Reporter 2 23 17

MVCC women’s hoops team plans to appeal sanctions: SPORTS

Exploring natural energy

REPORTER Section 2

THE Volume LVII, No. 50

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

USPS 118-690

$1 Newstand 2 SECTIONS 20 PAGES

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Our Lady of the Ridge event raises hopes Fundraiser draws more than 800 in effort to keep the school open

By Joe Boyle Perhaps the unusually warm weather provided a boost, or maybe it was just the community responding to the future fate of Our Lady of the Ridge Elementary School in Chicago Ridge.

Whatever the reason, alumni, business and community leaders, and parents of students who currently attend the school came out in droves Sunday afternoon

for a fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park in an effort to keep Our Lady of the Ridge open.

Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar, a 1967 graduate of Our Lady of the Ridge, has been working with a committee to keep the school from closing. The Chicago Archdiocese informed the school administration on Jan. 11 that Our Lady of the Ridge was in danger of closing if enough money could not be raised and if enrollment figures remained stagnant at the end of this month.

Tokar said a committee has been getting the word out and the fundraiser held Sunday was going to be important in reaching their school’s goals. But even the mayor said the crowd that showed

“ I knew we would have a lot of support, but this is incredible.” ­— Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar

up exceeded expectations.

“This is just amazing,” Tokar said at the fundraiser. “I knew we would have a lot of support, but this is incredible.

There are just so many people here. I even saw my old fourth-grade teacher.”

Tokar said the school was required to raise over $250,000 by the end of February. He said he believes the goal has been reached.

Laurie Seweryn, who served as a volunteer at the fundraiser helping to organize the baskets of gifts being raffled off, also said the response from people was greater than expected. She said over 850 tickets were sold by late in the afternoon.

“This is so overwhelming, the community has really come together,” said Seweryn, whose husband, Steve, is on

the school board.

Musical entertainment was provided by a band performing as the Blues Brothers.

Band members also happen to be alums of Our Lady of the Ridge.

The Lavin-Cassidy Irish Dancers, who are based out of Chicago Ridge, also entertained the crowd. The Chicago Police Department’s Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society also performed at the benefit, along with the Rico Quinn Band.

Eleven restaurants and bakeries provided food for the large crowd. The basket raffle included 102 different prizes at the event.

See OUR LADY, Page 9

Two high schools are adding performing arts center buildings Oak Lawn and Richards get approval for additions

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Joe Boyle

Sabre Room demolition is underway

Demolition of the old the Sabre Room occurred on Friday to make way for future development of the land at 8900 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. The Hickory Hills City Council will be holding a committee of the whole meeting at 6:30 p.m. today (Feb. 23) followed by the city council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, where the matter was scheduled to be discussed.

Boy who helped save mom’s life is honored Advocate Christ Medical Center applauds 7-year-old for his heroic actions

500

$

AUTO SHOW BONUS CASH

See SCHOOLS, Page 9

CHICAGO RIDGE

Village clerk incumbent faces spirited challenge

By Kelly White The Neurocritical Care Unit at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn marked its one-year anniversary Monday by moving to a new location within the hospital and getting reacquainted with a woman whose life they helped save with the help of her son.

During the anniversary event, physicians, nurses and care team members were able to be reunited with some of the patients and families they’ve treated since moving to the new unit, including former patient and Chicago Police Officer Sherece Holland, who suffered a stroke in December.

It was the quick thinking of her 7-year-old son, Romeo, that led her into the care of the Neurocritical Care Unit at the hospital.

Holland, 55, of Chicago, said she was in good health at the time of the stroke. She has been working for the Chicago Lawn (8th) District for over 21 years.

“I have no health issues,” she said. “I am a non-smoker who exercises regularly. I also have no history of strokes in my family.”

She was in the middle of brushing her teeth alongside her son when the incident occurred.

Both high schools in Oak Lawn will be getting performing arts centers this year, following the recent decision by the Oak Lawn Village Board to approve the variations needed.

The week before the village board vote on Feb. 14, the Oak Lawn Planning and Development Commission had recommended 8-0 that the village board approve the variances.

