Reporter 12 31 15 by Southwest Regional Publishing

IN SPORTS:

The top local stories and photos of 2015

Happy New Year!

REPORTER

THE

Volume LVI, No. 41

USPS 118-690

$1 Newstand

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

2 SECTIONS 18 PAGES

Thursday, December 31, 2015

OAK LAWN FIREFIGHTER INVESTIGATED

Hearing set for on-duty phone sex allegation By Dermot Connolly An Oak Lawn firefighter who is being investigated for possibly engaging in on-duty phone sex is going to be called to testify at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 7 at a firehouse in the village. Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deetjen said on Tuesday that Fire Chief George Sheets undertook the investigation after a financial review by an outside firm called in by the Oak Lawn Firefighters Union “substantiated reports that there was a misuse of large sums of money” by an individual over the past year. Deetjen said the money in question came from union dues. The investigation came to light at a Dec. 17 hearing in Bridgeview Courthouse on a petition for an emergency restraining order that firefighter Robert Lanz had filed. Lanz, a former head of the firefighters union, is being investigated for possible on-duty phone sex, officials revealed in court. The village manager said Lanz, whom he did not refer to by name, filed the petition for the emer-

Holiday greetings for Navy recruits A Navy recruit (above) is welcomed upon her arrival at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot, Worth, for a Christmas Day dinner, compliments of the post. Twenty-six recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base arrived by bus and were escorted to the post for the meal. Right: Worth resident Jacob Delgadilo, 9, waves the American flag to welcome the recruits as they arrived at the American Legion post. Photos by Steve Neuhaus

gency restraining order, which a judge rejected on Dec. 17, after Sheets asked him to produce his credit card and cellphone records in order to get to the bottom of the discrepancies. Sheets originally had planned to interrogate Lanz on Dec. 18 but Lanz’s attorney, Patrick Walsh, argued at the hearing that Lanz was given less than two weeks to schedule the interview date, and his union representation would not have been available. According to published reports, the village manager said in a sworn statement referenced at the Dec. 17 hearing that many of the unsubstantiated charges “were for services provided by two businesses” that he later learned “provide phone sex services.” In court on Dec. 17, Walsh argued that Lanz was given less than two weeks to schedule the interview date and that his union representation wouldn’t be available by the deadline. Walsh also argued that there was no precedent to compel Lanz to turn over the credit card and See FIREFIGHTER, Page 5

Man charged in robbery of Evergreen Park bank By Dermot Connolly A man suspected of robbing the First National Bank of Evergreen Park on Dec. 11 was caught after dropping his cellphone and papers with his name on them as he fled the bank at 3960 W. 95th St. Kenneth A. Holeman, 53, who was on probation for a 2009 bank robbery in Oak Brook already, was arrested without incident by Chicago Police on Dec. 14

near 69th Street and Marshfield Avenue in Chicago, where he was working on a car. Holeman walked up to a teller window at the Evergreen Park bank about 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 11, and ordered the teller to “give me all the f---money,” according to a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The FBI said another teller and the bank’s armed security guard were behind

the counter and overheard what Holeman said. The security guard told the tellers to comply with his demand. According to the complaint, Holeman escaped after putting approximately $1,820 in a bag. But he left behind a ski mask and several sheets of paper he had used to cover his face, including a forfeiture notice from the Cook County state’s attorney’s office that included his name and address in the 8100 block of

South Honore Avenue in Chicago. The bank security guard then jumped over the counter and chased him, warning him to stop or he would shoot. Following him outside, the security guard fired one shot into the air, which startled Holeman, causing him to drop his cellphone, according to the FBI. He continued chasing the robber across Pulaski Road to the Jewel-Osco parking lot at 9424 S. Pulaski, where he

It was a stormy year on so many fronts

By Dermot Connolly

See ELECTION, Page 7

See ROBBERY, Page 5

TOP LOCAL STORIES OF 2015

Holiday season making way for primary election Now that the holiday season is nearly wrapped up, the election season is about to kick into high gear, with the March 15 primary election approaching quickly. Early voting begins Feb. 4 and will continue through March 14. Of course, the presidential election is garnering the most attention now. But by the time Illinoisans go to the polls, the large field of candidates, especially on the Republican side, will likely be winnowed down following the Iowa caucus on Feb. 1, the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 9, and Super Tuesday on March 1, when 12 states go to the polls. But many voters are inclined to forget that other races will also be decided on March 15. Dec. 21 was the deadline for candidates to submit their election petitions to be placed on ballots, and while some

told investigators that Holeman got into a silver Pontiac Grand Prix and drove away. The guard fired at the back tires as he fled north on Pulaski. An off-duty Evergreen Park police officer then reportedly observed Holeman’s car speeding through a red light at the intersection of 87th Street and Pulaski Road, almost causing an accident. The

By Joe Boyle

A Renaissance Christmas

Photo by Joe Boyle

The Elizabethan Holiday Concert was held Dec. 21 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. The Elizabethans sang, danced and played instruments during the concert that brought back the sounds and images of the Queen Elizabeth I era in England dating back to the 1500s. More photos: Page 4.

Southwest suburban residents weathered a series of storms that blew through 2015. But while the year featured plenty of chaos and friction, there were some highlights that showed the better side of the human spirit. The year was dominated by the state budget impasse in Springfield. And as we enter 2016, there seems to be no sense of urgency among the key figures to end this stalemate.

1) The state budget impasse

This is the top story of the year because the grudge match between the new Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd) has so many ramifications. The new governor essentially wants reform but will not discuss higher taxes or other proposals unless until unions lessen their grip on the workforce. See TOP STORIES, Page 7

2 The Reporter

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Worth man charged with theft in alleged house rental scheme Ayham S. Alhouri, 18, of Worth, was arrested and charged with theft last week after allegedly renting out a vacant Plainfield house that he did not own. The victim told Plainfield police that on Dec. 8, he responded to an ad for a property available to rent in the 14900 block of Morgan Lane in Plainfield. Police said the victim identified Alhourani as the person who showed the house that day, and then met the victim later in Oak Lawn, where he accepted a $3,600 security deposit. According to a published report, Detective Sgt. Kevin McQuaid said that when the victim

POLICE REPORTS

tried to move into the house, the key he had been given did not work. He then was notified that the property was newly built, and the builder was in the process of selling it to someone else, not Alhourani. The victim then alerted police when he found the same ad with a different phone number on Dec. 22. Undercover officers then met with Alhourani at the house on Morgan Lane and arrested him, according to Plainfield police. Alhourani, of the 11100 block of Southwest Highway, was being held in the Will County Jail.

Chicago Ridge Retail theft charges • Sherri A. Wright, 43, of the 5700 block of West Circle Drive, Oak Lawn, was charged with retail theft at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 23 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said Wright was detained by store security officers, who reported seeing her leave with merchandise worth $174 concealed in her clothing. She is due in court on Jan. 29. • Traci L. Miliauskas-Varak, 40, of the 6300 block of West Washington Street, Chicago Ridge, was charged with retail theft on Dec. 23 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said she was detained outside the store by security guards who saw her leave with clothing worth $176. She is due in court on Jan. 29. • Tamika L. Smith, 36, of the 2700 block of South Colfax Avenue, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said she was detained after leaving the store with clothing valued at $609. She is due in court on Jan. 29. • Anageli Saucedo, 39, of the 2700 block of South Troy Avenue, was charged with retail theft at 3 p.m. Dec. 23 in the Victoria’s Secret store in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said she was stopped outside with perfume products worth $166 that she had not paid for. Saucedo is due in court on Feb. 11.

White warns against drunk driving Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminds motorists who are celebrating during the holiday to be sure to drive safely and don’t drink and drive. “Drunk driving causes death and injury on our roadways every year during the holidays,” White said. “Let’s keep the roads safe for our loved ones and others by driving sober.” In 2014, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, there were seven driving fatalities, three (42 percent) of which were alcohol-

THE

related in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Five of the 10 fatalities were alcohol-related from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, according to IDOT. Ninety-three percent of all drivers arrested for DUI lost their driving privileges, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Eighty-six percent of all drivers arrested for DUI are first-time offenders, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

REPORTER

Chicago Ridge / Evergreen Park / Hickory Hills Oak Lawn / Palos Hills / Worth Publisher Amy Richards Editor Joe Boyle Sports Editor Jeff Vorva Advertising Sales Val Draus

Driver without license Erdal Krupa, 41, of the 3100 block of Lee Street, Franklin Park, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 12:50 p.m. Saturday on Chicago Ridge Mall Drive. Police said he was also cited for failure to signal. He is due in court on Jan. 29.

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• Christina Gonzalez, 19, of the 5300 block of South 74th Avenue, Summit, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:36 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she was also cited for speeding. She is due in court on Feb. 18.

Arrest on outstanding warrants • Kenneth J. Lascola, 29, was arrested on two outstanding warrants at his home of the 8500 block of West 95th Street at 1:58 a.m. Sunday. Police were called

to the scene by a resident of the building, who said Lascola was inside. The warrants included one from Alsip for aggravated assault that was issued in September, and another from DuPage County for failure to appear in court on a charge of possession of drug equipment. He was turned over to Alsip police.

Oak Lawn Cars burglarized • A bottle of 55 prescription Klonopin pills, along with 30 CDs and other items were reported stolen out of an unlocked car between 8 and 8:45 p.m. Dec. 21 in the 4700 block of West 106th Street. The owner said that when she returned to the vehicle, the inside lights were on and the driver’s door was open. Other missing items included two pillows and two tapestries. • A pack of cigarettes and about $3 in loose change were reported stolen from a pick-up truck that was left unlocked between 10:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 5:30 a.m. the next day in the 10800 block of South Komensky Avenue.

Attempted burglary is discovered The attempted burglary of a home in the 9600 block of South Marion Avenue was discovered at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 17. The homeowner told police that sometime after 3 a.m. someone tampered with three windows on his house. A screen removed from one was found discarded in the yard, and attempts had been made to lift the glass storm window on that and two others. No entry was made to the house.

License charges • James Bonfiglio, 42, of the 1800 block of South 49th Avenue, Cicero, was charged with driving on a suspended license and no insurance when he was stopped at 10:20 a.m. Dec. 21 at 105th Street and Cicero Avenue. He was also cited for using an electronic device while driving and failure to surrender his driver’s license. He is due in court on Jan. 13. • Larry Baker, 27, of the 2100 block of Roosevelt Road, Broadview, was charged with possession of cannabis and driving without a license when he was stopped at 3:10 a.m. Dec. 21, in the 10100 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said a bag containing 3.5 grams of marijuana was found in the car. He was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. Baker is due in court on Jan. 13.

DUI charges • Jeffrey T. Golden, 26, of the 5100 block of South Mayfield Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 1:16 a.m. Dec. 20, at 87th Street and Pulaski Road. Police said he refused all tests. He was also cited for speeding and failure to signal when required. He is due in court on Jan. 7. • Kyle Hendrickson, 20, of the 8500 block of South Sayre Avenue, Burbank, was charged with DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia following a twocar collision at 2:31 a.m. Dec. 20 at 95th Street and 52nd Avenue. Police said his car struck another vehicle from behind. No injuries were reported. A pipe used to smoke marijuana was found in the car. He registered .172 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. Hendrickson, who was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, is due in court on Jan. 7.

Palos Hills Harassment report Police responded to a report of harassment by electronic communication at 7 p.m. last Friday in the 10200 block of South 86th Avenue. The victim, a Chicago Public Schools teacher, reported that a student had been sending her text messages, threatening to kill her. Police said the parents of the juvenile have been notified, as well as Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department.

Wire reported stolen Several spools of wire were reported stolen in a burglary of a home in the 9900 block of South 87th Avenue, between Dec. 18 and Dec. 22. The victim said that when he returned on Dec. 22, the wire was the only thing missing. Police said there were no signs of forced entry.

Fraud charges are reported A Palos Hills resident reported being a victim of fraud on Dec. 22. The victim told police that on Dec 21, officials from TCF Bank reported suspicious activity on her bank account. She said four charges at two stores that totaled more than $800 had been made against the account. At 6 p.m. on Dec. 22, police said another resident reported a case of credit card fraud. The victim said a total of $403.72 had been charged to his account at four stores and restaurants.

Vandalism incidents are reported • The driver’s side mirror was broken off a car parked in the 8900 block of West 99th Street about 2 a.m. Dec. 23. The victim said that immediately after hearing a noise, he went to investigate and found the damage. No one was seen in the vicinity. • The driver’s side headlight was broken on a 2007 Toyota while the vehicle was parked in a lot outside Walgreens, 11053 Southwest Highway, on Dec. 22. The victim told police he parked the car there at 3:30 p.m., and discovered the damage when he returned about 7 p.m.

Worth

Domestic battery Ibrahim Shaker, 37, of the 7400 block of West 111th Street, Worth, was charged with domestic battery for allegedly grabbing his wife by the arms and forcefully squeezing them during an argument in their home at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Police said bruises were evident on the woman, who left the residence and came to the police station with relatives to report the incident. Shaker was held for a bond hearing the following day.

Cannabis found in car

Jesus G. Vazquez, 21, of the 11600 block of South Troy Avenue, Merrionette Park, was charged with possession of cannabis following a traffic stop at 8:10 a.m. Dec. 20 in the 7500 block of West 111th Street. Police said 14 grams of marijuana were found in the car. Vazquez was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. He is due in court on Jan. 22. Police report information is provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in court.

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

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

Moraine Valley offering concealed carry classes Illinois residents looking to obtain a concealed carry permit must complete 16 hours of training re-

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quired by the Illinois State Police. Moraine Valley Community College has several class offerings to earn the permit, which includes a firearm qualification with a minimum score of 70 percent.

Classes are on the main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Feb. 5-6, March 11-12, and April 15-16. The class also will

be offered at the Blue Island Education Center, 12940 S. Western Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 22-23, and at the Southwest Education Center, 17900 S. 94th Ave., Tinley Park, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 6-7. The fee to enroll is $249. The curriculum covers cleaning, loading and unloading a concealable firearm, and all applicable state and federal laws relating to ownership, storage, carry, and transportation of a firearm. Required for entry into the class is a valid Firearm Owner Identification Card (FOID), a concealable type firearm (handgun) and 100 rounds of ammunition. Note that firearms or live ammunition are not allowed on the Moraine Valley campus or in classrooms. These items must remain at home on Fridays. Participants will bring them to the range, Rink’s Gun and Sport Shop, 14363 S. Archer Ave., Lockport, on Saturdays. For more information, call (708) 974-5216. Register in the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room 103. Registration will also be offered by calling (708) 974-2100 or visit online at morainevalley.edu.

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Secretary of State offices are closed New Year’s Day All Secretary of State offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. Monday through Friday driver service facilities will be open for business Monday, Jan. 4, and Tuesday through Saturday facilities will open Saturday, 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.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Reporter

2015 leaves us with noise, selfies, drones

nother year has passed and another one will arrive at midnight. The year 2015 will make way for 2016. And what does that really mean? Well, 12 months have passed, and in that time a lot has happened. But trying to recall all it can be difficult. Yes, I can remember the endless shootings that have resulted in needless deaths. That makes up most of the major headlines during the year. It was a year of storms, politically and due to the weather. A lot of people seemed angry, or at least they gave the impression they were. With smartphones, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc., we can be in constant communication with someone. That means a lot of people were sounding off about how “Black Lives Matter,” “All Lives Matter” and “16 shots.” Of course, people also commented on Charlie Sheen, Steve Harvey and Adele. Joe Of course, there is also Kim KarBoyle dashian. Her contribution to society is to continue sending out photos of herself. Kardashian not only posted photos of her face but her backside as well. Welcome to 2015, where people can shout, tweet their indignations and also provide us with plenty of narcissism. During the course of the year, strange occurrences happen. Let’s take the weather, for instance. For the past month up until Monday, we had not seen any snow. We did have a minor snowstorm before Thanksgiving that resulted in about six inches of the white stuff in the southwest suburbs. But that quickly melted and the temperatures have been in the 40’s and 50’s throughout much of December. The mild temperatures were welcome, but they were accompanied by dark clouds that seemingly would cross the sky at a rapid pace. That would result in some heavy rain or mist. It was not a White Christmas, but the weather was eerie. The cold weather took a vacation in December, along with the sun. Most of the East Coast also has had mild temperatures. Buffalo, which usually has snowstorms in November, just recently had its first snow. But the weather has played havoc in Texas and Oklahoma. Major tornadoes have ravaged parts of Texas near Dallas. I was flipping through channels with my remote Saturday afternoon and paused for a few minutes to watch the Sun Bowl, which was played in El Paso, Texas. There was no sun to be found. Snow was falling heavily throughout the game. It was a strange sight. If you turn back the clock to last January, we were dealing with a near record-breaking cold wave. Temperatures were below zero for most of the month. As for spring, it never really arrived. The cold winter was followed by some spring snow, rain and more rain. And it was cold. Temperatures seemed to get better in July and the fall had warmer-than-usual temperatures. Perhaps we will be jolted by more cold temperatures in January. The temperatures were mostly mild in December 2014. So, I guess we’ll just have to see. In most of these year-in-review stories, notable obituaries often are mentioned. On one hand it seems a little morbid, but we are interested to recall the famous people who have left us. When the subject is brought up at the end of the year, I can’t really remember. The most recent names come to mind. I heard that Meadowlark Lemon, the clown prince for the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team for years, died Sunday. I haven’t followed the Harlem Globetrotters much lately but I knew that Lemon was long retired. Dave Henderson, a stylish slugging outfielder for the Oakland A’s and Boston Red Sox, died Sunday at age 57. Many of the names of those who passed during the year escape me, and I have to look them up. The list includes actors Omar Shariff, Marjorie Lord, Robert Loggia, Leonard Nimoy, Maureen O’Hara, Anne Meara, Rod Taylor and Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Scott Weiland, frontman for the Temple Pilots, also died in 2015. He was joined by country singer Lynn Anderson, who sang “Rose Garden.” ESPN anchor Stuart Scott succumbed to cancer. The woman once known as Cynthia Lennon also died. She was John Lennon’s first wife. In the athletes category, in addition to Lemon and Henderson, Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and White Sox legend Minnie Minoso also died in 2015. And we can’t forget New York Yankees great Yogi Berra. As the year comes to an end, we are apparently being invaded by drones. With little regulation over the use of them, these flying contraptions have been falling out of the sky of late, almost injuring a skier, and dropping on a jogger. Two tourists were detained after flying a drone over the Vatican recently. So, be careful out there. Have a safe and Happy New Year. Joe Boyle is the editor of The Reporter. He can be reached at therepoter@comcast.net.

