WITHIN HER GRASP: Richards freshman
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Thursday, February 1, 2018
Pilgrim Faith Church closer to diversity goal By Joe Boyle Chris Rapp’s vision for an organization that welcomes diversity at Pilgrim Faith Church in Oak Lawn is a step closer to reality. PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Council of Northern Illinois will have a chapter at the church, 9411 S. 51st Ave., beginning next month. Rapp, who is the chairperson of the open end affirming commission at the church, said that she has filled out the paperwork and is now awaiting a response from a representative from the PFLAG’s national organization. “We are getting excited,” said Rapp, who grew up in Oak Lawn and has been a member of the church dating back to when she was age 4. The group will hold their first meeting on Sunday, March 18. The group is scheduled to meet the third Sunday of every month at Pilgrim Faith. Rapp said it has been a lengthy process, but well worth it. Her interest in PFLAG began last year — John Hickey when two discussion sessions about the organization were held at the Oak Lawn Library. The sessions were led by John Hickey and his wife, Mary Ann. Hickey grew up in the Chicago Ridge and is a graduate of Richards High School. His wife also graduated from Richards. The couple became involved with PFLAG after their son told them he was gay when he was 15 years old. Rapp came away impressed with the Hickeys, who hold informational sessions to reach out to parents who are processing their thoughts after a child informs them that they are gay or bisexual. “The origins of the PFLAG chapter in Oak Lawn originated with those two sessions at the Oak Lawn Library last January and June,” John Hickey said. “Chris came to both of them. That’s how we met. She took the lead on this and told us this is something they should be doing.” Rapp then attended a couple more PFLAG meetings and was intrigued by the fact that the two gatherings were much different in scope. The meetings were tailored to the needs of that particular organization. “That’s what I really liked about them,” Rapp said. “They can be so different. One can be more political while another focuses on family.” After discussing the merits of PFLAG with members of Pilgrim Faith Church and Peg McClanahan, the pastor, the Hickeys were invited to hold a couple of information
“Some people
Photo by Dermot Connolly
Protesters demonstrate Saturday outside the Animal Welfare League at 10305 Southwest Highway in Chicago Ridge, calling for new management at the shelter, where adoption of dogs and cats has been temporarily suspended due to an outbreak of illness.
‘Gross mismanagement’ Protestors call for new management at Chicago Ridge Animal Welfare League site By Dermot Connolly Animal rights activists, rescuers and some current and former volunteers are calling for new management to be installed at the Animal Welfare League shelter in Chicago Ridge. The site, which can be housing as many as 1,000 animals at any time, is one of the biggest shelters in the Chicago area. It accepts cats, dogs and other animals turned in as strays, or surrendered by owners, as well as sick and injured wildlife. Assertions of bad management at the site have been discussed for years on social media. But activists started staging protests outside the shelter last week, when an outbreak of illness among dogs in the shelter led to a temporary suspension of adoptions of dogs and cats. What was initially thought to be “kennel
cough,” a common occurrence in animal shelters, apparently turned into an outbreak of more serious canine influenza. The protesters blame director Linda Estrada for allowing the illnesses to spread. The suspension of adoptions had originally been limited to dogs, but was expanded to include cats as well. As of Tuesday, a Change.org petition calling for an investigation into the management of the facility was signed by 12,430 people. Employees and volunteers standing outside Saturday morning during one of the protests stopped everyone going in. They said the shelter was only open for people bringing in pets with “medical emergencies” to be seen by veterinarians on staff. “Today, our objective is to expose continuous years of animal neglect and waste, fraud and abuse of the administration,” said Chris Jastczemski, of Palos Hills, one of
the organizers of the protest at the site on Saturday morning. She was among dozens of people carrying signs calling for the resignation of Estrada and her board of directors. Some signs also included photos of dogs that allegedly died at the shelter due to lack of care. “We don’t want to close this shelter. There is a need for it in this area. But there is gross mismanagement,” said Julie Freeman, who works with Small Paws rescue in Carol Stream. She was there with Terri Crotty, of Wags to Wishes in Joliet. Both women said they visit the Animal Welfare League site to “pull” animals they believe would otherwise be euthanized because they are either sick or just waiting too long for adoption. “If we talk, we’re blacklisted here,” said See PROTEST, Page 8
say there is a gay agenda. And, well, there is a gay agenda. And that is accepting everyone. Gay rights are human rights.”
See CHURCH, Page 9
They’re Super serious about chili
A party with special meaning
Residents get tips on cooking for big game
Bowling event to benefit Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund is Saturday in Oak Lawn
By Kelly White
By Bob Bong
The Super Bowl means gathering with friends over football and delicious food. With this in mind, the Oak Lawn Public Library staff this week provided a presentation conveniently titled, “Serious Chili Cooking.” Chef Michael Niksic, of freecookingprograms.com, led the discussion on multi-layered flavors and compound cooking approaches, as well as straightforward approaches to making various types of chili Monday evening at the library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. “Everyone who attended was ready to have many misconceptions about food preparation shattered,” Niksic said. “Understanding why you do things in a particular manner allows you to transfer that knowledge into all facets of cooking. It separates real chefs from wannabes.” “Attendees were able to learn how to liven up their basic chili recipes for exciting meals to help make it through the rest of winter,” said Melissa Apple, adult programming librarian at the Oak Lawn Public Library. “I chose this program because
The annual birthday bowling party to benefit the Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn. Megan was the 10-year-old daughter of Jerry Hurckes and Mary Ann Hurckes and the sister of Jenna, all from Oak Lawn. Megan was killed in an ATV accident on a family vacation in Wisconsin in September 2009. She was a fifth-grader at Kolb School in Oak Lawn. Since Megan’s death, the committee and Hurckes families celebrate her birthday with a bowling fundraiser to raise money for the Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund, which donates money to students going to college. The Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund has donated thousands of dollars in scholarships for local students who go on to college from
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Chef Michael Niksic, of freecookingprograms. com, led the discussion on multi-layered flavors and compound cooking approaches, as well as straightforward approaches to making various types of chili on Monday evening at the Oak Lawn Library.
Photo courtesy of Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund
Megan Hurckes was a big White Sox fan. Her family will honor her memory with its annual birthday bowling party at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn on Saturday.
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Thursday, February 1, 2018
POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Suspended license
• Abdulrahman Basharahil, 27, of the 3300 block of West 63rd Street, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:18 a.m. Jan. 16 in the 11100 block of South Central Avenue. Police said he is due in court on Feb. 20. • Rebecca Santiago, 24, of the 5700 block of South Maplewood Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:47 p.m. Jan. 14 in the 10400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 8:47 p.m. Jan. 14. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance. She is due in court on Feb. 20. • Kayla Minor, 26, of Merrillville, Ind., was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 5:59 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 6400 block of West 110th Street. Police said she was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. She is due in court on March 14. • Kendale Chavez, 21, of the 7700 block of 78th Avenue, Bridgeview, was charged with driving with a suspended license at 7:18 p.m. Jan. 21, in the 10300 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance or taillights. He is due in court on March 20.
Supplied photo
New officers in Worth
New police officers were sworn in at the Worth Village Board meeting on Jan. 16. The new officers are (from left) Michal Winiarczyk, Xavier Robles and Ryan Franczak. They are now attending the Chicago Police Academy. The training period will be completed in mid-May. The addition of these three officers brings the total number of officers in Worth to 26.
Burke warns of tax season scams, recommends tips to stay safe
As employees begin the tax preparation season, state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) and the Illinois CPA Society warn taxpayers to beware and stay ahead of the latest scams used by thieves to steal personal information and create massive fiscal problems for families. “The IRS estimates that their recent crackdowns stopped almost 800,000 cases of fraudulent tax returns in 2016, but $239 million in suspect refunds were still paid out,” said Burke. “By following recommended ID safety tips, we can decrease the likelihood that our families and friends become victims of tax fraud and identity theft.” The IRS encourages taxpayers to be on the lookout for some tax ID theft warning signs. Some of these warning signs include having a tax return rejected because of an existing tax return with the victim’s
Social Security number or receiving contact from the IRS asking for confirmation on submission of tax returns being held for review. In order to best protect themselves, residents are encouraged to file tax returns as early as possible, Burke said. Avoid using public Wi-Fi internet connections to send private information, shredding old financial documents and making sure to encrypt any tax information that is sent electronically. “These are just a few ways that taxpayers can protect themselves against fraud. If you or someone you know thinks they are a victim of tax fraud, they should find a local Certified Professional Accountant,” Burke said. “A CPA not only can help with tax filings and receiving the largest refund possible, they can also help a victim of fraud in regaining financial safety and security.”
Unlicensed driving
Mohammed Fadhel 24, of the 14600 block of Keystone Avenue, Midlothian, was charged with driving without a valid license at 10:12 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 6800 block of Southwest Highway. Police said he was also cited for driving without taillights. He is due in court on March 20.
Revoked license
• Charles Graham, 39, of the 11700 block of South State Street, Chicago, was charged with driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at 95th Street and Harlem Avenue. Police said he is due in court on March 14. • Matthew McCarthy, 35, of the 6500 block of Ridge Drive, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a revoked license at 9:11 a.m. Jan. 22 at Southwest Highway and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he also had an outstanding warrant for the same offense, and was cited for driving with suspended registration. He is due in court on March 20.
Aggravated assault
Michael Haack, 22, of the 10400 block of Southwest Highway, Worth, was charged with aggravated assault after police said he threatened detectives with a knife when they came to his house with a search warrant at 8:45 p.m. Jan. 23. Police said the search warrant was for narcotics, and when they entered the bed-
room where he was, Haack turned toward the detectives brandishing a machete, saying, “You’re dead.“ However, he followed orders to drop the knife and was taken into custody. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of driving with a suspended license. Court information was not available.
Resisting arrest
Dylon Collins, 26, of the 900 block of West 116th Place, Chicago, was charged with resisting a peace officer after police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 10600 block of South Parkside Avenue at 4:04 p.m. Jan. 20. Police said he left the residence before they arrived, and was taken into custody at a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for indirect criminal contempt, and was held for a bond hearing.
Theft charge
Tray Gardner, 24, of the 7700 block of South Trumbull Avenue, Chicago, was charged with theft in connection with an incident at X-Sport Fitness in Chicago Ridge Commons on Dec. 26. Police said someone reported a wallet stolen from a locker in the fitness center on that date, and Gardner was charged with theft after the wallet was found in his possession following his arrest on an unrelated charge on another date. He is due in court on Feb. 20.
Retail theft
Robert Maynard, 51, of the 12200 block of South Rexford Street, Alsip, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall at 3:47 p.m. Jan. 11. Police said he took a vacuum out of the store that he had not paid for. He was arrested on Jan. 23, after an investigation led to him being identified in a photo lineup. Court information was not available.
EVERGREEN PARK Drug possession
• Daniel A. Roe, 27, of Joliet, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 19 in the 9400 block of South Western Avenue. Police said .3 grams of heroin and an oxycodone hydrochloride pill was found in his vehicle. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia because police said a glass pipe and straw with drug residue were also found. • Joseph Vimarco, 39, of Chicago, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 7:30 p.m. last Thursday in the 2900 block of West 102nd Place. Police said he was found with .3 grams of heroin, two hypodermic needles, and plastic bags with drug residue. In addition to possession of drug
paraphernalia, he was also cited for driving without a license, no insurance and expired registration. • James E. Natalizio, 25, of Plainfield, was charged with possession of a controlled substance after police responded to a report of a “suspicious vehicle” in the parking lot of Walgreens, 3959 W. 95th St., at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Police said he was found in the car with fentanyl and less than 15 grams of cannabis. They said a rolled-up $5 bill, a glass pipe with drug residue, and other items found in the car led to a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Retail theft
• Kenyatta N. Mixon, 37, of Lansing, was charged with retail theft at Meijer, 9200 S. Western Ave., at 5 p.m. Jan. 20. Police said that while she was working as a cashier at the store, she “under-rang” a customer’s purchase by not scanning several items. Employees said it cost the store $69.82. • Allen L. McKinzie, 44, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Aldi, 3231 W. 87th St., at 6 p.m. Jan. 24. Police said he took an item worth $2.29, and was also cited for criminal trespassing because he had been told before not to return to the store after previous offenses. • Wendy L. Jeffries-Smith, 57, who has no known address, was charged with retail theft at Pete’s Market, 3720 W. 95th St., at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Police said she took items worth $86.25, and was stopped by police after she left the store. • Alexis McDonald. 23, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 1:30 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she took 18 photo storage items worth $101.97 in total. • Tia Hill, 20, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 1:39 p.m. Jan. 25. Police said she took 47 food items worth $238.27. • Anthony Herron, 55, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 5:56 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he took cold medication, food and a TV worth $295 in total.
Hickory Hills Revoked license
David J. Whitty, 46, of the 9300 block of South 59th Court, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving with a revoked license at 11:42 a.m. Sunday in the 9400 block of South 79th Court. Police said they had just issued him a trespassing warning a few minutes earlier inside Walgreens, 7945 W. 95th St., where he was allegedly caught stealing merchandise. He told police at that time that his driver’s license was revoked, so police stopped him when he got into his car. He is due in court on March 20.
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• Torrey Diante White, 26, of the 14800 block of Edbrooke Avenue, South Holland, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:46 p.m. Jan. 23, at 87th Street and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for driving without a front registration plate. He is due in court on March 20. • Pamela S. Salas, 38, of the 8100 block of West 84th Place, Justice, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:10 p.m. Jan. 24 in the 8500 block of South Roberts Road. Police said she was also cited for driving with only one working headlight. She is due in court on March 1. • Terry L. Sprouse, 33, of the 8600 block of West 85th Street, Justice, was charged with driving with a suspended license at 8:49 a.m. Monday in the 8400 block of South 84th Court. Police said he was cited for driving without insurance and having no front license plate. He is due in court on March 20.
Outstanding warrants
• Thomas J. Barbush, 37, of the 8500 block of West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant when he turned himself in at 5:27 p.m. Jan. 24. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear in court on a traffic offense. He is due in court March 1. • Daniel Gonzalez, 23, of the 9100 block of Kopping Lane, Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Effingham County after police responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 8800 block of West 95th Street at 3:20 p.m. Sunday. Police the warrant was for possession of cannabis. He was found wandering in and out of traffic, and arguing with motorists, police said. Before police caught up to him, they said he was seen placing an item later identified as a large butcher knife on the ground. Police said he was issued two local ordinance violations for possession of weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia, because he was also carrying a marijuana pipe. He is due at a hearing in Hickory Hills City Hall on March 6 on the local citations. The warrant was for possession of cannabis.
• Erick Canela, 32, of West Miami, Fla., was charged with retail theft at Home Depot, 4060 W. 95th St., at 4:02 p.m. Jan. 18. Police said he was pulled over in a traffic stop nearby. Store employees said he took price tags off two items worth a total of $19.95, and placed the tags on two lightbulbs worth $199 each. He allegedly dropped the bulbs
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• Vytautas Karvelis, 45, of the 8900 block of West 98th Street, Palos Hills, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 6:27 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 8600 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also cited for driving with only one headlight. Court information was not available. He is due in court on March 1. • Jamie A. Oliver, 22, of the 4400 block of West 87th Street, Hometown, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 4:01 p.m. Jan. 24. She was also cited for driving without insurance. She is due in court on March 1.
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The Reporter
3
HICKORY HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Video gambling produces increased revenue for city By Sharon L. Filkins
Leadership Workshop with flavor
Photo by Kelly White
Marist High School senior Kiley Ross, 17 (from left), of Palos Heights, talks to prospective students Rebecca Jackson, 13, of Chicago; Isabelle Harmon, 13, of Evergreen Park; and Nora Moore, 12, of Evergreen Park, at Marist High School’s “Here’s the Scoop” Leadership Workshop on Friday evening, hosted by youth for youth. Teens were able to engage in an ice cream social and participate in interactive games with current Marist students, all while learning about what it’s like to be a high school student.