Richards High School (District 218), at 10601 S. Central Ave., sought a 20-foot height variance, from 30 to 50 feet, for its planned building. The proposed construction will include a lobby, theater, dressing rooms, dance studio, prop shop and restrooms And Oak Lawn Community High School (District 229), at 9400 Southwest Highway, sought height, setback, and parking variations for its planned performing arts center. Ordinances for the changes were passed unanimously at the village board meeting. The construction of the new buildings, which will be connected to the

existing structures in both cases, represents a combined $30 million investment in the village, according to published reports.

According to plans presented by architect Matt Stoub at the Planning and Development Commission meeting, the performing arts center at Richards High School will be built east of the campus.

The theater area is expected to reach an elevation of 50 feet, but due to contours of the land, the area closest to 103rd Street will be 35 feet. Current village ordinances allow 30 feet. The new Richards auditorium will have seating for 525 to 540 people.

Oak Lawn Community High School plans to build its performing arts center on the southwest corner of the campus at 95th Street and Southwest Highway, where tennis courts are now. The highest elevation of the theater will be 69 feet, according to plans. School officials have said that plans call for moving the three tennis courts to the other side of the building next to four existing courts, and

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Kelly White

Romeo Holland, 7, and his mother Sherece Holland, 55 discuss Romeo’s quick actions by calling 911 after his mother suffered a stroke. Joining the Hollands at the press conference are Dr. Melvin Wichter chair of neurology and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Dr. Scott Geraghty, neurointerventional radiologist with the Neurosciences Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center (at right).

“I was just standing there holding his toothbrush that day instead of helping him brush his teeth as I normally do,” Holland said. “Romeo noticed something was very wrong because I almost fell, so he ran to get my mother, who lives with us.”

Holland said her mother, Barbara Hegwood, 77, began to panic after seeing her daughter displaying some signs of a stroke — having trouble speaking and moving her arms. That’s when Romeo stepped in, telling his grandmother to calm down and leading

her to their emergency call button.

“She was wobbly, I just thought she was sleepy at first but she was actually having a stroke,” Romeo said. “My grandma was crying. I told her to stay calm and that everything will be fine.”

Romeo used her hand to call for help, but it was the boy who spoke with the dispatchers on the line.

“I had taught Romeo what to do in case of See LIFE SAVER, Page 8

FINAL WEEKEND

New 2017 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Express

199*

$

Lease for

per month

Incumbent Chicago Ridge Village Clerk George Schleyer is running for a second — and he says final — four-year term on April 4. But his challenger, Barbara Harrison, wants to limit his term in office to one.

Schleyer is running on the “Results Now” ticket headed by Frances Coglianese, one of two trustees running against incumbent Mayor Chuck Tokar, who is also seeking a second term.

Tokar is heading up the “Taxpayers First” slate.

Harrison said she is running as an independent, as is Trustee Sally Durkin, the third candidate for mayor.

“I’m friends with Sally. That is no secret. We would work well together if elected, but we are

Harrison

Schleyer

running independently,” Harrison said.

Harrison grew up in Chicago Ridge and said she is seeking elective office because she wants to “give back” to her hometown.

“I really do love Chicago Ridge.

I see a bright future for it,” said the 1989 graduate of Our Lady of the Ridge School, and 1993 alumna of Mt. Assisi High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Xavier University and See VILLAGE CLERK, Page 9

8355 W. 159TH ST., TINLEY PARK

888-835-5933 SALES HOURS: Mon-Thurs 7:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat 7:30am-6pm SERVICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-4pm

Nick Nowak RAM Leader

Tom Pandell RAM Leader

Let Our Ram Leaders and their staff Change Your Mind about Car Buying

*Lease a new 2017 Ram Quad Cab Express V6 4x4 for $199, plus tax, title, license and doc fee. Auto Show Bonus Cash of $500 applied towards the $2699 due at signing fee to equal $2199 due at signing. 36 month closed end lease with 10,000 miles maximum per year. .20 cents for every mile over 30,000 at conclusion of lease. Lesses’ responsible for all maintenance and insurance throughout term of lease. See dealer for complete details. Dealer not responsible for typographical or printing errors. Images are for display purposes only and may not represent vehicle purchased.

bettenhausenauto.com

2 The Reporter

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Serving up Chili in the Park

POLICE REPORTS

Diane Minnis, of Oak Lawn, serves a sample of her homemade chili during the Chili in The Park event Saturday in Palos Park. Minnis was one of 21 competitors in the fourth annual event that drew more than 100 chili fanciers to the Palos Park Recreation Center.