Photo by Steve Neuhaus

Navy recruits contact relatives

Great Lakes Navy recruits get settled after arriving at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth for a Christmas Day meal. Before dinner, the recruits were allowed to call or send emails home.

New year, new laws Illinois will see more than 200 new laws go into effect on Jan. 1 By Bob Bong More than 200 new laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, covering a gamut of subjects from powdered alcohol to hunting bobcats. Here is a quick rundown of the more interesting ones:

Powdered alcohol ban Illinois becomes the latest state to ban the use of powdered alcohol (called palcohol) even though it has been approved by the federal government. Supporters of the ban said it would be way too easy to spike someone’s drink using the powder.

Powdered caff ine restrictions

Unlike powdered alcohol, this isn’t a complete ban – it’s restricted only for people under 18 years old. The law was passed after the death of an Ohio high school athlete due to a possible overdose.

Official state pie Illinois has a state bird, state vegetable, state fossil and now a state pie. Pumpkin pie got the nod from lawmakers because Illinois is the top pumpkin growing state in the country. About 85 percent of the pumpkin eaten in the U.S. comes from Illinois.

New license for drunken drivers It used to be that motorists would lose their driving privileges forever after four DUI convictions. The new law allows for a restricted license if the person can prove being sober for three years and having no license for five years. There are about 5,000 four-time offenders in Illinois.

Divorce law overhaul There will be only one ground for divorce – irreconcilable difference. Gone are other grounds including adultery, physical cruelty or mental cruelty. Concepts like “child custody” and “visitation” are getting the boot, too. Now judges will allocate “parenting responsibilities.”

Leaving pets outside in extreme weather Pet lovers persuaded lawmakers to impose fines on residents who leave their pets outdoors during very hot or cold weather conditions. Fines range as high as $2,500 and violations can mean a year in prison.

Stock photos

The new year brings changes to laws involving bobcats, powered alcohol, pumpkin pie and drunk driving.

Experimental drugs OK’d

arrested if you call 911.

Terminally ill patients will have the right to try experimental drugs once they’ve exhausted all other treatment options. Proponents say it will give patients another chance. Medical experts said it was a risky proposal.

Bobcat hunting

Silver Alert for adults who go missing Illinois will now have a Silver Alert system to help find missing adults with Alzheimer’s and similar conditions. It will work much like the Amber Alert system for missing children.

Hunters can now go after bobcats in Illinois. The formerly endangered species has now reached safer numbers, and supporters of the law argue hunting will keep the population under control. Since bobcats aren’t eaten, opponents say they’ll be hunted for trophies and bragging rights. Hunting of bobcats was banned in 1972. You will be able to hunt the critters from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Underage drinking

The monitors will be required in all schools starting in 2016.

Illinois still prohibits underage drinking, but if you are under 21 and drinking and you or a friend needs medical assistance, you will not be

You can check out all 237 of the new laws at IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com.

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Elizabethan Holiday Concert a stylish good time The Elizabethan Holiday Concert brought back the style and sounds of the holiday season as they were during the days of Queen Elizabeth I in England, in the Renaissance era that dates back to the 1500s. The holiday concert was held Dec. 21 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. The singers, many of whom also played instru-

ments, were dressed in elaborate gowns designed in the style of those worn by Queen Elizabeth I in her youth. Queen Elizabeth I was queen of England from Nov. 17, 1558 until her death on March 24, 1603. The singers performed a variety of songs and carols of the Renaissance period. They also performed a variety of

Elizabethan singers perform an up-tempo number during the holiday concert.

songs depicting other periods, including a Polish carol. The Elizabethans also danced and sang a song about a holiday feast that included boar’s head, a main symbol of the Madrigal Dinner. The Elizabethans would begin celebrating the holiday season on Dec. 24, which was the beginning of the 12 Days of Christmas.

The Elizabethan singers also performed dance steps during the concert.

A member of the Elizabethans displays a symbol of a Renaissance holiday meal, boar’s head.

Photos by Joe Boyle

The Elizabethan singers performed a variety of songs from the Renaissance period during their concert at the Green Hills Public Library. After one song that included dancing, they bowed to the crowd.

Compiled by Joe Boyle News and events from our archives County ordinance wants to exclude ‘pinball wizards’ • 50 years ago

From the Dec. 30, 1965 issue The story: Area police and municipal officials are studying a Cook County ordinance that prohibits all kind of pinball machines in local establishments. The county ordinance was upheld by Circuit Court Judge John J. Lupe, who had previously halted raids on the machines. Immediately after the judge’s ruling, Sheriff Richard Ogilvie pledged to get rid of all the pinballs in the unincorporated area. But the machines were already gone, said Sheriff Police Chief Arthur Bilek. Ogilvie was going to write letters to towns who do not have an ordinance. Worth, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and Chicago Ridge have ordinances. Oak Lawn officials said they were looking into it. The quote: “The ordinance is almost identical with an ordinance which has existed in the city of Chicago for many years,” said Ogilvie. “Both so-called amusement-type and so-called gambling type pinball machines are forbidden under this enactment.”

Students Against Drunk Driving chapter created at OLCHS • 25 years ago

From the Dec. 27, 1990 issue The story: Students Against Drunk Driving chapter has been formed at Oak Lawn Community

High School to inform students about the hazards of alcohol and other drugs. SAAD’s first activity was to recruit students to sign the “Contract for Life,” a written agreement by which students and their parents sign to acknowledge potential problems with drinking and driving, and the family’s desire to face and manage them. The first officers were Terra Price, secretary; Natalie Burrow, treasurer; Melissa Sparrow, vice president; Michelle Boisvert, president; and Heather Austera, publicity director.

Ready to put on snowshoes, but there is no snow • 10 years ago

From the Dec. 29, 2005 issue The story: Evergreen Park resident Gail Morales wants to stroll through the village with her new snowshoes. But there is one major problem: There is no snow. Morales recently suggested making snowshoes available at Yukich Fields for the winter. But so far, no snow. Snowshoeing is a low-impact winter activity in which people wear speciallydesigned aluminum or plastic shoes that distribute a person’s weight evenly on the snow’s surface so the person does not sink in the snow. The quote: “It’s a great exercise tool and keeps us burning the calories and it’s about (the right time of year) to get rid of it,” said Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton. “It gives our folks more opportunity and helps shorten cabin fever.”

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

Mayor helps fill baskets for the needy

Photo by Kelly White

Worth Mayor Mary Werner (third from left) was out early Dec. 20 among the over 200 volunteers that contributed to putting together and distributing holiday baskets during the Christmas season through the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary Post 991.

Hurley backs measure to fund Illinois Special Olympics State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) supported legislation releasing payments to local governments and funding for the Illinois Special Olympics that recently became law. “Illinois’ budget crisis has had real and devastating consequences on working families, local communities and our most vulnerable,” Hurley said. “This bill released critical funds that local governments need to maintain their roadways and provide important services to their residents.” Previous attempts to pass the funding for local road repair, police and fire training, local 911 emergency centers and domes-

tic violence shelters earlier this year were vetoed by Gov. Rauner. Hurley voted to pass Senate Bill 2039, which distributed this funding to help local governments meet their responsibilities. Among the groups who are owed money, the Special Olympics in Illinois can continue their services to individuals with special needs now that the bill has become law. Hurley said she has supported the Special Olympics, helping to pass legislation to create a lottery game benefiting the organization and streamlining the way Illinois residents can donate to the cause. Senate

Bill 2039 released $700,000 to the Illinois Special Olympics organization to continue their great work. “The Special Olympics began here in Illinois and we’ve always supported this amazing organization; allowing this budget situation to disrupt their important work is nothing short of tragic,” Hurley said. “The funds in this bill were collected to address specific needs in the state, and we shouldn’t let those important programs be victims of political differences in Springfield.” Senate Bill 2039 passed the House on Dec. 2 and was signed into law on Dec. 7.

Two readers came up with the right answer for the last week’s Whatizit photo, saying it was the Ronald McDonald House, 4410 W. 93rd St., across the street from Hope Children’s Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Nancy Carly, of Joliet, a former Oak Lawn resident who lived in the village for 43 years, knew it was the Ronald McDonald House. Evergreen Park resident Jan Merchantz said it was the bronze statues of children that are in front of the Ronald McDonald House. The statues of the children are adorned with holiday caps at this time of the year. Children with various ailments are treated at the facility in a family-like environment. Officials at Ronald McDonald House said families who have children in the hospital are dealing with a lot of stress. The facility not only cares for the patients but also provides support for the families. In December of 2008, Ronald McDonald House opened its doors to the families of children in treatment who need an affordable place to call home. The 16-bedroom house has been a short-term home for more than 200 families since its opening. Parents and siblings live in a comfortable environment that offers the privacy of sleeping in their own rooms along with an ample community living space where they can receive support from other families in similar situations. This week’s Whatizit clue for the photo above: Learning ridge. Send your guess by noon Monday to thereporter@conmcast.net. Make sure to include your name and hometown.

SUDOKU

Lipinski pleased that tax benefit will be used for public transportation Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) and Peter King’s (R-N.Y.) legislation that they say will increase and permanently extend a tax benefit to assist people who use public transit has been signed into law as part of a larger tax package. The congressmen said this tax benefit will help people who use public transit. The bill has been signed into law as part of a larger tax package. This measure helps more people use public transportation, eases congestion on the roads, supports the economy, and increases the quality of life, Lipinski and King said. “The commuter tax benefit is essential to getting Americans to and from work each day,” said Lipinski. “Unfortunately, the benefit has not enjoyed permanent status and was reduced in 2014 from $235 to $130. Rep. Peter King and I have been pushing the Ways and Means committee all year to restore this benefit and make it permanent. Our most recent request was heeded and the benefit has been raised to provide parity with the parking benefit.” With 2.7 million workers using the transit benefit to travel between home and work, Lipinski and King applaud Congress for taking action to ensure that riders of public transportation are provided with the same benefits as other commuters. The benefit encourages public transportation ridership, which helps get cars off the road, reduces overall emissions, and eliminates lost time and delays, Lipinski and King said.

Answers on Page 7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Supplied photo

Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), at left, and Peter King (R-N.Y.), at right, are joined by Metro Chief Executive Paul Wiedefeld at a Metro station in Washington to celebrate the passage of a tax benefit for commuters using public transportation.

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

Firefighter

Continued from Page 1

phone records, dating back to 2012. He said doing so would violate his right to privacy under the Illinois Constitution. Deetjen said Lanz will be able to have union representation and legal counsel at-

ker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors. The revue will include a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between. Tickets for “Hooking Up with The Second

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

torney at the Jan. 7 hearing, to be held at Fire Station 2, 6451 W. 93rd Place. He said the village will have the work records to show when he was supposed to be on duty, and they can be cross-checked against the dates of the calls in question. “He will be placed under oath and the chief (Sheets) can complete his investigation,” said Deetjen.

“Only after the investigation is complete, will we determine whether appropriate action should be taken,” said Deetjen. “At this point, it is an investigation. Whether any of this conduct took place while he was supposed to be on duty, that is our focus,” said Deetjen, who said he would not comment further until after the hearing.

Robbery

Continued from Page 1

car’s license plate was radioed in for reckless driving. Prior to Holeman’s arrest, Chicago police officers found the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix parked with two flat tires in an alley in the 1100 block of West 87th Street in the city. Two relatives told investigators Holeman had the car towed there on Dec. 12 and told his relatives that the car was stolen. According to the FBI, Holeman is also a suspect in three other Chicago bank robberies this year, including Oct. 23 at the Chase Bank branch at 11721 S. Halsted St.; Sept. 29 at the Chase branch at 8340 S. Kedzie Ave.; and Sept. 14 at the Byline Bank branch at 4050 S. Archer Ave. They also believe he tried unsuccessfully to rob a Bank of America branch at 5601 S. Kedzie Ave. on Oct. 21. No charges have been filed in those robberies. Holeman was being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago this week, and is due to appear in court for a status hearing onon Jan 13.

A surveillance camera captured this image of the man charged with robbing the First National Bank of Evergreen Park on Dec. 11. Supplied photo

ACROSS 1 “The Alphabet Song” opening 5 Closed 9 Postpone 14 Lemony in taste 15 “__ Lisa” 16 Overjoy 17 *Handy tool to have when you’re out of loose-leaf paper 19 Red-suited reindeer driver 20 China’s Zhou __ 21 Forming a queue 23 Memory aid, such as “HOMES” for the Great Lakes 26 Amount paid 29 *Amulet 34 Sch. in the smallest state 35 T-shirt sizes, for short 36 Sound portion of a movie 37 *Prime ballpark accommodation 39 *Architectural style featuring geometric shapes 41 Amazed 42 Regret 43 “__ Misérables” 44 *Stand-up venue 48 French father 49 Kids’ show host with a “Neighborhood” 51 “Will you marry me? ” is one 55 Flusters 59 Deceived 60 Ostracize ... and what the first words of the answers to starred clues comprise 63 Submit tax returns online 64 Actor Lugosi 65 Sulk 66 Small and unimportant 67 Cheese from the Netherlands 68 Winter fall

DOWN 1 Arthur of tennis 2 Timely benefit 3 Select with care 4 Imagined while sleeping 5 Church-founded Dallas sch. 6 Luv 7 Clean with Liquid-Plumr 8 Hummus paste 9 Dry up 10 Vivacity 11 Vampire tooth 12 Caesar’s immortal “And you? ” 13 Gather in a field 18 Bowler’s target 22 Actor Cage, in tabloids 24 Austen heroine 25 Milkshake additive 26 Like Rubik’s creation 27 Maine college town 28 Early riser’s hr. 30 1963 Paul Newman film 31 Dancer Astaire 32 Potato cutter 33 Bullwinkle, for one 35 Start-up cash 38 Nor. neighbor 39 Cut __: dance, in old slang 40 Hick 45 1520 and 2015, e.g.: Abbr. 46 Buster who played Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon 47 Lazed 48 Biblical songs 50 Bobby’s monogram, in ‘60s politics 51 Argued in court 52 Lower-interest mtge. 53 Norse war god 54 President when Texas was annexed 56 Utah national park 57 1960s-’70s Boston Bruins nickname 58 Hearty dish 61 Pie __ mode 62 Pic taker Answers on Page 7

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, December 31, 2015

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Ray Hanania

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Goodbye to 2015, a year of bluster and rants e will close the final chapter for 2015 at midnight. Many New Year’s revelers will be celebrating with party hats and streamers. Old Father Time will make way for Baby New Year. The passing of another year excites many of us. The countdown from 2015 to 2016 will be shared by people across this nation tonight, whether we are at parties or at home watching on TV. But after the party hats and streamers are put away, what does it all mean? We enter another year, and the hope is that it will be better than the last. New Year’s resolutions will be made and most likely will be broken. The year 2015 was like a gust of wind that never subsided. During this endless storm were frequent shootings at schools, movie theaters, suburban malls and a holiday party in San Bernardino, Calif. Shootings became so frequent during the year that many of these stories were no longer front page news. That’s the nature of the world we live in. This is also an election year, which means that we could watch seemingly endless debates that will extend into the new year. The number of Republicans bidding to become the next president could have filled a Stars Wars convention. The list of candidates was as high as 16 at one point. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham recently bowed out of the race, or as they like to say, suspended his campaign. Graham, like many other Republican candidates, could never gain enough traction in this crowded race. He was the victim of low rankings that had him on the junior varsity. Cable TV news outlets such as Fox News and CNN had him buried with the other taxi squad members, well out of the prime-time spotlight. With so many GOP candidates, this has become the race of rants and sound bites. The candidates who yelled the loudest received the most attention as a result of Tweets, Facebook and cable TV shows. That brings us to The Donald. Of course, that’s none other than Donald Trump. The mouth that roared has essentially sucked all the oxygen out of the GOP race so far. His constant insults seem to have helped him gain traction with the segment of the population that is angry about life in general. Trump’s campaign in many ways defies logic. He never seems to speak in specifics and just rants about his perceived enemies. Yet, he seems to gain more followers who like his “tell it like it is” style. It’s as if the campaign has become an extension of his onetime reality show. The Democrats have just three candidates, with Hillary Clinton the frontrunner. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has caused a stir and appeals to many liberal followers. Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has tried to rise above the two other candidates but has become nothing more than a footnote. The Democratic and Republican presidential races will be big stories for 2016. Someone from this crowd will be the next president of the United States. So, as we close the lid on 2015, the Richter scale of events will continue to create aftershocks in the new year. Accusations of police brutality will continue as more video recordings of altercations with police are revealed. Locally, we say goodbye to part-time Evergreen Park firefighter Dan Capuano, who died in a fire on Dec. 14 in a Chicago building with numerous code violations. Capuano fell through a vacant elevator shaft that was not blocked off. Capuano was not able to see well because of heavy smoke on the second floor of the building. Capuano had been a member of the Chicago Fire Department for 16 years. He leaves a wife and three children. But there were many good stories. In just the past month, we saw the Marrs-Meyers American Legion Auxiliary 991 provide Christmas baskets of goods for needy local families. Students at Marist High School and volunteers provided gifts for children and adults in Robbins. The Marrs-American Legion Post welcomed Great Lakes Navy Base recruits for a Christmas Day meal. Even with all the bluster and mayhem, a light does shine. With the New Year quickly approaching, here’s a toast for more good stories in the coming year.