In a year-end report on video gambling revenue at the Jan. 25 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting in Hickory Hills, council members learned that video gambling revenue has increased over the last four years, bringing increased funds into the city coffers. Ald. John Szeszycki (2nd Ward), who chairs the finance committee, reported that in 2017, the city gained $242,693, reflecting an increase from the 2014 amount of $160,340. He explained that 16 businesses in the city are licensed to have the gaming machines. “There are a total of 63 machines among the businesses. The businesses receive 35 percent of the income from the machines and the city receives five percent of the total,” he said. In the regularly scheduled council meeting following the COW meeting, resident Joanne Uzanski, who lives on the 8000 block of Keane Avenue, addressed the council concerning an ongoing problem with leaves from the Cook County Forest Preserve inundating her property. It was her second appearance before the council regarding the issue. She is a resident of the 3rd Ward. Uzanski, 77, said she has done
her best over the years to remove the leaves in the fall, but it has become an unmanageable problem for her. “I am directly across from the preserves and for some reason, when the wind blows, it is like a wind tunnel with the leaves circling around and landing in my yard and on the easement,” she said. Uzanski added that there is a ditch in front of the fence on her property and it is filled with the leaves. “It is like my property is a magnet for these leaves,” she said. “The houses next to me do not have this problem.” Mayor Mike Howley said this is a unique situation. “I would be more than happy to call the Cook County Forest Preserve District for you, but I am afraid it would be a futile call,” Howley said. “The district deals with major issues such as flooding and drainage problems. I seriously doubt that they would respond to us.” Ald. Brian Fonte (3rd Ward)
agreed that it is a unique situation. He said he was aware of the issue after previously checking on the property. Uzanski had appeared before the board early in the fall. “We tried to get rid of some of the leaves, but it is a huge undertaking,” Fonte said. Uzanski replied that even the landscaping company that cuts her grass cannot solve the problem. Fonte suggested that perhaps high school students who are looking for community service hours might be able to help. In a later conversation, he said, “If anyone is interested in helping out with this situation for community service hours or if anyone has a solution as to how we can help this resident, please email me at BRIFont@comcast.net.” In other business, the council approved business licenses for Retail Services, WIS Corporation (an inventory service for grocery stores), 7667 W. 95th St., and Ultimo Motors, at 7725 W. 98th St., which specializes in sales of high-end used cars.
Set to debut this spring, all-inclusive playground in Oak Lawn will make accessibility a top priority By Joe Boyle
The Oak Lawn Park District Board of Commissioners believed they were addressing a need that had been ignored for far too long. The members began discussing the idea of a park that would be available to everyone. The concept of an all-inclusive playground was then born. And sometime this spring, the playground at Columbus Manor Park at 99th and Moody Avenue will be available for youngsters and teens to play in. Youths who are disabled or have other physical ailments can play side by side with mainstream kids, said Joel Craig, superintendent of the Oak Lawn Park District. “This is really significant in that in a typical playground there are posts, decks and climbers,” said Craig, who has been the park district superintendent since 1997. “They are not truly interactive with children who have special needs. But this all-inclusive playground is accessible for everyone. It can also be played on by someone who is hearing impaired or if their vision is limited.” Craig said he is not aware of any parks like the one that will open in Oak Lawn. He mentioned that there are facets of what they have at a park in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood. “But a playground that is accessible for kids in a wheelchair or have other challenges,
I don’t know of any,” Craig said. “I’m not aware of anything like it.” Oak Lawn has a population over 57,000, and only one of the 23 playgrounds in the village prior to Columbus Manor was Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. Maddie Kelly, director of the Oak Lawn Park District, said Donna McCauley, board commissioner, initially brought the idea of such a park to board members. “We started talking about it three or four years ago,” Craig said. “We talked about where kids with certain needs can have a chance to interact with everyone. It was discussed among staff and we pursued it. The board enthusiastically approved the idea.” Craig said the idea of an all-inclusive playground was not a far stretch. The Oak Lawn Park District already had a large special recreation program for kids of all ages. With a $300,000 matching grant from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, the Oak Lawn Park District could begin the project, which Kelly, said would cost about $600,000 to complete. The overall renovation of Columbus Manor will cost about $1.8 million, Kelly said. Craig said the park will be unique because for the hearing impaired, for example, with sensory wave climbers will be installed. Musical sounds will come from some the equipment to assist children that are not only
hearing impaired but will aid kids with audio challenges. “There will be an area for musical instrument chime tones,” Craig said. A picnic area ranging from 20 to 30 feet will be off to the side for everyone to enjoy, Craig added. Craig said the park is currently fenced off but the playground equipment has been installed. With Phase 1 near completion, the superintendent said Phase 2 will begin in the spring. Kids may be allowed to play in the park as early as March or April, weather permitting, according to Craig. Craig is optimistic that the Phase 2 portion of the project will be completed in June, if the weather cooperates. No grand opening date has been set. Phase 2 of the project will include the addition of illuminated lighting and other improvements. A mini-splash pad is also included in the Phase 2 phase, Craig said. Craig, who has been an employee of the Oak Lawn Park District for 35 years, said he and the board are looking forward to the official opening of the all-inclusive playground. “Basically, it will allow families to come together as a unit,” Craig said. “It allows a chance for everyone to come together and play. It allows mainstream kids to play alongside disabled kids and not set aside from them.”
Former Oak Lawn resident named to Moraine Valley Alumni Hall of Fame Theresa Hattar is one of four alumni being inducted into the 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College. “Being selected as part of the Hall of Fame is such an honor. It feels good knowing people appreciate what you have done and what you are doing,” said Hattar, who lived in Oak Lawn while attending Moraine Valley. Hattar, the first person in her family to earn a college degree, received an associate of arts degree in 2007 and a bachelor of arts in communication with a concentration in advertising and public relations at DePaul University in 2009. She currently works as a senior account executive for a Chicago publishing and marketing company that promotes Chicago tourism. While at Moraine Valley, Hattar was president of the Student Government Association and represented the college on the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee. She also worked extensively at
Supplied photo
Theresa Hattar, a senior account executive, has been inducted into Moraine Valley Community College’s 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame.
the forefront of student support for Moraine Valley’s expansion initiatives. She received the 2017 Leadership Award from the River North Business Association
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for her work with the Magnificent Mile Association’s holiday light display and annual Thanksgiving Day parade, as well as for her work with the Chicago Loop Alliance. Hattar has played an integral role in the planning and execution of the annual tourism and hospitality trade show at Navy Pier, which puts her efforts to showcase Chicago on a global stage. She is a member of the River North Business Association board of directors, a leader in the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church community, and a long-time, avid supporter of the Misericordia Foundation. “This award from the college means so much to me,” Hattar said. “I have three older sisters who all attended Moraine Valley so I was not given a choice. However, once I was there, I chose to stay. I fell in love with the college — the staff, the culture, all of it,” she said. Hattar will be inducted Feb. 22 at the college.
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4 The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Kids enjoy American Doll Afternoon at Evergreen Park Library An American Doll Afternoon Party was held on Jan. 20 and drew many girls and their parents to the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
Girls in kindergarten through the fifth grade were invited to the American Doll Afternoon with their dolls. The afternoon party included games, crafts and treats.
Kids who did not have an American Doll were invited to bring their favorite dolls instead. Staff members were on hand to talk the youngsters about their dolls and encouraged them to interact
with the other children. For information on other activities at the Evergreen Park Library, call (708) 422-8522 or visit the website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org. A group of girls proudly hold their dolls during the American Doll Afternoon. The children played with the dolls, made crafts and had treats.
Rebecca Kent, 8, of Chicago, shows off her American Girl Doll during the American Girl Doll Afternoon at the Evergreen Park Library.
Photos by Kelly White
Staff members talked to the participants in the American Doll Afternoon Doll Party on Jan. 20 at the Evergreen Park Library.
Olivia Hovanec, 7, of Evergreen Park, smiles with her dolls, Grace and Alex, at the Evergreen Park Library’s American Girl Doll Afternoon.
DOE award created by Lipinksi spurs clean energy technology breakthrough Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) received an update last month on a clean energy technology breakthrough that was spurred by the H-Prize, which the congressman created at the U.S. Department of Energy. The bill Lipinski authored, The H-Prize Act, created a prize competition at DOE for significant advances in the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel for transportation. Due to these advances, hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars – whose only emissions are water – are much closer to economic viability. The winner of the H2 Refuel H-Prize competition, SimpleFuel (teamsimplefuel.com), developed a small-scale refueling station for fuel cell vehicles. Unlike large-scale hydrogen refueling stations, which fill up a hydrogen car’s tank as quickly as gasoline vehicles today (five minutes for 300 to 400 miles of range), SimpleFuel’s system is designed to be installed easily at a home or business and fills the tank more slowly (10 to 15 minutes for 100 miles
of range), but at a much lower cost. The device generates its own hydrogen using electricity and water and never needs to be refilled. SimpleFuel is a partnership between Massachusettsbased Ivys Energy Solutions and McPhy Energy North America, and Pennsylvania-based PDC Machines. “I introduced the H-Prize Act and fought to get it enacted into law because I believe we need to inspire America’s innovators to lead the development of clean alternative energy,” Lipinski said. “It is great to hear from the winning team how much the H-Prize stimulated their work and the work of other innovators who will help us transition to a clean energy economy led by American entrepreneurs.” Lipinski is a member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He serves as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, and also sits on the Subcommittee on Energy as well as the Space Subcommittee.
Moraine Valley seeking employers for Mock Interview Day
The Job Resource Center at Moraine Valley Community College is seeking employers to participate in Mock Interview Day from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. The event will be held in the Moraine Business and Conference Center (Building M) on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Interviewers should be affiliated with a business and have experience conducting professional interviews. They will engage in a formal, 30-minute mock inter-
view with students, alumni and community members. During the first 20 minutes, employers will ask a series of general interview questions provided by the college. The remaining 10 minutes will be used to offer feedback and tips to the interviewees so they may prepare for the Moraine Valley Job Fair on March 29. Business professionals interested in volunteering their time as interviewers should call (708) 974-5313 or email jrc@morainevalley.edu.
Pryme Tymers to host luncheon with ‘Songs of Love’ performer
The Pryme Tymers senior organization is providing a luncheon and entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday Feb. 8 at Trinity Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn. Country-pop singer Rick Pickren will entertain with his “Songs of Love” program to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Red is the suggested color apparel for
the day. At noon, a catered roast pork loin luncheon will be served. The fee is $7 and registration is required by Sunday, Feb. 4. For reservations or more information, call the church office, (708) 422-5111, or Tom Panush, (708) 636-7548. Non-perishable canned goods will also be collected for the Blue Island Army Food Pantry.
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Compiled by Joe Boyle
News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Film company wants obscenity charges dropped after U.S. Supreme Court decision From the Feb. 1, 1968 issue:
The story: Attorneys for the Teitel Film Corporation are expected to ask that obscenity charged filed against the company be dropped when the case comes before Judge Irving Eiserman at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at the Oak Lawn Branch of the Cook County Circuit Court. Obscenity charges were filed by Cook County officers who viewed the film, “I, A Woman,” at the Studio Theater in Chicago Ridge last fall. The state’s attorney’s office has charged that the version shown at the local theater contained portions that were ordered cut by the Chicago Police Censor Board, which is named in the Chicago Ridge ordinance as the reviewing agency. Chicago’s movie censorship system was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court Monday, bringing an end to the censorship system in Chicago dating back to 1906. The Police Censor Board consisted of five women who are appointed to the position by the police superintendent’s office. The quote: “There is a possibility that the city’s censorship law could be rewritten to make it constitutional,” according to the Chicago Police Censor Board.
• 25 years ago Chicago Ridge mayor becomes full-time position From the Jan 28, 1992 issue:
The story: The Chicago Ridge Village Board voted Tuesday to make the mayor’s position full-time and to double the salary to $43,000 following the April election. Village trustees voiced unanimous support for the election of Mayor Eugene Siegel to the newly established position. The reason the board decided to change the status of the mayor was that the job has become too big, Siegel said. The quote: It’s getting difficult,” Siegel said. “With our size and our tax base, it’s important to get out and solicit businesses.”
• 10 years ago Tax increase sought to preserve jobs in School District 122 From the Jan. 31, 2008 issue: The story: Ridgeland School District 122 officials are optimistic voters on Feb. 5 will authorize a tax increase they claim is needed to maintain district programs, neighborhood schools and jobs. The district is asking voters to increase the “limiting rate,” formerly known as the education fund rate, to 70 cents per $100 of a home’s equalized assessed valuation from $2.23 to $3.08, according to Eric Trimberger, director of finance and business operations for District 122. If the tax rate is not approved, administrative changed would have to be made to save money, Trimberger said. He added that the cuts would include seven teaching positions, four custodial positions, one full-time secretary, one part-time secretary and one nurse. All sports and extracurricular activities would also have to be cut, Trimberger said. The quote: “This is all that’s left to cut,” Trimberger said. “It becomes a district that does the state minimum and nothing more.”
Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Reporter
5
Moraine Valley receives arboretum accreditation
WHATIZIT?
Photo by Joe Boyle
The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: School on hill. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net. One person answered last week’s photo quiz correctly. Congratulations goes to Ron Wagenhofer, an Orland Park resident, who knew it was the Twin Towers Chapel at 9955 W. 144th St. in Orland Park. The Twin Towers Sanctuary was designed and built in 1898 by William A. Bennett in the Queen Anne Sanctuary style. The Twin Rowers sanctuary, a former United Methodist Church, takes its name from the two unusual bell-shaped octagonal towers. It is now a chapel and meeting facility. It became an Orland Park landmark and has been listed in the National Register of Historical Places since 1989.
SUDOKU
The number and variety of trees on its campus has earned Moraine Valley Community College Arboretum Accreditation-Level I status through the ArbNet program, which is associated with The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Moraine Valley in Palos Hills is the first community college and one of five colleges/ universities in Illinois with this designation. Thousands of trees dot Moraine Valley’s campus, including 1,322 in 77 distinct species that have been plotted and mapped. Many trees and woody shrubs already are labeled, particularly in the Shakespeare Garden, for passersby to learn common and species names. More plotting, mapping and labeling is underway. Over the years, the college’s Campus Operations department has enhanced campus greenery, backed by an emphasis on the effort in the Campus Strategic Plan, Master Facilities Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Tree Campus USA Tree Care Plan. Collectively, they indicate that maintaining a healthy, thriving tree canopy and beautiful campus for the community is a priority to the college and its leadership, explained Stephenie Presseller, Moraine Valley Sustainability manager. The College Climate Action Plan also calls for more use of the campus as a “living learning lab,” which entails using campus features to teach students, staff, faculty, and community members. Becoming an arboretum is an extension of that effort.
Supplied photo
An aerial view of Moraine Valley Community College provides a look at the tree-filled campus in Palos Hills.
“Moraine Valley has a strong commitment to being a good steward of the environment and especially to caring for the planet’s tree resources, including the many trees that make our campus so inviting,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, Moraine Valley president. “This accreditation is a direct result of those efforts, and we are very proud of this achievement for our college.” Presseller and her intern Kevin Zehr, a resident of Palos Hills, who was a student in Moraine Valley’s Geographic Information
System career program, have worked since last winter to make this designation a reality. Zehr gathered data to help make the spreadsheet and maps of the campus trees while Presseller worked on the application. “Gaining ArbNet Arboretum status is a great recognition for the years of care and maintenance of our beautiful tree canopy. Trees have always been a priority feature of our campus landscape, and I have no doubt it will continue to be in the future,” Presseller said.
Children’s Museum offers Friday discounts this month A new program called “$5 after 5” is being offered on Fridays throughout the month of February at the Children’s Museum, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn. The program allows guests that arrive after 5 p.m. on Fridays this month will be allowed in for $5. “If you haven’t visited the museum before, this is a great opportunity to check it out,” said Adam Woodworth, the museum’s
executive director. “And, if you have been here before, it’s a nice discount for a Friday evening visit.” The museum offers extended seasonal hours during a portion of the school year. They begin the first week of October and end the last week of March. During this time, the museum is open three additional hours, closing at 8 p.m. on Fridays. “Our mission is to positively impact a child’s
potential in life through play-based education,” Woodworth said. “A visit to the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn helps children develop critical thinking skills, social skills, among other skills. Our exhibits and programs strive to give children a unique fun-while-learning experience.” For more information about special hours, visit the website at www.cmoaklawn.org and click on the calendar menu.
OLCHS photo students work on projects with students in India Answers on Page 8
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Supplied photo
Students in the Photo 1 class at Oak Lawn Community High School collaborated with students in New Delhi, India on various photography projects.