Winning chefs earn points in the national competition of the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI).

Chicago Ridge DUI charge

Ronald E. Harrison, 35, of the 10500 block of South Major Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2 a.m. Monday on his block. Police said he was also charged with driving with a revoked license, illegal transportation of alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to signal and improper lighting due to having one headlight. Police said he registered .115 bloodalcohol count on a breath test.

He was due to appear in court yesterday, Feb. 22.

Photo by Anthony Caciopo

Vandalism report

Oak Lawn police search for suspects in series of robberies

By Dermot Connolly

Two businesses in Oak Lawn — a shoe store and a gas station — were robbed within minutes of each other on Feb. 15.

Division Chief Randy Palmer said that at 7:39 p.m. on Feb. 15, police responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Mobil gas station at 10240 S. Pulaski Road. Investigators were told that a man entered the business, displayed a black handgun and demanded cash. After an unspecified amount of money was handed over, he fled the area.

Surveillance video from the business shows a second man waiting outside as a lookout. No one was injured in the incident and the subjects fled the area.

The gunman was described as black, 25 to 30 years old, 5-foot to 5-foot-10, and 150 to 175 pounds, wearing a blue hoodie and tattered, partially bleached blue jeans. His accomplice was described as black, about the same age and height, wearing a dark hoodie, blue jeans and tan shoes or boots.

In the second incident, Oak

Lawn police responded to report of a robbery at the Payless ShoeSource store at 6356 W. 95th St. at 7:47 p.m. Witnesses said a man and woman entered the business and appeared to be shopping before coming to the counter and demanding cash, and threatening the clerk. No one was injured in that incident either, and the offenders fled the area.

The male was described as 20 to 25 years old, of Middle Eastern or Hispanic descent, with short, dark hair and a beard.

He was described as 6-foot, 180 to 200 pounds, wearing a gray hoodie and black gloves.

The woman was described as black, 20 to 25 years old, 5-foot-0 to 5-foot-2, skinny, 125 to 140 pounds, with shoulder-length curly hair. She wore a black hoodie, black leggings, and black combat style boots.

Surveillance photos of the suspects in the gas station robbery have been released. Anyone who recognizes any of these subjects or has information about these incidents is asked to contact Oak Lawn Police at (708) 422-8292.

D IDSI SCCOOUUNN TT RRAT ATEESS withoutdiscount discount service. without service.

It’s accident no accidentmore morepeople people trust It’s no trustState StateFarm.

Farm.

ErikR RNelson, Nelson, Agent Agent Erik 10200S SRoberts Roberts Road Road 10200 Palos Hills, Palos Hills,ILIL60465-1539 60465-1539 Bus: 708-430-7575 Bus: 708-430-7575 erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com

P040036 P040036 02/04 02/04

StateFarm FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in NJ), Bloomington, IL State Automobile Insurance Company (Not in (Not NJ), Bloomington, IL

Eight juveniles between the ages of 10 and 13 were caught throwing fire extinguishers through windows of the shuttered Yellow Freight trucking terminal, 10301 S. Harlem Ave., at 12:35 p.m. Saturday. Police said a passing motorist alerted them to what was happening, and all the juveniles were apprehended.

They were turned over to their parents awaiting appearances in juvenile court, where they will face charges of criminal trespassing and criminal damage.

Suspended license • Demetri J. Kostopoulos, 23, of the 11000 block of South Major Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 6300 block of West Washington Street at 10:21 p.m.

Sunday. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on April 5.

• Danielle Lee, 20, of the 9900 block of South Nottingham Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:50 a.m. Feb. 14 in the 10300 block of Southwest Highway. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance. She is due in court on March 21.

Outstanding warrant

Clinton G. Sheperd, 35, of the 9300 block of South Sacramento Avenue, Evergreen Park, was arrested in Oak Lawn on an outstanding Chicago Ridge warrant at 6 p.m. Saturday. He was released after posting $1,000 bond. Court information was not available.

