision by District 230) officials is just sad,” he said. “In their infinite wisdom, they decided that a two-day suspension was appropriate for Terry Treasure, who has now admitted to harassing coach Guzior. These

are the same officials that recommended and carried through coach Guzior’s dismissal over a text. The decision to suspend coach Guzior took days and the investigation into Terry Treasure took months, yet this is the outcome for each.

“In reaching their decision, they cite Mr. Treasure’s service to District 230 and the fact that he has no history of prior incidents,” Skallas said. “Not surprisingly, they failed to acknowledge that coach Guzior brought success to Stagg High School’s cheerleading program and has also never been disciplined in the past. In fact, it was Terry Treasure himself, who recommended that she be retained as recently as in March of this year.’’

Thyer created last year. The 60 students in the class published a book called “111th and Roberts: Where Our Voices Intersect.”

The process they went through was the subject of a documentary by a University of Illinois College of Media Instructor and his journalism students entitled “Voices of Stagg.”

“I feel very indebted to the people around me,” said Wendelin at the meeting last Thursday, referring to the board members and the district leadership who allowed him to create “a learning environment with studentcentered classes, where success is shared and creativity is encouraged.”

He said he wants to provide education that is “long-term and nonlinear.”

“Students and teachers should see themselves and each other as works in progress, using every

setback, success, and query as a stepping stone to improvement and believing that everyone can grow and learn with hard work and grit.”

Wendelin’s nominating student wrote, “He has gone above and beyond making learning fun along with co-teaching a one of a kind class dedicated to the Voice of Witness program while willingly giving up his plan period to help students and make sure they succeed.”

“Chris has always shown himself to be an excellent teacher.

He is a genuine individual, whose caring personality coupled with humor and humility allows him to form meaningful connections with students, helping each one believe that not only that they can learn, but also that they deserve to be successful,” said Stagg Principal Eric Olsen.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE

Relax with color therapy

The next color therapy course will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The program is a stress-free hour of enjoying the benefits of creative coloring.

Library staff members will provide the pages, colored pencils, markers and refreshments.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 423-7753 or visit the website for this free program at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Chair yoga class will be held

The next chair yoga session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Certified yoga instructor Joan Zigulich is the instructor. Participants will practice yoga seated in the chair. The focus will be on simple movements designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body. This is ideal for workers who are concerned about getting down on the floor. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website for the free program at wwwchicagoridgelibrary.org.

Learning about what managers are looking for in employees

A program on “Understanding the FullCycle Process” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 at the Chicago Ridge Library. The class will outline what most managers seek on resumes and during phone and in-person interviews. To register for the free program, call (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Bingo at library

Bingo will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan 16 at the Chicago Ridge Library.

Prizes will be awarded to the game winners.

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

Taking control of paper in home

A session on “Take Control of Your Paper” was be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Patrons will receive instruction on what papers to keep and for how long. The program will provide home tips and suggestions on what to keep and what to shred, and what to save and how

to save it. Sign up for the free program by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.

Dash and Dot, Spheros, Osmos and a 3D pen. Register online for the class at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

OAK LAWN

Lego Club will meet at library

Youths can explore modern technology

Youths can explore new technology devices and learn about coding during two sessions to be held at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. A session will be held for ages 5 to 7 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Another class will be held for ages 8 to 10 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25. Over the course of the sessions, kids will use Ozobots, Coder MiPs, Bloxels, and Little Bits Gizmos and Gadgets. Registration begins 10 days before each event. Register online at www.olpl.org, in person at the Youth Services Desk, or call (708) 422-4990.

Volunteer to work in the Friends Bookstore

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

Create personalized gifts

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

PALOS HILLS

Students explore technology

Students in grades three through eight can take part in learning about technology during a class to be held at 6 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 28) at the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills.

Kids will be able to explore and tinker with

Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade can take part in the Lego Club that will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Green Hills Library. Staff members will provide the Legos while students will provide the imagination. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

Family games for all ages

Family Bingo will be played starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Green Hills Library. All ages can play bingo for prizes.

Registration is limited to 60. Caregivers must register as well. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Brain fitness programs

A cutting-edge brain fitness programs will be offered at 10 or 11 a.m. for adults only on Friday, Jan. 5 at the Green Hills Library.

The program is based on neuroplasticity that activates all six functions of the brain. These exercises, based on everyday movements that are natural and organic, focus on the healthy longevity of the body and mind. Registration is limited to 28 per class. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Motivated for change during New Year

A New Year resolution of developing healthy habits will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 at the Green Hills Library. The event is for adults only. Participants will learn how to master the art of creating healthy habits to help shape their lives and create positive emotions to fuel motivation. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Hip-hop dance troupe will get guests on their feet

Culture Shock Chicago will provide a high energy, interactive dance performance that focuses on themes as teamwork and positive attitude during a session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Green Hills Library. Youths and patrons will learn a few new steps as well. Guests will experience the sights and sounds of hip-hop complete with a DJ and dance off. Children of all ages and caregivers are welcome. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

SCHOOL NEWS

10 The Reporter

Shepard students learn about entrepreneurship Students in the entrepreneurship class at Shepard High School in Palos Heights recently spent a semester taking part in specific projects.

“They worked individually or with a partner on creating a product and a business plan,” said teacher Jennifer Spellman.

As a culmination of this work, they presented their products in an open house style. Students demonstrated and

Thursday, December 28, 2017 Teacher Jennifer Spellman talks to her entrepreneurship students from Shepard High School who developed new product ideas and accompanying business plans. They presented their new products at the end of first semester.

talked about their product or business idea with teachers and classmates at the event.

Spellman for years has specialized in challenging students with real-world experiences. Past projects included a sandwich competition in partnership with Prime Choice Market in Palos Heights and a ‘Shark Tank’ style competition in which local business professionals chose the winners.

Supplied photo

Hickory Hills fourth-grader helps provide toys for kids in New Orleans Jaiden Henry would love a bas- him and put a smile on his face ketball or a remote-controlled car. three years ago when Jaiden was But those would be on his gift list hospitalized for the rare genetic for his birthday on Feb. 11 when disease he suffered from called the fourth-grade student at Glen Kawasaki.

“I just remember how nice Oaks Elementary School turns people were in the hospital and 10 years old.

He already got his Christmas how visitors and volunteers really brightened my spirit,” he wish: He and his mom, said. “When I got better, Kim McGraw, made the I wanted to do the same 15-hour drive to New Orfor others.” leans earlier this month to Jaiden said he and meet a friend he met on his mom have worked social media and help him together on some 200 hold a toy drive. projects, from coordinatThat friend is Jarrius ing toy drives to help“JJ” Robertson, 15, and he ing feed the homeless to is waiting for a third liver Henry working in a community transplant. Jaiden and “JJ” met last month after Jaiden saw vegetable garden.

What bonds Jaiden and JJ be“JJ” on television during the NBA All-Star weekend festivities ear- sides their love of basketball - JJ also loves football and is a New lier this year.

“I saw him make a basket and Orleans Saints super fan – is I thought he seemed pretty cool,” their desire to give so selflessly Jaiden said. “I researched him of themselves and to help make online and found out (he had a lives a little better for others, the medical) condition and that he same way others did for them was holding a toy drive. I really when they needed it most.

Jaiden has been writing a book wanted to meet him.”

Jaiden’s mom reached out to that chronicles many of his jourJJ’s father on social media and neys and projects and has inthe two made plans for the boys cluded photos of some of them to meet. The day they met they as well as some of the people he collaborated on the toy drive in admires for their willingness to give so freely of themselves and New Orleans.

“JJ is really a good kid,” Jaiden their resources.

Included in the list are Oprah said. “We had a nice time together.

The only negative thing I can say Winfrey and former President is that I don’t like crawfish. It Barack Obama. Jaiden said he hopes to publish the five-chapter tastes like the ocean.”