Cable TV promises are forgotten

Violence is becoming too much the norm in our country Violence is the main theme of 2015. Yes, we have had unusual weather marked by major storms, tornadoes, floods and forest fires. The weather we have been experiencing is no longer unusual. It has become the norm. Unfortunately, the violence that has spread across the country also has become the norm. President Obama addressed this issue. He mentioned this fall that we are better than this. His concern, which we agree with, is that these continuing patterns of violence are becoming accepted. People are becoming numb to the rage and violence. It’s as if people have given a collective shrug to the shootings at schools, malls and other public places. Obama made his speech after yet another shooting on a school campus. He said that while we mourn the loss of lives, more of these tragedies are going to occur. The president was right. Less than two months after that incident was the shooing at a holiday party in San Bernardino, Calif. One of the suspects was at the party and left. He went to pick up his wife and 6-month-old baby that they then left with a relative and returned to the party. This time they arrived equipped with assault rifles and other weapons. They killed 14 and injured 21. According to reports, they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. ISIS never sought their support but hailed their efforts. Residents throughout the country were outraged and the residents of Southern California were probably more on edge than anywhere else. It’s hard enough to understand acts of violence for some distorted cause. It is exasperating when that wave of violence continues to happen on the streets of Chicago. Much of it is black-on-black crime. Director Spike Lee made a film about the bloodshed in the Englewood neighborhood and called it appropriately enough “Chiraq.” Some local city politicians and Mayor Rahm Emanuel were put off by the title. But that title has been tossed around by gangbangers for the past few years. Ironically, Louis Johnson, also known as rapper King Louie, was shot about 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood while sitting in a vehicle. The 27-year-old rapper has often been credited with coming up with the “Chi-raq” title. Johnson is recovering from his wounds at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Meanwhile, the violence continues on the streets of Chicago. Many African-Americans are dealing with the issue of black-on-black crime but also are wary of police officers. Chicago Police have been criticized for using excessive force, as exemplified in the case of Laquan McDonald, who died after being shot 16 times by an officer. The death of a 55-year-old woman who reportedly was shot accidentally by police this past weekend has many people of all races up in arms. As the New Year approaches, violence will continue to be the norm in Chicago and other communities. The answers may take years to solve.

hen I’m not at work and not doing something with the family, I spend my off time changing channels searching through the wreckage of “entertainment promises broken,” also known as cable TV. Does anyone think cable TV has come even close to the promises it made when it replaced “free” TV back in the late 1970s? Turns out “It’s a Wonderful Life” isn’t so wonderful after all. It’s been that long since “On-TV” and its little antenna provided some great content at a reasonable price only to be gobbled up by the behemoth monsters, Comcast and Direct TV. Today, cable TV is a cash register for the Hollywood moguls. Remember when cable TV said, “We will be commercial free”? When was the last time you watched a good program that didn’t have commercials? Remember when they said, “You pay one subscription” for everything? Now, everything has a price tag. Cable has figured out a way to squeeze every last penny out of our hard working hands. I have both Comcast Cable and Direct TV, each at different locations. I laugh when I see the commercials for each claiming they offer better more reliable services, and cheaper than the other. It’s a lie. Both systems fall off-line all the time, usually when it’s a holiday and most people are at home watching TV. The Internet service is unreliable and inconsistent. But worse is the greed. Yes, pure greed, that drives these systems. I wanted to watch an earlier season of some innocuous series on CBS. I figured, this is CBS one of the five staples of free TV (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and WGN). Turns out that if I want to watch a prior season, I had to pay $2.99 for each episode of the past season of “free TV.” The vast majority of programming on cable TV sucks. It’s terrible. I feel like I am a castaway on a lost island with no hope, flipping through channels hoping I might find something of quality to watch. It never happens. That’s because the driving force in Hollywood is not quality or even entertainment. It is filling time with schlock they can sell and resell over and over and over again. A movie premieres in Hollywood at the movie theater. That costs $12 bucks a person. Then, it lives on in the hotel travel industry system as a $19 movie when you go on vacation. From there, some of the movies (not all) make it to the secondary movie theaters, where you pay a buck to sit in squalor and filth to watch it. From there, Hollywood sells it to the cable TV system, which re-sells it to you for $14 or more as pay-per-view. Movies then went to video stores but now go directly to public DVD sales, for $24 or more. After several months, movies end up on Netflix, at a consistently inexpensive monthly price of only $8.99, then to RedBox for $1.50 rental. I buy movies at Apple TV and keep them online to watch for free. No subscription charges. Netflix and Apple TV are the best buys. They are uncorrupted by the greed that plagues Comcast and Direct TV. Government, which embraced and “protected” cable TV in the 1980s, needs to take action and make serious changes to control pricing, repetitive charges and service disruptions. You think Comcast doesn’t scream when my payment doesn’t come on time? It’s time to make cable scream.

W From Civil War soldiers to the White House By Don C. White This is the first of a two-part series. With another presidential campaign going on I thought it might be appropriate to talk about those men who served during the Civil War, then went on to become president of the United States. Two of them did not serve in combat so I will not talk much about them. There were two others who did serve during war and ran for president but did not win. The first was General-in-chief Winfield Scott, who ran as the Whig candidate in 1852, who lost to Franklin Pierce. The next was General Winfield Scott Hancock, the Democratic candidate in 1880. He lost to another Civil war General, James A. Garfield. Two of the men who I count as being in the military are not mentioned in the book “Presidents in Uniform.” But in “Our Country’s Presidents,” they are given credit for their military contributions. Andrew Johnson, our 17th president, was made Military Governor of Tennessee by President Lincoln with the rank of Brigadier General. Chester Arthur, our 21st president, served as Quartermaster General of the state of New York early in the war. It is interesting to note that Johnson and Arthur were “accidental presidents.” Johnson became president after Lincoln was assassinated and Arthur after Garfield’s assassination. The five others were all officers who served in combat and then would be elected president. They were: U.S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley, Jr. Let’s start with General Grant. His military accomplishments stand far above the others. Interestingly, Grant was the only West Point graduate among them. His was not an outstanding cadet at West Point. In fact, one could say that he was mediocre in everything but horsemanship. He detested the military routine and did not look like nor walked like a military man. He gained a reputation for being one of the sloppiest cadets in the history of West Point. After graduating, Grant fought in the Mexican War and made a mark for himself as a fighter. After the war, he married and then was posted to the West Coast. He was unable to take his wife along. He became lonely and had problems with drink. Then in 1854, he resigned his commission rather than face a court martial hearing. In civilian life, Grant failed at everything he attempted. Finally, late in 1860, he was given a job in Galena, Ill., in his father’s leather shop and store. His two younger brothers ran the store and they considered him a charity case. In the spring of 1861,

Fort Sumter was fired upon and as they say, “the rest is history.” How then could this young fellow, who was only 5-foot-1 when he entered the academy, go on to become the winning general in the Civil War? I don’t know but when Lincoln called on him to take command of all the armies and bring the war to an end, he was the right man, in the right place, at the right time. In 1868, Grant was nominated on the Republican ticket and won his first of two terms. Grant gets low marks as president but I think he did an admirable job though he did not achieve the stature he had as army commander. After leaving the White House, he made another run for the presidency but was not nominated. In the 1880s, he lost all of his money in an investment scheme and went bankrupt. At about the same time he learned that he had throat cancer and he made a deal with Samuel Clemens to publish his memoirs, which paid him enough to provide for his family. He died in July 1885 just days after finishing the last page of his work. Next came Rutherford B. Hayes, who enlisted early in 1861 and was commissioned a major in the 23rd Ohio regiment. He served with this regiment during the entire war and saw action in the eastern front from Western Virginia (before it became a state) to South Mountain, where he was wounded and spent time in the hospital. He finished out the war serving in the Valley of Virginia under Sheridan’s command. He received his promotion to brigadier general from the date of the Battle of Cedar Creek on Oct. 19, 1864. Meanwhile, back in Ohio, a movement was afoot to put him up for election to the House of Representatives. Hayes made it clear that he was not going to run while the war continued. He wrote to a friend and expressed his conviction that no officer who could fight should leave his post to stand for election. While Hayes fought in these battles, the voters of Ohio elected him to Congress. He resigned his commission in June 1865 to become what he planned to be one term then return to his law practice. Of course, this did not work out as he went on to become governor of Ohio and finally, president of the United States. He was elected on the Republican ticket in November 1876 and served from 1877 to 1881. He did not seek a second term. In the next issue, I will discuss Garfield, Harrison and McKinley Jr. Don C. White is a Palos Hills historian who occasionally shares his views on current events.

Setting some goals for 2016 By Glenn Mollette We hear the same message a lot this time of year. Put the past behind. Look to the future. Let bygones be bygones. Make a new commitment. Claim the new you in the New Year. We determine to lose weight. We decide that we aren’t going to do some things. Or, we decide to start doing something. Life is filled with commitments, failures and recommitments. It’s OK. We all make commitments and then fail to follow through. We diet for a day and then blow it the next. We join a gym and then never get around to working out. We aim to start a new endeavor, a new hobby or a new lifestyle. Sometimes we follow through. Sometimes we don’t. It’s not the end of the world if you’ve broken a resolution. We are human beings filled with flaws and inadequacies. Actually, about all of life is trying again and again and again. A part of life is the fun of having a target.

We all need to aim our lives in a meaningful direction. Your goal may be starting a business, a new career, retirement, writing a book, writing a song, running for public office or just living healthy. Everybody’s goals are different but it’s healthy to have one or two. We all need something to live for. Having a purpose increases our zest and passion for life. Having nothing to work toward leaves us a bit limp in our energy and sometimes hopeless and depressed. After you read this article determine what it is you want to do and go for it. Write your goal down and put it where you will see it often. Some days you’ll get sick of seeing your goal. Other days you will be reminded that you are either doing great or maybe you need to pick up the pace a little in effort. I hope you make your goal in 2016. Good luck. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author. He is the author of 11 books.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Applauding Rush’s support of Alzheimer’s research bill I’m writing to thank Cong. Bobby Rush (D-1st) for supporting the budget that recently passed Congress. The vote was a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation and as a result of this agreement, federally-funded research into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and possible cures will increase dramatically in the years to come. This could not have happened a moment too soon. 210,000 people in Illinois have Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that this number will likely grow by 25 percent in the next decade. Across the country, more than five million people are afflicted by the disease. This number is also expected to increase rapidly in the years to come, driving up the already sky high costs of Medicare and Medicaid, while robbing families of their loved

ones prematurely. Since people die slowly from Alzheimer’s and it is the only condition among the top 10 causes of death in our country for which there is no treatment that slows the onset or progression of symptoms, Investing in research now will save us trillions later. As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer ambassador, I was thrilled when I heard the news that the budget had passed with extra funds dedicated to eliminating this terrible disease, and I appreciate that Cong. Rush heard our calls and joined members on both sides in targeting Alzheimer’s as a national priority. Thank you and best wishes to you in the new year. — Katie Bobbitt, Tinley Park

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

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Reporter

Top stories

law has 39 conditions and diseases that already qualify for medicinal marijuana use with a doctor’s signature. Cancer, glaucoma, HIV, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis already qualify.

Continued from Page 1

Critics claim Rauner wants to diminish the powers of unions to bring down salaries. Madigan continues to repeat that Rauner is “too extreme.” So, that’s where the budget impasse stand entering a new year.

6) Local man survives earthquake

2) Mayors strike back While the budget impasse entered a fourth month, the Southwest Conference of Mayors made it clear they’d had enough. During a meeting in October at the Lemont Village Hall, the mayors voted in unison against Rauner’s proposal to provide low-interest loans to municipalities for the motor fuel tax, 911 funds and video gaming revenue. Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett, president of the Southwest Conference of Mayors, said these funds have nothing to do with the budget and should be provided to municipalities in the state.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2007-BR1, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-BR1 Plaintiff, -v.ANTHONY F. BOEREMA, ANDREA N. TALLON-BOEREMA, PARKSHIRE ESTATES ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC, AS NOMINEE FOR NEW CENTURY MORTGAGE CORPORATION, LVNV FUNDING Defendants 11 CH 16020 4111 W. 98TH STREET UNIT 1A Oak Lawn, IL 60453

File photos

Governor Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan continue to be at odds over the state budget.

The vote seemed to create a chain reaction in which a variety of organizations spoke out about the governor’s proposal. Bennett said it was like going to the bank to take out money and then being informed that you had to pay a fee to do so. The mayors also rejected Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s call for a hotel tax. Both Rauner and Preckwinkle quickly took those proposals off the table.

3) End of The Plaza

While it became official in June, the end of The Plaza was a bittersweet episode for southwest suburban and Chicago residents

SUDOKU Solution

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 2, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: UNIT 73 AND 73-G AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE (REFERRED TO AS PARCEL 1); LOT 2 IN PARKSHIRE ESTATES BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOT 1 IN BARTOLOMEO AND MILFORD’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘A’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM FOR PARKSHIRE ESTATES CONDOMINIUM NUMBER 4 RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS AS DOCUMENT 20372264 TOGETHER WITH RESPECTIVE UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN SAID PARCEL APERTAINING TO SAID UNITS AS DEFINED AND SET FORTH IN SAID DECLARATION, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

CROSSWORD Answers

Property Index No. 24-10-225-026-1009. The real estate is improved with a 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, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C14-96898. 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003

who grew up with the iconic mall. The Evergreen Plaza, as it was once known, was erected in 1952 with great success and in the 1960s became the first indoor mall. While the structure had become outdated, Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton, who made the first dent in the demolition proceedings with a sledgehammer on the old Montgomery Ward’s building, said it was a sad day before a large crowd that came to watch. The Plaza is making way for the Marketplace, which will have notable retail shops and a variety of businesses at 95th and Western.

4) Methodist churches unite Membership had been dwindling at Worth United Methodist Church, 7100 W. 111th St. A decision was made in in May to unite the congregations of Worth United Methodist and Palos United Methodist Church, 12101 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights. The new congregation is at the Palos Heights church.

5) Medicinal marijuana in Worth

Commonly known as 4111 W. 98TH STREET UNIT 1A, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

The judgment amount was $190,494.40.

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

After a year of meeting to alleviate fears and misconceptions residents had, the Worth Village Board approved a medicinal dispensary to officially open sometime in January. There was originally some anger over the idea, and a large crowd attended a town hall meeting in September. Residents asked a variety of questions, but most of the comments were favorable. Worth Mayor Mary Werner said the paperwork has been approved and the renovation of the facility at 11425 S. Harlem Ave. is currently taking place. The marijuana is designed to alleviate pain from patients who have a variety of ailments. Illinois

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, v. ZEYAD HALEEM; U.S. BANK N.A.; RIVIERA REGAL UMBRELLA CONDOMINIUM ASSOContinued CIATION; RIVIERA REGAL I CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

Election

Calendar 61 Case No.: 15-CH-15362 Property Address: 11125 S. 84TH Ave. #3B Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: ZEYAD HALEEM That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage and Other Relief conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: UNIT NUMBER 11125-3B IN RIVIERA REGAL CONDOMINIUM TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, AS DELINEATED AND DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 86-059069, OF THAT PART OF THE WEST 641.0 FEET OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS THE NORTH 700.00 FEET OF THE EAST 395.06 FEET, EXCEPT FROM THE ABOVE THE SOUTH 284.50 FEET OF THE NORTH 517.25 FEET OF THE WEST 215.00 FEET OF THE EAST 395.06 FEET OF THE WEST 641.00 FEET AFORESAID OF THE NORTHEAST ¬º OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 11125 S. 84th Ave., #3B, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 PIN #: 23-23-200-026-1078 and which said Mortgage was made by: ZEYAD HALEEM (UNMARRIED), the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for U.S. Bank N.A. and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, on April 18, 2007, by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds; Identification of recording: Document No. 0710835047; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before JANUARY 18, 2016, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.

Attorney File No. C14-96898 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 11 CH 16020 TJSC#: 35-16114

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 566-0040

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that 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.