ACROSS 1. Plural of be 4. Dress 10. Nothing 11. Relating to apes 12. They protect and serve 14. Swindle 15. Show’s partner 16. Lift 18. Raise up 22. Do something to an excessive degree 23. Occupies 24. Power-driven aircraft 26. Indicates position 27. Matchstick games 28. This and __ 30. No longer here 31. Health insurance 34. Spore-producing receptacle on fern frond 36. Monetary unit 37. Sweet potatoes 39. Tropical Asian plant 40. Guilty or not guilty 41. Carbon dioxide 42. Able to arouse intense feeling 48. Earl’s jurisdiction 50. Omitted 51. Heartbeat 52. Albania capital 53. Fashion accessory 54. Interaction value analysis 55. Symbol of exclusive ownership 56. More promising 58. __ student, learns healing 59. Nonresident doctor 60. Midway between east and southeast
DOWN 1. Enrages 2. Capital of Saudi Arabia 3. Uses in an unfair way 4. Cesium 5. Written works 6. Breakfast item 7. Found in showers 8. A way of fractioning 9. Unit of measurement 12. Sailboat 13. Indian goddess 17. For each 19. Farewell 20. Ethnic group of Sierra Leone 21. German industrial city 25. Measures intensity of light 29. Small, faint constellation 31. Promotes enthusiastically 32. Malaysian inhabitant 33. Ancient units of measurement 35. An unspecified period 38. Frame house with up to three stories 41. Lassie is one 43. Martinis have them 44. Rant 45. Famed journalist Tarbell 46. Opening 47. Round Dutch cheese 49. Archaic form of do 56. Once more 57. Registered nurse
Answers on Page 8
Students in the Photo 1 class at Oak Lawn Community High School recently collaborated with seventh- and eighth-grade students from the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India on a project. Students in Jennifer Wargin’s Photo 1 class worked with the students from New Delhi. Students from New Delhi are members of Kimberlynn Strever’s photography class. Strever is a 2006 graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School. The classes began with a mystery chat in which Strever’s students took pictures around New Delhi after learning about the elements and principles of art and design. Photo students at Oak Lawn Community High School then used the same guiding elements and principles while on a field trip to downtown Chicago. The collaboration took place during November and December using Shared Google Slide Show. “We saw an opportunity for our students to participate in a global critique as they identified photographic successes and provided each other constructive feedback,” Wargin said. “The level of artistic academic conversation shared among the students was a testament to the universal language of art, but the neatest part was the cultural and environmental similarities and differences the students identified and shared with one another, including architecture, living conditions, and even Starbucks.”
6 The Reporter
THE
COMMENTARY
Thursday, February 1, 2018
REPORTER
An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960
Ray Hanania
Kennedy not ready for prime time
Less booze at SoxFest than Cubs Convention
F
or a while now, the book on Chris Kennedy has been that he may not be cut out for a career in politics, despite his famous last name and pedigree as the son of Bobby Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy. That thinking goes all the way back to Kennedy’s disastrous performance after a breakfast speech to Illinois delegates during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Kennedy had a serious freak-out experience in front of TV cameras as reporters jumped on an elevator with him to ask questions. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has had some weird, uncomfortable moments since then, but none so weird and uncomfortable as a recent media availability. By now, most everyone bothering to read this knows what happened. Kennedy was asked whether Gov. Bruce Rauner is “almost becoming like a super PAC for you as he’s trying to undermine JB Pritzker,” with Rauner’s constant anti-Pritzker hits on property taxes, House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Kennedy responded by defending the Republican governor. “I think Bruce Rauner Rich is trying to do what he thinks is best for the Miller state of Illinois,” Kennedy said. “Now, we may disagree on what that is, but his willingness to speak truth to power, to take on the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades in this state is something that I think he should be applauded for.” I kinda get where Kennedy was trying to go there. There is a strong vein within the Democratic Party which despises the party’s powers that be. By attacking powerful and unpopular Democrats, Kennedy believes he can reach those sorts of folks and also immunize himself against attacks by Rauner during the fall election (I doubt it’ll work because Rauner will use his favorite “Blame Madigan!” issue no matter who the nominee is, but whatever). Before he can take on Rauner in the fall, however, Kennedy has to win a Democratic primary this spring. I shouldn’t have to even say this, but Democrats don’t usually win Democratic primaries by going out of their way to heap compliments on an incumbent Republican who polls worse among Democratic primary voters than… well, just go ahead and complete that sentence yourself with the worst possible thing you can imagine. There were plenty of other ways to say what Kennedy said without patting Bruce Rauner on the back. You’d think just about any half-competent candidate could come up with a few if pressed as Kennedy was last week. That this was the way he chose to answer the question shows as much about Kennedy’s abilities as a candidate as his abject failure to raise significant campaign funds. There was also a blowup last week when Kennedy pulled a no-class stunt during a candidates’ forum. He was asked to say something nice about the other candidates, but Kennedy said he just couldn’t say anything positive about his billionaire rival Pritzker. Kennedy most definitely didn’t come off as a happy warrior during that forum. He seemed grumpy the whole time. But not many people actually watched it. That’s the biggest mistake too often made by people in this business. We all follow state politics closely, but we forget that few others do. Even so, I would venture a guess that if “normal” people do hear anything about the forum through their various networks, Kennedy’s insult will be high on that list. What struck me the most, however, was something I haven’t seen reported elsewhere. Kennedy said he wanted to put another billion dollars a year into higher education. The forum’s moderator, Carol Marin, asked him how he would pay for it. “There’s two buildings in Chicago that are so under-assessed relative to their sales price, there’s a billion dollars of missing value from them alone,” Kennedy declared. “That should pay five percent a year in taxes. That’s $50 million a year.” While I have no problem with booting Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios from office, I don’t think the man can be blamed for underfunded state universities. Kennedy is apparently so caught up in his property tax reform schtick that it has become his goto answer on pretty much everything. Property taxes are local revenues. The state doesn’t get a cut. Kennedy’s response was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard proposed by a supposedly legitimate candidate for governor – and that’s really saying something. With early voting about to begin, Kennedy still hasn’t demonstrated that he’s ready for prime time. Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
GUEST COMMENTARY
Keeping big government out of Medicare drug pricing negotiations for more than 10 years. The non-partisan office explains that merely giving the governThe National Academies of Sciences, Enment the ability to negotiate prices would gineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recently “have a negligible effect on federal spending.” released a report urging Congress to allow The CBO cautions that the only way federal bureaucrats to negotiate Medicare government officials could lower drug prices drug prices directly with pharmaceutical is by refusing to cover medicines deemed too companies. Currently, private insurance expensive. companies conduct these negotiations. The Our veterans have experienced this rationAcademies believe the federal government ing first-hand. The government negotiates could use its bulk purchasdrug prices for the Veterans ing power to obtain lower Health Administration. The If our government drug prices for Medicare program’s list of covered beneficiaries. drugs excludes nearly one can’t provide adNASEM is wrong. Givout of every five of the top ing the government negoti- equate drug cover200 drugs included in Part ating authority would stifle age for the nine D plans. Last year, the VHA innovation and reduce 42 only covered three out of 25 million Medicare beneficia- million veterans in newly-approved, first-in-class ries’ access to medicine. therapies. The average Part the VHA system, it Congress created MediD plan covered 20 of these care’s “Part D” prescription cannot be trusted medications. drug benefit in 2003 to If our government can’t to do so for the 42 help seniors and disabled provide adequate drug Americans afford their coverage for the nine milmillion Americans medications. Private insurlion veterans in the VHA enrolled in Part D ers put together and sell system, it cannot be trusted these prescription drug to do so for the 42 million plans. plans, and the government Americans enrolled in Part subsidizes seniors’ monthly D plans. premiums. NASEM also believes that The program’s “non-interference” clause federal negotiations wouldn’t discourage “the strictly prohibits the government from negocontinuing development of new drugs.” tiating drug prices with manufacturers and Wrong again. It costs more than $2.6 pharmacies. Congress believed, correctly, billion to develop a new drug. If pharmathat private insurers could offer seniors a ceutical companies weren’t sure Part D wider range of medicines at lower prices if plans would cover newly created medicines, federal bureaucrats were kept at bay. they’d hesitate to invest in risky, high-cost These insurers have no choice but to research. aggressively negotiate with pharmaceutical Nearly nine in 10 Part D patients are manufacturers for discounts. If they don’t, a happy with their prescription drug coverage. rival insurer that obtained discounted drugs This approval rating would plummet if the could use the savings to offer customers federal government took the place of private plans with lower deductibles, premiums, or insurers and excluded the latest, most effecco-payments. tive drugs from coverage. This free-market competition has worked Privately negotiated Part D plans dewonders for taxpayers and beneficiaries. liver low premiums and a diverse range of In its first decade of implementation, Part choices to beneficiaries. There’s no need for D cost $349 billion less than the CongresCongress to fix a system that isn’t broken. sional Budget Office projected. Beneficiaries can buy a 2018 Part D plan for an average Sally C. Pipes is president, CEO, and monthly premium of $33.50. Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care NASEM claims that government negotiators Policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her could drive drug prices even lower. That’s latest book is “The Way Out of Obamacare” contrary to what the CBO has been saying (Encounter 2016). By Sally C. Pipes
Trump’s tax cuts will help spur economy By Printus LeBlanc As President Donald Trump was prepared to speak in Davos to announce that America is open for business, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is predicting Armageddon because of the tax cuts. To be fair, she says that a lot. The first company to announce it would pass on the corporate tax benefits to its employees was AT&T. Shortly after a deal was reached in the Senate, the corporate giant announced a $1,000 bonus for 200,000 employees and is increasing its capital expenditures by $1 billion. For years the left has fought ferociously to get the federal government to institute a $15 minimum wage. Several cities around the nation have done so and seen an exodus of business from cities. The tax cuts signed by President Trump did more for the $15 minimum wage fight than anyone thought possible. Shortly after the signing of the bill, Wells Fargo raised their base wage by $1.50 to $15 per hour. Discover Financial Services and Humana are two more large companies raising their minimum wages to $15 per hour. Apple CEO Tim Cook may not like President Trump personally, but he loves his tax cuts. Last week the technology giant announced plans to build a second corporate campus in the U.S. and increase its U.S. workforce by 20,000 people over the next
five years. Additionally, Apple was famous for housing billions in overseas profits offshore and refusing to repatriate the money because of high U.S. corporate taxes Thanks to the tax cuts, Apple announced it would repatriate billions from overseas, estimating the tax bill would be $38 billion for the repatriation. All told, Apple estimated its actions will generate $350 billion in economic activity for the U.S. Look at that, tax cuts generating more tax revenue and more economic activity than initially thought. The corporate tax cuts are going to have a massive impact on stock dividends. Many people may not think they are invested in the stock market, but if they have a 401(k), an IRA, or pension plan, they are invested in the stock market. Wall Street analysists are revising up their estimated dividend returns for several stocks. Lowes, Pepsi, and Proctor and Gamble are just a few of the stocks analysts expect to increase their dividend payout by as much as 60 cents per share. Bonuses in the thousands. Pay raises to and above the progressive’s ideal wage of $15 per hour. Does this sound like crumbs? All this is happening before anyone has seen the increase in pay in their paycheck, which begins this month. Printus LeBlanc is a contributing editor for Americans for Limited Government.
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I was looking at White Sox souvenirs at SoxFest last weekend at the Conrad Chicago, the former Conrad Hilton hotel, when I overheard the vendor talking to another person, maybe a customer or another vendor. The guy was bemoaning the fact that it’s easier to sell baseball paraphernalia at the Cubs Convention rather than SoxFest because Cubs fans were “better educated,” were “Yuppies,” and had more recreational money to spend. Wow, I thought. Cub fans have sure come a long way. But then I started to remember the reality of Cubs celebrations. Two years ago at the Cubs Convention, after winning their first World Series in 108 years, all I remember was the stench of dried beer that wafted through the lobby at the Sheraton hotel and the smashed emptied beer cans on the lobby floor. The Cubs Convention was more like the aftermath of the old South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parades, filled with a lot of celebration, booze, strewn beer cans and booze bottles, and a lot of four-letter words. SoxFest, on the other hand, seemed so much more civil. I saw a few people pull wagons of beer into the Hilton’s lobby, but not even coming close to the hundreds of Cubs fans streaming into the Sheraton trailed by cases of Budweiser. Most of the Sox players were courteous to everyone, something I recall the Cubs players being before their 2016 World Series victory sent their egos into the stratosphere. Before the World Series victory, the Cubs were the “Lovable Losers.” They were humble and respectful. They were happy that anyone really cared about them or thought they had a chance to win anything big. After the World Series, they turned into snobs. Anthony Rizzo, who before the World Series was such a great guy, wouldn’t even stop to give young fans autographs, like he did before winning. Winning sure screws up a team. The White Sox players were mostly nice people. There were only a few exceptions of rudeness and mumbles among fans about what jerks they really were. Former White Sox Carlton Fisk and Bo Jackson were examples. These former players seemed to wish they didn’t have to be with the “fans.” They wouldn’t stop for anyone. The rest of the Sox were great, like third baseman Nicky Delmonico, who made his debut with the Sox last season. Delmonico was typical of most Sox players, stopping to give autographs to everyone. Some said, “Well, he’s new.” But I thought, hey, this is a fest to celebrate not only the baseball team, but the loyal fans who spent hundreds of dollars to attend and hundreds more at the fest. If you are a baseball player for the Cubs at the Cubs Convention or for the Sox at SoxFest, if there is one time when you are SUPPOSED to give autographs, it’s at that festival gathering. Sure, when you’re at dinner spending your millions contemplating the purchase of a third or fourth mansion with your trophy wife in a white mink coat, I can understand you not wanting to be bothered by fans, who definitely can be rude. But if you attend these fests, you should be ready to act like someone who appreciates fan support. I’m not a big sports authority. I can read the writings of Jeff Vorva, our sports editor, if I really want to understand sports of any kind. But come on, folks. Seriously. You go to SoxFest and refuse to give autographs? Politics is the sport I really love the most. And certainly, politics has more scandal, corruption, and booze and empty beer cans than sports. I just expected more from athletes than from politicians, I guess. Although maybe I shouldn’t. Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Reporter
7
Battling flu can be a matter of learning to deal with stress
B
elieve it or not, experts claim that this flu season is no worse than 2014-15. They state it is more like the 201213 outbreak. It hasn’t peaked as of Jan. 13, so they really can’t determine its totality. From the news reports, we wouldn’t guess that. This outbreak seems to have a more virulent effect on children under the age of 2 as well as those over 65. It is also more dangerous for those with chronic health conditions. Apparently, this year’s flu shot is not very effective against the prevailing flu strain. Admittedly, preparing a flu shot depends on good guessing as to what strain of flu will be prevalent in any year. It’s a guess and it’s often not a good guess. I’ve seen reports that indicate healthy young people from 20’s to 40’s are dying from this outbreak. About half of them had the flu shot. I’ve even read that of the eight deaths in California, seven of the eight victims received the flu shot. There are several types of flu out there and some people are having the misfortune of coming down with all of them because the system hasn’t had a chance to recover from the first bout. So what can we do to protect ourselves? First, make certain your vitamin D levels are adequate. More and more research is associating healthy levels of Vitamin D to immune strength. Additionally, during this season, it’s best to stay out of crowds, whenever possible. Avoid contact with someone coming down with a cold. Even wearing a mask when going out shopping is a good idea. I’m seeing that happening these days and may even decide to wear one myself while out shopping. Many hospitals are limiting visitation, which sounds like a pretty good step.
What I’m thankful to report is that several television programs are seeking the wisdom of physicians who complement convention with alternative healing, in addition to Dr. Oz. Just recently, “Good Morning America” did exactly that and it’s about time. Dr. Jennifer Ashton recommended black elderberry extract (sambucol is one brand), olive leaf extract and oil of oregano. I’ve written about all three of the above and I personally make sure I have plenty of sambucol (black elderberry extract) available and always take it before I go out, or if I feel even a hint of something that might be incubating. Other helpful supplements in addition to olive leaf and oil of oregano, are Vitamin C and zinc. All seem to boost the immune system, according to many physicians. I’ve also found oil of oregano combined with the herb Rosemary to be helpful. Olive leaf is anti-bacterial and has recently been found to be helpful in glucose control. Essentially, building up your own immune system appears to be the key to avoiding a bug or perhaps mitigating a bout with a bug. We all have to admit that sometimes, regardless of what efforts we make to avoid the flu, it can ambush us on occasion. I had it in January 2014, but the stress of moving and organizing was a big player in my being prone to catch it. Most grocery stores have antiseptic wipes
that you can use to clean the handle on your cart. An even better idea might be to order your food online via a major store that delivers, at least until this outbreak dissipates. One of the issues that is rarely discussed is the effect stress has on overall health. Stress is as dangerous as any disease and can lead to disease. It’s important to take time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy. We all have stress, some worse than others, and some deal with stress much better than others. Learning to deal with stress is key to winning the battle. Just taking five minutes in the a.m. to sit and do nothing, clearing the mind, and being quiet, is helpful to begin with. It’s difficult but it’s necessary to avoid putting inordinate demands upon yourself. Learn to say “no” when things become too hectic. Increasing your quiet time incrementally can work wonders. I now go to bed earlier and rise earlier to get that quiet time. Taking a quiet walk and enjoying the scenery can make such a difference. In Illinois, that’s a bit difficult at this time of year. I write these suggestions because this is exactly what I’ve been learning and working to accomplish. Additionally, being grateful is essential to well-being and calming the spirit. Good health isn’t just about taking various supplements or about learning to handle stress. It’s about doing all of the above, including diet; being careful and avoiding those areas where the flu is flourishing. It seems the only state not suffering a flu outbreak is Hawaii. Well, maybe it’s time to plan that vacation…. Dee Woods can be reached at deewoods10@icloud.com.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR CHICAGO RIDGE
Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night to be held at Frontier Park
The annual Daddy Daughter Date Night will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the Frontier Park Fieldhouse, 9807 S. Sayre Ave., Chicago Ridge. The event will include prizes, dinner, entertainment and dancing. The fee for residents is $25 per couple and non-residents is $40 per couple. Each additional girl will be $8. For more information, visit www.chicagoridgeparks.com or call (708) 636-4900.