The 9-year-old Hickory Hills book sometime before his birthboy is wise beyond his years. His day in February.

“That’s my goal,” he said. “I’ve “gift” this past Christmas was to help others and put smiles on their had fun with it. My mom has faces, just like those who helped helped me a lot.”

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Andy Anderson is the closest thing North Palos School District 117 has to a rock star. And for good reason.

The principal of Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills has been in the limelight most of the year for leading the 1,100-student junior high school to the coveted National Blue Ribbon Award, which is the highest award a school district can receive.

He recently was named Junior High School “Principal of the Year” by the South Cook Region of the Illinois Principals’ Association, which is the largest region in Illinois.

And on Dec. 19, Anderson received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Conrady Parent Teacher Student Association.

It read: “You have been an outstanding principal for Conrady Junior High School. As your PTSA board, one of our biggest challenges is engaging our community in educational matters and relaying the importance of valuable social learning and experiences.

Your leadership and compassion has provided an atmosphere where we’ve been welcomed to do just that. You have encouraged input from parents and have supported or taken under advisement our requests for changes or improve-

Supplied photo

Conrady principal Andy Anderson (right) received a Certificate of Appreciation on Dec. 19 from the Conrady Parent Teacher Student Association.

ments. Your leadership has certainly set Conrady apart from neighboring schools and districts.

Although our children only spend three short years at Conrady Junior High School, we are always encouraged by the positive impact of your tutelage for our students, future students and the community as a whole.

“Thank you Mr. Anderson for all you have done for Conrady, the PTSA, our children and our community. Your hard work and constant dedication will always be appreciated. Sincerely, The Conrady PTSA Board.”

Oak Lawn High School students celebrate Harry Potter during Family Reading Night

Soap Opera Laundromat

Conrady Junior High School principal receives his third award this year

eek

*

The Fifth Annual Family Reading Night in the Media Center at Oak Lawn Community High School focused on the 20th publication anniversary of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” last month.

The event centered around the world and characters of the Harry Potter books. Over 60 students, staff members, parents, alumni, and community members associated with Oak Lawn Community High School attended the program. #HarryPotter20 Fest was a collaboration between numerous parties. Pieces of original artwork were created by freshman Diana Ochoa and students in Jennifer Clark’s studio art class. Students in Amy Cryan’s culinary arts classes created delicacies, such as chocolate frogs, broom-shaped appetizers and a sweet concoction made with cream soda and brown sugar called butter beer. Student chefs Alyssa Mellas, Alex Serna and Jessica Wons served at the event.

Supplied photo

OLCHS freshman Enrique Chavez and his mom can be seen in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry through the efforts of videos taken by students at the Family Reading Night.

Izabel Gronski, the teen librarian at the Oak Lawn Library, told fortunes while posing as Professor Trelawney. One of the highlights was the green screen room where participants took realistic photos and videos at Hogwarts. Students Emma O’Malley Galvan, Jake Majerczyk, Saad Mulhelm, Michael Mueller, and James Walsh ran the green screen room.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

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

Thursday, December 2017 Thursday, March 28, 5, 2015

THE REGIONAL/REPORTER TOP 10 AREA SPORTS STORIES OF THE YEAR

Tears, cheers and champs mark 2017

Queen of Peace players (left photo) listen to “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the last sporting event in the school’s gym ever in January. The school closed and St. Laurence opened its doors to girls. Many of the Peace players went to St. Laurence and (right photo) listened to “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the first girls home basketball game at the school at the end of November.

I

By Jeff Vorva • Sports Editor

n 2016, some of the killer stories in area sports were of a national scope including, Mother McAuley winning multiple mythical national championships in girls volleyball, a Super Bowl champion in Orland Park native and Denver Broncos starting offensive lineman Michael Schofield, and former Richards star Dwayne Wade returning home to play with the Bulls. • Well, a lot has changed in 2017. • McAuley lost to Marist in the supersectional (more on that later), Schofield is now with the Los Angeles Chargers and Wade is now teammates with LeBron James again — this time in Cleveland. • As for the area? Don’t worry about that. There have been plenty of great stories on a local, state and even national level that happened. Here are the top 10 Regional/Reporter stories for 2017:

1.

Marist volleyball players hug and celebrate their Class 4A state title in November.

Moraine Valley women’s basketball player rejoice after qualifying for nationals for the first time since 1989.

Delilah DiCrescenzo, a former worldclass runner who took a few years off from running, won the 10th Southwest Half Marathon in Palos Heights in May.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Queen of Peace closing

This is a story that started in January and hung around for the whole year.

Officials announced the all-girls school was closing after the school year and that caught a lot of people off guard — especially student-athletes. Toward the end of January the basketball team, which was experiencing one of its best seasons in school history, played the final sporting event in the gym and tears flowed freely.

There were a lot of other “lasts” at the school, including the final sporting event held at the Burbank school — a regional softball game on May 27.

The fifth-seeded Pride was 9-20 and took on fourthseeded De La Salle. De La Salle had beaten the Pride 11-4, 8-7 and 16-6 during the season. Coach Kelly Small was relieved of her duties in early May and her replacement, Stephanie Ruvalcaba, took over but she had a family function and couldn’t coach that day. So JV coach Andy Schindel, the Pride’s third coach of the month, took over and Peace came up with a stunning 10-3 victory.

“This game was very memorable and everyone is going to love it,” said Amber Anderson, a senior who transferred to the school after her first school, Mt. Assisi, closed after her freshman year.

Meanwhile, St. Laurence officials made the bold decision to allow girls to come to their school next door, and from August through now, there have been a ton of “firsts” for its athletic program — and that will continue into the spring.

2.

Dylan Jacobs’ fast times

Sandburg senior Dylan Jacobs opened eyes all over the country on Sept. 29 when he ran 13 minutes, 57.50 seconds in a regular-season meet over the Detweiller Park Course in Peoria. It was the fifth best-time in Illinois history and was the top time in the nation at the time.

Although a viral infection helped prevent him from winning the Illinois High School Association Class 3A title (he finished sixth) and soggy conditions prevented him and race winner Danny Kilrea of Lyons Township — or anyone else — from testing Craig Virgin’s 1972 state record of 13:50, Jacobs made up for it earlier this month.

The running star won the Foot Locker National Meet in 15:19 (on a 5K course) in San Diego on Dec. 9.

Two-time Foot Locker national champion and former Sandburg star Lukas Verzbicas was holding up the finish-line banner. Sandburg became the first high school to boast two Foot Locker national champs.

3.

Marist wins state and national volleyball championship

Marist’s girls volleyball team won the IHSA Class 4A state championship on Nov. 11, knocking off Minooka 22-25, 25-22, 25-15 at Redbird Arena in Normal.

To get there, however, the RedHawks had to beat

Sandburg’s Dylan Jacobs, front, ran a sub-14 minute time at Detweiller Park in Peoria during the cross country season and won a national championship at the Foot Locker race in San Diego.

defending state champ Mother McAuley, 25-21, 25-16, at McAuley in front of 2,500 fans in supersectional play. It snapped a seven-match losing streak against the Mighty Macs and the RedHawks (41-1) avenged their lone loss of the season.

FloVolleyball.com gave its mythical national championship to the RedHawks a few weeks later.

4.

College March Madness

There was a wild stretch in March when St. Xavier runner Ellie Willging won an NAIA Division II national indoor championship the 5K, the Cougars’ women’s basketball team finished second in the nation, and Moraine Valley’s women’s basketball team qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament for the first time since 1989.

The Cyclones finished in the top 12 in the nation among Division II teams after finishing 1-2 in the tournament.

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See TOP 10, Page 3

2

Section 2 Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

A few favorite sports photos from an exciting 2017

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

OK — self-indulgence time.

It’s that time again to look back at

photos from the year in area sports and pick out a few favorites.