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

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are being challenged and may be removed, we at least have a tentative list of who is running for the various offices The only statewide Illinois race this year is for state comptroller, to complete the term of Judy Baar Topinka. After she died of a stroke last December, one month after being elected to her second term in office, Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed Leslie Geissler Munger to fill the position until the election. Munger, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary to retain the seat, will likely face off in the Nov. 8 general election against Susana Mendoza, currently the Chicago city clerk, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. The two local congressional races might be interesting. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st), who was first elected in 1993, is running for his 12th term in Congress. He will have three challengers in the primary, if they all survive the objections filed against their candidacy. They include O. Patrick Brutus, Howard Brookins Jr. and Harold Bailey. Brookins is the current 21st Ward alderman in Chicago. Two objections are pending against Rush and one against Bailey. Hearings on them will be scheduled in January. The winner of the Democratic primary will face either August (O’Neill) Deuser or Jimmy Lee Tillman II, who are running against each other in the Republican primary. In the 3rd Congressional District, Rep. Dan Lipinski is seeking his sixth term in office. He is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. The only candidate running in the Republican primary is Arthur J. Jones, a Lyons resident with a history of involvement in white supremacy organizations. He has run for the 3rd District seat be-

Palos Hills native Corey Ascolani, 34, somehow managed to survive a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the mountains of the Himalayas. The earthquake caused massive damage and fatalities when it hit. There appeared to be little hope that Ascolani would be found alive. Ascolani, a graduate of Stagg High School, had been living in Barcelona and teaching English when he went on the hiking trip to the Himalayas with 26 other people. Helicopters managed to find Ascolani and others five days later after receiving faint messages from cellphones.

7) Firehouse reopens

The Chicago Ridge Village Board and the fire department settled some differences after a tense period and agreed to add part-time firefighters to the staff. The positive negotiations resulted in a critical step for Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar, who wanted to reopen the firehouse at 107th and Lombard. A ribbon-cutting took place on March 21.

8) Hospital expands While this was expected, expansion plans for Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, and related support facilities were approved by the Illinois Health Facilities Service Board last January. The $85 million expansion will provide a boost in adult and pediatric emergency stations from 42 to 70.

9) Gift of life In one of many positive stories this year, Bobby Sianis, 15, a student at Stagg High School, was attending his grandmother’s wake when his father, George Sianis, suddenly fell to the ground. Bobby kept his cool and coached his mother to tilt George’s head back and to blow air into his lungs. George survived his ordeal, thanks to Bobby’s actions. Bobby later received the Citizens Hero Award from the Roberts Park Fire Department.

10) Ride of devotion

Marist teacher Owen Glennon took a cross country trek on his bike from upper state New York to the high school this past summer to raise money for Marist. Glennon was honored at Marist when he rode up to the school at 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago. Glennon said he did it because he loves the school and wanted to give something back.

fore, including against Lipinski in 2012, as well as several other offices. Some of the local Democratic state senators and representatives are running unopposed in the primary, and will be unopposed again in November because no Republicans have thrown their hats in the ring. These include incumbent state Sen. Jacqueline “Jacqui” Collins (D-16th), whose Chicago-based district extends into Oak Lawn. Also, incumbent state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) of Evergreen Park is running unopposed in the primary, and no Republicans have entered the race. The same can be said for state Reps. Robert “Bob” Rita (D-28th) and Andre Thapedi (D-32nd), whose district includes Hickory Hills. In the 19th Senate District, which includes part of Orland Park and numerous other southwestern suburbs, incumbent Democrat Michael E. Hastings is seeking a second term. He is being challenged in the primary by McStephen “Max” Solomon, an attorney from Hazel Crest. Objections have been filed against both of them, but as of now, the winner will have no Republican opposition. Prior to his election, Hastings, an Army veteran, served as vice president of High School District 230. State Rep. Mary Flowers (D31st), whose district includes Oak Lawn, is being challenged in the primary by Michael Crawford, of Chicago’s Wrightwood neighborhood. Likewise, state Rep. Monique Davis (D-27th) is being challenged in the primary by Justin Q. Slaughter. But no Republican candidates have filed for either race. On the other hand, state Rep. Frances Hurley (D-35th), faces no opposition in the primary, but in November, she will go up against Victor Horne, who is the only candidate running in the Republican primary.

Supplied photo

All aboard the Polar Express

The Worth Park District made several trips this season on the Polar Express. Santa and Mrs. Claus take some time out before another trip to talk to local children. More information about upcoming events at the Worth Park District can be obtained at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

DEATH NOTICES Jacob Gorter Jacob R. Gorter, 90, a resident of Palos Hills, died on Dec. 21. Mr. Gorter, a World War II Navy veteran, was a retired truck driver. Survivors include his wife, Alice L. Gorter; daughters, Shirley Vos, Nancy Koedyker, Cindy Groenendal and Barbara Pond; sister, Helen Stalman; brother, Kenneth Gorter; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services were Dec. 23 at Colonial Chapel.

Ernest Kukec Ernest P. Kukec, 90, a longtime Evergreen Park resident, died Monday at Fairmont Nursing Home on Chicago’s North Side. Mr. Kukec, a 1st Class seaman with the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II, was an award-winning salesman for ReaLemon, Borden Foods and Chelsea Milling Co. (Jiffy). He also worked with his father at Peter Kukec and Sons Grocery Store (also known as Pete’s Meats) in Chicago. He is registered with the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kukec was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Quigley Council 2428 and American Legion Post 2910. Survivors include a daughter, Anna Marie Tomczyk; son, Paul E.; sister, Chiarelli Schlossberg; two grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Services are at 9:15 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 31) from Kosary Funeral Home, 9837 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park, to St. Bernadette Church, 9343 S. Francisco Ave., Evergreen Park, for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Therese Manka Therese Marie Manka (nee Mamon), 76, died Sunday at her Hickory Hills home. Mrs. Manka was a retired medical transcriptionist in the plastic surgery industry. Survivors include her husband, Frank; daughter, Michelle Moore; sons, Gregory and Brian; sister, Esther Dejka; brother, Joseph Mamon; six grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Services are at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2 from Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, to St. Patricia Church, 9050 S. 86th Ave., Hickory Hills, for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

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8 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Evergreen Park students win bikes with smart guesses Two sixth-grade students at Evergreen Park Central Middle both entered to guess the kernel count in a Mother’s Butter Popcorn and Confectionary contest with both guessing the closest to the 13,000 kernels in a glass jar. The two students, Tyler KIrts and Gianna Kmak, were the Christmas Bike Winners. The annual contest is hosted by Evergreen Park’s Christmas Without Cancer, Mother Butter’s Popcorn and Confectionary, Evergreen Park United Homeowners Association and Park Schwinn Cyclery. The fellow math club “Mathletes” each won bikes for noodling through and determining the kernel count closest to the grand total. Arriving with her mother Adrianna and her little brother Alex, 8, Gianna proved quickly that “giving is contagious,” especially at Christmas time. Adrianna asked Park Schwinn owner John DeBolt if she could give the new bike to her little brother instead. “Alex is always getting my hand-me-downs, so it would be nice if had had a new bike for Christmas,” said Gianna, who, when getting the news regarding the bike decided to paint her fingernails for the special occasion. The Kirts arrived and young Tyler revealed he had won a similar contest guessing the number of hot tamales in a bucket last year. Dad Brian, mom Dawn and twin sister April didn’t seem surprised by Tyler’s success. Also proving to be a gracious winner, Tyler deferred to his classmate in letting her younger brother take the bike that night.

Supplied photo

“Guess the Kernel Count” winners Tyler Kirts and Gianna Kmak are sixth-grade classmates at Evergreen Park Central Middle School and members of the math club Mathletes. They each won a bike from Park Schwinn.

Already tall for his age, Tyler arranged to come back to Park Schwinn to be “fitted” for a bike he can grow into. Adding to the season of giving, Mary and Jim Corrigan made a surprise visit to Mother Butter’s to present a check to Christmas

Without Cancer founder Gerri Neylon. “What Mary and I like is that all the money raised to help families at Christmas time stays right in the community,” said Corrigan, presenting the check on behalf of the Stack Foundation.

OLCHS presents ‘50 minutes’

Oak Lawn Community High School Photography Teacher Jennifer Wargin and Mass Media Writing Teacher Patrick DiFilippo joined forces for an opportunity to capture 50 minutes of the school day. Wargin’s class worked on taking candid photographs using proper lighting and editing skills. DiFilippo’s class worked on the proper components of writing photograph captions for publications. The two teachers saw a natural fit in the curriculum and came together to develop the 50 Minutes at Oak Lawn project. The project is currently available on the online school newspapers site http:// olspartanite.org/category/academics/. “I love bringing classes together to cross the curriculums, to extend, and apply the students learning in a meaningful way,” said Wargin. Students as well seemed to enjoy the opportunity to work with another class on the project. Mass Media Writing Senior Jeremy Zwier said, “It was a great idea. I liked how we were able to work together. Mass media and photography go hand in hand.” Not only did students show enthusiasm for the project, but staff also answered the call for this assignment. The staff at Oak Lawn was supportive of the project and opened their classrooms to the 50 Minutes at Oak Lawn students. DiFilippo commented, “Everyone here is so helpful,” said DeFilippo. “I sent an email asking for permission to visit classrooms. The next time I checked my email, there were about a dozen great suggestions of things to capture.” The students from the photography classes partnered up with the mass media writing students to capture a typical school class period. They

Mother Butter’s owner, Tim Donnelly, meanwhile, handed out caramel popcorn and other treats to all his guests, while servicing an on-going flow of business from the counter. Mother Butter’s gave away free popcorn at Evergreen Park’s an-

nual Dicken’s Christmas event earlier this month. An estimated 400 area kids of all ages queued up to eyeball the glass jar and venture a guess. The bike and jar were back on display at Mother”s Butter throughout the month across the street from Park

Schwinn Cyclery and another 300 guesses were entered. Both Tyler and Gianna entered their guesses at the store. Contest officials said there is no suspicion of collusion. “There will not be an investigation,” said a Christmas Without Cancer spokesperson. “But I would like to meet their math teacher; maybe it’s the Common Core.” Christmas Without Cancer, an organization started by Neylon, comes to the rescue of those impacted by cancer so the family can focus on Christmas. CWC helped dozens of families this Christmas season. “The bike contest is our way of saying thanks to the surrounding communities because they are so generous,” said Neylon. “Our mission includes assessing need and responding, but we can’t do that if we don’t have the resources that come directly from the generosity of people in Evergreen Park, Morgan Park, Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Oak Lawn.” Earlier in the month, Neylon was joined by her core group of volunteers, St. Rita High School students and the Moraine Valley Community College Fire Science cadet graduates, who wrapped presents and attached gift cards to candy canes. Christmas Without Cancer was escorted by the Chicago Fire Department Engine 92 of Mount Greenwood truck to family homes on Dec. 19 to deliver “rescue gifts” of need for parents and deliver children’s gifts that included toys, clothing, books and music. “Giving at Christmas is what it’s all about,” said Donnelly. “This was a special night.”

OLCHS students volunteer to aid starving children Oak Lawn Community High School freshmen and sophomore advisory students volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit organization committed to feeding hungry children around the world. Freshman Afraa Mohammed volunteered her time at Feed My Starving Children. Students hand-packed manna meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. The organization then ships these meals to distribution partners in nearly 70 countries. Chaperones included Jamie Atkus, Kate Mellone, Jennifer Sidlow and Tammy Tyeptanar.

Oak Lawn High School freshman Afraa Mohammed was among the students who volunteered her time at Feed My Starving Children. Supplied photo

Supplied photo

Cristian Calderon was one of the many students featured in the 50 Minutes at Oak Lawn project. Calderon was photographed whipping up a healthy breakfast in the school’s culinary arts lab.

needed to get candid photographs that did not interfere with the teachers or the students. “I was nervous about being able to capture the right picture,” said senior photos student Lindsay Reyes. “It turned out better than I thought it would.” The students were treated to some serious science experiments, adventure education classes, and other creative classroom experiences. After getting all the information necessary for the captions, they returned to the classroom to edit the photographs, to write the captions, and to upload the assignment to a section of the student newspaper for everyone to view. DiFilippo believes cross-curricular and interdisciplinary projects really bring learning to life and help reinforce instruction lessons.

Supplied photo

Students at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School work with Robotics, 3D Printing, Circuitry and Coding in their new MakerSpace donated by the D123 Education Foundation.

Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School staff and students welcome MakerSpace

Staff and students at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St., Oak Lawn, are pleased with the addition of MakerSpace in the school library. The space is now complete and ready for the staff and students of OLHMS to use and incorporate into their learning each day. This section of the library was designed with the colors green, blue and orange that are seen on our success indicator posters that hang throughout the school. The school staff said that students who are worked in the space they are focused on the success indicator skills that will not only lead them to be successful in their classes, but in their futures as well. These skills embrace the ideas of both the MakerSpace and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) movements. Through the space, students will foster their skills as critical thinkers, collaborative workers, self-directed workers, and quality producers, according to school officials.   While the colors on the walls are the most noticeable change, the philosophy behind this library space has changed as well. The OLHMS MakerSpace is currently divided into several stations that focus on students learning through innovation, play and exploration. Currently, the library has a station for Robotics, 3D Printing, Circuitry, Coding, Building, and the Arts. The robotics station allows student to explore their creativity through the building and programming of robots. Currently, students can build and program robots using the Cubelets Kits and Sphero. The library is also looking toward expanding this

station in the near future with the addition of Lego robotics kits, such as the Lego Mindstorm.    The 3D Printing station allows students to design models using software such as Tinkercad, and ultimately print their designs on the Makerbot Mini 3D printer. At the circuit station, students can create and design solutions to real world problems using many of the LittleBits Kits. LittleBits are small modular electronics that snap together with magnets. The LittleBits company has a goal to put the power of electronics in everyone’s hands, which is done in the MakerSpace. One of the more popular stations so far is the coding station. Students will be using websites such as Code.org to learn basic computer programming and critical thinking skills. The Hour of Code is a nationwide movement that focuses on teaching students to code through the use of digital coding blocks. Each station is made to teach and give students a fun opportunity to collaborate, explore, and learn.   The OLHMS MakerSpace is open to any new ideas, and anyone can visit during school. The students can now create and learn in the MakerSpace by signing up for the Makers Club, which has won PBIS awards. The school’s math and science teachers said they are excited about the new space, and look forward to incorporating the kits and stations into their lessons. The space will be officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the D123 Education Foundation in the new OLHMS Library MakerSpace.

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Reporter

Marist has full-time social worker on staff

Supplied photo

Students from the Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School Student Council and NJHS gather together to make and donate fleece blankets to patients at Loyola Medical Center.

OLCHS students make fleece blankets for patients at Loyola Medical Center Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students, consisting of the student council and students from the National Junior Honor Society, gathered after school earlier this month to help make and donate fleece blankets for the Comfort Care Project. Under the direction of District 123 graduate, Jenn Gavrilos, an occupational therapist at Loyola University Medical Center, students, teachers and the principal gathered to help make and donate these fleece blankets for patients at Loyola Hospital. Walking around, one student had said, “Ev-

ery knot we tie, is filled and tied with love.” These blankets show the patients of Loyola Medical Center that people care, as do the students of OLHMS, according to school officials. The students took fleece fabric and cut short slits on all four sides of the material in order to tie the knots all around the blankets. It was a great opportunity to bring students together and to be able to make something so comforting for someone in need. The Oak Lawn Hometown Middle school’s students make these blankets after a meeting with the principal. In the meeting, the students

and principal discussed charities the school should associate themselves with. Looking at the school calendar the time allowed them to support even charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, the food drive, the Giving Tree, donations for veterans, and raising awareness about medical issues that affect students at OLHMS. The specific charitable donation for student and veteran health concerns will be rotated based on student input. Incentives will be built in to these spirit days to help increase student participation.

various topics. Cathaleen Novak “I am excited that the has become a fulleducators and leaders time social worker at Marist High School for the 2015-16 year at recognize the unique Marist High School, and valuable benefits 4200 W. 115th St., to providing students Chicago. with advanced socialNovak joined emotional skill develMarist in August. opment and resourcShe has eight years es,” Novak said. “I of experience and Novak am a strong advocate Marist officials said for students and work that Novak is the only area Catholic school to employ hard to ensure they receive the someone serving solely as a so- services he or she may need. “I am self-motivated and comcial worker. The position was added to mitted to learning new counbetter serve students who deal seling methodologies that will with more complex issues such as maximize the social-emotional chronic illness or hospitalization. learning capacities of all stuStudents who work with Novak dents. I will work hard to provide are those who require long term, compassionate, nonjudgmental and at times, immediate services. support to students, their famiDelegating these student cases to lies, and school staff.” “From the ‘extremely comthe social worker will also help the work flow of the guidance plex’ to the ‘typical teenage’ department, allowing counselors problem, we recognize the evertime with their assigned students. changing, and evolving needs of “The benefit of having a pro- our students,” said Christensen. fessional to focus on the complex “We recognize that all students’ and truly ‘least favored’ students needs are important within their in our community speaks to high school and lifetime experiMarist’s mission,” said depart- ence. By adding such a position, ment director Erik Christensen, we are just reaffirming our desire Class of ‘97. “We recognize the to serve all students in our care need to serve all students. Guid- in a uniquely Marist way.” All students at Marist High ance counselors and the social worker will work together to best School are assigned to a guidance counselor who stays with serve our students’ needs.” The addition of a school social that student throughout their worker to the Marist faculty will four years at the school. They provide another level of support meet periodically throughout to our students. A school social the year providing students with worker provides both direct and three pillars of support — acaindirect services to students and demic, college/career, and soalso acts as a liaison to outside cial/personal. The department agencies. Novak will be provid- also offers programming such ing individual student support as speakers, awareness events, as well as ongoing small groups and small groups on a variety throughout the school year on of issues relevant to teens.