Mommy and Makeover Night at Freedom Activity Center
Mommy and Makeover Night will be presented from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 S. Birmingham Ave. Girls ages 6 to 14 and their mothers are invited for a night of friends, films and a fresh new look. The registration fee is $7 for residents and $12 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 599-7337.
Dinner and a movie for kids
A dinner and a child-friendly movie will be offered from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham Ave., Chicago Ridge. The registration fee is $7 for residents and $12 for non-residents. The event is for children ages 6 to 9. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 599-7337.
EVERGREEN PARK
Evergreen Park Police FOP to hold fish and sports show
and Yu-gi-oh cards can get together from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills. Time will be set to duel, trade, or just see what other kids have. Pizza will be provided afterwards for everybody. Participants will get a chance to be in a raffle to win prizes. The program is for kids ages 8 to 13. Advance registration is required. The registration fee is $6 for residents and $7 for non-residents.
Hickory Hills Park District to hold preschool open house
Preschool teachers will be hosting an open house from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Cynthia Neal Recreation Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills. The open house is for parents who would like to enroll their child in a preschool program for the first time for the 2018-19 school year. An informational pamphlet on the preschool program will be available that night or call (708) 598-1233 to have one mailed.
OAK LAWN Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘Stop Making Sense’
CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.
HICKORY HILLS Super sledding at Kasey Meadow Park
Snowy Downhill Super Sledding will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite NFL team jersey to celebrate the Super Bowl while enjoying 90 minutes of sledding, pizza, water, hot chocolate, games and prizes. The sled hill will only be open to participants registered for this event. The sledding will be available for all ages (children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult). The fee is $2 for children ages 4 and under and $5 for ages 5 and up. Deadline to register is today (Thursday, Feb. 1).
Baking lessons at Krueger Park
Lessons in baking will be offered from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6 through March 13 at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills. Participants will be allowed to bake items such as cupcakes, cookies, brownies and a few other treats. Classes are held from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. The registration fee is $27 for residents and $32 for non-residents.
Kids can play card games and enjoy pizza
Kids who love to collect Shopkins, Pokemon
Fish Fry Fridays at Stony Creek
Fish fry meals will be offered on Fridays from Feb. 9 through March 30 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 5850 W. 103rd St. Open seating is from 3 to 8 p.m. The allyou-care-to-eat menu price includes freshly made creamy clam chowder, the Stony Creek garden salad, homemade coleslaw, white fish and beer battered cod, homemade hushpuppies, and baked potato. The cost is $13.95 for adults and $7.95 for children, ages 10 and under. Tax and gratuity are not included in price. A cash bar is available. For more information, call (708) 857-2433.
Membership sale offered at Oak Lawn Park District facilities
Residents can purchase the fitness membership from Feb. 8 through Feb. 11 at several Oak Lawn Park District facilities. Applicants can save 40 percent off new resident and combo memberships. Membership sale rates are $90 for new residents and $80 for senior residents. Members will have access to the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., and the Racquet Club and Recreation Center facility, 10444 S. Central Ave. Some exclusions may apply. For more information, call (708) 857-2420.
Oak Lawn Park District Teen Theatre presents ‘Legally Blonde’
A Valentine’s Family Skate will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave. Along with the skating, a visit from a snowman, raffles and music provided by a DJ will be included. The fee for this event is $7 for admission and $3 for skate rental. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-5173.
“Legally Blonde” is the next Oak Lawn Park Teen Show Theatre production, which will be held in February at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Tickets, which are $17, are still available for the production. The performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 9 and Feb. 16, and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17. Performances will also be held at 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 11 and Feb. 18. Tickets are available at the Oak View Center or by calling (708) 857-2200. They can also be obtained online at www.showtix4u.
Valentine’s Day dinner to be served at Stony Creek
PALOS HILLS
Valentine’s Family Skate The Evergreen Park Fraternal Order of at Oak Lawn Ice Arena
Police Lodge No. 27 will hold a fish and sports show from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 2 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park. A donation of $20 per person is being asked. Advance tickets can be purchased at the front desk of the Evergreen Park Police Department. The price will include a full buffet, draft beer, wine and pop, raffles, prizes, guest speakers and sporting vendors. Oven stew meal to be served at First United Methodist Church An oven stew meal will be provided from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at the First United Methodist Church, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park. Along with the oven stew, a salad, rolls, drinks and dessert will be served. Tickets are $10 for individuals and $25 for a family of three or four.
and a $50 non-refundable deposit is included in the fee. Registrations are accepted at the Oak View Center only. Enrollment is open until classes are full. For more information, contact Jackie Marshall at (708) 857-2200.
A Valentine’s Day dinner will be served on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquets, 5860 W. 103rd St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The fee is $28.95 per person. Live music will be provided by Coco & Fancy. The menu includes a carving station with prime rib and turkey breast, baked potato or garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, and dinner rolls. Each couple will receive a bottle of wine with their meal. Reservations are required by Saturday, Feb. 10. More information or to make reservations, call (708) 857-2433.
Oak Lawn Park District holds preschool registration
Registration for Oak Lawn Park District Preschool classes begins on Monday, Feb.5 for residents and on Monday, Feb. 19 for non-residents. Learn As You Grow I and Playschool are for 3-year-olds. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays, September through May. Times are 9 to 11:30 a.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m. Learn As You Grow I is held at the Little White Building, 9514 S. 54th Ave., and Playschool will be held at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St. The fee is $670 for residents and $752 for non-residents. Two payment options are available and a $50 non-refundable deposit is included in the fee. Learn as you Grow II and Prep School are for 4-year-olds. Sessions are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from September through May. Times are 9 to 11:30 a.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m. Learn As You Grow II is held at the Little White Building. Prep School is held at the Oak View Center. The fee is $1,000 for residents and $1,124 for nonresidents. Two payment options are available
Mother/Son Dance to be held at Palos Hills Community Center
The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be hosting a Mother/Son Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. The event includes a light dinner of pizza, dancing, a souvenir, and visit from a popular superhero. The cost is $30 per couple. For further information, contact the City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department, (708) 430-4500.
Stagg Music Boosters seek crafters for art show
The Stagg High School Music Boosters organization is accepting applications from crafters and artists for the Art for the Season show, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 at the high school, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. The registration fee is $85 per square feet booth space for the twoday run of the show. For more information or to receive an application, call (708) 974-7520, (708) 361-8298 or go to staggbands.org.
WORTH
Marrs-Meyer AL Post to host Super Bowl party
Members of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 will hold a Super Bowl party on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the post, 11001 S. Depot St., Worth. Residents and members need to sign up on the sheet that can be found on the bulletin board to attend the party that goes from the kickoff to the end of the game. Domestic bottled beer and food is included in the entry fee. The fee is $25 per person or $15 a person for food only.
Creating a snowman
Photo by Kelly White
Liliana Deranek, 7, of Evergreen Park, paints a snowman she created at the Evergreen Park Public Library’s Shivery Snow Painting event on Jan. 15
DEATH NOTICES Isabel Halverson Isabel Ruth Halverson, 89, a Palos Hills resident, died Jan. 23 at Palos Hospital. Mrs. Halverson was a Chicago-area wildlife artist who participated in Suburban and Chicago art shows and venues that included the Little Red School House in the Palos Forest Preserves and the Gold Coast Art Show in Chicago. She was a member of the Palos Fine Arts Association, LaGrange Art League and the Town and Country Art League. She and her second husband, the late Eugene Halverson, were both heavily involved in the newly incorporated City of Palos Hills during its early years. They were both active members of the Palos Hills Civic Association and the Palos Hills Horseman’s Association. She later served as a Palos Township School trustee and for years served the Palos Township Republican Organization as precinct captain and election judge. Survivors include a daughter, Robyn Ronczkowski; sons, Wayne Arthur and Robert Arthur; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Services were Monday at Lack & Sons Funeral Home. Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Algirdas Svirmickas Algirdas “Al” Svirmickas, 88, an Orland Park resident, died Friday at Lexington Healthcare in Orland Park. Mr. Svirmickas was an engineer for many years with Argonne National Laboratory. He was a member of the Knights of Lithuania Council 112. Survivors include a cousin, Emma Petraitis; and many relatives and friends. Services were Monday at Nativity BVM Church. Interment followed at St. Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.
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8 The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Put a trusted ‘quarterback’ on your financial team
O
Photo by Bob Bong
Toys R Us announced last week that it would close its store in Matteson and a Babies R Us store in Burbank, which may move into the Toys R Us store in Burbank (pictured above).
COMINGS & GOINGS
Toys R Us closing some area stores N
ew Jersey-based toy retailer Toys R Us announced last week that it planned to close 182 stores nationwide including seven in the Chicago area. The scheduled closings must be approved by a federal bankruptcy court, which is handling the retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Among the seven stores on the closing list include Bob the Toys R Us store at Lincoln Highway in Bong 5001 Matteson and the Babies R Us store at 7750 S. Cicero Ave. in Burbank, which may be folded into the Toys R Us store at 8148 S. Cicero Ave in Burbank that is not listed for closing. Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in Orland Park and North Riverside are also not slated for closing. Going-out-of-business sales are expected to start in February and continue through April. “The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus,” chairman and CEO David Brandon said in a letter posted on the company’s website. The announcement was another blow for the Matteson retail base, which already is reeling from the closing of its Sam’s Club store, relocation of its Walmart store to Richton Park, the closing this weekend of its Target store, and the demolition of most of the once formidable Lincoln Mall shopping plaza.
Protest
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Sandi Rusek, who works with Pet Harbor, which lists stray dogs online. She was among those whose said the Animal Welfare League does not post found animals on its website, or others, so owners have little chance of reuniting with their pets. Tracy Caccavella, a licensed wildlife rehabber from Oak Lawn, said she gets called to the shelter to pick up orphaned or sick wild animals such as rabbits or squirrels that are found and turned in. But she maintains that the staff led by Estrada does not take precautions against spreading infections when moving in and out of isolation rooms. “They are not using wearing shoe covers or masks in the isolation rooms. Why are they not taking these standard precautions,” she wondered. She also claimed that animals sometimes get too much medication, causing minor problems to worsen. Asked to respond to Caccavella’s complaints, Peggy Price, an employee watching the protest on Saturday, said staff may have been moving between isolation rooms. She also denied the assertions of protesters that Estrada is a “bully,” who would fire employees or volunteers who speak out against her. “We’re all here because we care for the animals. I wouldn’t be here if I was treated like that,” said Price. Several protesters suggested that Chicago Ridge village officials should look into the situation.
SUDOKU
Answers
Neat Repeats open in new digs
Neat Repeats, the resale shop operated by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, has opened in its new digs at 6602 W. 111th St. in Worth, just down the street from its previous location. Proceeds from the shop and another in Orland Park are used to help fund operations for the Crisis Center. The new building almost doubled the shop’s size from 4,000 square feet to 7,200 square feet. The new location also has a larger parking lot. The new location opened late last year after construction began last spring on the new location.
Mickey’s Gyros on vacation
Mickey’s Gyros, at 10701 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills, is closed for vacation. The restaurant will be closed until Feb. 11 and will reopen on Monday, Feb. 12.
Tutoring service opens in Orland Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services, a fast-growing in-home tutoring company, has opened a branch in Orland Park. Club Z provides individualized tutoring to students in the security of their homes and services an area as far away as Lockport, Lemont and Woodridge. In addition to tutoring in all core subjects — reading, math, science, computers, language arts, etc. Club Z provides tutoring in study skills, SAT, ACT, and other assessment test preparation, as well as specialized services for children with learning disabilities. Club Z does not require long-term contracts and parents can end tutoring at any time.
“This is a needed facility, but we need transparency. Everyone on the board needs to go. These protests are a long time coming,” said Shannon Gaglione, of Naperville, a former volunteer. “The village needs to get involved. This is a holocaust of animals,” said Terry Maderak of Chicago’s West Elsdon neighborhood, claiming that too many animals are dying from illness or being euthanized. Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar, after touring the facility on Monday, said the village does not have personnel qualified for inspections. “That is for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. And I saw the latest reports from IDA inspections that gave the facility good marks,” said the mayor. Photos of dogs lying in their own excrement or blood have been circulating online, some taken in 2015. While Tokar and others who have toured the facility have said they found it in good condition, the activists assert that there are back rooms that visitors aren’t allowed in. Tokar said euthanasia isn’t as common as the activists say either, and is used mainly on dogs that have been found to be aggressive and unsuitable for adoption. “They say it is cheaper to feed and house the animals than euthanize them, which costs about $300,” said the mayor. “I looks to me like there are tons of volunteers, more than employees. I don’t think (Estrada) is a bad person. She has a good heart and they are doing the best they can. We are trying to bring the two sides together to resolve this,” said Tokar.
CROSSWORD
Answers
For more information, call (630) 4274754 or visit www.clubztutoring.com.
Craft beer store opens in Mokena
Crafted Tap and Bottle Shop, which features craft beers for sale in bottles and cans as well as a tap room for tasting craft brews, held its grand opening in midJanuary at 19200 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. Owners Denver Worker and Dan Rusnak opened the store late last year and held its ribbon cutting on Jan. 18. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, and closed on Monday.
Buddig Beef expands
Homewood-based Carl Buddig and Co. announced that it will expand its operations in Illinois with the purchase of the former Butterball facility in downstate Montgomery. The 28,000-square-foot plant closed in July 2017. Buddig plans to expand its production of lunch meats and specialty meats at the facility. Last year, the company purchased South Holland-based Rupari Food Services out of bankruptcy. It operates a massive plant in South Holland. This year, the family owned business will celebrate its 75th anniversary. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com
Benefit
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Jerry Hurckes, former chief of staff for Cong. Dan Lipinski (D3rd) and a former Oak Lawn village trustee. Hurckes has been hired as the new executive director for the Village of Summit. “We appreciate that so many
Police reports Continued from Page 2
and fled from staff who questioned him as he left the store after paying the lower price. He is due in court on Feb. 27. • Kenneth E. Miller, 40, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Jewel, 9424 S. Pulaski Road, at 5:17 p.m. Jan. 23. Police said he pocketed two packages of mixed nuts worth $7.98. He is due in court on March 7. • Jamie A. Wetzel, 31, of Glendale Heights, was charged with retail theft at 2:59 p.m. Jan. 23 at Home Depot, 4060 W. 95th St. Police said she left the store with a box of tools worth $129 in her purse. Police found she had an outstanding arrest warrant from Chicago for retail theft. She was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after a glass pipe used to smoke marijuana was found. She is due in court on March 8.
DUI charge
Colleen M. O’Connor, 56, of Burbank, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic crash at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at 87th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she registered a .134 blood-alcohol content on a breath test. She was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disobeying a stop sign, failure to yield at a private driveway, and possession of open alcohol. She is due in court on March 14.