It’s always fun to look back and remember some things that, I’ll admit, I forgot about even though they happened

this year.

This year’s batch includes some crying, some celebrating, some action and even a little blood.

When you take hundreds of photos

Evergreen Park jumper Briana Parker and all of her braids try to clear the bar at the University High Class 2A Sectional in May.

at one event and tens of thousands of photos in the span of a year, there are an overwhelming amount that never see print and many are immediately deleted from the camera’s memory card.

But there are a few that survive the cut, and out of those are a small amount that I really enjoy for one reason or another — mostly because they are unusual.

So, here are a few favorites from 2017:

St. Laurence’s Tim Molloy was all smiles for a team photo in June despite suffering facial cuts during a dogpile celebration after the Vikings’ 2-1 victory over Brother Rice in the sectional championship.

Marist middle hitter Abby Callahan reacts after the last play of a supersectional victory over heated rival Mother McAuley in November. The RedHawks advanced to the state semifinals and went on to win the Illinois High School Association Class 4A girls volleyball state championship.

Even though New Trier is not a local team, this was a fun photo as the Trevians’ baseball team was getting beat soundly by St. Laurence in the IHSA Class 4A state third-place game in June and there was little to cheer about until pitcher Jack French (holding the ball) caught a hot line drive in the dugout with his bare hand and his teammates went crazy.

The final game ever at Queen of Peace in late January was sad (left photo), but things were a lot happier at the historic first girls basketball game at St. Laurence on Nov. 28 (right photo).

When the Chicago Fire signed international superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger in March, the team held a huge press conference at its Chicago training facility and the real Basti took the stage with the larger-than-life Basti displayed in the background.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017 Section 2

3

Cider and flowers were among my favorite moments of 2017 T o quote the great minds of the longtime broken-up rock group Oingo Boingo, we close our eyes and another year has come and gone.

And that means it’s time for me to open my eyes and publish my moment of the year.

I sort of stole this idea from a local daily paper I used to work at. The bosses wanted the writers to pick their favorite behind-the-scenes story of the year, whether it was humorous or touching or whatever. I wrote about everything from a Cubs relief pitcher belching really loud while the press was talking to Sammy Sosa to writing a story in the Cubs’ dugout to save time so I could watch my son’s All-Star game.

Since coming to the Regional/Reporter, I modified it to the top moment that I experienced in a calendar Making the year.

This year I have two. A Extra Point tie.

The first came during the early stages of our Top Sports Story of the Year — the closing of Queen of Peace.

It was on Jan. 26 against Kennedy. It was senior night for the basketball team, which was going to play in its final game ever in that gym.

The wounds from the news of the closing of the school were still fresh and emotions were running high.

Before the game, Pride coach George Shimko walked toward the middle of the court with flowers in his hands.

So, I figure he’s going to present the flowers to his players and everyone would have a good cry and we can get on with the game.

Well, Shimko wasn’t giving his players the flowers. These were for Kennedy seniors Sabrina Ricci and Patty Kapusciak.

I thought that was a pretty special moment, although I was a little late jumping on that train. Shimko said he’s been presenting visiting seniors with flowers on his team’s senior night for years.

I’ve seen a lot of senior nights from when I was a senior in high school to now, when some people try to give me senior citizen discounts (Hey, I’m not that old!) and I can’t recall the visitors receiving flowers.

Favorite moment No. 2 came Nov. 5. It was supposed to rain like heck that day and I was ready to cover Moraine Valley’s noon women’s soccer battle at home with Waubonsee. The winner was to go to the nationals in Florida. There was a lot on the line.

So the weather was cooperative until noon, and it was raining hard in Palos Hills. And the wind was kicking up. And I was having trouble taking photos and keeping the camera dry. I might have uttered a few dark oaths at that point, despite the fact I had gone to church a few hours prior.

JEFF VORVA

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Queen of Peace coach George Shimko hands out flowers to the opposing team — Kennedy — during the Pride’s senior night festivities.

10.

Continued from Page 1 Willging, by the way, also won the 10K outdoor national championship in late May.

Legends lost/retired

Brother Rice wrestling coach Bill Weick died at age 85 in August. He had coached a state title at Tilden Tech in 1949. He took over at Brother Rice and coached the school’s first state champ, Rudy Yates, in 2013. Under his watch, 41 Crusaders qualified for state.

Former Richards football coach Gary Korhonen died Dec. 2. He had coached the Bulldogs to a pair of state championships and had 315 career victories. When he retired, he had the most victories in IHSA history.

Shepard assistant wrestling coach Jim Craig (55 years coaching wrestling) died on Sunday, 10 months after retiring. He made a huge mark nationally and internationally as a wrestler, coach and referee.

Legends who retired this year included Oak Lawn assistant girls basketball coach Mark Kleeman (42 years coaching various sports), Chicago Christian track coach Jim Kwasteniet (36 years), and Sandburg water polo/swimming coach Jim Caliendo (38 years).

7.

Never in the history of IHSA baseball has any team won three straight state titles until Providence Catholic won the Class 4A titles in 2014, 2015 and 2016. In all three years, the Celtics were far from the favorites to even get to the Final Four and did not win conference championships in the Chicago Catholic League Blue those three seasons.

But they had some magic in the postseason for three years and were able to claim another regional title before running into Sandburg. The Eagles snapped the Celtics’ 23-game postseason winning streak with a 12-10 victory on May 31 at the Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional.

Andrew Tennison had two homers for the Eagles in the historic win.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

BRIDGEVIEW

SPORTS SALES

Photo by Jeff Vorva

R.J. Collins, shown during his playing days at Shepard, was a singer on “The Voice” this year.

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Hey there Delilah

The Southwest Half Marathon turned 10 in May and the women’s winner was a big name in running as well as a big name in musical trivia.

Former Queen of Peace athlete Delilah DiCrescenzo, who was a world-class runner and steeple-chase athlete, finished the Southwest race in 1:38.52 after taking a few years off of competitive running.

She was also the subject of the 2006-2007 mega-hit “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s.

9.

Sandburg’s baseball players go crazy after snapping Providence Catholic’s 23-game postseason winning streak.

Bait Shop • Guns • Ammo

In a two-week span in February, two area bowlers had bigtime performances.

Richards senior Alexandra Wozniak rolled a 300 in sectional play at Palos Lanes in Palos Hills on Feb. 11. It was the first perfect game of her career.

The following week, Sandburg junior Sophia Jablonski became the first IHSA state champion in the wheelchair division.

8.

Sandburg ends Providence Catholic’s baseball streak

Friesen’s anxious 48 hours

Chicago Christian’s Ben Friesen shocked the track world when he ran a :49.75 in the 400 on May 27 to finish first in the IHSA Class 1A State Track and Field prelims in Charleston after coming into the race with the sixth-best sectional time.

Class 1A athletes have the next day off and resume for the finals on Saturday so he had two days to think about the finals. He went to prom on May 26 and the next morning headed back to Charleston where he finished fourth in the state in the long jump. Four hours and one nap by a tree later, he was able to win the 400 with a :48.65.6 and became the first Knights state champ since Bob Warnke won the 200 in 1993.

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6.

From TDs to Alicia Keys

Former Shepard football player RJ Collins’s first year out of high school didn’t find him playing college football on TV on Saturday afternoons, but he was on television on a Tuesday — March 13 — when he sang on “The Voice.”

Judge Alicia Keys gushed, “We need beautiful black men on my team,” while judge Adam Lambert proclaimed, “That’s the winning voice right there.’’

That didn’t happen, as Collins was beaten in the second round a week later.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

This was not a day on which I was expecting any special moments.

Well, at halftime the rain stopped and Morraine was in the process of beating Waubonsee, 5-2, and I was looking forward to some postgame celebration photos. This was going to be the third year in a row the Cyclones qualified for nationals and — darn the luck — I was on one side of the field when the final horn sounded and the players were celebrating way on the other side. By the time I got close enough for decent shots, they had dispersed.