Mount Carmel student excels with explorative Interactive event precedes entrance exam at Marist nonprofit organization An interactive event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 preceding the entrance exam to be held Saturday, Jan. 9 at Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago. This event offers an abbreviated look at the school, but still includes all the highlights of the campus. The program begins with a presentation followed by an interactive tour that features student life at Marist. Prospective families will have a personal and informative evening with faculty, coaches, students and administrators. Enter at the main office at the west end of the building. The entrance exam for current eighth grade students will take place on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Students should arrive at 8 a.m. and enter through the gym doors, located on the east end of the school. A $25 testing fee is required. However, pre-registration is not neecessary. Students should bring two No. 2 pencils and are asked not to bring a calculator. The approximate dismissal time is 12:15 p.m. In order to be considered a candidate for 2016-17 admission at Marist, prospective students must take the test at the school. Marist High School officials administer the HSPT entrance exam. Study guides for this exam may be purchased at local bookstores. For additional information, contact Alex Brown, Director of Admissions, at (773) 881-5330.

Supplied photo

Prospective families are invited to learn about the advantage of coeducation and Marist’s commitment to progressive education at Meet Marist on Friday, Jan. 8. The following day, Saturday, Jan. 9, Marist will hold the entrance exam for all eighth grade students at 8 a.m. For additional information, call the admissions office at (773) 881-5330.

Cinderella’s Closet helps make prom wishes come true Staff at Oak Lawn Community High School will offer Cinderella’s Closet, a program designed to help female students get prom dresses at low prices. All proceeds will help fund a bus for the SADD Post Prom party. Residents are encouraged to clean out those closets to help make a girl’s wish come true. Cinderella’s Closet is a collection of lightly used formal dresses, shoes, acces-

sories, and unopened make-up for girls in need. All styles, sizes, and colors are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the high school in the District Office room 123 during business hours (7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) through Feb. 12 at the school, 9400 Southwest Highway. Residents dropping items off should use the Southwest Highway’s visitor’s entrance. Residents who are not able to drop off dresses

during this time can call Maria Vanderwarren to make other arrangmements. A tax form is available for all donations. The Cinderella Closet boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. For more information, contact Kate Mellone at kmellone@olchs.org, or Vanderwarren at (708) 741-5602 or mvanderwarren@ olchs.org.

A student at Mount Since Terrell’s first Carmel High School exploration in 2014, in Chicago has been the Mount Carmel working to make the wrestling and rugby city a better place to team member has seen live. My Block, My Hood, Through his avid My City and its students participation, junior exponentially grow. Emmanuel Terrell “A lot more people has been an achave come on the exTerrell tive member in the plorations,” said Terrell. progression of “My “They become more inBlock, My Hood, My City,” terested in the city. Knowing how a non-profit organization they were before the explorations, that educates inner city high they’ve changed dramatically and school students about Chicago they’ve stopped giving into the through experiential learning. street mentality and have gotten “It gives the kids that partici- out there to learn about different pate so many opportunities,” said things and different neighborTerrell, a member of both the hoods.” Art Club and Creative Writing Terrell has been involved with Club at Mount Carmel. My Block, My Hood, My City As stated on their website, even before its inception. Jahmal My Block, My Hood, My City Cole, who founded the nonprofit, aims to “provide underprivi- mentored Terrell on his writing leged youths with an awareness and invited him to experience of the world and opportunities experimental explorations. Due beyond their neighborhood.” In to Terrell’s continued support, doing so, My Block, My Hood, Cole included the junior student My City takes students on one on ABC 7 Chicago’s Windy City day, explorative trips through Live this fall when he was indistinct Chicago neighborhoods. terviewed about My Block, My As part of the “Explorers Pro- Hood, My City. gram,” these trips incorporate “I think it broadens your perworkshops and speeches from spective,” Terrell recalled. “What professionals in fields pertaining we learn on the trips helps us to student interests. become more active learners.”

10 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

Some New Year’s (financial) resolutions

COMINGS & GOINGS

Andy’s Frozen Custard invites kids to celebrate New Year

ndy’s locations in Burbank, Countryside, Evanston and Oak Lawn invite kids to celebrate the New Year with their families on Jan. 1, 2016. The chain invites kids and their families to kick off the new year with a countdown and balloon drop at noon. Kids ages 12 and younger will receive a free kids sundae. There Bob will be games, music, crafts Bong and more for the kids from noon to 1:30 p.m. The free event includes raffle prizes every 15 minutes. Participating locations include the Andy’s at: 8041 S. Harlem Ave. in Burbank; 5745 S. La Grange Road in Countryside; and 9507 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn.

Toy store opens at Chicago Ridge Mall

BZ Toys Zone is now open at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge. The toy store is located near the Carson’s court.

Cuzin’s opens second location in Midlothian

A popular Tinley Park watering hole has opened a second location in Midlothian. Cuzin’s Neighborhood Bar at 17704 S. Oak Park Ave. opened a second location earlier this year at 3636 W. 147th St. The new location is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. It offers a full menu for dining in as well as carry out. Delivery will be offered soon. Both locations have video gaming. Calls for more information

were not returned. According to its website, both locations are owned by former Chicago police officer Dennis Suglich and his wife, Karen. They started Cuzin’s with a cousin in 2002 after buying Les and Lena’s and renaming it. The cousin was bought out in 2012. For more information, call the Midlothian location at (708) 389-4444.

Shoe Carnival opens in Chicago

Evansville-based Shoe Carnival has opened its 24th Chicago area store. The store opened late last month at 4150 S. Pulaski Road in the Pulaski Promenade shopping center. The stores feature an open floor plan, catchy music and friendly associates, coupled with great value on name brand shoes and accessories. The store is next door to Petsmart. “We are excited to open a new Shoe Carnival location in the Chicago area. Shoe Carnival is known for our one of a kind shopping experience, unbelievable product assortment and unique atmosphere, which creates a customer focused way to shop for shoes,” Todd Beurman, Senior Vice President of Marketing, said in a release. “At Shoe Carnival, our customers will not only be treated to great value on name brand footwear and accessories for the entire family, they’ll also get a fun and exciting shopping experience.” Shoe Carnival carries name brand products like Stacy Adams, Skechers, Puma, Adidas, Sof Sole and many more.

New Mexican restaurant opens in Frankfort A new Mexican restaurant opened earlier this year in the

Photo by Bob Bong

My Taco Mexican restaurant opened earlier this year at 7940 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort.

Jameson Plaza at 80th Avenue and U.S. 30 in Frankfort. My Taco opened at 7940 W. Lincoln Highway in the former Hawgs and Dawgs hot dog shop. For more information and ordering, call (815) 469-8226.

Pilot opens travel center in Joliet

Knoxville-based Pilot Flying J last month opened a Pilot Travel Center at 40 E. Laraway Road in Joliet. “We’re thrilled that our new travel center will serve the Joliet community, as well as contribute to the local economy,” Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam said in a release. “We hope local residents and those traveling through the Will County area and along Interstate 80 and U.S Highway 53 will enjoy the convenience and amenities of our new Pilot Travel Center.” The new travel center created 70 new jobs. The center features 10 fueling positions and seven diesel lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling. It has an Arby’s as well as a hot deli that serves hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches and soup. There is a conve-

Moraine Valley offers courses in supply chain management Three certificate programs to begin or advance a career in Supply Chain Management will be offered through Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. All courses are designed and taught by industry professionals. Spring 2016 semester classes start Jan. 19. Earn a Supply Chain Management certificate (17 credit hours) with just six credit courses. Supply Chain Management is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the transportation, distribution and logistics of goods to efficiently to meet customer requirements. Classes cover domestic and global issues in supplier and customer relations, cost management, customs/ security compliance, supply chain network control, operations management, and cargo security. This certificate can be applied towards an Associate in Applied Science degree in business. The Warehousing certificate has two credentials, Certified Logistics Associate or Certified Logistics Technician, offered through the Manu-

facturing Skills Standards Council. Classes cover the core competency areas required for high-skilled, frontline material handling workers across all supply chain facilities such as distribution centers. Moraine Valley’s newest opportunity is the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Academy. A 160-hour class prepares entry-level prospective truck drivers to obtain their permit and Commercial Driver’s License. Classroom and behind-the-wheel training is provided by professional instructors. Employment opportunities in this industry are plentiful. More information about any of these certificate programs can be obtained by calling Mike Johl at (708) 608-4301 or Mary Jo Murphy at (708) 974-5498. Register for the classes in person at the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room S125 on campus, or by calling (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711). Participants also can register online at morainevalley.edu/ccce/registernoncredit-classes.

nience store and a coffee shop. The new facility is Pilot Flying J’s 44th location in Illinois and the second to open in the south suburbs this year. Another center opened earlier in Alsip. There are other centers in the far southern suburbs and northwest Indiana. The Joliet location is expected to contribute $3.8 million annually in state and local tax revenues. The Joliet Pilot Travel Center honors the MyRewards loyalty card, through which members can earn in-store retail and restaurant discounts. Pilot Flying J has a network of more than 650 centers under the Pilot Travel, Flying J, Road Ranger and Mr. Fuel names. The company says it serves more than 1.3 million customers daily. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com. You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www. southlandbusinessnews.com and www.southlandsavvy.blogspot. com

he countdown to follow a disciplined to 2016 has just investment strategy that gives you the about begun. opportunity to meet If you’re like many your long-term goals, people, you might be such as a comfortable mulling over some retirement. New Year’s resolu• Don’t be driven tions, such as hitting by fear. When the the gym more, learnmarket is down, ing a new language Scott investors tend to react or taking a cooking Johnson with fear. Specifically, class. All are worthy they rush to sell their goals, but why not add investments, afraid that if they some financial resolutions as don’t “cut their losses,” they well? might sustain even bigger For example: • Pay yourself first. Even if ones. If you can get past this feeling, you may find that a you aren’t living “paycheck to down market can offer you the paycheck,” you probably don’t chance to buy quality investhave much trouble spending ments at good prices. your money – because there’s • Forget about the “hot always something that you stocks.” You’ll hear friends, or a family member needs, co-workers and talking heads always a repair required for your home or your car, always on television tout today’s “hot stocks.” But by the time one more bill to pay. But if you might hear about them, you are going to achieve your they may have cooled off -long-term goals, such as a and, in any case, they might comfortable retirement, you not be appropriate for your need to invest consistently. So needs. Forget about “getting before you pay everyone else, rich quick in the market” pay yourself first by having – it probably won’t hapsome money automatically pen. True investment sucmoved from your checking or cess requires patience and savings account each month persistence. into an investment. • Cut down on your debts. • Take advantage of your It’s easy to pile up debts, but opportunities. If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at a lot harder getting rid of work, take full advantage of them. Yet, if you can reduce it. Contribute as much as you your debt load even moderatecan afford – or at least enough ly, you’ll free up money you to earn your employer’s could use to invest. So look for ways to conserve, cut back match, if one is offered – and choose the mix of investments and consolidate — it will be worth the effort. that give you the potential to achieve the growth you need Making these resolutions — and sticking to them — can at a level of risk with which help you as you work toward you are comfortable. achieving your financial goals. • Focus on the long term. In the short term, you might Scott Johnson, CFP., is a be excused for not wanting financial advisor with Edward to invest. The headlines are Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos typically scary, the financial markets are frequently volatile Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal and the future often looks advice. This article was writmurky. Yet, if you can look past the uncertainties of today ten by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones and keep your focus on tomorrow, you will find it easier financial advisor.

Marketplace coverage increases in Illinois As of Dec. 19, the number of consumers signed up for Marketplace coverage was listed as more than 8.2 million nationally, including 340,479 in Illinois. Those who selected a plan by Dec.17 or were auto reenrolled will have coverage effective Jan. 1. “Millions of Americans will start 2016 with the quality and affordable health coverage they want and need to keep their families healthy and financially secure,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “We are encouraged by the strong start we experienced in the first half of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage, and know we have on-

going work to do. We are focused on making sure Illinois families looking for coverage understand their options through the Marketplace, know about the financial assistance available, and have access to the support they need to enroll.” The re-enrollment process has not yet been completed so as it continues, upcoming snapshots will include additional consumers who were automatically re-enrolled after Dec. 19. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting Jan. 1 that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on Jan. 31.

Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1 and individuals can still enroll in coverage through Jan. 31. Consumers can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. Residents can visit LocalHelp@HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in area communities. Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at (800) 318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.

Moraine Valley offers food service sanitation classes Restaurant owners and managers can earn or renew their Illinois State Health Department Food Service Sanitation certification through Moraine Valley Community College this spring. One-day classes are Mondays, Feb. 8 or March 7. Saturday classes are Feb. 20 or April 9. Classes also are being

offered at the Blue Island Education Center on Feb. 29 and at the Southwest Education Center on April 25. The classes are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The cost is $189. The Food Service Sanitation class is eight hours including the exam given at the end of the day. A book is required

and must be purchased prior to the class date. This course will need to be taken every five years for renewal. Register online at morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711). For more information, contact Corporate, Community and Continuing Education at (708) 974-5735.

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Mortgage Rates Around the Area

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.

First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 28) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.470

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.250

4.295

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 28) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.000

APR 4.021

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.411

10-year fi ed

3.250

3.303

Chicago Ridge Bank New Yk Mellon to Chuli Walid, 7001 Oconnell Dr, Unit #202, $44,000; Nasrawi Nidal to Salahat Ramsey F, 5736 106th St, $470,000; Olson Nevalee Tr to Vari Amy E, 10800 Monitor Ave, $162,500; Gonsiorek Maria T to Awad Amany, 5623 W 107th St, Unit #3B, $83,000; Urbanczyk Rita Z to Ajwa Jamil Abu, 10636 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit #106361B, $76,000; Drish William W Jr to Molloy James W, 10304 Ridgeland Ave, Unit #208, $54,000.

Evergreen Park

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 28) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.000

APR 4.047

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.750

3.814

.25

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.438

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Riss Daniel E to Pierce Roderick, 6920 S Harding Ave, $314,000; Polczynski Robert to Ryan & Joyce Dev LLC-Blue, 9758 S Central Park Ave, $14,000; Jacobsen Donald A to Ready Shannon Therese, 10008 S Trumbull Ave, $203,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Meierkort Matthew H, 10101 S Homan Ave, $160,000;

Rizzo Phillip to Anderl Robert, 2817 W 99th St, $215,000; Gierhahn Jason L to Annerino Timothy J, 9837 S Springfield Ave, $280,000; Chicago Trust Co Tr to Sullivan Mary Janes, 9862 S California Ave, $147,500.

Hickory Hills Mcgann William Tr to Drivetime Car Sales Co LLC, 7717 W 95th St, $1,900,000; Cesak James R to Waligora Malgorzata, 8425 Kean Ave, $255,000; Baron Stella R to Hamad Ibrahim, 8319 84th Ct, $149,000; Piszczor Stella to Kulak Danuta, 7947 W 89th Pl, $510,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Papadolias George, 9105 S Roberts Rd, Unit #3C, $92,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Edward Gal Inc, 8904 W 89th St, $120,500.

Oak Lawn Galatis Gerasimos Tr to Galatis Gerasimos, 9304 S 69th Ave, $130,000; Scott Anne E Lesak to Holmes Michael James, 10024 S Komensky Ave, $170,000; Woodman Ronald R Tr to Abdelrasoul Mohammad, 8728 55th Ct, $193,000;

Standard B&T Co Tr to Klioris Roseann, 10612 S Kildare Ave, $200,000; Bank NY Mellon to Mack Ind II LLC, 5838 W 88th Pl, $60,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Romero Grimaldo, 8945 48th Ct, $185,000; Fortier Paul Joseph to Boubel Daniel, 11035 W 111th St, Unit #1035106, $120,000; Coletta Sharon C Tr to Allain Leonard J, 9236 Kedvale Ave, $303,000; Garcia Steven D to Unatco/First Midwest Bk, 10424 S Mayfield Ave, Unit #4, $70,000; Edirisinghe Indika M to Truong Thanh, 10817 Lorel Ave, $275,000; Fannie Mae to Peters Denise, 4823 109th St, Unit #5303, $47,000; Szendzial William V to AH & Group Inc, 5915 W 87th St, $38,000; Kane Brian F to Kuntz J Mark, 10351 Menard Ave, Unit #3322, $83,500; Shanahan John F to Yodelis Nicholas J, 5900 98th St, $185,000; Buziecki Eva Trust to OL Retail III LLC, 5433 W 95th St, $1,150,000; Kingsguard Properties LLC to Mack Industries II LLC, 9953 Melvina Ave, $65,000; Kring Mary P Extr to Kring Mary P Tr, 9807 S Keeler Ave, Unit #16&16G, $63,000;

Norton Thomas F Tr to Meyers Michael J, 4609 100th St, $244,500; Cesario John Ind Rep to Tapia Miguel, 5831 W 87th St, $280,000; Dweydari Steve to Campos Carla V, 9812 Moody Ave, $147,000.

Palos Hills Knerr William to Willis Venecia B, 11136 Northwest Rd, Unit #11136C, $110,000; U S Bk to Galmaka Inc, 9915 S 84th Ave, $156,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Arnold Robert J, 7 Cour Madeleine, $40,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Habschmidt Laurel, 8235 Poplar Ln, Unit #4B, $127,000; ATG Trust Co Tr to Jarosz Damian, 11045 Theresa Cir, Unit #1C, $97,000; Dibrizzi Justine to Lesnicki Jack, 10746 W Olympia Cir, $259,500; Mohammed Syed to Saleh Omar, 8322 W 107th St, $220,000.