Suspended license
Linda A. Harris, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license at 5 p.m. Jan. 19 in the 5800 block of West 96th Street. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance and unlawful use of registration because the license plates on her car were registered to another vehicle. She is due in
n Feb. 4, the eyes of most of the country — and much of the rest of the world — will be on Minneapolis, site of Super Bowl LII. As a fan, you can admire the way Super Bowl quarterbacks direct their teams. But as an investor, you can learn something from the big game by putting together your own team to help you achieve your financial goals – and you may find it helpful to have your own “quarterback.” Who should be on your team? Your financial strategy will involve investments, taxes and estate planning, so you will likely need a financial advisor, a tax professional and an attorney. Ideally, your financial advisor — the individual with the broadest view of your financial situation — should serve as the quarterback of this team. And, just as a quarterback on a football team must communicate clearly with his teammates, so will your financial quarterback need to maintain consistent Scott contact with the other team members. Johnson Let’s look at a couple of basic examples as to how this communication might work. First, suppose you are self-employed and contribute to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA. Because your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, the more you put in, the lower your taxable income. (In 2018, the maximum amount you can contribute is $55,000.) Your financial advisor can recommend investments you can choose from to help fund your SEP IRA. Yet you will want your financial advisor to share all your SEP IRA information with your tax professional. When it’s near tax-filing time, your tax professional can then let you and your financial advisor know how much room you still have to contribute to your SEP IRA for the year, and how much you need to add to potentially push yourself into a lower tax bracket. Now, let’s consider the connection between your financial advisor and your attorney — specifically, your attorney handling your estate planning arrangements. It’s essential that you and your financial advisor provide your attorney with a list of all your financial assets — IRAs, 401(k)s, investments held in brokerage accounts, insurance policies and so on. Your attorney will need this information when preparing your important legal documents, such as your will and living trust — after all, a key part of your estate plan is who gets what. But it’s imperative that you and your financial advisor convey some often-overlooked details that can make a big difference in the disposition of your estate. For example, your financial advisor might suggest that you review the beneficiary designations on your IRA, 401(k) and life insurance policies to make sure these designations are still accurate in light of changes in your life — new spouse, new children and others. These designations are meaningful and can even supersede the instructions you might leave in your will or living trust. Consequently, it’s important for you and your financial advisor to share this information with your attorney. It can be challenging to meet all your financial objectives. But with the right team in place, and a quarterback to help lead it, you can keep moving toward those goals — and you might cut down on the “fumbles” along the way. Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.
people who were important to Megan’s life still come out for this, including her teachers, classmates, teammates and coaches,” said her father. “It means a lot to us.” In addition to being a straightA student, Megan was active in Westside Baseball, where she played on a championship softball team in 2009. “Four scholarships are awarded
each year, for either high school or college,” said Hurckes, explaining that scholarships are awarded to students from Kolb and St. Louis de Montfort School, as well as Simmons Middle School and Oak Lawn Community High School. Students from each school can apply for the scholarships, he said. This annual fundraiser started in 2010 and has grown into a funfilled night of family and friends
getting together to celebrate a little girl’s birthday. Megan would be turning 19 years old on Monday, Feb. 5. Arena Lanes bowling alley is at 103rd and Cicero in Oak Lawn, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (708) 599-7302.
court on Feb. 28.
and driving without insurance. He is due in court on March 19.
West 103rd Terrace at 11:30 p.m. Sunday. They said a landscaping rock had been used to damage the front and back windows of a vehicle. Police are investigating a vandalism incident that was reported at a home in the 8200 block of Willow Drive at 5 p.m. Jan. 22. They said someone had used a rock to damage a sliding glass door on the house,
Revoked license
Marcin T. Gal, of Burbank, was charged with driving with a revoked license at 5:19 p.m. Jan. 19 in the 10600 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving a car with expired registration and no insurance. He is due in court on Feb. 27.
Palos Hills
Suspended license
Francisco Ramirez-Gonzalez, 26, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11 a.m. Jan. 22. Police said he was also cited for illegal use of a cellphone while driving and driving without a valid safety test. He is due in court on March 19.
DUI charge
Jimmy Moland Jr., 46, of Orland Hills, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 5 p.m. Jan. 22. Police said he was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance, and driving without carrying a license. He is due in court on March 19.
Hit-and-run
Christopher Gromala, 52, of Orland Park, was charged with leaving the scene of a traffic crash on South Road at 10 a.m. Jan. 17. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on March 19.
Reckless driving
Peter Radochonski, 43, of Hometown, was charged with reckless driving following a traffic crash at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Police said he left the scene after striking another car in a restaurant’s drivethrough lane. He was also cited for leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license,
Criminal damage to property
• A male juvenile was arrested and charged with criminal damage to property following an incident at 2 a.m. last Thursday. Police said he was seen following a person into a residential building, and ran away when police arrived. He was arrested after allegedly damaging a nearby fence. He was also cited for violating curfew and possession of smoking materials, and was turned over to juvenile authorities. • Police are investigating a reported case of criminal damage to property in the 8500 block of
Dermot Connolly contributed to this report.
Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of January 29) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 30-year fixed Jumbo
RATES 4.250 3.625 3.990
United Trust Bank (as of January 29) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed
RATES 4.375 3.990 3.990
APR 4.295 3.680 4.045
POINTS 0 0 0
APR 4.396 4.027 4.044
POINTS 0 0 0
Prospect Savings Bank (as of January 30) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed
RATES 4.000 3.750 3.250
APR 4.114 3.907 3.449
CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of January 16) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed
RATES 4.125 3.875 3.5
APR 4.2048 3.986 3.6425
All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.
POINTS 0 0 0 POINTS 0 0 0
The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
9
Richards Unity Club adds service to cultural exploration The Unity Club at Richards High School in Oak Lawn has taken part in assisting several organizations in acts of diversity. Faculty sponsor Rahaf Othman and the Unity Club explore the customs, history, culture, arts, and cuisine of many ethnic and religious groups. Apart from education and exploration, the club also serves its communities. “As a club, we serve many purposes,” Othman said. “We want to recognize and celebrate the different cultures that are represented at Richards. We also want to get to know each other and be ‘united’ as a community. In addition, we strongly believe in giving back to our community.” Recently, Othman took students to volunteer at ArabAmerican Family Services non-profit in Bridgeview to help create decorations for an upcoming event. They had a couple of hours before the show at Medieval Times, so they volunteered. So far this year, the Unity Club also has cooked and served a meal at a local homeless shelter and participated in the annual AAFS walk. “We are also planning to go to one of our feeder schools in February to help out with their (English Language Learner) nights,” Othman said.
Supplied photos
Unity Club members from Richards High School volunteered at Arab-American Family Services in Bridgeview. They created decorations for an upcoming event.
Chili
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I thought it was perfect for the season, and also in preparation for Super Bowl Sunday.” More than 50 people attended the free event hoping to spice up their cooking skills. This was not a hands-on class. However, substantial portions of roast turkey and red bean andouille sausage chili were served to all in attendance. “Chili should be eaten with a fork because it’s supposed to be made robust and hearty,” Niksic said. “If you’re eating chili with a spoon, you’re eating soup.” Niksic said it is also important not to take recipes to heart while cooking. “Recipes are only suggestions; they are not contracts,” Niksic said. “You can take a chili recipe and change it up, adding additional flavors. Embellishments are always a smart idea. You should always go along with your own flavor line.” This was the first time the library has ever held a chili cooking presentation, according to Apple. “We don’t have too many programs where patrons can watch food being made and get to sample it,” Apple said. “This was definitely a fun and tasty event.” Niksic said with all of his chili cooking experience, he has never entered a chili cooking competition for one important reason. “In those types of cook-offs and competitions, you are instructed to cook chili in a large aluminum
Church
Continued from Page 1
sessions at the church to see if there was interest. McClanahan also believed that the organization was a good fit at Pilgrim Faith. “We are very open and affirming,” McClanahan said. “We welcomed this organization.” The Hickeys led the discussion that was attended by members of the church and people from different communities who wanted to know more about what PFLAG represents. PFLAG was founded in 1972 when a mother publically supported her gay son. The organization unites people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender with families, friends and allies. PFLAG has 400 chapters and 200,000 members in all 50 states. Members range from multiple generations of American families in urban centers, small cities and rural areas in all 50 states, according to PFLAG. John Hickey added that if Pilgrim Faith were to decide to begin a chapter, they could attend workshops and take part in fundraisers, along with holding monthly meetings. “For parents it can be difficult accepting when somebody comes out,” Hickey said. “At these meetings, we break down some of these myths. Some people say there is
pot,” Niksic said. “As a chef, I recommend to never, ever cook any of your food in an aluminum pot or pan. Aluminum is a soft metal. When you are heating up items in it while cooking, the aluminum immediately comes off of the pan and goes directly into your food.” Niksic said he prefers stainless steel for this reason. Apple heard about Niksic’s relaxed cooking classes from other libraries and reached out to him personally for the event. Niksic’s cooking career began on the South Side of Chicago in the Rupcich Family restaurant in 1976. He entered the Washburne Trade School in June of 1976, and graduated from the chef’s training program in May of 1978. He also completed a meat cutting program at the Washburne Trade School after his chef training. He then apprenticed as a line cook, sauté cook, grill man and banquet cook under Stuart Johnson at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in the 4 star French restaurant Truffles. In Chicago, he eventually opened La Grillade, the first mesquite grilling fine dining restaurant. Since then, he has opened, or helped open, over 22 restaurants of various cuisine and themes. He began freecookingprograms. com in 2004. “It’s important to remember that the way you cook something in your kitchen (and) in your own home is the absolute right way to cook it,” Niksic said. “Every cook is different and has a different palette.” a gay agenda. And, well, there is a gay agenda. And that is accepting everyone. Gay rights are human rights.” Hickey said the priority of the organization is to bring families together in an inclusive world. The monthly meetings and workshops will go over education and about how to sustain themselves after they come out. Discussions will also focus on accepting human diversity and if gay individuals are accepted in the workplace. A group of about 20 attended the first session and the people in attendance were eager to move the process along. A new chapter does not have to have a large group of members, according to Hickey. But for it to move past the informational phase, several officers have to be appointed. By the next information session, the group at Pilgrim Faith had appointed a secretary, a treasurer, a vice president and a president, one more than the minimum required. Rapp has been selected as the president for the first year. Rapp said the first meetings will be more about listening and finding out what members would like to focus on. “At least we are there just for continuity,” Rapp said. “We are making contacts. We know there is a need. “I think there is still lot of these parents who don’t accept their kids. We have to help change that.”
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Hickory Hills will conduct a public hearing pursuant to a request by the Petitioner, Proviso Petroleum Company, for a gas station/convenience store/studio apartment all in the same building, on the following described property: LOT 40 AND THE NORTH 20.41 FEET OF LOT 39 IN FRANK DELUGACH’S 87TH STREET ACRES, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 25 ACRES OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, EXCEPT THAT PART THEREOF RECORDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 40 AFORESAID; THENCE WEST ON THE NORTH LINE THEREOF 29 FEET; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY TO A POINT MEASURED ON SAID NORTH LINE AND AT RIGHT ANGLES THERETO; THENCE SOUTH PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF LOTS 39 AND 40 AFORESAID 170 FEET; THENCE EAST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 39 AFORESAID 24 FEET TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 39, THENCE NORTH, ON THE EAST LINE OF LOTS 39 AND 40 AFORESAID, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. The common address of the property is 8702 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, Illinois 60457. Presently this property is zoned C-2. The public hearing will be conducted on Monday, February 26, 2018, at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 8652 W. 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL at which time all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. /s/ Syed Imam, Chairman
Cheering on toward finals The varsity cheerleaders from Shepard High School celebrate after qualifying for the IHSA state finals on Saturday. They placed third in the Co-Ed Division at the IHSA Sectional hosted by Andrew High School to advance to the state finals. For more information, see Sports. Supplied photo
Shepard teacher provides ‘Change the World’ lesson on driving safety As the team of Shepard High School students closed their presentation on the perils of distracted driving and started walking back to their desks, English teacher Jeff Vazzana made them stop. “OK everyone, take out your phones,” he said. After the class listened to a detailed account of how texting while driving significantly increases the risk of a car crash, Vazzana realized he had an opportune moment. “How many of you would download an app that would block incoming texts while you drive?” he asked. While it might surprise some, hands appeared everywhere. Vazzana then directed students to websites where they could download such an application. And within a minute or so students finished. The moment proved a satisfying close to what already had been a good class. Teams of students presented
their “Change the World” projects, an assignment Vazzana developed five years ago for his Advanced Placement courses. Comparable in rigor to what students will encounter in university classes, the Change the World assignment allows students to choose a topic of personal interest or societal relevance. The teams then research its history, controversies, and background. They interview experts on the subject and then develop solutions to improve or resolve the issue. Finally, students must design and follow through on a plan of action to create positive change. Topics this year included adopting pets instead of buying them from retail pet stores or puppy mills; putting an end to vaping; raising awareness of how pejorative words hurt people; and, research on why schools should start classes an hour later.
Supplied photo
After a team of students presented on how texting while driving greatly increases the risk of car accidents, Shepard High School teacher Jeff Vazzana (at desk) asked AP English students if they would download an app that would block incoming texts while they drove. Most said “yes” and so the class immediately downloaded the app together.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
CHICAGO RIDGE
Chicago Ridge Library Board seeks to fill vacancy
The Chicago Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to fill a recent vacancy on its board. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave., which includes setting policy, goals, and objectives for the library, hiring and evaluating the library director, and establishing and monitoring the library’s annual budget. Applicants must be 18 years old or older, a registered voter in Chicago Ridge, and able to attend board meetings held on the second Monday evening of each month. Individuals who are interested in applying can send a cover letter and resume to trustee@chicagoridgelibrary.org.
Make Valentine’s Day bracelets and earrings
An event entitled “Valentine’s Day Bracelets and Earrings” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Participants can make matching Valentine’s bracelets and earrings. Basic jewelry making techniques will be demonstrated in this project. Registration is required. To register or for more information about this free program, call (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.
Chair yoga at library
Another session of chair yoga will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Certified yoga instructor Joan Zigulich will lead the class that is designed for everyone. The focus will be on simple movements designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body. This class is designed for office workers or for people concerned about getting down on the floor. More information about the free program can be obtained by calling (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagridgelibrary.org.
Relaxing with ‘Color Therapy’
A session in “Color Therapy” will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Chicago Ridge Library. According to some studies, creative activities can help calm the mind. The free program will focus on the
benefits of creative coloring. The library staff will provide the pages, colored pencils, markers and refreshments. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.
their reading skills by reading to therapy dogs. Once books are completed, pictures will be taken of the participants and hung in the library. Registration is limited to 30. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.
EVERGREEN PARK
Youths can participate in drop-in button workshop
Sample food from local chefs
An opportunity to sample foods created by chefs from the community will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave. The event for adults ages 21 and over is $25 per ticket. A cash bar will be available. Registration is requested from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.
OAK LAWN
Annual Souper Bowl food drive to assist local food pantries
The annual Souper Bowl food drive continues through Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Participants will team up to stop hunger and help local food pantries stock their shelves after the holidays. Participants are welcome to collect at least 1,000 donated non-perishable food items. A donation barrel will be located in the library’s lobby through the Souper Bowl food drive. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.
PALOS HILLS
Chicago’s sweet candy history
The history of chocolate in Chicago will be explored at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. For most of its history, Chicago produced one third of the nation’s candy. Learn some of the history behind these tasty treats and explore what made Chicago such a powerful location for candy makers. Guests can bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. The event is for adults only. Registration is limited to 45. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.
Read to Dogs therapy session
The next Read to Dogs therapy session will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 at the Green Hills Library. Participants can sharpen
A drop-in button workshop will be held for youths ages 10 to 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Green Hills Library. Guests can make their own 1.5-inch buttons to decorate jackets and backpacks. Participants can bring their own pictures as well. Register online at www.green hillslibrary.org.
Candy-making class for adults
A candy making class will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Green Hills Library. Visitors can learn how to make chocolate treats such as turtles, chocolate covered pretzels and other specialty treats. Each participant will make the candy themselves as the instructor gives step-by-step guidance. The event is for adults only. Registration is limited to 70. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.
Basics of Microsoft Excel
Patrons can learn the basics of Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets and charts during a session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Green Hills Library. This class will provide an overview of Excel and an introduction to using basic formulas. Basic computer skills are required. Registration is limited to 10. This class is for adults only. Laptops will be provided. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org
Family Feud game at library
Family Feud for the whole family can be played beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Green Hills Library. Families will face off and test their knowledge in multiple categories. Registration is limited to 40. The event is for ages 5 and up. Caregivers must register as well. Register online at www.greenhillsllibrary.org.
Making air plant terrarium crafts
Patrons can make a craft of terrariums specially designed for air plants at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12 at the Green Hills Library. The event is for adults only. Registration is limited to 54. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.
10 The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Les Brothers Restaurant 8705 S. Ridgeland Ave. • Oak Lawn • 708-599-7990 • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
St. Laurence HS considers accepting sophomore girls for next school year The staff at St. Laurence High School is gauging interest from families who have daughters who will be sophomores during the 2018-19 school year for potential admission into the school, 5556 W. 77th St., Burbank. The decision comes after receiving interest from parents with daughters that are part of the graduating Class of 2021 who want to transfer to St. Laurence. Families can fill out an interest form at www.stlaurence. com/2021girls. Upon filling out the form, families will be contacted by St. Laurence staff members regarding next steps. St. Laurence will also be holding a special information night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 to share details about the transfer process, coed transition and background on the school. Families will be expected to submit unofficial transcripts and a registration fee and partial tuition payment no later than Friday, March 2. Based on the number of families who apply and qualify, a decision will be made the week of March 12. If the school decides not to accept the class, the fee will be refunded. The fee will be non-refundable after the date of announcement. St. Laurence opened its doors to female students for the first time in the 2017-18 school year. The school originally only accepted girls in the sophomore through senior classes, but has received several inquiries about transfer students in the Class of 2021 in the past year. Families with questions about St. Laurence or about the transfer process can contact Joe Spano, director of admissions, (708) 4586900, ext. 252.