I might have uttered a few more dark oaths at that point and I was thinking that I might have to go back to church for the 6 p.m. mass to offset my mutterings.

After congratulating the opponents and receiving a few awards, the Cyclones then brought out some boxes and proceeded to have a champagne celebration. Well, it was actually a sparkling cider celebration, but at the time I didn’t know that. When I saw one of the players take a swig, I thought, “Uh, oh — someone could get in trouble for this.’’

But it was cider, and after watching the comedy of some of the players and coaches trying to bite the tops off the bottles, it was party time and these players were spraying each other like they had just won the World Series. It was a really neat moment watching the liquid and the laughs fly.

One note: Cyclone Claire Collevy somehow suffered a bloody nose in the celebration and blood was all over the top of her jersey, but her smile indicated she wasn’t in too much misery.

Again, I was a little late on this one. They had started the cider tradition a year before, but this was the first time I saw it.

The Cyclones lost two matches at nationals but they will always have that memory of celebrating with cider.

So will I.

Top Ten

5.

Moraine Valley women soccer players bite the tops off the sparkling cider bottles after beating Waubonsee, 5-2 to qualify for the national tournament. Below: The cider sprays all over as Moraine celebrates a women’s soccer national bid for the third year in a row.

H

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

75th St.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017 Section 2

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Houses For Sale

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Houses For Sale

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Houses For Sale

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

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

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

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

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (‘’FANNIE MAE’’), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.BRIDGEVIEW BANK AND TRUST, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-2828, VILLAGE OF OAK LAWN Defendants

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

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.FRANK PENSA Defendants

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

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 25, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10033 SOUTH WALNUT TERR 115, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-301-006-1008.

The real estate is improved with a residential condominium.

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. 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 5pm.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 8879.

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

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

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

RICHARD BRAUN; CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants, 17 CH 6403 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-30-131-006-0000.

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

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-021548 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3071471

2017 CH 03821 9359 RIDGELAND AVENUE OAK LAWN, IL 60453

16 CH 11319 10512 FOREST LANE CHICAGO RIDGE, IL 60415 NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 23, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 24, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9359 RIDGELAND AVENUE, OAK LAWN, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-05-302-074-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family home with an attached two car garage.

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10512 FOREST LANE, CHICAGO RIDGE, IL 60415 Property Index No. 24-18-219-012-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

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

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

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

If 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.

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.

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 5pm.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 259127.

For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 253659.

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

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

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

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 253659 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 16 CH 11319 TJSC#: 37-10672

Houses For Sale

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, NA; Plaintiff, vs.

FRANK C. LIVIGNI AKA FRANK LIVIGNI; FIRST MIDWEST BANK FKA STANDARD BANK AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED 16 NOVEMBER, 1999 TRUST NUMBER 16418; Defendants, 17 CH 4856 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-13-103-037.

Commonly known as 7956 West Tiffany Court, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-012119 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070757

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD MORTGAGE COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs.

EDITA GRIGALIUNIENE; VYTAUTAS GRIGALIUNAS; FIRST AMERICAN BANK; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; HERITAGE CONDOMINIUMS OF PALOS HILLS; Defendants, 16 CH 3935 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 22, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-22-200-086-1005.

Commonly known as 9029 West 111th Street, Apartment 2A, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

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

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 16-006119 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070718

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

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

10 CH 31488 22 NORTH WOODLAND TRAIL PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2011, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 22 NORTH WOODLAND TRAIL, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-26-206-029-0000.

The real estate is improved with a brown brick one 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 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 856.

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13601 SOUTH 85TH AVENUE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-02-115-017-0000.

The real estate is improved with a white brick single family home with an attached two car garage.

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (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 5pm.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 11789.

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

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

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 856 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 31488 TJSC#: 37-11022

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 11789 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 40503 TJSC#: 37-10084

Houses For Sale

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division.

Fifth Third Bank Mortgage Company Plaintiff, vs.

Steven J. Malmborg; Terri A. Malmborg; Fifth Third Bank (Chicago); Citizens Bank, N.A. F/K/A Charter One Bank N.A.; Unknown Tenants; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants, Case #17CH4234 Sheriff’s # 170242 F17050184FT FITH Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on January 19th, 2018, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs.

TODD W. BEAN; SHANA G. JOHNSON; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 8497 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-15-212-015-0000.

Commonly known as 15157 Royal Georgian Road, Orland Park, IL 60462.

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

For information call Mr. Stephen G. Daday at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Klein, Daday, Aretos & O’Donoghue, LLC, 2550 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008. (847) 590-8700.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070911

Common Address: 8549 Lawler Ave, Burbank, Illinois 60459 P.I.N: 19-33-405-047-0000 Improvements: This property consist of a Single Family Home.

Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale.

Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments.

Premise will NOT be open for inspection.

Firm Information: Plaintiff’s Attorney ANSELMO, LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. DIEHL., Ste 120 Naperville, IL 60563 Sales Department foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 fax 630-428-4620 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

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4

The Regional News Call 448-4000 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5 For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (‘’FANNIE MAE’’), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2005, AND KNOWN AS THE JAMES B. KRATOVIL LAND TRUST, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION II, CONDOMINIUMS OF VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION II, JAMES KRATOVIL, JR., AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, DEBORAH FALSTAD, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, KIMBERLY KRATOVIL, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, KATHIE SAMSON, AS HEIR OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES JAMES B. KRATOVIL, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES B. KRATOVIL, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 16251 15633 ERIN LANE, UNIT C6 Orland Park, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 5, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 15633 ERIN LANE, UNIT C6, Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-301-028-1019 Vol. 146.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $109,778.18.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I3069746

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

ADELA PEDROZA; THE CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants, 16 CH 466 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-26-310-014-0000.

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

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 15-036310 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3071465

5

Section 2 Thursday, December 28, 2017

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Real Estate Property Listings

The Regional News Call 448-4000 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5

Houses For Sale

Houses For Sale

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.DARRIN COLLINS, LISA COLLINS, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 17 CH 007252 14426 S. 87TH AVENUE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 23, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14426 S. 87TH AVENUE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-11-107-004-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “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 14-17-06311.

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-06311 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 007252 TJSC#: 37-9829 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that 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.

I3070201

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR TBW MORTGAGE-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.LINDA DANET, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., WEDGWOOD COMMONS UNIT II ASSOCIATION, INC. Defendants 17 CH 008316 13971 BERKHANSTED CT ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 22, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13971 BERKHANSTED CT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-02-308-002-0000.

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “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 14-17-06104.

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-06104 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008316 TJSC#: 37-9229 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that 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.

I3070275

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, -v.MANAL KANAAN, MALIK KANAAN, LORENZ APPLIANCE, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., DISCOVER BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 002926 8841 W. 100TH PLACE 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 February 17, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 17, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8841 W. 100TH PLACE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-10-401-079-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

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

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

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

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

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-02450.

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-02450 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 002926 TJSC#: 37-10989 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.

I3071118

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ALAN RAPOPORT Plaintiff, -v.ABDULZAHI ABUKATAB A/K/A ABDUL ABUKATAB, THE CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE U/T/A #8002365388, WORLD BUSINESS LENDERS LLC, STOUT STREET FUND I LP, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 5779 8300 PALOMA DR. Orland Park, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8300 PALOMA DR., Orland Park, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-35-402-013-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $225,642.79.

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

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

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

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

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

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: Kurtz & Augenlicht LLP, 123 W Madison St, Ste. 700, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 265-0106 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

Kurtz & Augenlicht LLP 123 W Madison St, Ste. 700 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 265-0106 E-Mail: mkurtz@kalawchicago.com Attorney Code. 46376 Case Number: 15 CH 5779 TJSC#: 37-9781 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. Plaintiff, vs.