Worth Wida Genowefa to Furczon Tomasz K, 10604 Depot St, Unit #106041B, $57,000; US Bank to Baltco Inc, 10737 S Worth Ave, $83,000; Caparra LLC Alsip Series to Alsip Ind PK LLC, 3935 W 127th St, $425,000.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Reporter

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn Lions help families over the holidays The Oak Lawn Lions Club, along with some volunteers, helped provide food for needy families during Christmas week. Members and assistants gathered on Dec. 20 at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 in Oak

Lawn. All the wrapped gifts were donated by real estate agents for Century 21 in Orland Park. The Lions provided ham and turkey dinners for kids and their families.

LIBRARY BRIEFS CHICAGO RIDGE

Free seminar focuses on HMO insurance plan

“Understanding HMO Basics” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The free seminar is designed to help residents understand the basics of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Guests will find out best how to work with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) to better manage chronic diseases, lower overall healthcare costs, and achieve a higher level of satisfaction with a specific care. Patrons will also learn how to choose the best HMO health insurance plan and how to use that HMO wisely to avoid unexpected hassles. The session will be presented by Daniel Maldonado, of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www. chicagoridgelibrary.org to register.

‘Color Therapy for Adults’

“Color Therapy for Adults” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan.7 at the Chicago Ridge Public Library. Coloring books for adults is a new and popular trend that proponents say has many emotional and creative benefits. Adults who want to disconnect from a busy day are encouraged to drop in and color. Library staff provides the colored pencils, coffee, tea and relaxation. Register for this free class by calling (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

PALOS HILLS

Library will host afternoon craft sessions

“Crafternoons” will be held for all ages from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan.18 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Patrons can come by the Activity Room to work on an afternoon craft. More information can be found online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Tech club for students

Students in grades three through eight can participate in a program where they can tinker with technology at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 at the Green Hills Public Library. Kids can experiment with Makey Makeys, Squishy

Circuits, the Mbot robot and more. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Adults can learn computer basics

A hands-on class for beginners who want to learn computer basics will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Green Hills Library. Visitors will learn the basics of using a mouse and keyboard. Other topics include minimizing and maximizing windows, deleting items and Internet searching. A $5 deposit will be required at the time of registration, which will be refunded to those who attend the day of the class. Registration will take place at the Information Desk. This class is for adults only.

OAK LAWN

Star Wars party to be held

“Star Wars: The Party Awakens” will be held for all ages from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Guests can practice Jedi skills, make a BB-8 and more. Registration is not required. More information about this and other youth programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Library seeks ‘Star Wars apprentices’ for event

Volunteers, or “Star Wars apprentices”, are being sought to help run or clean up the Star Wars party from either 9 to 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Oak Lawn Library. The volunteers will earn two hours of service. The volunteers will be limited to 10. Registration is being held at the library. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Setting goals for the New Year

A guest speaker will provide suggestions on how to set goals for the new year from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 at the Oak Lawn Library. The speaker will inform visitors on setting up cheat codes to improve yourself in the new year. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Donate food for Oak Lawn Library’s ‘Souper Bowl’

Patrons can join the staff at the Oak Lawn Library,

9427 S. Raymond Ave., and bring in donations for canned goods during the “Souper Bowl” food drive from Saturday, Jan. 2 through the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7. Family, friends and neighbors can drop off soup and canned items (as well as other food donations) in the library’s lobby. The goal is 500 items to restock the shelves of the local food pantries following the holiday season. More information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Downton Tea Party

The season premiere of Downton Abbey is Sunday, Jan. 3, and the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., is hosting a tea party to celebrate on that day from 2 to 4 pm. Patrons can drink tea and talk about their favorite Downton characters, costumes, episodes and much more. Library staff also show video clips, play games and have some fun photo opportunities. Dress up in favorite Downton style for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Driehaus Museum’s “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times” exhibit. More information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Book Discussion Groups to meet

The Book Discussion Group will hold their first session of the New Year with “The Sparrow” at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Oak Lawn Library. This is the first session in January for the “Day Reads/Night Reads” at the library. The book is written by Mary Doria Russell. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org. Copies of each title are available four weeks before each discussion at the Adult Services Desk on the second floor.

Children keep moving during story session

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

Celtic and American roots duo Switchback will perform at MVCC

The Celtic and American roots duo Switchback will perform two concerts at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. The shows will be performed in the John and Angeline Oremus Theater, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. The cabaret-style setup features table seating for $25 for the general public and $20 for seniors and students. Theater seating is $20 for the general public and $15 for seniors and students. “An Afternoon with Switchback” will feature a mix of original and traditional Irish music and a selection of songs from their catalog of over 300 original Americana tunes. Their music has been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.” Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music around the world for 20 years. Switchback’s concerts include stories of their travels, audience participation and a healthy dose of comedy thrown in for Supplied photo The Celtic and American roots duo Switchback will perform two concerts at Moraine good measure. These two singer/songwriters formed Valley Community College on Jan. 24.

Switchback 1993 and set out on the road to take their “American Roots and Celtic Soul” brand of music to music halls and festivals in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and other countries. They have shared the stage during that journey with music royalty, most notably The Moody Blues, Leon Russell and John Hartford. The duo has created 14 award-winning Celtic and Americana albums. The Irish Music Association presented Switchback with the award for the “Top Duo in a Pub, Festival or Concert” for the USA, Ireland, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Their television specials “The Americana Sessions” and “The Celtic Sessions” have aired on PBS stations around the U.S. More information about Switchback can be foud at WayGoodMusic.com. Tickets to “An Afternoon with Switchback” and other upcoming performances can be purchased at morainevalley.edu/ fpac or by calling (708) 974-5500. Tickets can also be obtained at the Box Office located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Neat Repeats is looking for volunteers for 2016

Neat Repeats Resale stores are seeking volunteers for 2016 at their two southwest suburban facilities. Applications are available at 7026 W. 111th St., Worth, and 9028 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Residents can call the Worth store, (708) 361-6860, or Orland Park, (708) 364-7605. Volunteers are needed for five hours a week. Neat Repeats Resale stores have been part of the community for 27 years. All sales at Neat Repeats Resale benefit the clients served by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence.

Veterinary assistant course offered at Moraine

Animal-lovers interested in a career working with pets can enroll in the Veterinary Assistant Program being offered at Moraine Valley Community College in the spring 2016 semester. The 17-week noncredit course begins Wednesday, Jan. 20 and meets from either 1 to 1:45 p.m. or 6 to 9:45 p.m. The fee to enroll is $1,700. Register in the Registration Office on campus at 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, Building S, Room 103. Topics covered in the class are medical terminology, animal behavior and restraint, laboratory procedures and safety, pharmacology, radiation safety, patient monitoring, disease prevention, and more. Each student will complete 90 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of observation in a veterinary hospital. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion, which may satisfy some entrance requirements in more advanced veterinary career programs. Registration will also be offered by calling (708) 974-2110 or visit online at morainevalley. edu.

12 The Reporter

Thursday, December 31, 2015

COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVERGREEN PARK

$40. Suggested donation of $1 includes a raffle ticket for a door prize. All proceeds benefit the athletes. More information can be obtained by calling Chris at (708) 407-3189.

The Evergreen Park Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 31. The village hall will be closed on New Year’s Day and will reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2.

OAK LAWN

Village Hall will be open on New Year’s Eve and closed on New Year’s Day

Recreation of old-time radio broadcast to be held at EP Community Center

“The Big Broadcast” will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. The Evergreen Park Recreation Department kicks off its 2016 season with a one-night performance of its annual classic, which is a recreation of an old-time radio Big Band broadcast, complete with vocals and radio comedy. Tickets are available at the Community Center. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 229-3343.

EP High Athletic Boosters to hold annual garage sale and antique market

The Evergreen Park High School Athletic Boosters will be having their indoor “let’s recycle” annual garage sale and antique market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 in both gyms of Evergreen Park High School, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave. The event is open for all ages. A table is $25, or two tables for

Oak Lawn Theatre to hold auditions for ‘The Addams Family’

The Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre group will be holding a casting call for the production of “The Addams Family” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Residents trying out must be at least 16 years of age, except for boys ages 10 to 12. Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared to sing a song from the show. Callbacks, if necessary, will be on Tuesday, Jan. 12. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

Oak Lawn fi m group to view and discuss ‘High Noon’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s free weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1952 classic western “High Noon” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 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.

Get in the ‘swing’ of it at a dance class

Beginning dancers can learn the moves for ballroom, Latin, social and swing dancing in a noncredit dance class offered by Moraine Valley Community College this spring. The classes will be held at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn. Students in the Ballroom Dancing, Beginning class will learn proper dance techniques in leading and following, and the basic elements of the waltz, fox trot, tango, rhumba, cha-cha, and swing dance. The eight-week class will be held from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 26. Participants will learn the basic moves of Latin, social and swing dancing in the eight-week beginner course. The sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 26. Couples are required, but each person must register individually. Smooth-soled dress shoes are recommended. Do not wear gym shoes. For questions, call Corporate, Community and Continuing Education at (708) 974-5735. Register in the Registration Office, located on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, in Building S, Room 103. Registration will also be offered by calling (708) 974-2110 or visit online at morainevalley.edu.

Former Bulls star and Boomer at open house

Former Chicago Bulls star Craig Hodges will be on hand to read during “Family Reading Night” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Southwest Chicago Christian School, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Boomer, the mascot for the Windy City Thunderbolts baseball team, will also be on hand. He will also sign autographs and will be available for photos. Boomer will pass out free giveaways, including vouchers for two free tickets to a Windy City Thunderbolts baseball game for every child in attendance. This event is open to all families with children ages preschool through eighth grade. The event is free.

Superhero Luncheon

A “Superhero Luncheon “will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. The celebration will bring a Web Superhero, Iron Superhero and the captain of Superheroes for dancing and trivia that begins at noon. Guests can come dressed as their favorite superhero. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch buffet will be available at 1 p.m. and is included in the fee. Guests can bring their cameras to take photos. The registration fee is $9.95 for adults and $5.95 for children ages 10 and under. Reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, contact (708) 857-2433. Residents can also visit online at www.golfstonycreek.com or on Facebook.

PALOS HILLS

Palos Township to hold utility bill seminar

Palos Township will hold a seminar with a representative from the Citizens Utility Board beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the township office, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. Eric Holt, of CUB, will be the guest speaker. Residents can bring their gas, electric and phone bills to the seminar. Residents can also have one-on-one consultations with CUB officials, who will advise guests of how to trim these bills by an average of $200 a year. Residents will be advised how to help make homes more efficient. Information will be offered about rebates, loans and other programs offered by government and utility companies. A free mini breakfast, compliments of Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan and local food stores and a pharmacy, will be provided. Visitors are reminded to bring their utility bills.

Christmas music concert to held at Sacred Heart Church

The “O Come, All Ye Faithful” concert of festive Christmas music will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3 at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. “We are happy to present our families and community a beautiful gift of music during the Christmas season,” said James Grzadzinski, music director and Tinley Park resident. “Christmas is a season of joy and giving, and it is important to start this effort in our own homes and families.” The concert will feature Christmas caroling in English and Polish, as well as festive and reflective choral music of the season. The program will feature the musicians of the parish including the Sacred Heart Chorale, Sacred Heart Cantori, Sacred Heart Guitar/ Piano Ensemble, Sacred Heart Treble Singers/Family Choir, and the Sacred Heart Cantor Ministry. They will be accompanied by organ and instrumentalists of the parish. A freewill offering benefits the Sacred Heart Music Ministry. More information can be obtained by calling the parish music office at (708) 974-3336, ext. 245.

WORTH

‘Senior Lunch Bunch” to dine at Ditka’s

The Worth Senior Lunch Bunch will travel to Ditka’s for their next adventure on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The registration fee is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Guests can pay a portion of the check on the day of the trip. Those who plan to attend should register one week before the luncheon by calling (708) 448-7080 or by stopping by the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The next regular senior luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the Worth Park District. After lunch, bingo will be played. The registration fee is $7. Register one week before the luncheon. The Worth Park District is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Worth Park District off rs kids indoor activities

Activities will be provided this winter for kids of all ages at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The indoor playground is for youths through age 6. The park district also offers childcare in the Recreation After School Program for residents. To register or obtain more information online, visit www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Acting and arts programs for kids

A new program has been created at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., for youths ages 3 to 14 that have an interest in acting or art. Registration is now open for classes that begin in January. Registration will be accepted by calling (708) 448-7080 or visiting online at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Worth Park District trip: Natural History Museum

The staff at the Worth Park District is organizing a trip to the Chicago Natural History Museum on Sunday, Jan. 10. Transportation will be provided at 11 a.m. from the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. This is an independent trip. The registration fee is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Entry fees will be paid on arrival. Information on current exhibits will be provided at the time of registration. The fee is for transportation only. Residents should register by Monday, Jan. 4. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit www.worthparkdistrict.org

Worth Park District off rs activities for toddlers and adults

The Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., offers classes for ages 2 and up for a variety of activities. Registration for art classes and various sports will be held. Open gym time for all ages will also be held. A full schedule of events can be found online at www.worthparkdistrict.org or call (708) 448-7080.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Favorite moment Vorva reveals his favorite area sports moment of 2015. Page 2

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

Thursday, December 31,2015 2015 Thursday, March 5,

Favorite photos A look at some images from the sports world in 2015. Page 3 Southwest• •Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest

BEST SPORTS STORIES OF 2015

A year filled with rare treasures Photo by Jeff Vorva

Former Moraine Valley star Richaun Holmes is the first player from the Palos Hills school to be drafted by the NBA.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Kathy Levin, with her son Jake, takes one last look at the scoreboard that had her as the No. 1 scorer in Oak Lawn girls basketball history. She watched as Brianna Markusic broke the record.

5,953 rushing yards and is the only player in NCAA history to run at throw for at least 1,000 yards in all four years of play.

8. Big football scores

By Jeff Vorva • Sports Editor

En route to finishing second in the state in Class 8A, Marist’s football team, which had four losses heading into the playoffs, knocked off Barrington, 5956, in the quarterfinals in Chicago. The game set an IHSA record for most points in a Class 8A playoff game. Quarterback Brendan Skalitzky accounted for 633 yards and eight touchdowns. One week later, 16th-seeded St Xavier University nearly knocked off No. 1 Morningside in the first round of the NAIA playoffs and suffered a 75-69 loss in four overtimes. It was the highest scoring playoff game in NAIA history and the second highest score in any NAIA game ever played.

his year was pretty rare when it came to area sports. Like most years, it had its share of highs and lows. But for some reason, 2015 featured a fair share of accomplishments that you hardly ever see. Some you may never see again.

To quote legendary coach Bob Hallberg, who made the top 10 list for being the first coach in history to lead a men’s and women’s college basketball program to No. 1 in the nation: “There are very few people in this world that can say they did something that nobody else has done. If you climb Mt. Everest, you are not the only guy who did it. More than one guy have walked on the moon.’’ So, here are the top 10 area sports stories for 2015:

1. A perfect afterNonn for SXU pitcher St. Xavier University junior pitcher Nicole Nonnemacher became just the second pitcher in NAIA history to throw a perfect game while striking out all 15 batters that she faced. She beat Trinity International University, 9-0 on April 14 in Chicago, striking out 15 and threw 57 pitches – 50 for strikes. TIU hitters made contact just five times and all were foul balls in the 73-minute doubleheader opening game. Thirteen of the 15 strikeouts were swinging and two were called. The Bloomington native joined Central Baptist Arkansas pitcher Emily Guess, who did it twice in two games in 2011, once in a 27-0 win over Hillside Free Will Baptist (Oklahoma) and once in a 13-0 win over Crowley’s Ridge (Arkansas) four days later.

2. Moraine Valley player drafted into the NBA

For the first time in the history of Moraine Valley Community College, a former Cyclones basketball player was drafted by an NBA team. Richaun Holmes, who played at the

9. Half-Marathon hi-jinx

Photo by Jeff Vorva/staff photo illustration

Nicole Nonnemacher of St. Xavier is just the second pitcher in NAIA history to throw a perfect game and strike out every batter she faced. She accomplished the incredible feat on April 14 in St. Xavier’s 9-0 victory over Trinity International University.

Palos Hills school in 2011-12, was drafted in the second round and 37th pick by Philadelphia on June 25. The 6-foot-9 Holmes moved from Moraine to Bowling Green. Before coming to Moraine, he was a good, but unheralded player at Lockport High School. “Moraine gave me a running start to hone my skills,” he said. “Nobody (on the Division I level) was knocking at my door).’’

3. First in state, fourth in nation Sandburg’s boys cross country team won its first Class 3A boys cross country state championship in November and one month later, finished fourth in the nation in the Nike Cross Nationals event in Oregon. For the Eagles, the state win was “surreal” according to senior Sean Torpy, who finished third in the state individual to lead his team. The national finish, however, was not as high as the Eagles wanted as they were ranked No. 1 in the nation by multiple national websites for most of the year. “It was a heck of an effort,” Torpy told MileSplit USA after the race. “We were wishing we could finish higher.’’

4. Marist’s whirlwind state softball championship The Illinois High School Association Class 4A state softball championship title game between Marist and Lincoln-Way East was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on June 13. But an ominous weather forecast for the East Peoria area forced officials to start the game in the morning. By 5:30, players, coaches and fans were in the Marist cafeteria in the middle of a celebration of that morning’s 1-0 victory over East eating cake and celebrating. One player echoed Torpy’s sentiment on winning the state title. “The entire experience has been surreal,” said Orland Park’s Brooke Wilson, who was also on the 2012 state title team and became the first female athlete in the school’s history to win two state championships.