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SW Chicago Christian School to hold Open House
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An open house will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Southwest Chicago Christian School, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Southwest Chicago Christian School provides a Christ-centered learning community for students ages preschool through eighth grade. The school offers preschool classes, full- and halfday kindergarten, before and after school care, and certified and experienced teachers. They also own and operate their own bus service. According to school officials, Southwest Chicago Christian is the only middle school in the area that offers full certified STEM classes through the Project Lead the Way Gateway program. Pre-registration is not necessary. More information can be obtained by calling Wilma Persenaire, (708) 388-7656, or visit www.swchicagochristian.org.
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools
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Faith & Achievement STEM classes through Project Lead The Way Gateway Program Half Day and Full Day Preschool & Kindergarten Options
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Preschool - 8th Grade Thursday, February 8, 6:00-7:30 pm Monday, March 5, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
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Southwest Chicago Christian schools 12001 S. Oak Park Avenue Palos Heights, IL 60463 (708) 388-7656 Any questions contact Tim Schnyders at tschnyders@swchristian.org
www.swchristian.org
SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter
Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com
Thursday, 2018 Thursday,February March 5,1,2015
Southwest Section Southwest • Section•2, Page 1 2, Page 1
IHSA history is within her grasp Richards freshman Palumbo has been swimming in success since she was a kid, and now come the wrestling regionals By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
The swim cap. The pin. Those are the two things that Mia Palumbo remembers about her first wrestling match. That was 10 years ago. She was four. “I’m not sure where it was at,’’ she said. “My mom (Jeannette) put me in a swim cap. I ended up winning my first match and pinned a kid in the first period.’’ Soon, the swim cap was gone. “My dad (Rob) bought me an actual wrestling cap.’’ she said. But the pins — and the wins — stayed around for 10 years. Palumbo had a strong club career in grade school wrestling mostly boys for the Oak Lawnbased Mean Green Machine team and against girls, she earned a title at the USA Preseason Nationals at the 105-pound weight class in October. Submitted photo Now she is in high school. Ten years ago, Mia Palumbo wresShe is taking on boys — some tled in her first match wearing a of whom are three or four years swimming cap. older than her. pion. That’s our mindset going And, she is still winning. Palumbo won 21 of her first 24 into every practice.’’ Illinois high school wrestling matches during the regular season and won the South Suburban Red historian Rob Sherrill said he can 106-pound championship on Jan. only recall two female regional 20. The freshman beat Reavis’s champions and one state qualifier. Jack McDonald, one of the three He said Glenbard North’s Caitlyn opponents who had beaten her Chase won a regional title in 2005 at 103 in Class AA, took second earlier. in the sectional and qualified for High expectations state but was pinned in her only The Illinois High School Asso- match at that level. Sherrill added that Alli Ragan ciation regionals open on Saturday and her coach, Nick Grabarek, is of Carbondale claimed a regional not shy about setting high goals title at 130 in 2010 but went 1-2 for his freshman as the Bulldogs in sectional action and did not head to Lemont for a Class 2A advance to state. He also runs the rankings for the regional. “She has the potential to do Illinois Coaches and Officials Asvery well — not only in the re- sociation and although he doesn’t gional and sectional, but during have Palumbo ranked in the top state,” he said. “We fully expect 10 in the state at 106 in Class her take first in regionals and first 2A, she is one of six honorable in sectionals and be a state cham- mentions on the list. As a team,
Richards is ranked ninth. The odds are stacked against her for a state title, but she could be the first freshman female to win a regional. “Winning regionals is a goal — I have to just keep wrestling hard every match,” she said. “It’s going to fun and I will be going up against some of my friends. We’ll still be friends off the mat, but on the mat, you have to keep wrestling hard.’’
High-octane style Wrestling hard is her style, according to her coach. “Her offense is high octane,” he said. “It’s fun to watch. She loves to open up the offense and just go. It’s a style of constant movement. She just goes. Some people might see it as a risk but with how talented she is, it works. “She doesn’t care who is in front of her. She just competes. Some people might worry about who they are wrestling but she just has so much confidence and that helps her excel.’’ Years ago, there was huge controversy and outcry when females wrestled males. Some schools would sooner forfeit than have their male athletes wrestle a female. Now that there are more than 14,500 females wrestling in high school, according to Statis.com, there is more of an acceptance of girls competing on the mat against boys. But it’s not 100 percent. “There have been a lot of conflicts where people were not OK with me wrestling guys,” Palumbo said. “But some people don’t care and treat me like everyone else. Since I’ve been in the sport so long, I’m used to all of the talk about how girls don’t wrestle. But I just keep going.’’
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Mia Palumbo won a conference championship on Jan. 20 and her coach at Richards thinks she can be a state champion contender.
Girls don’t wrestle
The first person who told Mia that ‘girls don’t wrestle’ was her mother. Mia was taken to tourna-
ments to watch her older brother, Rocco, compete and she liked the sport at an early age. Mia said Jeannette told her that ‘girls don’t wrestle,’ but when they saw a girl
at a tournament tearing up the competition, Jeannette changed her mind. That girl that they saw wrestle was Haley Augello of Lockport
who grew up and competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Over the years, Palumbo (who See PALUMBO, Page 3
Rewards for jobs well done Marist’s Vidovic named National Coach of Year; Strus heading to DePaul By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
There were quite a few honors and accolades thrown Marist players’ way after they won the Illinois High School Association Class 4A State Championship in girls volleyball in November and were named national champions by FloVolleyball. Now the coaches are receiving some notice. Head coach Jordan Vidovic was named volleyballmag.com’s National High School Coach of the Year while his assistant, Maggie Strus, is heading a few miles north to be DePaul University’s women’s assistant coach. Vidovic, who also coaches the RedHawks’ boys team, had already captured a unique daily double as he was named East Suburban Catholic Conference Coach of the year for the boys in the spring and the girls in the fall of 2017. Now his reputation has spread to
Make your reservations today!
Photos by Jeff Vorva
Marist’s Jordan Vidovic (left) is the No. 1 girls high school coach in the country, according to volleyballmag.com. Maggie Strus (right), shown as an assistant coach at Marist in the fall, is expected to be announced as an assistant coach at DePaul.
the national level. The former Brother Rice star, who played at Lewis University and was a 2007 USA Beach Volleyball Player of the Year, is usually pretty calm on the bench. It’s likely that his quiet, confident demeanor helped during boiling points of a 41-1 season, including those agonizing moments for the RedHawks
when they were down 8-4 in the third and deciding game in the state title match against Minooka. They rallied and dominated the rest of the way for a 22-15 victory. “We didn’t waver too high or too low,’’ the coach said minutes after receiving his championship medal.
Off and running
Chicago Fire players get in a run during the start of training camp on Jan. 23 at the Toyota Park Dome in Bridgeview. The Fire made the playoffs last year but made some big trades in January. For more stories and photos, see pages 2 and 4.
See COACHES, Page 2
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2
Section 2 Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Regional News - The Reporter
Fishing on safe ice
Fire will be feisty, but will it be good again? C
can, not making popular dehicago Fire midfieldcisions or fast decisions. So, er Dax McCarty got we will continue our plan and a kick out of getting continue our pursuit of players kicked in the first practice at who we have had on queue training camp. for a while. McCarty and rookie Mo “When we bring in a player, Adams were chasing down a it will be done with the same ball at the Toyota Park Dome thoughtfulness that we’ve in Bridgeview last week. done with every acquisition “He was going for the ball we’ve had here.’’ — I’ll give him that,” McNo matter what happens, Carty said. “He kind of got Making the this is going to be a team with me from behind and I fell Extra Point a lot of new parts in some over. It was a questionable key positions. The team will play. I would say 75 percent of the refs would probably call a foul. have to mesh sometime. It would be Maybe 20 percent would let it go be- preferable to be sooner than later, but all the parts are not here, so there will cause they don’t like me.’’ But McCarty liked taking the tumble. have to be some learning on the fly. “Listen, this game “I enjoyed it — I has two sides,” thirdenjoyed it quite a year coach Veljko bit,’’ he said. “I like Paunovic said. “The young players and I first side is that we like rookies that have want everything yesattitude and personterday. So we want ality and aren’t afraid everything to be of veteran guys. I done. But the other really enjoyed that. side is that you know He apologized to me it takes time. There after that and I said is a process to get to ‘hey, don’t worry where you want to be. about it — it’s comI think the process we petition, man. It’s are going through is fantastic.’ ’’ going well and it is Welcome to the going like we would 2018 Chicago Fire. Photo by Jeff Vorva like it to. The players are coach Veljko Paunovic will work “In the third year, going to be feisty. Fire with some new players in key posiBut are they going tions in his third season at the helm. we want to get better and get more consisto be good? It might tent in our style and winning games. be awhile before we find that out. After two straight years of being the Last year, we showed what we are caworst team in Major League Soccer, pable of and this year we need more the Fire took a huge step up and quali- consistency on and off the field.’’ Last year was a breakthrough year fied for the playoffs in 2017. Instead of tinkering with the roster, however, with a 16-11-7 mark after coming off Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez an 8-20-6 record in 2015 and 7-17-10 made some bold and risky moves a in 2016, Paunovic’s first season. But few weeks ago and got rid of scoring after losing a humiliating 4-0 decision threat David Accam and goalie Matt at Toyota Park in the knockout round Lampson, picking up Orlando defender to the New York Red Bulls, it left a Rafael Ramos as well as high draft bitter taste in some people’s mouths. “We had a good season,” McCarty picks Jon Bakero and Adams. Rodriguez is hoping to use some of said. “But I harped on this at the end the money from the trades to land an of last year: It was an incomplete international star. Juan Fernando Quin- season. I would say it was an imtero was reportedly on the Fire’s radar, provement from years past. But we but he was signed to River Plate in didn’t win any silverware and we didn’t win any trophies. We didn’t Argentina. “I can only promise that we will pur- even win a playoff game. So you sue players and people that we think will can’t look at that season last year and help continue to build our championship say that it was a bona fide success. program,’’ Rodriguez said. “We believe There are still ways to improve and in making the best decisions that we get better.’’
D
iane Goerg of Palos Park and proprietor of Diane’s Place, a fine eatery and ice cream parlor located at 12306 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, decided to go ice fishing while there was still safe ice. She participated in the Griffith Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America OUTDOORS fishing derby held on a lake in Griffith, Indiana. Ice fishing is a very friendly WITH social event and the locals assisted JIM KIRBY Diane by drilling several holes through the ice with power augers. Diane then set up several tip-ups and jigged, as in the photo using wax worms and grubs. Crappies and bluegills were caught by the lucky fishermen. Diane jokingly said: “I always get my limit of ice, when I go ice fishing.”
JEFF VORVA
Palos Park’s Diane Goerg, who has proven to be a great hunter over the years, also enjoys fishing.
Fire star Bastian Schweinsteiger can jump for joy when his current team plays his old club in Germany in August.
CHICAGO FIRE NOTES
Fire will head to Basti territory in August By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
The Chicago Fire will head to the land that helped second-year Fire player Bastian Schweinsteiger turn into an international superstar for a match. The Fire takes on reigning German Bundesliga champion FC Bayern Munich on Aug. 28 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The match will serve as a tribute to Schweinsteiger. “I’m really looking forward to walking back out at the Allianz Arena and hopefully meeting lots of fans who’ve been there since the start of my career,” said Schweinsteiger. “I’m especially looking forward to seeing the fans on the south terrace, as we’ve always had a great relationship.” Soccer exhibitions are known as friendlies. This is really going to be friendly as Schweinsteiger will play one half for each team. “It is a great honor to have
been invited to participate in a match with a legendary club such as Bayern Munich and in honoring one of the game’s great champions and sportsmen,” Fire General Manager Nelson Rodríguez said. “Bastian is deserving of this recognition and we are grateful to both him and Bayern for including Chicago Fire SC.”
More friendlies The Fire left Bridgeview on Sunday to head to Tampa for the Florida portion of its training camp. The team will play in a handful of preseason friendlies starting at 4 p.m. Central time Saturday against the University of South Florida and Feb. 8 against the Philadelphia Union. Chicago plays Montreal (Feb. 14) and Nashville (Feb. 21) at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and close the preseason with a match against Orlando City in Orlando on Feb. 24.
AREA SPORTS REPORT
Zach attacks the pins for 17-place finish at state By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
Evergreen Park junior Zach McCormick was the area’s highest placer in the Illinois High School Association boys bowling state tournament on Friday and Saturday. McCormick finished 17th with a 12-game total of 2,548 at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon. He missed making the all-state team by five slots. He was in 12th place after Friday’s action. Matthew McCarthy, the first bowler in Chicago Christian High School history to quality for the boys McCormick state tourney, finished 30th with 2,476, moving up eight spots after Friday’s two rounds. Richards sophomore Matt LaBonte saved his best for last as he rolled a 230 and 227 in his fifth and sixth games on Friday, but he did not make the cut for the finals and finished 75th with a 1,157. Rockton Hononegah won the state title with a 12,611 and the team also had the individual champ as senior Nick Sommer’s 773 series in the final three games lifted him to a two-pin win over Bolingbrook’s Alex Acosta, 2,715-2,713.
Five area cheerleading teams head to state meet
The area will have five teams competing at
the competitive cheerleading meet, which will be held Friday and Saturday at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. In the large-team division, Sandburg (which won state titles in 2006, 2009 and 2012 and finished third last year) won the Andrew Sectional, scoring an 87.09 to finish ahead of runnerup Marist, which scored an 84.11. The top large-team score came out of the Bartonville Limestone Sectional as Joliet West scored a 93.47. Three coed teams from the area will also be heading to Bloomington as Shepard finished third in the sectional with an 82.04, Stagg took fourth with a 76.40 and Evergreen Park was fifth with a 76.27. For Shepard, it’s the 19th time in 22 years the Astros advanced. Stagg finished seventh in the coed last year and was looking for a high finish this year, but some members left the squad when coach Bridget Guzior was suspended and fired by District 230 for profane language in an e-mail. The remaining team members, coached by Allison Culver, were able to return to state for the fifth time in six years.
Dado wins ESCC title Marist wrestler Jacob Dado was the lone member of his team to win an East Suburban Catholic Conference title on Saturday as he claimed the 138-pound division. The RedHawks finished fourth with 96 points.
Marian Central Catholic won with 186.
Ready for soccer? The Windy City Ram Classic will not get rolling until March 13, but officials already set the brackets for the first round. Stagg will face Bloom at Reavis. Marist will face Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep at Marist. Oak Lawn faces Providence at Glenbard East. Shepard faces Fenwick at Homewood Flossmoor.
Shooters tryouts The Southside Shooters boys basketball organization will be holding tryouts for the spring season March 5 at the Moraine Valley Community College G Building, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills. Fifth and sixth graders will try out from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. while seventh and eighth graders will try out from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The season will feature approximately 22 games with shootouts and league play. For more information, contact Bill Finn at 708-508-0170 or at finn@morainevalley.edu.
Hills Baseball Softball registration The Hills Baseball Softball Association will have a registration Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hickory Hills Community Center, 7800 W. 89th Place in Hickory Hills. For more information, contact Johnny Rivas at 708-296-1974.
FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES
St. Xavier student-athletes earn plenty of medals By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
St. Xavier University officials recognized more than 150 student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom during a ceremony on Jan. 25. Numerous students from the Southwest Regional Publishing area earned awards. Area gold medal winner for students with a cumulative GPA between 3.75 and 4.00 were Sierra Downey, Stickney/cross country and track/ Sociology; Dana Hamdan, Orland Park/soccer/ Nursing; Tasneem Jaber, Oak Lawn/cross country and track/Psychology, Quinn Niego Chicago/basketball/Business Administration and Accounting; Jill Siemiawski, Evergreen Park/cross country and track/English; Jaelon Wilson, Chicago Ridge/ basketball/Secondary Education and Math; and Alexandra Wozniak, Oak Lawn/bowling/art. Silver medals (3.50 to 3.74) were awarded to Fuad Abuzerr, Worth/soccer/Finance and Mar-
Submitted photo
Photo by Jeff Vorva
keting; Jim Barista, Palos Heights, basketball/ Finance; Jenna Haase, Evergreen Park/softball/ Biology and Pre-Health; Bridget Krasowski, Oak Lawn/volleyball/Education; Caroline Kuzel, Orland Park/softball/Business and Marketing; Mark Martin, Evergreen Park/baseball/Natural Science; Madeline Meisl, Evergreen Park/softball/Education; Stephen Szajek and Worth, men’s volleyball/Biology. Bronze medals (3.25 to 3.49) were awarded to Brian Baldwin, Oak Lawn/cross country and track/Accounting; Diana Lang, Orland Park/ soccer and golf/Finance; Abdul Mahdi, Chicago/football/Business; Alec Martinez, Orland Park/golf/Finance; Thomas Matonis, Hickory Hills/volleyball/nursing; Destiny Miller, Worth/ bowling/Criminal Justice; Sean Murray, Hickory Hills/bowling/undecided; and Samuel Rodriguez, Cicero/volleyball/Business. Hall of famers: Mary (Farrell) DeFrank, class of 2001 (women’s cross country and track), Pat Geary, 2010 (football), Angie (Holmes) Morris,
2006 (women’s soccer), Anthony Kropp, 2010 (football), Mike Maher, 2010 (football), Tom Malloy, 1977 (baseball), and Kathy (Principato) Young, 1990 (softball) will be inducted into the SXU Hall of Fame. The student-athletes will be inducted at a dinner and ceremony at the Butler Reception Room at the school on Feb. 17.