HEA SOOK SHIN, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 22, 2004 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 1114017, ARIES INVESTMENTS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, vs.

HAFIDA MRABET Intervenor, 15 CH 2946 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on January 25, 2017 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-13-202-037-0000.

Commonly known as 15240 Heather Court, Orland Park, IL 60462.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3069863

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The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 6

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ is big but overinflated

Bridge Teen Center to ring in 2018

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is perhaps the most divisive film in the entire franchise cannon, with some making bold claims that it’s the best entry in the saga since “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980, directed by Irvin Kershner), and others saying it ranks below George Lucas’s largely misbegotten prequel series.

The truth: The Last Jedi makes bold decisions as to where this saga’s new and old characters are headed, but is ultimately handicapped by clanging tones, too many characters and one fundamental misunderstanding of the movies that precede it.

This is a tough movie to talk about without spoiling, so I’ll keep plot points at things you’ve already seen in the trailer: Rey (Daisy Ridley) has found Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and tries to goad the old Jedi into training her as the next generation.

Skywalker has no interest after his last protégé, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) turned to the Dark Side.

Meanwhile, Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) try to lead a caravan of Resistance fighters away from the First Order’s warships. Also, Finn (John Boyega) and a new friend, Rose (Kelly Marie Tran), must track down a hacker to disable the First Order’s ability to trail the Resistance.

Sounds like a lot, huh? Almost like there’s too much going on? Writer/director Rian Johnson has overstuffed “The Last Jedi.” If I were to guess, Johnson was trying to use the large canvas of players to create an epic. Instead, the individual storylines feel like a really flabby episode of a TV show – not a cinematic space opera -- with an A plot, a B plot and a C plot that we all know will be wrapped up by the episode’s end in a neat and tidy bow.

With the exception of the Rey and Kylo Ren storyline – Ridley and Driver are both talented performers – the other major storylines introduce basic themes and follow them through in a way that you can see coming less than half-way through this movie’s daunting and unnecessary two and a half-hour run time.

The most pointless and fruitless of these is Finn

BRIAN LAUGHRAN and Rose’s storyline. It has an irritating resolution, meant only to please the fanboys, and takes time away from more interesting goings on.

Now we arrive at my biggest issue with the movie: Luke Skywalker. I have no problem with Hamill’s performance. I actually think you could watch this movie and think: Why hasn’t Hamill’s cinematic career been more fruitful since the original trilogy?

(I know he’s done a lot of brilliant voice work since then.)

However, Johnson makes a choice in filling in gaps in Luke’s backstory that not only feels wrong, but spits in the face of the character’s entire history in the saga – particularly the major lesson he learns in “Return of the Jedi” (1983, directed by Richard Marquand).

The moment – which I will not spoil for those who desire to see the movie – was so incongruous with the character that it ruined the entire Luke plot.

It angered me in a way that I had not anticipated.

And, in many ways, the movie was lost from that revelation on.

Still, let’s acknowledge the positives: Johnson is a brilliant visual stylist. From a strictly visual standpoint, this movie cannot be faulted. The cast is uniformly great, and helps the weaker written material move and breathe naturally. The movie also makes the smart move of adding Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro to the story, because why not?

Nothing was ever made worse by adding Laura Dern or Benicio Del Toro.

RATING: C-

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:

“THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US’’: The concept of uniting vastly different characters — and actors — in a crisis scenario remains potent, as proven by this teaming of Kate Winslet and Idris Elba in an effectively tense survival story. They play a photojournalist and a doctor who become passengers aboard a plane that crashes on a snowy mountain, forcing them to work together (despite initial discord) to survive as they make their way through harsh conditions to seek help. Though the film logically gives the lion’s share of its running time to the two central stars, Dermot Mulroney and Beau

Bridges also appear. DVD extras: three “making-of’’ documentaries; deleted scenes; photo gallery. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “FLATLINERS’’: With co-star Kiefer Sutherland (in a different role here) as its most obvious link to the original 1990 version this melodrama updates the story of medical students who experiment with dying and then being revived, with Ellen Page and “The Vampire Diaries’’ alum Nina Dobrev among the cast members now taking that test. A cyberspace component has been added this time, and once the subjects are brought back to life, their reality is altered a bit by something each brings back from their past — and not in a good way.

Though the first edition remains the better one, this reboot has the benefit of good performers who also include Diego Luna, Kiersey Clemons and James Norton. DVD extras: two “making-of’’ documentaries. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

“JEEPERS CREEPERS 3’’: Though the title of this many-yearslater thriller (which has had telecasts on Syfy) suggests a sequel to the first two movies in the horror franchise — and is that to a degree — it’s actually set between those two films. Lawmen try to eliminate the fearsome, homicidal Creeper for good, and you can tell how well they fare by the fact that the events of “Jeepers Creepers 2’’ followed this story in the series’ timeline. Still, for faithful fans, this serves up more of what’s expected ... including a return appearance

by Gina Philips as heroine Trish.

Gabrielle Haugh plays one of the targets here, with Meg Foster as her mother. Those who are devoted to the “Saw’’ chillers are likely to appreciate the variety of gruesome traps depicted here. ** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, offers several free events for teens in seventh through 12th grade.

For more information, call (708) 532-0500. These are free events for youths in seventh through 12th grade.

• New Year’s Eve Party (RSVP required) starts at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Students are invited enjoy all the staples of a New Year’s party: decorations, goofy

MEDITERRANEAN BEEF RAGOŽT Makes 8 servings • 2 pounds trimmed stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes and patted dry • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 2 onions, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional) • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns • 1 cup beef stock • 1/2 cup dry red wine

• 1 14-ounce can no-saltadded diced tomatoes, including juice • 2 bay leaves • 2 roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced, then cut into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup sliced pitted green olives • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves 1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef, in batches, and cook, stirring, adding more oil as necessary, until browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware as completed.

2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic to pan and cook, stirring, until onions are softened, about 3 minutes. Add cumin, thyme, lemon zest, if using, salt, and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add beef stock, wine, tomatoes with juice, and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Add to slow cooker and stir well.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until mixture is bubbly and beef is tender. Stir in roasted peppers, olives and parsley. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes, until peppers are heated through. Discard Mediterranean Beef Ragožt bay leaves.

Students will learn how to create texture and effects in watercolor painting.

• Create a Wooden Candle Holder with Rockler Woodworking is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4. Associates will teach students how to build a wooden candleholder, using industrial tools and techniques.

• Belgian Waffles & Trivia runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4. Students are invited to enjoy Belgian waffles while playing trivia.

VARIETY

TV Review: ‘Psych: The Movie’

By Maureen Ryan “Psych: The Movie” is exactly what I thought it would be. That is a good thing.

Why would anyone mess with the formula of a show that was successful for eight seasons? It’s been off the air for a few years, but I still miss its particular blend of pop-culture obsessiveness, camaraderie and escapism. Even more motivation to keep “Psych” essentially the way it was: A whole new generation of fans — including my teenage son — discovered it when it (temporarily) found new life on a streaming platform, thus increasing the number of fans who will come to the new movie wanting the expected array of quippy shenanigans and nothing too heavy or deep.

The show’s tone, execution and goals have not changed, which is a good thing. If nothing else, one reason to keep the “Psych” gang wrapped up in familiar, light stories is because the world needs something fun. There’s more than enough darkness around these days, on TV screens and in life.

If you’re coming to “Psych” for a challenging exploration of the grimiest corners of the human soul, well... don’t do that.

As far as the plot of the “Psych” movie goes — oh, come on. Honestly, who cares? All you need to know is that the script, by star/ producer James Roday and creator Steve Franks, knits together low-stakes action, haunted-house scares, a kidnapping plot, and a romance storyline reasonably well. It’s all just a framework to hang the usual “Psych” escapades on, and as such, the workmanlike core storylines get the job done.