5. Gold Coyne Last year, Palos Heights native and Sandburg graduate Kendall Coyne helping the United States hockey team to a Silver Medal in the Olympics was the No. 1 story. This year, she makes it to the top 10 again by helping the U.S. beat Canada, 7-5, to claim the Women’s World Cham-

pionship in Sweden on April 4. She had a goal and assist in the Gold Medal game. She has won three gold medals and a silver medal in world and Olympic competition.

6. SXU Women reach No. 1 St. Xavier’s woman’s basketball team picked up the No. 1 ranking in the nation among NAIA Division II schools for the first time in the program’s history on Dec. 8. Coach Bob Hallberg became the first coach in history to lead a men’s and a woman’s team to No. 1 in the nation. He also coached Chicago State’s men to No. 1 in the nation when it was an NAIA school in 1983.

7. Vander Laan’s the man Former Chicago Christian football star Jason Vander Laan is leaving Division II Ferris State with an armload of records and awards. The senior quarterback most impressive feat in his final year is that he set the record for most career rushing yards by a college quarterback. Vander Laan finished his career with an NCAA record for any division with

For the first time in the eight years of the running of the area’s half-marathon and 10K race in Palos Heights a bandit entered the 10K race and won it. The man claimed to be from Cicero and his name was Juan Munoz but he didn’t officially enter the race or pay the fee to run in the May 3rd race. Race co-director Mel Diab said bandits usually show up in bigger events. Meanwhile on the women’s side, the half marathon was won by Kailey Green, whose family wasn’t there to see it because they were in downstate Washington moving into their new house after their old house was destroyed by tornado on Nov. 17, 2013.

10. A fixed broken record Brianna Markusic became Oak Lawn High School’s all-time girls basketball scorer on Jan. 29, but leading up to it, she wasn’t sure whose record she would try to break. Kathy Krzak owned the record from 1995-99 with 1,235 points. But LaTondra Brooks was deemed the scoring leader by OL officials with 1,448 points, which caused some protest from Krzak’s family because 1,132 of those points came with Oak Lawn from 2011-14 and 316 came as a member of a Missouri varsity team when she was a freshman. Oak Lawn officials reversed their decision and Krzak, who is married and goes by the last name of Levin, was back to No. 1 and was in the Oak Lawn gym to watch Markusic break her record.

Marist players rejoice and Barrington players are stunned after Marist’s 59-56 win in the state quarterfi als. The game was a record for most points in a Class 8A playoff game. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Dan Laskero, Tom Brennan and Chris Torpy relax and soak in the state cross country championship that they won in November.

Section 2 Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

It was a really big ‘W’ of a moment in 2015 JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point

ometimes the best ideas are stolen ideas. Years ago I was working as a sportswriter at a local daily paper and someone had the bright idea to end the year by having each one of us write about a certain special moment or behindthe-scenes occurrence from that year. It could be funny, touching or sentimental. When I covered the Cubs, I did everything from Todd Wellemeyer’s belching ability to racing home after a Cubs workout to watch my son play in an All-Star game. I loved writing those stories and when I became editor of the Reporter, it took me until my second year to get my rear in gear and write one for 2014. I shared a tale about columnist Don C. White professing his love for his grandson during a December photo shoot after Don. C. spent way too much time the hospital mending from openheart surgery. So I am taking that stolen idea from years gone by (does anyone even remember Todd Wellemeyer anymore?) and bringing it back to the sports pages. If took me all of a half a moment to come up with my favorite moment of 2015. On Oct. 8, St. Laurence senior football player Alex Martinez had just been told his Chicago firefighter father, Rich, died suddenly at age 48. Alex tweeted to the world “My heart is broken in a million pieces.” He was scheduled to be the starting quarterback the next night at Aurora Christian. I planned on shooting photos at two other games and writing about one of them. So I called an audible and made a quick change

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence quarterback Alex Martinez looks at a banner presented to him and autographed by his teammates after and Oct. 9 win over Aurora Christian while coach Harold Blackmon looks on. Martinez’s father, Rich, died the day before.

of plans and shot a quarter of the Richards-Eisenhower game in Blue Island and headed to far west Aurora to see if he would play and how the team was holding up through this tragedy. Well, the route from Blue Island to Aurora on a Friday night is filled with traffic and it took a while to get there. I missed the pregame moment of silence that the Au-

rora school did for Martinez and his family. When I got there late in the first quarter, he was indeed playing and playing pretty well. Martinez threw for 202 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score as the Vikings won 63-24 for their fifth win in a row. Then came the magic moment.

After the game, coach Harold Blackmon gathered the boys near the south end zone gave a speech and had Martinez stand up. A couple of his pals presented him with this big box and Alex opened it up. Inside was a team-autographed ‘W’ banner which was made popular by the Cubs, who happened to be playing St. Louis in the play-

offs that night. Martinez had a huge smile as he unfurled the huge ‘W.’ It was a moment you don’t see on a football field. It was a great moment of pure joy, camaraderie and offered some temporary relief during a dreadful 24-hour period. “That was great for them to do that,” Martinez said. Blackmon said the banner was one of the players’ ideas.

“Our kids really embrace family,” the coach said. “We all grieve with Alex. In the pregame speech we said for a few hours we wanted to get him to normalcy and doing something that’s fun. Alex’s dad loves the Cubs so they decided to give him a banner. We take care of our own.’’ They took care of their own and provided one of the best moments of 2015.

FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER

Centenario will play in Chicago By Jeff Vorva Sport Editor

Soldier Field and Chicago will host one of the biggest world soccer events of 2016 in June. Group seeds and game dates for the historic 2016 Copa America Centenario have been announced,. Organizers are calling this a “once-in-a-lifetime soccer summer event” which honors 100 years of the Copa America tournament. It will feature some of the world’s best teams and players competing from June 3 through June 26 in the United States. The United States will be visiting Santa Clara, Calif. (June 3) to kick-off the tournament, before visiting Chicago (June 7) and Philadelphia (June 11). Argentina will head to Santa Clara (June 6), Chicago (June 10) and Seat-

tle (June 14). Brazil will travel to Pasadena (June 4), Orlando (June 8) and Foxborough (June 12), and Mexico will play its group matches in Phoenix (June 5), Pasadena (June 9) and Houston (June 13). Seattle, New York/New Jersey, Foxborough and Santa Clara will all host quarterfinal matches, while Houston and Chicago will be site of the two tournament semifinals. As the host nation, the United States earns the Group A seed, while Argentina, as the highest FIFA-ranked nation in the Americas (per December FIFA rankings), will be seeded top of Group D. The national teams of Brazil and Mexico have also been awarded group seeds, and will head Groups B and C, respectively. The remaining 12 participating nations will be sorted into the four groups

Solider Field is expected to fill up when it plays host to big-time world soccer action in June.

in early 2016 based on a public draw. Details of groups and procedures for the draw will be announced leading up to that event. In announcing the seeded teams, organizers also revealed the dates of

matches, including the cities each seeded nation will visit, as well as the dates they will play during the group phase of the tournament. For tickets and information,, fans can visit CA2016.com. Due to the expected

Supplied photo

high demand for this premium soccer tournament, fans are urged to register early to guarantee access to information as it becomes available. More ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks.

THE NEXT LEVEL

The Naked Truth: Wade gets into the underwear business By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Coming in 2016, former Richards basketball star Dwyane Wade, will unveil his Naked underwear collection to the public. Wade, a veteran of the Miami Heat, will serve as the lead face for the Naked Brand Group’s Role Models campaign. “I am very excited to partner with a brand that celebrates individuality and authenticity,” Wade said in a statement. “What you wear underneath is the foundation for how you look and feel. Naked is taking innerwear to the next level and I look forward to helping them build the brand and the business.” The NBA star doesn’t have to pretend to like this product. He was sold on it long ago.

“Dwyane, believe it or not, found us,” Carole Hochman, CEO of Naked Brand Group, told the Street website. “His wife brought him a pair of Naked underwear. He put it on and that’s what began the whole process. He put it on and took a selfie, sent it to his manager and said, ‘Find this company’.” And the company was found. In his role as creative director for this product line, Wade will work closely with Hochman and her design and development team to create a collection with broad global consumer appeal. “I am eager to work with Naked to design a collection that offers standout style and comfort,” said Wade. Wade’s collaboration and endorsement agreement with Na-

Supplied photo

Dwyane Wade, a former Richards basketball standout, is a spokesman for the Naked underwear brand.

ked, which includes license to Dwyane Wade’s name, image and other intellectual property, is multi-year, worldwide and exclusive in the category of Innerwear (underwear, undershirts, loungewear, sleepwear and robes).

Lewis to Syracuse? Former Richards football star Sean Lewis, who has been coaching at Bowling Green in recent years, is ready to join Syracuse’s staff although an official announcement from the

school has not been made. News reports say that Orangemen coach Dino Babers is leaning toward making Lewis his co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Lewis’s Twitter bio says he has the job and his banner image on the Twitter account is a collage of Syracuse photos. After his career at Richards, he was a tight end at Wisconsin after switching from quarterback. He coached at Richards, Eastern Illinois and Bowling Green.

Shepard duo biding time on BU roster One of the bigger surprised in NCAA Division III basketball is Benedictine University’s rise to No. 7 in the national ranking in December after the Eagles won

their first nine games of the season. Two Shepard graduates are on the Lisle school’s roster – sophomore Darren Cohen and Jacob Littleton. Both are biding their time with the talented Eagles as they have both entered just one game so far this season.

McFarland hopes for rebound Former Stagg pitcher T.J. McFarland’s third year in the majors was his worst and he is hoping for a rebound in 2016. The Baltimore Orioles reliever was optioned to TripleA Norfolk and recalled by the parent club 10 times in 2015. In between trips back and forth, he had a 4.91 ERA in 40 1/3 innings.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 31, 2015 Section 2

Favorite sports images from 2015

Photos and text by By Jeff Vorva • Sports Editor Even though I have been sports editor since September, and emotion. And we had a lot of rare, seemingly once- for a lot, capturing special and unusual moments and I have been shooting photos for both the Reporter and in-a-lifetime occurrences, as highlighted in our top 10 froze them in time. So if you will indulge me for some self-indulgence, list on Page 1. Regional all year. We weren’t there for everything, but we were out there here are a few of my favorite sports photos from 2015: The 2015 sports year had plenty of thrills, triumphs

New Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich started making appearances in the Chicago area to introduce himself to the people and one of his first stops was a Mother McAuley basketball game in January. Here, he is taking a selfie in the middle of the Mighty Macs fan section.

Pep squad member Casey O’Connell and Oak Lawn Eagles basketball player Jimmy O’Keefe hug and smile for the camera during picture day to promote the sixth annual Special Olympics Basketball Day in January.

Nazareth lineman Gavin Smith was one of a handful of Roadrunners who did snow angels after beating St. Laurence to get to the Class 5A title game in November.

Richards, which lost its first two football games of the season, trailed Lemont 14-0 at halftime in week three on the road. But the Bulldogs rallied and won the game, 28-24, prompting laughs and smiles after the game.

Above: Marist quarterback Brendan Skalitzky ran and threw for 633 yards in a wild 59-56 victory over Barrington in the Class 8A playoff quarterfinals, celebrated with his team, was interviewed by media and finally had a moment to himself when he was called to the stands for more hugs and adulation.

Before Marist won the state championship in girls softball, they had to get by Oak Lawn in regional competition. In this photo, Marist’s Zariya Gonzalez collides with Oak Lawn catcher Danielle Allen. Allen hung on to the ball and Gonzalez was called out but Marist still won the regional title with a 5-3 victory.

Jack Michael Yunker of Oak Lawn really got into the Stanley Cup when it made an appearance in the area in August.

Section 2 Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

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Section 2 Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2004-3 Plaintiff, -v.LARRY PATIENT, SHERRI L. PATIENT, CASEY TOOL AND LOCK TECHNOLOGY, INC., PROFIT SHARING PLAN F/B/O ELLERY E. CASEY, WESTGATE VALLEY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE CORP. Defendants 10 CH 044691 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 SHADOWCREEK LANE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-401016. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \â&#x20AC;?AS IS\â&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-28028. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-28028 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 10 CH 044691 TJSC#: 35-15966 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I679529

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FM2 Plaintiff, -v.DARLENE M. MANOS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, COLONIAL HEIGHTS, TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 005376 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-24-300-053-0000. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \â&#x20AC;?AS IS\â&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-04679. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-15-04679 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 005376 TJSC#: 35-17855 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I679051

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION STONEGATE MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.JACQUELINE VIDINICH Defendants 14 CH 20611 10616 SOUTH KOLMAR AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 3, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 4, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10616 SOUTH KOLMAR AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-15-124-016-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $205,275.56. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F14120053. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F14120053 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 14 CH 20611 TJSC#: 35-16504 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.

For Sale Public Notice Network Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON; Plaintiff, vs. MARK J. HOLDA, ET AL; Defendants, REPUBLIC BANK OF CHICAGO; Counter - Plaintiff, vs. MARK J. HOLDA AKA MARK HOLDA AKA MARK J. HOLDA; LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA FKA LYDIA ROJAS AKA LYDIA MICHELLE HOLDA; HOLDA ENTERPRISES, INC.; FIRST MIDWEST BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; LOMA VISTA NURSERY; CHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICAS LLC DBA CHRYSLER FINANCIAL FKA DAIMLERCHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICA, LLC; STATE OF ILLINOIS; CAPITAL ONE BANK, (USA), N.A., CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 13, 2000 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-5000; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Counter - Defendants 12 CH 8082 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-31-107-010-0000. Commonly known as 6833 West 127st Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463. The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. THE SALE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO GENERAL TAXES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND TO A PRIOR RECORDED FIRST MORTGAGE. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Brandon R. Freud at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd., 200 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 263-3890. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I678834

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Call 708-745-4761 For Sale F13110209 Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs. MARK A. PELEGRINO AKA MARK PELEGRINO AKA MARK ANTHONY PELEGRINO; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK; OLD NATIONAL BANK S/B/M TO PRAIRIE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A CERTAIN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES TRUST AGREEMENT DATED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 07-040; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 13 CH 26293 Calendar 64 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 7159 West 107th Street, Worth, Illinois 60482. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www. fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. F13110209 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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Section 2 Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Regional News - The Reporter

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time. 20-30 hours per week. Day shift. Please email resumes to

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Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative. The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: â&#x20AC;˘ Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention â&#x20AC;˘ Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized â&#x20AC;˘ Have the ability to hit the ground running â&#x20AC;˘ Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: â&#x20AC;˘ Drive and Energy â&#x20AC;˘ The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment â&#x20AC;˘ The ability to multi-task â&#x20AC;˘ An outgoing personality WE OFFER: â&#x20AC;˘ Competitive salary plus commission â&#x20AC;˘ High earnings potential

PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 708-448-4160

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS THIS WEEK Tuesday luncheon movie: Happy!

Happiness will be the focus of a movie at a Tuesday luncheon on Jan. 5, from noon to 2 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. Luncheon guests will watch the award-winning documentary “Happy” which tries to answer the questions “What makes us happy?” Is it money? Family? Work? The film interviews people from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa. The luncheon costs $20 per person and requires advance reservations. For more, call The Center at 361-3650.

that is compassionate and inclusive. This curriculum connects children with their own inner wisdom and teaches interdependence, self awareness, respect for nature, stillness, forgiveness, prayer, meditation, and integrity. Using the Bible and other wisdom stories, Joyful Path helps children learn how to follow the path of Jesus in today’s world. For more information, parents may visit the website of Progressive Christianity: http://progressivechristianity.org. The fee for the eight-week session is $80 for a family’s first child, $60 for the second child, and $40 for the third. Questions can be directed to Rev. Chris Hopkins at The Center: 361-3650.