Trinity Christian College Women’s track: Freshman April Van Ryn, who graduated from Chicago Christian, became the team’s first NAIA national qualifier with a time of 17 minutes, 35.37 seconds in the 5,000-meter event Saturday at the St. Ambrose Invitational. It’s the top time in the nation among NAIA runners.
Moraine Valley
Women’s soccer: Stagg’s Anna Kois signed to play soccer at Moraine, which has been to the National Junior College Athletic Association nationals three straight years.
Huge harvest Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 147,535 deer during all 2017-18 archery and firearm seasons which concluded Jan. 14. The total preliminary deer harvest for all seasons compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 144,303 deer in 2016-17. During the 2017-18 deer seasons, hunters took 44 percent does and 56 percent males.
Lake Michigan fishing just starting The south end of Lake Michigan is shallow and warms up faster than the rest of the lake. This brings the salmon and trout to our shores. Depending on the wind, some fishermen are getting out on the lake when the boat ramps aren’t frozen over and reporting good catches of fish with cohos being the best bite. I will soon be joining John Mineiko of Homer Glen shortly for one of our spring coho fishing trips aboard his heated boat. But I am not looking forward to a trip like a few years back where we were dodging sheets of ice.
Speaking of ice… Let’s be careful out here — the spring thaw has set in and safe ice is now a rarity for ice fishermen. Four inches of ice is the minimum for safe walking and that depends on the type of ice as not all ice is created equal. Did you know that you can ice skate on Crawdad Slough off 95th St. on Flavin Road and Hidden Pond on La Grange Rd. when the conditions are just right? Grab your shovel and ice skates head to the ponds. Snow shoes are available when snow is four inches or greater. Equipment is limited and is loaned out on a first come, first served basis with no charge. A drivers license is required and you can pick them up at the Little Red School House Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs. For information, call 708-839-6897.
Sea lamprey at historic low The Great Lakes Fishery Commission reported that populations of the invasive sea lamprey remains at near-historic lows in Lake Michigan, though the destructive, parasitic pest has increased in abundance in Lakes Superior and Erie. The sea lamprey is one of the worst human-caused ecological disasters ever inflicted upon the Great Lakes. Sea lampreys invaded through shipping canals and, by 1939, were present throughout the system. They attach to Great Lakes fish with a tooth-filled suction cup mouth and file a hole through the fish’s scales and skin with a razorsharp tongue. The average seas lamprey will kill up to 40 pounds of fish during its parasitic stage.
Think about it
“You wonder if a fish goes home at night and brags about the size of the bait he stole.” — Bob Hope, circa 1962. Jim Kirby’s column runs every first and third Thursdays of the month. E-mail him at Kirbyoutdoors@sbc.net.
Coaches
Continued from Page 1 “There were points in the match when we didn’t play our best. We were able to stay even keel and grind it out. We’ve been in those situations before and our senior leadership carried us through.’’ Strus has not been officially announced at DePaul but insiders say an announcement is expected shortly that she will on the Blue Demons’ new staff. Nadia Edwards was let go by the school in December after eight seasons and was replaced by Marie Zidek, an Orland Park native who attended Marian Catholic and Northern Illinois University. Strus has a family history with DePaul. Her mother, Debbie, had a hall-of-fame volleyball career at the school and her younger brother, Max, is DePaul’s leading scorer on the men’s basketball team. She said she enjoyed her time at Marist. “Winning a state championship and national championship was extremely rewarding but I don’t think it would have ever happened if it wasn’t for every single girl on our roster and without anyone that supported the program,’’ Strus said. “Each player in their own talents are extremely remarkable young women so I couldn’t be happier to share that experience with them. We put a ton of work in last year and to see it all pay off is indescribable.” The Hickory Hills native helped Stagg win four SouthWest Suburban Red championships and played four seasons at UIC, where she left with a school-best 1,677 digs. She is also one of two coaches in the family as her brother, Marty, is the boys basketball coach at Stagg. Volleyballmag also named setter Molly Murrihy first-team All-America last week. Mother McAuley’s Charley Niego was an honorable mention.
The Regional News - The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018 Section 2
3
AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS
W-L
STREAK
Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards Sandburg Shepard St. Laurence Stagg
14-8 11-9 8-12 19-2 15-6 8-12 14-6 11-6 16-6 7-12
W2 L1 L2 W1 W5 W1 W1 W3 W4 W2
NEXT
John Mahoney, the Stagg shooter who popped in 27 points against Lockport last week, and his teammates host Sandburg at 6 p.m. Friday. Sandburg won the first meeting 66-64 in December in Orland Park, coming back from a 10-point deficit.
hosts St. Rita, Fri. hosts Guerin Prep, Fri.; hosts Bremen, Sat. hosts Shepard, Fri. hosts Notre Dame, Fri.; at St. Ignatius, Sat.; hosts Agricultural Science, Tues. hosts CICS Longwood, Fri. at Argo, Fri. at Stagg, Fri.; at Bolingbrook, Tues. at Evergreen Park, Fri.; hosts Kennedy, Tues. at Leo, Fri. hosts Sandburg, Fri.; hosts Homewood-Flossmoor, Tues.
* Records through Sunday, Jan. 28; compiled by Randy Whalen
GIRLS Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Richards Sandburg Shepard St. Laurence Stagg
W-L 8-15 20-3 19-4 19-6 14-8 17-4 9-14 6-15 12-12 14-7
STREAK L3 W1 W5 W3 W4 W2 L2 L3 W1 L1
NEXT hosts Guerin Prep, Fri.; hosts Bremen, Sat.; vs. Carver Military Acad., in Class 2A Corliss Regional, Wed.
at Shepard, Thurs.; hosts Richards, Tues. hosts Fenwick, Thurs.; hosts Benet Academy, Wed. hosts St. Ignatius, Thurs.; hosts Loyola, Sat.; at Neuqua Valley, Tues. at Eisenhower, Tues. hosts Argo, Thurs.; hosts Romeoville, Sat.; hosts Shepard, Tues. hosts Lockport, Thurs.; hosts Homewood-Flossmoor, Tues. hosts Evergreen Park, Thurs.; at Richards, Tues. hosts St. Francis De Sales, Thurs.; hosts Lane Tech., Tues. at Lincoln-Way East, Thurs.; hosts Joliet Central, Sat.; at Lockport, Tues.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
* Records through Sunday, Jan. 28; compiled by Randy Whalen
FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL
FOCUS ON GIRLS BASKETBALL
Stagg sweeps Sandburg for first time since 2013-14
Spartans are big wheels in the first Scaduto Series
By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Oak Lawn sophomore Trey Ward, shown in a recent game against Richards, and his teammates won the first Scaduto Series game over Evergreen Park on Friday. Oak Lawn earned the right to keep the wheel trophy for the first year of the Scaduto Series with Evergreen Park. Submitted photo
Crowded at the top Oak Lawn, Shepard and Richards are at the top of the SSC Red with 6-3 records heading into this week’s action. It appears that Reavis (3-5), Evergreen Park (3-6), Eisenhower (1-7) and Argo (0-9) will try to play the role of spoiler for the top three. That could happen. Just look at what happened Friday. Argo had a late lead on Shepard before the Astros pulled off a 50-46 victory. Eisenhower gave Richards fits in the Bulldogs’ 75-71 triumph. So nothing in the league can be taken for granted. Oak Lawn takes a break from league play on Friday as it hosts CICS Longwood in a non-conference game. The Spartans (156) are three victories away from the program’s most victories since winning 21 in 1979-80. Shepard visits Evergreen Park on Friday night while Richards visits Argo.
Milestone for Morgan Marist’s Morgan Taylor went over the 1,000-point mark for his career in Marist’s 62-31 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory on Friday night.
Tough night for Knights Chicago Christian’s hopes of winning a Metro Suburban Red title took a hit with a 50-49 setback in Palos Heights on Friday night. The Knights had also lost
Palumbo
Continued from Page 1 also has Olympic aspirations) continued to get stronger and better but the true test was going to be how she would fare against high school boys and thus far, she has been successful. “We knew coming in how talented she was,” Grabarek said. “She has really developed during the season. She placed in every single tournament that we had. She’s very serious. We try to get her to smile a little more and open up and have fun. But that’s a good thing. She’s very intense.’’
Bulldogs hope to break dry spell The Bulldogs, who won conference titles on all three levels this season, have high hopes that this season is the start of some-
a nailbiter to Timothy, 60-57 Dec. 1 in Elmhurst. Heading into this week’s action, Timothy was 7-0 in the league, Ridgewood and St. Edward were 5-2 and Chicago Christian 5-3.
CCL parties Friday will be a big night for basketball in the Chicago Catholic League as well as for some gettogethers. Leo hosts St. Laurence at 7 p.m. and there will be a Leo alumni party at the Red Palm Restaurant, 3020 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park. Free bus service will be provided from the Red Palm at 5:30 p.m. And there will be free parking available across the street from the restaurant in the bank parking lot. The bus will return after the game. Admission at the door for the game is $5. A gathering will be planned after the game at the Red Palm Restaurant. Free pizza and a cash bar will be available. More information can be obtained by calling Gene Earner, an Evergreen Park resident and member of the Leo Class of 1950, at 708-636-8827. Also, De La Salle’s boys basketball team will take on DePaul Prep at Wintrust Arena at 200 E. Cermak Rd. The sophomore game tips off at 5:30 pm with the varsity contest beginning at 7 pm. There also will be a pregame thing big. Richards’ wrestling team was the first Regional/Reporter team to win a state title in any sport when it won the Class AA crown in 1975. The Bulldogs also won a title in 1977, finished second in the state in 1976 and third in 1978. Since winning a district title in 1979, the Bulldogs have not won any postseason team hardware, according to IHSA records. The Bulldogs have a solid core of wrestlers who hope to break that 36-year drought Saturday in Lemont. Adam Alkilani (113), Basil Muhammad (120), Rocco Palumbo (145) and Marquis Hall (285) took second in the conference while Marty Cosgrove (220) claimed third and Jason McIntyre (132) placed fourth. Brother Rice and Evergreen Park are other area teams in the eight-team regional.
gathering for De La Salle fans beginning at 5:30 at Pizano’s Pizza at 2106 S. Indiana. Tickets are available for purchase at De La Salle and also can be purchased at the Wintrust Arena box office. For more information, please contact De La Salle’s event manager, Carl Willingham at 312-8427355 ext. 146 or willinghamc@ dls.org.
Photos by Jeff Vorva
Strong defense was the name of the game when Stagg and Sandburg played on Jan. 22 as Stagg’s Jaime Ryan (right) is defended closely by Sandburg’s Destiny Antoine.
BLUE RIVALRY A look at how Stagg and Sandburg have done against each other since Stagg joined the SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue. 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
Stagg Sandburg Stagg Stagg Stagg
46-28 55-44 60-56 (2OT) 51-42 43-41
ropoulos had 17 for the Eagles.
Class 2A seeds released The Illinois High School Association released the sectional seedings for Class 1A and 2A and Chicago Christian was seeded sixth out of 10 teams in the Sub-Sectional B division of its own sectional. The Knights open postsea-
Stagg Sandburg Sandburg Sandburg Stagg
42-40 64-44 51-29 43-35 45-38
son play on Wednesday as they face third-seeded Carver Military Academy at 7:30 p.m. in the Corliss Regional. The winner likely plays second-seeded Bowen for the title on Feb. 9. The other nine area teams will find out their postseason fate today (Thursday) when the IHSA is scheduled to release the Class 3A and 4A seedings.
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Len Scaduto coached boys basketball at Oak Lawn Community High School for 28 years and racked up 411 wins. His son, Bruce, has been a boys and girls basketball coach at Evergreen Park for 25 years. The two boys teams got together and announced that their annual South Suburban Conference Red game would be called the Scaduto Series and the trophy would comprise a steering wheel. Len Scaduto ran a driving school in the area for many years. Oak Lawn, which is experiencing one of its best seasons in decades, ended up taking the wheel for the first matchup with a 66-47 victory on Friday night in Oak Lawn. Sophomore Sami Osmani led the Spartans with 20 points while Brian Adams had 13 and Adem Osmani added 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
For the first time since the 2013-14 season, Stagg swept Sandburg during the regular season. The two District 230 rivals started playing each other twice in a season in 2013-14, when Stagg moved from the SouthWest Suburban Conference Red division to the Blue. Stagg pulled off 46-28 and 42-40 victories that season. Sandburg swept the Chargers the next season and the following two seasons were split decisions. But this season, Stagg pulled off a 43-41 decision on Dec. 7 in Orland Park and added a 45-38 victory on Jan. 22 in Palos Hills. Both teams struggled on offense the first three quarters in the January battle and tied 29-29 going into the final period. Stagg was able to pull it off with free throws down the stretch. “It’s always a tough battle,” Chargers coach Bill Turner said. “They play hard and they go after everything and we struggle. Normally, we split and they are always tight games.’’ It would have been a higher scoring game but both sides struggled from the line. Stagg was 20 of 34 from the line and Sandburg was 8 of 15. Nicole Vacha had a wild 7-of14 performance from the line and was able to zero in during the final eight minutes. “When you are on, you make them but I wasn’t making my free throws early but in the second half, it was a matter of remembering my form ,’’ she said. “I was going too fast and I had to make sure I took a deep breath.’’ Jaime Ryan had 11 points for the Chargers and Natalie Stav-
H
73rd Pl. 74th St. 74th Pl.
75th St.
4
Section 2 Thursday, February 1, 2018
The Regional News - The Reporter
Dome sweet dome: Fire opens preseason camp in Bridgeview
The Fire hosted its first preseason training camp at the Toyota Park Dome in late January after two years in Chicago.
A group of Fire players work on a drill during training camp in Bridgeview.
Nemanja Nikolic, who led the Chicago Fire and Major League Soccer with 24 goals in 2017, sets up a ball to kick into a net before a training camp practice. Before practice, soccer balls were lined up for Fire players to kick around.
Veteran MLS player Dax McCarty, who is in his second year with the Fire, goes through stretching drills during training camp.
Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic guided his team to the playoffs in his second year in 2017 and wants to take the team up a level this season.
Fire player Luis Solignac shows a large wingspan during a drill at training camp.