Evergreen Park DUI charge Francisco Martinez, 29, of Evergreen Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2:49 a.m. last Thursday in the 2800 block of West 95th Street.

Police said he was also cited for illegal transportation of alcohol, driving without insurance, and following too closely.

Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop 10717 South Ridgeland Avenue Meat: 636-3437 Deli: 636-6203

SALE DATES: February 23 - March 1

Boneless Butterfly Pork Chops

3

$

39 Lb.

Marinated Boneless Chicken Breast

4

$

29 Lb.

Homemade Mild, Hot or XXX Hot

Italian Sausage or Fresh Polish

309

$

Lb.

Jack & Pat’s

Boneless Stuffed

Chicken Breast

3

$

89 Lb.

Extra Lean Ground Chuck

3

$

89 Lb.

Homemade Italian Style Boneless Rolled Pork Roast Meat Balls

4

$

59

Jack & Pats Baked Ham..................$5.69 lb.

Eckrich Hard Salami................$5.29 lb.

Jack & Pat’s (Italian Style) Roast Beef...................$7.98 lb.

Mountain Swiss or Mild Cheddar Cheese............................$5.98 lb.

Lb.

269

$

Lb.

Cracker Barrel Turkey Breast..............$6.09 lb.

Hormel Spiced Ham................$4.69 lb.

Winston’s Irish Sausage..............$6.09 lb.

Premium or Grandpa’s Potato Salad................$2.29 lb.

Retail theft

• Marcus Short, 22, of University Park, was charged with retail theft at Mariano’s, 2559 W. 95th St., at 4:44 p.m. Feb. 16. Police said he took a bottle of vodka and one of almond liqueur worth a total of $35.99.

• Michael Hill, 59, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4:10 p.m. Feb. 16. Police said he took a watch worth $39.92 • Two women were charged with retail theft at Walmart at 11:19 a.m. last Thursday. Police said Veronica Irizarry, 44, of Chicago, and Edith Alvarado, 40, of Burbank, switched price tags on two $19 rugs, and tried to buy them for $3 each.

• Kristopher Rovy, 38, of Evergreen Park, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 6:31 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he took two packages of dust cloths worth $15.26.

• Sarah Jablonski, 40, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 7:04 p.m. Feb. 15.

Police said she took groceries, toothpaste and other items worth $36.57 in total.

• Flenare Mascus, 26, of Cincinnati, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 5:08 p.m. Feb. 12.

Police said he took six items of clothes worth $73.68.

• Allen Hawkins, 67, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart at 7:44 p.m. Feb. 12.

Police said he took nine items, including salmon and personal hygiene products, worth $105.51.

Assault charge

Ashley Devlin-Hawk, 19, of Evergreen Park, was charged with assault outside Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St.., at 10:20 p.m. Feb. 13.

Police said an employee stopped her inside the store, and made her pay for items she was leaving with.

They said that as she was leaving, she became irate and threatened to slap the female employee.

Disorderly conduct

Robert Holmes, 71, of Chicago, was charged with disorderly conduct at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 10:40 a.m. Feb. 14. Police said he caused a disturbance when he came into the store with bags of merchandise and was asked to show his receipt.

Hickory Hills Drug possession • Lukasz P. Glaz, 34, of the 8900 block of South 80th Court, Hickory Hills, was charged with attempted possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 1:31 a.m. last Thursday in the 7700 block of West 95th Street. His passenger, Kelly J. Heide, 34, of the 10525 S. Lori Lane, Palos Hills, was charged with the same offense. Police said they each were carrying a small amount of crack cocaine and glass pipes used to smoke it. They were both also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Glaz was also cited for not having a front license plate. They are both due in court on March 9.

• Ryan A. Johnston, 24, of the 11700 block of South Highwood Drive, Palos Park, was charged with possession of cannabis following a traffic stop in the 8800 block of West 89th Street. Police said they pulled over the car he was driving after an apparent

drug transaction in a parking lot. Police said he turned over a bag containing 31.5 grams of cannabis, which he said he had just bought. He was also cited for failure to signal when required.

He is due in court on March 9.