The actors certainly appear to be having a good time doing the things you expect their characters to do: Gus (Dulé Hill) and Shawn (Roday) spar and squabble and rejoice in being best friends who truly get each other and love to run down hallways together. The romance between Shawn and Juliet (Maggie Lawson) keeps perking

Start the year off on a Mediterranean foot Peppers play a significant role in the Mediterranean diet, providing nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium while also giving meals a fresh boost of flavor. Long touted for its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet has piqued the interest of men and women looking to get healthy. Those who want a meal with a little Mediterranean flare can try the following recipe for “Mediterranean Beef Ragožt” from Judith Finlayson’s “The Healthy Slow Cooker (Second Edition)” (Robert Rose).

hats, confetti blast, a toast, friendship and good times. Students will also receive a free, limited edition t-shirt. Free food samples will be provided by Giordano’s, Sparkling Ice and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

• Project Serve: Thrift Store runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2. Students will volunteer at The Bridge Thrift store. Tasks include sorting, cleaning and shelving donated items.

• Watercolor Techniques with Lyndsey will be held from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3.

George Bridges/MCT

Actors Dule Hill, left, and Corbin Bernsen try to get images of U.S. athletes in short track speedskating on Saturday, February 13, 2010, during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

along, and it’s nice to see that much of the central story revolves around Lawson, who is game for any action scenario, emotional moment or silly escape plan. The premise of the show — that Shawn fakes being a psychic in order to help out the police — isn’t even relied on too heavily in this briskly paced movie, which contains homages to past “Psych” episodes and running gags.

Kirsten Nelson, Corbin Bernsen and Timothy Omundson do their dependably good jobs as various authority figures in Gus and Shawn’s orbit, and Zachary Levi turns up as a bottle-blond villain from England. The character’s accent and hair are both a little ridiculous, but, as is the case with so much of “Psych,” the goofiness is more or less intentional. Around the edges, skilled actors like Jimmi Simpson and Kurt Fuller add welcome comedic grace notes.

Exasperation is a running theme in “Psych”: Shawn frustrates many of those around him, but his lively energy makes their tolerance of his

occasional obnoxiousness understandable. Gus and Shawn correct each other’s pop-culture references and critique each other’s life choices, but Hill and Roday effortlessly convey the pair’s unabashed enthusiasm for each other. The bad guys and characters in dream sequences offer up commentaries on various dastardly plans and other events, but the “Psych” team injects the usual amount of glee into the film’s meta references.

It’s entirely possible that there are some who simply don’t get “Psych” or enjoy its loopy doings.

Its brand of zany, self-referential comedy isn’t for everyone. But those who enjoyed the USA series in the past will likely revel in more of the same in this fizzy outing, in part because the main characters actually care about each other, and the cast does a fine job of conveying that.

Speaking of pop-culture references, if USA were to make careening, enjoyably silly “Psych” movies an annual holiday affair — a la “Doctor Who” — they’d get no argument from me.

HOROSCOPES ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 You may be operating on some false information, Aries. ItÕs better to get the facts before going forward in the coming days. You may end up changing directions midweek.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you are feeling upset because someone is getting more attention than you, you may need to focus your thoughts elsewhere.

Think of what makes you special.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Your emotions may be all over the map in the coming days, Gemini. The secret is to surround yourself with people who will guide you in the right direction.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, there is a time for joking around and a time for being serious. This week you may have to lean toward the latter. Others may not share your joviality right now.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Running yourself ragged, especially early in the week, will cause all of your energy stores to fizzle out, Leo. You need to learn to pace yourself better for the long haul.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 You are always one to lend a helping hand, Virgo. But now you may need to call in some favors of your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help this week.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, think financial decisions through before acting. Patience is a friend when making important financial decisions, and it’s time to take such matters more seriously.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, try something outside of your wheelhouse in the coming days. You have a knack for teaching yourself new skills, and you are a fast learner.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/ Dec 21 Sagittarius, you might be seeking answers in the wrong places.

Refine your parameters and look in a new direction, especially if a resolution is taking awhile.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, if family life is taking over and tiring you out, shift your gears in another direction.

You need to recharge and let your other interests take over for awhile.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, words shared at work may have you worried you’ve burned some bridges. It’s not the case. Others still look to you for help and guidance and value your input.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 It’s common to make life assessments throughout the year, Pisces.

Jot down some easy changes you can make for the future.

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Section 2

7

An expert weighs in on pros cons of waiting to start a family

By Amy Cavalier

Human growth hormones might turn back the clock — at a price

By Jackson A. Thomas Dave Dix admits he had unrealistic expectations coupled with mixed results when he started taking testosterone at age 49.

“I had this idea that guys like Lance Armstrong took these drugs, and then it all became easy for them,” says Dix, now 54, a PR specialist in Austin, Texas.

“No, that’s not it at all. It gave me a little extra energy, helped me sleep a bit better, and also improved my mood. But I found that I could triple those benefits if I used the testosterone to work out and build muscle.”

Similar to using testosterone to boost bone and muscle health as well as improve sexual health, some men also turn to human growth hormones in the hopes it may keep them feeling fit and looking young.

Breaking down HGH

Human growth hormones are small proteins made by the pituitary gland that are secreted into the bloodstream, says urologist Dr. Jeremy Kaufman of Urological Associates of Bridgeport in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Although Dix says he still takes testosterone, he hasn’t taken HGH. But he warns not to overtake either because it may be counterproductive.

“I’m certainly not an expert, but

it’s just not a magic bullet,” he says, adding that using more than necessary of either could “totally defeat your original purpose.”

HGH production “rises during childhood, peaks during puberty and declines from middle age onward,” Kaufman says. “In children and adolescents, it stimulates the growth of bone and cartilage. In people of all ages, HGH boosts protein production, promotes the utilization of fat, interferes with the action of insulin and raises blood sugar levels.”

HGH is taken by an injection, while testosterone can be administered by a cream, injections, gels or patches. Urologists and endocrinologists use both hormones in andropause (male menopause treatment) and for treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women.

“The other benefits to men include increase in libido and sexual performance, increased muscle mass, decrease in fat, increased energy levels and less fatigue,” says Christopher Metzler, president of FHW Fitness in Florida, which focuses on hormone replacement.

Performance enhancers?

HGH is available as a prescription drug, but is usually meant for children and adults with HGH deficiency, Kaufman says.

Experts are on the fence about the benefits and whether men should take supplements, mainly

because not all HGH uses are approved by the FDA. Some guys use the hormone, along with other performance-enhancing drugs, to build up muscle and improve their athletic performance. But some research has shown that HGH’s effect on athletes isn’t known.

“Although it appears that human growth hormones can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults, the increase in muscle has not been shown to translate into increased strength,” Kaufman says. “This unfortunately does not stop many athletes from using it.”

HGH also might cause carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the arms and legs, joint and muscle pain and enlargement of breast tissue in men, he says.

Because the body’s HGH levels naturally decrease with age, some experts have speculated that HGH products might reverse age-related body deterioration. But such claims are unproven, as research shows using HGH for anti-aging is not entirely FDA-approved.

Metzler says although HGH is directly related to aging, the hormones aren’t a catchall for reversing it.

“As we age, the HGH levels go down,” Metzler says. “Body changes occur because of this.

Wrinkling of the skin, low energy, fat accumulation and sexual drive can all be part of low HGH levels.”

Devices can affect your family’s health

By Karen Marley How much time do you spend on your phone?

According to Flurry Analytics, makers of a tool that tracks user data, the answer for the average American is five hours a day. Do the math. That comes to just over 75 days per year that we are glued to our personal screens.