Photos by Jeff Vorva
The Regional News - The Reporter
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Thursday,February 1, 2018 Section 2
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MICHAEL K. MISHLER, AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF WAYNE D. CONNOLLY, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WAYNE D. CONNOLLY, THE EARL CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, MICHAEL K. MISHLER, MARK T. LINDEMANN, ANTHONY J. LINDEMANN, THOMAS J. LINDEMANN, RALPH K. LINDEMANN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 17 CH 008673 9748 MILL DRIVE EAST # 1E PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 19, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 2, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9748 MILL DRIVE EAST # 1E, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-33-209-031-1021. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-09030. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-09030 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008673 TJSC#: 37-9733 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. I3072246
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MOREQUITY, INC Plaintiff, -v.ANDRZEJ KULIKOWSKI, RENETA KULIKOWSKI, PNC BANK, N.A. S/I/I TO MIDAMERICA BANK, FSB Defendants 13 CH 5764 8115 WEST 90TH STREET HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 26, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 23, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8115 WEST 90TH STREET, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-209-027-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story, single family home with an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 11143. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 11143 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 13 CH 5764 TJSC#: 38-706 I3075111
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RAME JOUDEH, NOWAL JUDEH, FOUNTAIN HILLS OF ORLAND PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Defendants 15 CH 06040 18038 BUCKINGHAM DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 26, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 20, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 18038 BUCKINGHAM DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-32-308-010-0000. The real estate is improved with a tan brick, single family home, with an attached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 13698. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 13698 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 06040 TJSC#: 37-11274 I3073476
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MATTHEW J. HAJER, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 2017 CH 8792 9238 S. 49TH CT 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 December 4, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 6, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9238 S. 49TH CT, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-04-428-021-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $94,990.66. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C., 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 940-8580 Please refer to file number 17-07814. 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. MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C. 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 940-8580 E-Mail: mlgil@mlg-defaultlaw.com Attorney File No. 17-07814 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 2017 CH 8792 TJSC#: 38-185 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-D; Plaintiff, vs. MARJORIE D. ADAMS; WAYNE A. ADAMS; CITIBANK, N.A.; DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; FIA CARD SERVICES, N.A.; VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS; MARJORIE D. ADAMS AS TRUSTEE OF THE VICTORIA LAND TRUST; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARJORIE D. ADAMS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WAYNE A. ADAMS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 12854 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, February 26, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-27-402-007-0000. Commonly known as 12401 South 91st Avenue, Palos Park, IL 60464. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA15-0500. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3073939
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Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs. JOAN RUNDLE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; ORLAN BROOK CONDOMINIUM OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE (S), UNDER THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF A CERTAIN TRUST AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 28, 2014 AND DESIGNATED AS THE RUNDLE LAND TRUST; Defendants, 17 CH 7342 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, March 5, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-14-302-018-1097 and 27-14-302-0181198. Commonly known as 15713 Orlan Brook Drive, Unit Number 97, Orland Park, IL 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-017501 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3074641
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Houses For Sale 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 Friday, March 9, 2018, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 24-31-107-010-0000. Commonly known as 6833 West 127st Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463. The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. THE SALE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO GENERAL TAXES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND TO A PRIOR RECORDED FIRST MORTGAGE. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier’s or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Brandon R. Freud at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Ruff, Freud, Breems and Nelson, Ltd., 200 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 263-3890. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3075066
Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC DBA MR. COOPER; Plaintiff, vs. KERRY VINKLER; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; MATTHEW VINKLER; Defendants, 17 CH 12477 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, March 5, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-02-313-012-0000. Commonly known as 9260 South 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills, IL 60457. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-030301 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3074640
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.
For Rent Crestwood 2 bedroom 1 bath New laminate floors Carpeted bedrooms Patio/balcony $900 & security No pets 708-417-5983 For Rent Condo Palos Park 2nd Floor 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Fireplace Formal Dining Eat In Kitchen 1 Car Attached Garage $1600 per month Remax 10 in the Park Tom Maloney 708-903-9865 For Sale
5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 2005-22, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 2005-22, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-22 Plaintiff, vs. JANE BLANKSHAIN; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; CEDAR CROSSING III Defendants, 16 CH 2969 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-02-201-079-0000. Commonly known as 13701 Trafalgar Court, Orland Park, IL 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-030504 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3074643
Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC; Plaintiff, vs. FRANCESCO ROSELLI, AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARCO ROSELLI, DECEASED; Defendants, 17 CH 5914 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-14-209-007-0000. Commonly known as 10523 South 80th Court, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 17-013436 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3073153
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Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Southwest • Section 2, Page 7
Try making baked hot wings for the big game Sporting events provide great opportunities to gather with friends and family and enjoy some time together while watching a favorite sport or big game. Such gatherings are not complete without food, and some foods are widely considered staples of gameday get-togethers. Chicken wings are among the most popular gameday foods. While many chicken wing afficionados might insist on frying wings, this beloved dish can be baked. In fact, Chef Kevin Gillespie, author of “Fire Supplied photo In My Belly” (Andrews McMeel), Liam McCarthy (Troy Bolton) and Hannah Jaglinski (Gabriella Montez) sing “What I’ve Been Looking For” at South’s felt like he could create a baked production of High School Musical. chicken wing dish that even the most ardent wing connoisseur could not resist. The result is the following recipe for “Baked Hot Wings,” which home cooks can whip up in time for this year’s big game.
Palos South Middle School students’ musical a success Palos South Middle School students recently entertained soldout crowds with songs including “We’re All in This Together,” and “Get’cha Head in the Game,” last Friday and Saturday night at Stagg High School with their performance of Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” Headlining the cast of more than 70 students were Hannah Jaglinski (Gabriella Montez), Liam McCarthy (Troy Bolton), Kaitlyn Kenney (Sharpay Evans), and Zach Richards (Ryan Evans). Palos South language arts teacher Stephanie Hill directed a student cast and crew of more
than 110, with school psychologist Katie Djikas as assistant director. Musical direction was provided by Bill Hansen, and art direction by Randy Buvala. Both are teachers at Palos South. In the contemporary musical comedy, a popular high school basketball star (Troy) and a shy, academically gifted newcomer (Gabriella) discover they share a secret love for singing. They sign up to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, and it threatens East High’s social hierarchy and sends their classmates into an uproar. High School Musical Jr illus-
trates “that it is okay to not fit neatly into one label, and to be unique individuals,” said Director Hill. “It can be hard to have great confidence in yourself at this age of confusion, but it’s nice to know that ‘we’re all in this together.’“ Production began in September with auditions, and by January the cast and crew were working three and four days a week bringing the musical to life. All proceeds from the musical benefit Palos South’s Drama Club, as well as 1. Preheat the oven to 500 F. purchasing rights to next year’s 2. Pat the wings very dry with a production. paper towel. Heat a large (14-inch) cast iron skillet or two smaller cast iron skillets over high heat until smoking hot. Add just enough of
Historian tells the story of Capone and Ness at Orland Park museum The Village of Orland Park History Museum, 14415 Beacon Ave. presents “Capone versus Ness: The REAL Story of the Untouchables” from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Joseph Geringer, author, actor and historian, offers a 60-minute presentation about the government’s fight against Capone’s gunmen and their stranglehold on Chicago. Geringer’s Untouchables presentation takes the audience back to Chicago during the rat-a-tat days of the early 1930s. Hear the clatter of the Model A Ford, the rumble of streetcars, brassy jazz and the staccato of Thompson guns, say organizers of the event. Learn little-known facts about “Scarface Al” and the intrepid Department of Justice agent, Eliot Ness, who helped to bring him down. Geringer, who has researched the subject for 30 years, has ap-
peared on the History Channel and authored many magazine articles, Internet books and a play about Prohibition Chicago. He has spoken throughout the Chicago area about different eras of history. In his presentation, Geringer will explain how Capone’s empire stretched deep into the western and southern suburbs. “My dad grew up in Bridgeport and lived next door to a real-life gangster who he described as ‘the nicest guy on the block.’ The kids loved him but he was rubbed out one day mowing his lawn,” Geringer said. Pre-registration is required at the Orland Park Recreation Department, 14600 S. Ravinia Ave. The cost is $9 for village residents/ employees and $14 for non-residents. Free parking is available behind the building. For more information, call the Recreation Department at (708) 403-7275.
Born in St. Sabina Parish on Chicago’s south side, Geringer grew up in St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park and graduated from Leo High School and St. Xavier University. “I grew up with an Irish mother who drummed in my head the value and color of history,” Geringer said. “When other kids were watching Huckleberry Hound or Yogi Bear, I was learning about the Roaring ‘20s or the Civil War from my mom.” Geringer wrote a full-length play that was published by Samuel French and performed by semiprofessional playhouses in Chicago called “Near to Me: An Irish Gangster’s Love Story.” “It’s a memory play really, based partly on my family that lived in St. Sabina’s in the ‘20s and partly on real events that neighbors remembered,” Geringer explained.
to miscommunication. Better to keep things honest.
quickly recharge your levels of motivation, Capricorn. Helping others is a surefire way to realize personal satisfaction. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you have an opportunity to further your education by doing some traveling. Don’t let responsibilities at home clip your wings this time around. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, a busy work week is on the horizon, but you are set to make the most of every situation. Your confidence can make a difference.
HOROSCOPES ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and that’s commendable. Such a positive outlook will serve you and your relationships well. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may do a bunch of sitting around and waiting at work in the days ahead. Stay patient and rest up, as you’ll need energy reserves when things pick up again. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may need to work on communicating with some coworkers. Mixed messages can lead to delays, so convene a meeting to clear the air. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, in attempt to stay calm, you may be suppressing feelings that really should come to the surface. This may only lead to a blowout later on. Transparency is key. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, it may be tempting to put on an overly cheery attitude, even if things are bugging you. Masking your true feelings may lead
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your ego is strong enough to withstand some criticism this week. Use the feedback to develop an even better version of yourself, which will only benefit you in the long run. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 A current situation has you feeling a bit pessimistic, Libra. But that outlook can be adjusted by looking into the future. Let upcoming plans restore your sunshine. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, this is a good week to discuss an important issue with that special someone. It’s fine to have differing opinions, just be sure to respect each other’s point of view. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/ Dec 21 Sagittarius, your energy levels may start off very high at the beginning of the week, but they may quickly fizzle out. Roll up your sleeves and try to trudge through. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Feeling needed this week can
BAKED HOT WINGS Makes 2 full servings • 24 chicken wings, a mix of drums and flats, about 2 pounds • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil • 1/3 cup sriracha chile sauce • 1/4 cup malt vinegar • 1/4 cup soy sauce • 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced • 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 4 Lawrence Taylor, Athlete (59) FEBRUARY 5 Jeremy Sumpter, Actor (29) FEBRUARY 6 Charlie Heaton, Actor (24) FEBRUARY 7 Garth Brooks, Singer (56) FEBRUARY 8 Seth Green, Actor (44) FEBRUARY 9 Tom Hiddleston, Actor (37) FEBRUARY 10 Elizabeth Banks, Actress (44)
the oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Using tongs, set the wings in the pan in a single layer with the meatiest side down. This will help render the fat. Cook the wings for 2 minutes, then transfer the skillet to the oven for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and, using tongs, flip the wings over. Continue baking until the wings are cooked through and the juices run clear, another 10 minutes. 3. Combine the sriracha, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and gar-
lic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cut the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large bowl and toss in 1 tablespoon of the scallions. 4. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and, using tongs, transfer the wings to the bowl and toss with the sauce. Transfer to a platter and garnish with the remaining 3 tablespoons scallions.
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Southwest • Section 2, Page 8
The Center presents Julie Andrews performer
An ice rescue demonstration wowed the audience at last year’s event.
Supplied photo
Lake Katherine’s Winterfest returning this weekend Families will have the opportunity to get up close to a bird of prey, meet the critters of Lake Katherine and hop on a hayride at this year’s Winterfest being held between noon and 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets cost $5 per person with children two and under being admitted for free. Early ticket deals can also be found on Groupon. com. Revelers are urged to brave the winter weather and get outside for a fun day of live animals, educational demonstrations, children’s crafts, face painting, and snowshoeing. During the day, a naturalist from Pilcher Park Nature Center will introduce a raptor and staff from Lake Katherine will present turtles, snakes, and six and eightlegged critters. The Palos Heights Fire Protection District will perform an ice
rescue demonstration in the lake. “Winter is long and cold in Chicagoland but getting outside in nature is great for the wellbeing of all ages,” said Gareth Blakesley, Lake Katherine’s operations manager. “We host Winterfest to spread the message that our park is open all year round. It is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and fun activities with your family.” The schedule of events includes: • Dance Like a Penguin in the Anniversary Garden at noon; • Pilcher Park Nature Center on the Nature Center Stage at 12:30 p.m.; • Ice Rescue Demonstration at the Lakeside at 1 p.m.; • Winter Seedlings on the Nature Center Stage at 1 p.m.; • Pilcher Park Nature Center on the Nature Center Stage at 1:30 p.m.; • Critters of Lake Katherine on the Nature Center Stage at 2 p.m.; • Dance Like a Penguin in the Anniversary Garden at 2 p.m.;
• Pilcher Park Nature Center on the Nature Center Stage at 2:30 p.m.; • Hula Hoopla in the Anniversary Garden at 2:30 p.m.; • Mini Beasts on the Nature Center Stage at 3 p.m.; • Fire Starting at 3:30 p.m.; and • Book Reading on the Nature Center Stage at 3:30 p.m. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85acre non-profit park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake. An estimated 100,000 people come to the park each year to hike, jog, walk their dogs or to simply enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the abundant opportunities to see wildlife. For more information, call (708) 361-1873.
The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, has announced a slate of activities for the days ahead. For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650. • A Loving Labyrinth Journey will be traveled beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday Feb. 4. February is a month of cold and snow, but it is also the month of Valentine’s Day, a celebration of the warmth of love. All are welcome at The Center’s labyrinth to become aware of the obstacles sometimes placed in the path of receiving love and to foster the intention that all can offer love. Registration is necessary as the event is weather-dependent. • Communion Sunday will be held at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday Feb. 4. On the first Sunday of each month (except December) Communion is offered at both Wayside Chapel services. Volunteers are needed setting up Communion as well as helping to distribute it. Those who are able and interested, please contact Chris Hopkins at The Center. All are welcome. The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic cup and gluten-free bread. • The Luncheon will feature Jenny Riddle performing Julie Andrews from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 6. Everyone remembers Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Maria Von Trapp, but don’t know who was she before that. The voice that Julie Andrews thought of as a “gimmick” at age 10 became one of the most recognizable voices in the world. Riddle will dramatize the life of Julie Andrews, before she was Mary or Maria. Riddle will be telling Andrews’ story and singing her songs in her presentation of Julie Andrews’ memoir, “Home:
Making paper snowflakes at The Center.
The Early Years.” Luncheons cost $22 and advance reservations are necessary. • 3-D Paper Snowflakes will be created from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 6. Art teacher Robin Neumann will show participants how to make a variety of simple strokes that can be combined to make beautiful mandalas on beach pebbles. All supplies are provided. The workshop fee is $22 plus a $3 materials fee. • Handmade Paper Valentines will be produced from 6:30 to 8:30 Wednesday Feb. 7. Art in-
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Explore pets and art McCord Gallery class
A “Paws and Paint Workshop” is set for McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to explore the techniques designed to show a pet’s personality in a work of art. A supplies list will be given at registration. The workshop will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is $75 for members of McCord and $80 for nonmembers. Call the office at (708) 671-0648 for reservations.
Art classes starting at McCord
“Drawing, Painting and Paper Maché Projects” with artist Liz Wall are coming up at McCord Gallery and Cultural Center. 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park. There are two enrollment periods. The first batch of classes is on Wednesdays, February 7-28, (four weeks), 4:30 to 6 p.m. The second group of classes is on Wednesdays, March 7-28, (four weeks), 4:30 to 6 p.m. Students will learn to work with paper maché to create their own work. Every week there will be a new painting project to spark imaginations. Traditional drawing and painting techniques will be taught, as well as color mixing. All supplies are included. The classes are $60/65 (member/non-member) per period. Call (708) 671-0648 for reservations.
Lemont artists exhibit works
The Lemont Artists Guild Members’ 25th Anniversary Show is running through Feb. 25 at Lemont Center for the Arts, 1243 State Street, Unit 101, Lemont. A reception will be held Sunday, Feb. 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Lemont Center for the Arts hours are noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
The exhibit includes paintings, photography, fiber and jewelry. Many items are for sale. The Lemont Artists Guild is a place for people to share and learn about many art forms. The Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Homer Township Public Library, 14320 W. 151st St., Homer Glen. For more information, call Liz Popp Connelly at (815) 341-1145.
Bridge Teen Center offers free events for teens
The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, will hold events for teens in seventh through 12th grade. For more information, call (708) 532-0500. • Superbowl Fan Fest and Food Battle Game Day Nachos will be featured from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. In celebration of the Super Bowl, students will compete on a turf paper football field, compete in a game day nacho food battle and create custom ceramic coasters. Live music will be heard from pop rock band As We Are. Which Wich Superior Sandwiches will provide free sandwiches. • Around the World: Cheese with Whole Foods will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6. Students will sample a wide range of cheeses from around the world with Whole Foods and learn the process of making cheese. • Students will delve into Sewing 101 from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. Students will learn the basics of sewing like attaching a button and hand-stitching a hem. • Students who participate in Project Serve: Thrift Store will volunteer at The Bridge Thrift Store from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 sorting, cleaning and shelving donated items. Community service hours will be given. • Songwriting will be explored from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of song writing with brainstorming, writing exercises, and practice.
5701 W 101ST STREET, OAK LAWN, IL 60453
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structor Marilyn VandenBout will help students learn the basics of papermaking and create handmade valentines. The workshop fee is $17 plus a $5 materials fee. Family Art: Valentine’s Day Card-Making Workshop will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday Feb. 9. Art teacher Karen Signore will help family members of all ages choose from a variety of natural, recycled and creative art materials to make Valentine’s Day cards and decorations. The workshop fee is $10 per person.