License charges

• Teann L. Cobb, 31, of the 8900 block of West 85th Place, Justice, was charged with driving on a suspended license at 12:50 p.m. last Thursday in the 8800 block of West 89th Street. Police said she was also cited for disobeying a traffic control device. She is due in court on March 27.

• Angelo J. Angelos. 22, of the 13400 block of Strawberry Lane, Orland Park, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:24 p.m. last Thursday at 95th Street and 86th Court. Police said he was also cited for improper lighting because one headlight was out.

He is due in court on May 9.

Retail theft

Lillian A. Randazzo, 57, of the 9200 block of South Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, was charged with retail theft at Jewel, 9528 S. Roberts Road, at 12:57 p.m.

Friday. Police said she was apprehended after leaving the store with a cart containing groceries worth $34.91 that she admitted taking. They were first called to the scene by staff from a nearby Walgreens, at 7945 W. 95th St., regarding a woman who allegedly stole a package of false nails and went into Jewel. Randazzo fit the description of the offender and turned over the package. Walgreens officials chose not to press charges in that case, but banned her from the store. She is due in court on March 27.

Aggravated speeding

Peter V. Winkler, 59, of the 7700 block of State Road, Burbank, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop of his motorcycle at 2:13 p.m. Sunday at 87th Street and Oakwood Drive. Police said he was driving 72 mph in a 35 mph zone. He was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on March 27.

Oak Lawn Battery off nse

Tabatha M. Brown, 28, of Merrimac Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with battery after police said she spit gum at a neighbor while police were talking to him at 1:18 a.m. Feb. 6. Police were initially called to the scene by the neighbor, who said a man was looking in his window. The man said he had come to the party next-door and had mistakenly gone to the wrong house. Police said Brown had approached the neighbor while he was talking to police officers, and spit on him when they told her to leave. She is due in court on March 3.

License charge

Keith L. Seaton, 25, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 12:49 a.m. Feb. 9 in the 10500 block of South Cicero Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for failure to signal when required and improper lighting for having only one headlight. He is due in court on March 21.

D.D.S. L A Z O K .

F N JOH entistry

yD Complete Famil osmetic Dentistry tistry • C Restorative Den ls • Emergencies Treated ia Dentures • Part lcome • Senior Discounts e New Patients W

525 (708) 636-2Available

t. Appt.

Evening & Sa ldental.com www.koza

Lawn k a O • o r e c i C 10844 S.

DUI charge • Willie Lee Livingston Jr., 39, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, a felony, following a traffic stop at 6:49 p.m. Feb. 9 at Southwest Highway and Major Avenue. Police said the charge was raised to a felony because it was his third DUI arrest. He was also cited for aggravated speeding by going 71 mph in a 30 mph zone, driving without lights when required, no insurance, illegal transportation of alcohol, and driving on a revoked license. He was held for a bond hearing.

• Raul Rogel Jr., 31, of Burbank, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 2:19 a.m. Feb. 5 at Cicero Avenue and 110th Street.

Police said he registered .101 on a breath test. He was also cited for speeding 56 mph in a 35 mph zone, and failure to signal when required.

He is due in court on March 28.

• Anthony Charles Monaldi, 36, of Dyer, Ind., was charged with a DUI following a traffic stop at 11:54 p.m. Feb. 3 at Cicero Avenue and 89th Place. Police said he failed field sobriety tests and registered .144 blood-alcohol count on a preliminary breath test.

He was also cited for speeding 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. He is due in court on March 28.

Retail theft

• Quentin L. Hudson. 45, of Minneapolis, was charged with retail theft at 6:02 p.m. Feb. 6 at Target, 4120 W. 95th St. Police said he filled a cart with 25 miscellaneous items worth $157.24, and left with them although his credit card was declined at a selfcheckout register. He was also arrested on two outstanding warrants, for a probation violation and retail theft. He is due in court on March 15. Staff said he had left the store twice before after doing the same thing.

• Nicholas Alcazar, 23, of Chicago, was charged with drag racing and speeding following a traffic stop a 10:19 p.m. Feb. 5 at 95th Street and Cicero Avenue.

Police said he was stopped after they witnessed two cars speeding west on 95th Street, apparently racing each other. One car turned north but Alcazar was stopped.