A deeper look into the data reveals that 50 percent of that time is spent on social, messaging, media and entertainment applications. And the lines between categories continue to blur. Sites like Snapchat provide a space for people to communicate for the sole purpose of entertainment.

Findings such as these and the implications concern people like Dr. Jerid Fisher, PhD, ABN, a forensic neural psychologist and Teisha Maldonado, a school social worker at Irondequoit Central School District.

“Inventors have tapped into an element of human addiction that is as serious as smoking or drinking,” Fisher says.

“Kids have a really hard time disconnecting,” Maldonado says.

“This has a direct impact on their everyday life.”

Social costs

Fisher believes such extreme levels of dedicated interaction with an electronic device have definitive consequences on society and individuals.

For starters, we have come to expect immediate gratification without any sense of pausing and delaying. The simple act of sending a text is one example. Typically, when you send a text you expect an immediate response.

Your interpretation of not receiving that response leads to assumptions about your own self-worth or the other individual. These are toxic thoughts.

An impatient society has another cost: increased narcissism.

Fisher says with more emphasis on self, you are prone to feeling irritable, angry or depressed if you don’t receive responses in the form of texts, likes or shares.

You feel isolated.

“Delay is good for brain development,” Fisher says. “We are depriving a generation from learning delayed gratification, and it is leading to increased anxiety and impatience. There is a higher incidence of depression and anxiety for those who are on social media all the time. People are more vulnerable to mood disorders due to that isolation.”

Today’s children are vulnerable in other ways.

“Many school conflicts that I see are connected to social media,” says Maldonado. “It used to be that if a child had a problem at school they could get away from it at home. They could be part of an activity outside of school that offered respite. But today, students know what’s going on

with everyone at a county-wide level. There is no escape.”

Why do we do it?

Fisher points out that constantly interacting with your device is an addiction. There is a positive reinforcement to constantly checking your social profiles, inbox and messaging apps. You can post that you just had a glass of lemonade.

You get 15 likes. Those likes are validation and they feel good.

“Descartes said ‘Cognito ergo sum,’ I think therefore I am,” says Fisher. “The modern version is, ‘I post therefore I am.’”

Ultimately, your judgement is impaired by the immediate need to be connected and engaged.

“Your device fills the void of loneliness, but the irony is that it makes you more alone,” Fisher says. To avoid this, Maldonado has some advice: “Parents are giving kids a smart phone at young ages. I recommend keeping your kids off social media for as long as possible.”

Lisa VerWeire didn’t plan to become a mother in her early 40s. It’s just the path life led her down.

“Everyone hopes to wait until the perfect time, but there is no perfect time,” says VerWeire, a Rochester mother.

After falling in love with the man she wanted to marry, the couple began trying for their family.

“My clock wasn’t just tick-ing anymore,” she says.

“It was gonging at that point. We were committed to each other and I knew he would be a good dad, so we figured we ought to get on the train before it left the station.”

VerWeire is not alone. Statistically speaking, more women are waiting to start families. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found more women ages 30 to 34 had babies than women ages 25 to 29, an age demographic which has had the highest birth rate for the past three decades.

“I’m not an expert as to why people have children when they do, but that seems to be the narrative — that people are taking time to finish degrees and get settled into jobs,” says Dr. Loralei Thornburg, director of maternal/fetal medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Delaying childbearing is something that comes with that.”

In 1970, the average age for women to have babies was 21. By 2006, it was 25. And now many women are waiting until their 30s and 40s to start a family.

“Some of it has to do with women making decisions to be in the workforce,” Thornburg says.

“People are waiting until they get married, until they’re more financially stable.”

Preparing for pregnancy

Waiting until you’re older to start a family is largely safe, but the fertility rate does decline as women age, while the risk of complications increases.

“Some women who decide to get pregnant later in life may find they need assistance getting pregnant,” Thornburg says.

With age comes a greater chance of developing diseases like higher blood pressure and diabetes or struggling with auto-immune disorders or other underlying health conditions, which can create challenges for women looking to get pregnant. An OB-GYN specialist in high-risk pregnancies, such as Thornburg, can work to adjust medications or optimize disease control to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible.

“Certainly as our eggs get older, the risks of having an extra chromosome increase, and so women who are having babies, especially in their 40s, may elect for additional screening,” Thornburg says.

While no woman is immune to the possibility of birth defects, those who wait until they are older to conceive also have a higher chance of developing high blood pressure or gestational diabetes during their pregnancy and may even be at higher risk of

miscarrying, she adds. The most important thing women can do is to plan their pregnancy in order to ensure they are in the best possible health.

“Sometimes it can be as simple as going in for a check-up, taking prenatal vitamins or making sure you’re up to date on shots and vaccinations,” Thornburg says.

Transition to motherhood

Being an older mother can mean more financial, career and emotional stability.

“I think that women who come to see me in their 40s are often the best informed, researched and planned as far as their pregnancy, and one of the keys to having a healthy pregnancy is planning,” Thornburg says. “Planned babies are healthy babies.”

Along with the statistics showing more women are delaying pregnancy until they are older, the size of the American family is also shrinking. In 1976, the percentage of mothers with four or more children was 40 percent. In 2014, the percentage of women with four children was 14 percent, and the percentage of those with two children was 41 percent.

Delaying pregnancy until your 40s can mean having retired parents who can provide assistance with childcare. Conversely, Dr. Thornburg says, a woman whose parents were older when they had her, and who waited to have children herself, may wind up caring for both their children and their parents.

Although VerWeire says she didn’t have many peers her age just starting a family, there were some advantages to being an older parent.

“Life has been such an amazing journey and through the years I have acquired numerous and various skills with which to navigate motherhood,” she says. “I’m grateful for that. Our son is our sunshine and life is good.”

Experts weigh in on oil pulling benefits

By Jackson A. Thomas It lasted just a little longer than a week. Three years ago for 10 days, Jennifer Beckinsale woke up each morning, poured a tablespoon of coconut oil into her mouth and swished it around for 20 minutes.

“Oil pulling was catching on like wildfire back in 2014, with people talking about a wide range of benefits from improved skin to whiter teeth,” says Beckinsale, 34, a Chicago-area graphic designer and blogger. “In reality, oil pulling has been around for quite some time, so it seemed like maybe there was some legitimacy to people’s claims.”

Beckinsale learned about oil pulling from a fellow blogger, who asked her to do a 10-day challenge with her. “I figured, why not?” she says.

And it worked — at least to some extent, Beckinsale says. “As far as benefits go, I did notice that my teeth were slightly whiter,” around day five. Also, the more than 20 allergies Beckinsale has (including nickel, polyester, tree pollen, cats and dogs), and her contact dermatitis — a form of eczema — seemed to clear up.

Although it might not be the most pleasant experience at first, some evidence shows that this ancient dental practice should be embraced. But many experts argue against the claims that it’s a worthwhile practice for whiter and brighter teeth, healthier gums and better-smelling breath.

Behind the swishing

Oil pulling began in India as a natural, holistic healing practice falling under the practice of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a system of medicine developed 3,000 to 5,000 years ago, says Dr. Gigi Meinecke of the Academy of General Dentistry, who has a private dental practice in Potomac, Maryland.

“Sunflower and sesame oils were some of the first oils used,” she says. “The Ayurvedic practitioners believed oil pulling had both oral and systemic benefits ranging from curing headache,

asthma, diabetes, bleeding gums, tooth decay, bad breath, dry lips and even straightening teeth.”

Ayurvedic literature calls the technique by two names: “Gandusha” or “Kavala Graha,” and it advises using a vegetable oil, such as sesame. “The practice is recommended to be performed daily and on an empty stomach,” Meinecke says. “The Ayurvedic theory is that this process will attract and pull other fat-soluble toxins from the surfaces of the oral cavity.”

Some advocates have claimed swishing around any type of oil in the mouth daily may whiten teeth, reduce bacteria, boost gum and jaw health, improve the skin and clear sinuses.