Spiritual Companionship

Spiritual Companionship is available each Tuesday at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in A poetry workshop will be offered at The Log Palos Park. Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest HighSpiritual Companion Kathy Fontaine guides a way in Palos Park for six sessions, 9:15 until 11:45 person in prayer, meditation, and dialogue. Fona.m., beginning Tuesday, Jan. 5. The class will taine has been trained at the Institute of Spiritual then meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each Companionship in Chicago and is known to the Palos community as a spiritual growth leader and month for a total of six sessions. Under the guidance of MaryAnn Grzych of Palos former kindergarten teacher. According to Fontaine, Heights, the class shares and supportively critiques spiritual companionship is “holy listening.” The each others’ works as they learn together to express cost of Fontaine’s one-on-one service is $20 per significant feelings and ideas through their writings. hour, which she donates to The Center’s camp The cost of the workshop is $58 for six sessions. scholarship fund. For further information about Spiritual CompanAdvance registration is required. Call 361-3650. ionship appointments, interested persons should call The Center at 361-3650. Art classes New six-week sessions of art classes begin the week of Jan. 4 at the Log Cabin Center for the Gentle yoga class A new five week series of Gentle Yoga classes Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Beginning Monday morning, Jan. 4, Lapidary will be offered at The Center on Tuesday evenings instruction is offered with Larry Rothenberg. Knit- beginning Jan 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The class ting and Crocheting are offered Monday evening will meet at the Anderson Activity Center of The with Georgann Ring at 6:30 p.m. and again on Children’s Farm, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. Friday morning, Jan. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Instructor Carolyn Harms will lead the yoga sesA Poetry workshop, facilitated by Mary Ann Grzych, begins Tuesday morning, Jan. 5, at 9:15 a.m., sions, which will include discussion and practice on breathing, relaxation, and centering, as well as meeting every other week for six sessions. On Wednesday, Jan. 6, April Schabes’ Collage movement and poses. Yoga newcomers are welcome. Students should class begins in the morning at 9:30 a.m., and Denise Dulzo’s Quilting afternoon class begins at 1 dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. p.m. Lenox Wallace offers Watercolor Painting and The five-week class costs $50. Preregistration is Don and Arlene Lesiak offer Woodcarving , both required. Call The Center: 361-3650. on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Thursday classes include 9 a.m. Drawing and 1 p.m. Watercolor with Lois Hrejsa and 6:30 p.m. New teen lapidary classes Teens in grades 7 through 12 are invited to Stained Glass instruction with Harry Meneghini. register for a four week lapidary class beginning Additional classes in Calligraphy, Silver JewWednesday, Jan. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at The elry, Pottery, Weaving, Basketmaking, Woodcarving, Pastels, Teen Pottery, and Kids’ Art begin the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. week of Jan. 9. Instructor Larry Rothenberg invites teens to learn Advance registration is required for all classes at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts. Call The to use the lapidary wheels to make smooth polished Center at 361-3650 or visit www.thecenterpalos.org. stones from rough slabs of rock. The class fee is $50 plus a $10 materials fee for introductory projects. Students purchase rocks for advanced projects. Advance registration is required. For The Bridge Teen Center programs • DIY Crochet Animal - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5, more information, call The Center at 361-3650 or 12, and 19, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st visit www.thecenterpalos.org Court, Orland Park, students will learn how to make their own adorable crochet animal. • Acoustic Guitar - 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 5, 6, and 7 Chicago’s famed The Second will teach students the basics of the acoustic guitar. City coming to Moraine Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy • Youtube Video Exercises - 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. theater returns to Moraine Valley Community Col6, will show students how to work out at home. lege with “Hooking Up with The Second City” on • DIY Starbucks Drinks - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 7, students will learn how to make their favorite Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The new show will be in the Dorothy Menker coffee drinks. Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, • Behind the Heart and Kayla Bailey - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 8, a Skeeball Tournament with live 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are music from punk band Behind the Heart and singer/ $25 for the general public and $20 for students songwriter Kayla Bailey. Free food samples will be and seniors. The audience will find this gaspingly funny revue provided by Wooden Paddle Pizza. a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything This free event is for teens in 7th through 12th in between. It makes mirth out of missed connecgrade. For more information call 532-0500. tions, girls’ night out adventures and all the crazy things people do for love. The Second City has been looking at and laughing about relationships for over UPCOMING 55 years, producing cutting-edge satirical revues Spirituality for Kids and launching the careers of comedy superstars, A new spiritual Joyful Path program for children including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, begins at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more. Palos Park, on Sunday, Jan. 10, from 12:15 to 1:15 Tickets for “Hooking Up with The Second City” p.m. and other upcoming performances can be purchased Led by Kitty Riggenbach and Bill Hopkins, Joy- online at morainevalley.edu/fpac, by calling (708) ful Path is not a religious education program but is 974-5500, or at the Box Office, located on the intended to nourish children’s spirituality in a way south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Poetry class

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): You can’t always talk your way out of a jam. A passing confrontation may put you on the defensive and you may be tempted to tell a little white lie. In the week ahead you will find that honesty is the very best policy. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are fit for friendships. Your friendly demeanor can attract new friends and make old friends sit up and take notice. In the week ahead you can profit from the good judgment and wisdom of a long term partner. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The sharper the wit the deeper the wound. You might be involved in a conversation that entails pointed comments that cut to the quick. Focus on being thrifty, organized, and responsible about bill paying in the week ahead. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You could feel like a bird in a gilded cage. As this week unfurls you might feel guilty for missing a deadline or for handing in slipshod work. Make every effort to

do your best so you aren’t held in check by disapproval. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Live to serve. Your sympathy and compassion may get a workout in the workplace. A creative idea might be put on the back burner. In the week ahead you may offer your services to someone in an effort to fill an imagined need. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Avoid sharp words and steer clear of sharp objects in the early part of the week. You take pride in being efficient and may go too fast in an attempt to uphold your public image. Don’t try to juggle too many tasks at a time. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may look for love and only find friends. Your heightened sense of romance is best expressed through high quality possessions and apparel in the week ahead. Your romantic overtures may fall somewhat flat. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re walking in sunshine. Those golden rays may only be in your mind, but will keep you warm on a cold winter’s day. In the week to come you may be inspired or uplifted by positive thoughts and

images. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the week to come a poker face can come in handy. Play your cards close to your chest. Take no unnecessary risks and don’t antagonize anyone. Use discrimination and precision to tackle emerging problems. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pull with both oars. In the week to come you will get further and make the most progress by working in tandem with others. You may run into obstacles or cause friction by trying to perform your duties all alone. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Steady as she goes. You may be on the edge of your seat and filled with anticipation of something more exciting as this week unfolds. However, you will be better off sticking to routines. Avoid stirring the pot. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get your hands dirty; mold clay into a pitcher or a bowl. You can take basic ingredients and turn them into something useful if you use your imagination. In the week ahead listen to your creative muse.

Drum roll, please: here are the best films of 2015 With the end of 2015 here, it’s time to look back at the best films of the year. Last week you read about the films not to watch, but now you get to read about the films to watch. 6) Avengers: Age of Ultron In a nod to my superhero fandom we have a standard superhero film done very well. Not all superhero films are created equal and this is clearly a cut above the rest. The film brings the whole gang back in this action packed sequel to “The Avengers.” In what other film this year could you see Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, and so many other awesome superheroes? To my knowledge there’s not one. That’s reason enough for this to be included in my list. 5) Inside Out An animated kids’ film brought to you by Disney, about the emotions in your head and how they all work together to make you who you are. The only issue of the film is that it may be too deep for most kids to fully understand. I know I wouldn’t have understood it at the young age its marketed to. 4) Bridge of Spies This is a cold film with a warm heart about a Brooklyn insurance

TONY PINTO lawyer who gets the “unofficial” job of negotiating the swap of a Soviet spy and an American spy during the cold war. This is a true life story starring Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg. 3) Love and Mercy Here we have the incredibly sad story about Brian Wilson, the legendary singer-songwriter of the Beach Boys. This film brings you the rise, the fall, and the revival of this musical figure. It’s the tale of two Brian’s — one of the past played by Paul Dano, and the one of the future played by John Cusack. Even the flaws of this movie don’t matter, because it’s so well done. This is Cusack at his best and you get to hear the music of the Beach Boys. Do you need any other reason to see this film? 2) Trainwreck This is written by its star Amy Schumer, who has her own Comedy Central series, “Inside Amy

Schumer.” If you’ve seen the show you’ll know nothing is too inappropriate or intimate to be written about and all that inappropriate humor lands here. It even stars LeBron James as a frugal version of himself. Surprisingly, he can act and is quite funny. Throughout the movie, there are appearances of random people like Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), John Cena (pro wrestler), and various celebrities playing themselves that even my dad would know. The film is raunchy, heartfelt and funny. If you want the traditional romantic comedy this film is not for you. If you can deal with a hard R-rated comedy this films for you. 1) The Martian For over two hours we have a movie about NASA astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) trapped alone on Mars. How is he going to survive? Is NASA going to try to save him? The struggle they paint for Watney is one of the things that make this movie great. It’s a visually stunning film, but none of that matters because Matt Damon is so great. Most of this film is Matt alone on screen and he gets us to feel for this botanist trapped on Mars.

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 PERFECT GUY”: In a sort of gender reverse on “Fatal Attraction,” a woman (Sanaa Lathan) comes to regret getting involved with a stranger (Michael Ealy) while she’s on the rebound from a breakup with her boyfriend (Morris Chestnut, “Rosewood”). The new relationship doesn’t last long when she gets a sudden glimpse of her latest beau’s angry streak ... but he’s not willing to let go and begins stalking her. The reliable performers do a lot for the familiar-feeling material here; Charles S. Dutton, Tess Harper and Kathryn Morris (“Cold Case”) also are in the strong cast. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “A WALK IN THE WOODS”: The acting caliber clearly is present as Robert Redford and Nick Nolte — who previously worked together in the Redford-directed “The Company You Keep” — team in this comedy-drama. They play friends, respectively a travel writer and a fugitive, who embark on a hike of the Appalachian Trail together. The trek gives them plenty of time to compare wits and thoughts, relatively few of which match up. While the focus of the story (adapted from a book by Bill Bryson, who’s portrayed by Redford here) remains principally in those two actors, the noteworthy cast also includes Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) and Kristen Schaal (“The Last Man on Earth”). *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray) “HITMAN: AGENT 47”: Inspired by a popular video-game series — as was an earlier “Hitman” movie that featured Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”) in the lead role — this action-crammed reboot casts Rupert Friend as an assassin who turns on the agency that wants to utilize his very special DNA to create a brigade of similar killers. Hannah Ware (“Boss”) plays his comrade in trying help him foil the plot and learn about his past. Zachary Quinto, Thomas Kretschmann and Ciaran Hinds also star. DVD extras: theatrical trailers; three “making-of” documentaries; deleted scenes; photo and poster galleries; comic book. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “HEIST”: Talk about a robbery that goes wrong. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“The Good Wife”) and Dave Bautista (“SPECTRE”) star in this melodrama as would-be

thieves who target a mobster’s (Robert De Niro) casino — they didn’t see what happened to his enemies in his earlier “Casino” movie? — only for the plan to go wrong, forcing them to hijack a bus and take the passengers hostage to make their escape. It doesn’t seem like much of an escape, though: The police are on their trail, as is the mobster’s lethal deputy (Morris Chestnut). Additional familiar faces in the cast include Kate Bosworth, Morris Chestnut, Gina Carano and MarkPaul Gosselaar. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “RAY DONOVAN: SEASON THREE”: The Showtime drama’s knack for strong, interesting casting continues in this round with the additions of Katie Holmes and Ian McShane (“Deadwood”) as a daughter and father whom professional “fixer” Ray (Liev Schreiber) becomes entangled with as he tries to advance his business aims, particularly in making himself able to call the shots for himself. His father Mickey (Jon Voight) continues to be a concern, especially as Dad makes moves to chart his own course. Wendell Pierce (“The Wire”) returns from Season 2, with Paula Malcolmson, Eddie Marsan, Katherine Moenning, Elliott Gould, Dash Mihok, Steven Bauer and Pooch Hall among other continuing members of the impressive cast. (Not rated: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “SHAMELESS: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON”: Another enduring Showtime series offers its latest season on

home video, as newly released convict Fiona (Emmy Rossum) has multiple romantic interests who may include her new boss (Dermot Mulroney). As usual, her own concerns aren’t helped by Frank’s (William H. Macy) unpredictability, more of a worry as he adjust to having a new liver that likely wouldn’t react well to his old lifestyle. An overall change in the Gallaghers’ Chicago neighborhood’s makeup also impacts the family. Joan Cusack won an Emmy Award for her work in this season of the show, which also features Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan, Steve Howey and Emily Bergl. DVD extras: two “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by cast and crew members; deleted scenes. (Not rated: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray)

COMING SOON:

“SICARIO” (Jan. 5): Emily Blunt plays an FBI agent trying to dismantle a drug cartel along the U.S.-Mexico border; Benicio Del Toro also stars. (R: AS, P, GV) “TRUE DETECTIVE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” (Jan. 5): A new cast — led by Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams — is involved in a new mystery in the HBO drama’s sophomore round. (Not rated: AS, N, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

FREE FITNESS WEEK This is your chance to come and try all the great fitness classes we offer.

Monday January 4 - Saturday January 9 Classes will be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center 6601 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights Try as many free classes as you want during the week and after you try them you receive a $5.00 off coupon to use toward your registration for the 8-week session starting January 11.

Let us help you reach your fitness goals!

For any questions call 708-361-1807 Child care will be available for AM classes (excluding Spinning) For a list of classes visit www.palosheightsrec.org and click on the online brochure – page 38 is the Group Fitness Calendar

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Creative journaling class intro session at Log Cabin

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

A new year of Creative Journaling begins at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts on Friday, Jan. 8, at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Participants will be encouraged to create a colorful artistic record of their days, their thoughts, and their experiences, through words, collages, photos, poems, magazine images, drawings, watercolors, or any other media. The idea is that there are so many options that there are no excuses. Using Gina Rossi Armfield’s “No Excuses Art Journaling” book as an inspiration, participants will make a commitment to make time for creativity, to document the days of their lives and keep a record of their thoughts and inspirations. Students will need to purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly datebook or calendar, and should plan to begin right away on Jan. 8. The Jan. 8 meeting is a free no-obligation introduction to the project for new students. Returning students pay a $10 fee. The group will meet once each month from 12 noon to 3 p.m., usually on the last Friday of the month. To participant on Jan. 8, call The Center to say you are planning to come: 361-3650. After the Jan. 8 Introductory session, students will need to register to continue. The program cost for the 2016 year, Supplied photo which begins its meetings on Jan. Creative journaling student Eva Golembiewski shows a page in her journal 29, is $100 per year. to the class. Fotolia.com.

Choose your favorite types of nuts to create a custom blend of toasted nuts for a perfect party snack.

Go nuts! Entertain guests with a last-minute party snack By Wolfgang Puck

Photo courtesy of Phyllis Schulte

People can join a volunteer work crew to help keep Will County forest preserves clear of invasive species. For information on upcoming Forest Preserve District of Will County workdays, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

New Year brings more Forest Preserve volunteer opportunities in Will County Start the New Year off right by volunteering to improve the preserves during upcoming Forest Preserve District of Will County natural resource management workdays. Workdays are held from 8 a.m. to noon. Participants should dress for outdoor work and the weather. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and work gloves. RSVP by calling 815-722-7364 or email rgauchat@ fpdwc.org. Workdays will be held on: Sunday, Jan. 17: Sugar Creek Administration Center, Joliet. Monday, Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Theodore Marsh,

Crest Hill. Sunday, Jan. 24: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher. Sunday, Feb. 14: Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, Lockport. Sunday, Feb. 28: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, Mokena. Saturday, March 5: Hammel Woods, Shorewood Sunday, March 6: Keepataw Preserve, Lemont. Saturday, March 12: Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, Lockport. Sunday, March 13: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox. Saturday, April 2: Kankakee

What’s a party without crunchy, toasted nuts? Whether you’re host or guest, you’ll probably agree that nuts are perfect for parties. Plus, a dish of roasted nuts is great when you and your friends sit down to watch an upcoming sporting event, such as the New Year’s Day bowl games or the Super Bowl, or for the spate of awards shows that start next month. Whenever I entertain, whatever the occasion, I like to put together my own special blend of nuts. With the following recipe, you can select the nuts you want to serve, mixing them in whatever variety and proportions you like. Preparing a custom nut blend also lets you season the nuts to taste, making them whatever combination of salty, sweet and spicy you like. As an added benefit, toasting the nuts yourself gives them an incomparably rich flavor and satisfying texture to which commercial roasted nuts from a can, jar or bag simply cannot compare. In this recipe, I call for equal quantities of seven different kinds of nuts, but you can vary their makeup however you like. (Bear in mind, too, that some of your guests may have nut allergies, so it’s a good idea to ask and alert them before sharing). I recommend buying whole, shelled, raw nuts — skinless, too, for varieties such as peanuts, almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add a little dried fruit. I include pineapple in this recipe, but dried apricots or cherries would be good. You can also choose to make the seasoning blend as spicy or sweet as you wish. Pack the nuts in airtight jars, tie a ribbon around the neck and you’re good to go for a party favor. Of course, it’s perfectly understandable if this delicious nut mixture never leaves your own home.

Sands Preserve – Shenk Grove, Braidwood. Saturday, April 9: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen. Sunday, April 10: Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve, RomeSWEET-AND-SPICY oville. MIXED NUTS Saturday, April 30: Earth Day Makes about 2 pounds (1 kg) Workday, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher. • 1/4 pound (125 g) For more information on Forest shelled, whole, skinless Preserve District volunteer opporraw almonds tunities, visit ReconnectWithNa- • 1/4 pound (125 g) ture.org. shelled raw Brazil nuts — Will County Forest • 1/4 pound (125 g) shelled raw cashews Preserve District

• 1/4 pound (125 g) shelled, skinless raw hazelnuts • 1/4 pound (125 g) shelled, skinless raw peanuts • 1/4 pound (125 g) shelled raw pecan halves? • 1/4 pound (125 g) shelled raw walnut halves • 1/4 pound (125 g) dried pineapple, cut into 1/2inch (12-mm) dice • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper • 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar • 2 teaspoons kosher salt Preheat the oven to 350 F. (175 C). In a mixing bowl, combine the almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, walnuts and dried pineapple pieces. With clean hands, toss the nuts and fruit together until thoroughly

combined. Spread the mixture on one or more baking sheets large enough to hold it all in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the nuts are golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes, checking to make sure they don’t burn and stirring briefly for more even cooking. When the nuts are almost done, melt the butter in the microwave oven or in a small saucepan. In a mixing bowl, stir together the rosemary, cayenne, sugar and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir well. Transfer the warm nut mixture to a mixing bowl. Add with the seasoned butter mixture and toss thoroughly to coat the nuts and pineapple evenly. Spread the coated nut mixture back on the baking sheet. Return the mixture to the oven and bake until the sugar in the coating has melted and the nuts are a deep brown color, 3 to 5 minutes longer. Transfer the nuts to a large, clean bowl and serve them warm. Or leave them on the baking sheet to cool to room temperature, and then pack them in one or more airtight containers for storage at home or for party favors.

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