“Oil pulling is a great oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes,” says Dr. David Friedman, a naturopathy physician and nutritionist in Wilmington, North Carolina. “Bacteria and acid can hide along the gums, between the teeth and in crevices of the mouth.

And this technique literally pulls out unwanted bacteria and fungi.

It also helps prevent tooth decay and combats bad breath.”

Because oil pulling can remove bacteria that cause bad breath, it may also be used in place of mouthwash, Friedman says, for those who want to go a more natural route for their oral hygiene.

“Mouthwash is actually counterproductive,” he says. “Most mouthwashes contain alcohol.

While this ingredient does kill germs that cause bad breath, it can dry out the mouth, creating a breeding ground for even more

bacteria to form.”

There’s plenty of interest in oil pulling because of the many claims of curing ailments, removing toxins and curing cavities, says Dr. Corbin Brady, a dentist in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The only benefits that can be verified, however, are the antibacterial properties of fatty acids like linoleic acid and lauric acid” that are in coconut oil, Brady says.

According to the American Dental Association, currently “there are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and wellbeing.” Based on the lack of scientific evidence, the ADA “does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.”

Meinecke, Friedman and Brady all agree that oil pulling shouldn’t fill in for brushing and flossing.

“It’s a complementary addition to your oral hygiene routine,” Friedman says. “Oil pulling can be a great adjunct to a holistic, healthy lifestyle.”

According to Meinecke, common sense should dictate restrictions. “Anyone who is either too young or incapable of holding oil in their mouth without swallowing it is not a candidate for this practice,” she says, adding that people who have shortness of breath or shallow breathing shouldn’t attempt oil pulling.

Push and pull

Beckinsale gave up her oilpulling routine and hasn’t returned to it since those 10 days in 2014.

“The major drawback is that it’s See OIL PULLING, Page 8

8 Section 2

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Regional News • The Reporter

Photos by Waldemar Reichert

From left: Smith Crossing resident Don Walters gets to know other residents over dinner. Ruth Watson immediately joined the resident choir when she moved to Smith Crossing. Smith Village resident Pat McQuillan invites grandchildren to participate in book discussions and other events.

Smith Senior Living provides engaging lifestyle designed to diminish isolation Ruth Watson moved to Smith Crossing in Orland Park last August and immediately joined the life plan community’s resident choral group. “I went to a rehearsal the night after I moved in,” said the former Tinley Park resident who for 30 years sang with the choir at Flossmoor Community Church.

At a November 2017 concert, Watson stood before a packed Smith Crossing Community Hall, as her three children and their families listened. “My family was happy to hear me singing again,” she said. “Before I moved here, they worried I was alone too much after my husband passed away.

I think they could see, I’m very happy here.”

Watson still drives and socializes with her former neighbors, lifelong friends and members of her church, but her choice to move to Smith Crossing points to one of the most significant benefits of living in a life plan community.

Having a buffer against isolation is essential for everyone, according to Kay Thurn, who recently was elected chairman of the board for Smith Senior Living, sponsor of Smith Crossing and Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly Morgan Park neighborhood.

“Older adults face many challenges younger people do not,” said Thurn, a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Hinsdale. “For some, retirement results in less contact

Oil pulling

Continued from Page 7 anything but convenient,” she says.

“I would recommend it to people who want their teeth a little whiter but are allergic or sensitive to the usual whitening methods.”

If you want to give it a try, the actual process is rather simple. “You stick a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish it around, then spit it out,” Beckinsale says. “I’ll admit it doesn’t taste great. It has a very mild taste and pretty much just tastes like fat. I pur-chased the oil at a local grocery store. It was about $7 for a big jar.”

Having oil in your mouth for that length of time can be quite the workout on the jaw, too, she says. “I’m rarely quietly sitting around for 20 minutes, so I had to figure out the right time to do this every day, which ended up being in the shower,” Beckinsale says.

Remember not to spit the oil into your sink or shower drain when you’re done because it’s fat, after all, and will harden when it cools down, possibly damaging the drains.

Friedman says you should also try to go organic when buying oils.

“The last thing you want to do is to put more chemicals and impurities into your mouth,” he says.

“People can do oil pulling daily. I personally do it every other day.”

Dr. Jeff Dalin, a St. Louis dentist, doesn’t see any harm in people partaking in oil pulling if they desire to. He also concurs that daily brushing and flossing must take precedent over it.

“If they feel their teeth look and feel better, as long as they are still performing regular brushing along with it, then I place the decision to use oil pulling in their own hands,” Dalin says.

with people. Also, as we age, our friends pass away. Spouses pass on. Many seniors struggle with health challenges that keep them from getting out and doing the things they once enjoyed. But even when seniors are very fit, isolation can pose a real challenge for some.

It can leave them vulnerable to depression and chronic illness.”

“We can learn about ways to minimize isolation from seniors who choose life plan communities like Smith Village and Smith Crossing,” said Thurn, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing and a doctorate in psychology. “Their lifestyle offers distinct psychological and health advantages over living alone at home.” .

Smith Crossing and Smith Village bring residents together in a variety of ways—through engaging activities, field trips, volunteer opportunities and onsite entertainment. “Residents can participate as much or as little as they want.

What’s most beneficial, however, is they have many opportunities throughout the day to be with people,” Thurn said.

Smith communities also provide onsite movie theaters, wellness centers and spas, libraries and plenty of common spaces suited for playing games and socializing.

In many instances, family members and friends are encouraged to participate in activities.

Smith Village resident Pat

McQuillan, a retired high school teacher, joined the women’s book club soon after moving from her home in Alsip in January 2017.

The group invited her grandson, Finn McGee, to join the discussion of The One and Only Ivan, a book about a gorilla forced to live in a shopping mall. Other grandchildren have attended family events, including an Easter egg coloring party with Smitty, the resident therapy rabbit.

Both Smith communities offer meals prepared by executive chefs. By reserving private dining rooms, residents host family dinners, something they may not have felt up to doing while living alone.

In June 2017, Don Walters moved to Smith Crossing from the Green Castle subdivision nearby.

Almost immediately he joined the men’s book club. As he began attending resident council meetings and concerts, he started making new friends. He also began inviting his three children and their families for dinner.

Dinner in the main dining room on each campus offers a daily opportunity for Walters and other residents to socialize and learn more about each other.

A retired bank officer, Walters makes a practice of wearing a nametag issued to new residents, “to help people get to know me better,” the Peotone native said.

He especially appreciates the opportunity to talk with new people

over evening meals. “Here, I’m much more socially involved,” said Walters. “I’ve met more people in the last five months than I have in the last five years!

I find the people here very nice and interesting.”

Smith residents and their loved ones also appreciate the added security of daily well-being checks.

Each morning, residents press check-in buttons located in their apartments. Those who haven’t checked in by an appointed time are telephoned by a receptionist to make certain all is well. If there’s no response, staff knock on the resident’s apartment door and summon aid if needed.

About Smith Senior Living

Smith Senior Living, a notfor-profit organization serving older adults, sponsors two life plan communities located in the Southwest sector of Metropolitan Chicago: Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and Smith Crossing in Orland Park, Ill. An innovative leader providing the finest services and care for seniors, Smith established its first community in 1924, on the same city block where Smith Village Kay Thurn, chairman of the board of trustees for Smith Senior Living, says living in a life plan community gives seniors the health and psychological stands today. benefits of regular contact with others.

Both LPCs provide spacious independent living residences, programs for residents and others help seniors enjoy their retireand apartments for assisted liv- who have had surgery or a medi- ment, contact Smith Crossing at 708-326-2308 or SmithCrossing. ing, as well as memory support cal incident.

For more information about org, and Smith Village at 773-474and skilled nursing care. In addition, they offer short-term rehab how Smith Senior Living can 7303 or SmithVillage.org.