He was charged with aggravated speeding, more than 35 mph over the limit, driving without insurance, and street racing. He is due in court on March 15.

Palos Hills DUI charge

Angela Atik, 38, of Bridgeview, was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop in the 10200 block of South 86th Avenue about midnight on Feb. 5. Police said she was also cited for resisting arrest, illegal screeching of tires, illegal transportation of alcohol, driving with a suspended license and having no insurance. She appeared at a Feb. 15 hearing and was released on a $10,000 I-bond.

Credit card fraud

Palos Hills police are investigating a credit card fraud complaint received at 5 p.m. Feb. 13. An unknown person used a company credit card to make unauthorized charges totaling more than $700 at five different Palos Hills locations, according to the report.

Trespassing, battery Police responded to a criminal trespassing and battery complaint at a home in the 10600 block of South 81st Court at 10 p.m. Saturday. The victim’s ex-husband entered the residence without permission and struck another subject in the face with his fist, police said.

Theft of trailer A trailer containing two snowmobiles was reported stolen from a driveway in the 10400 block of South 74th Avenue at 3 p.m.

Friday.

Vandalism reports

• A woman reported finding the mirrors on her vehicle damaged while it was parked in a lot in the 8500 block of South 102nd Terrace at 9 a.m. Feb. 15.

• Police are investigating a report of criminal damage that occurred at a residence in the 10400 block of Interlochen Drive that occurred about 10 p.m. Friday. The victim said someone threw eggs at the house, breaking a window.

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.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Reporter

VALLEY INN RESTAURANT Owned by the Ristucci family 40 years and counting

LENT SPECIALS Lake Perch, Walleye, Beer-Battered Cod and Shrimp, plus many more fish dishes Lunch Specials • Appetizers • Salads Sandwiches • Chicken • Chops • Steaks Seafood • Pastas • Pizza • Kids Menu

Dine in • Carry out 8300 W. 107th Street • Palos Hills (708) 974-0509 Valley Catering (708) 974-4374

Former Chicago Ridge mayor is laid to rest

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Following the funeral of former Chicago Ridge Mayor Eugene Siegel on Saturday morning at Our Lady of the Ridge Church, his casket is carried across 111th Street to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on a carriage pulled by two black horses, accompanied by men wearing traditional Polish Highlanders garb. Fire trucks from Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn raised the American flag over the cemetery entrance, and first responders saluted the longtime mayor as he made his way to his final resting place.

Fate of Catholic schools CHICAGO RIDGE BOARD MEETING in hands of community Public workshop will focus on Yellow Freight property

I

f there is one thing that is certain, a private school education can no longer be taken for granted. And for residents who have grown up in Chicago and the southwest suburbs, I can specifically point to Catholic schools.

I had worked for a Chicago paper for many years and reported on numerous school closings. Since 2000, many schools have closed their doors due to low enrollment. In Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood, both St. Clare of Montefalco and St. Simon closed. St. Rita Grade School at 62nd and Fairfield in the city closed a few years before that.

Other elementary schools that have closed over the past 16 years in areas I covered include St. Denis, St. Thomas More, St. Joe Turibius and St. Rene. All-girls Catholic Boyle high schools have closed in recent years.

Lourdes High School was the first, followed by Immaculate Heart of Mary, Maria and Mount Assisi Academy.

The Chicago Archdiocese made an announcement last month that St. Louis de Montfort Elementary School, 8840 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Lawn, will close its doors in June. The reasons given were low enrollment and the belief that the school could not sustain itself in the coming years.

Then we heard the crushing news about Queen of Peace High School at 7659 S. Linder Ave., Burbank. I had heard rumors the past few years that the school could be in trouble.

Low enrollment was the main culprit. Queen of Peace was established in 1962 and could house as many as 1,400 students.

The school now had less than 300 students.

At least there is some good news for underclassmen who attended Queen of Peace. The administration at St. Laurence High School, the all-boys Catholic high school that is located next door to Queen of Peace, will begin accepting students from that school beginning this fall. The logistics of how that will be done is still being worked out, but at least Queen of Peace students have another option. The only difference is that they will be attending St. Laurence High School.

A lot has changed since the 1960s, when many Catholic schools had large enrollments during the height of the baby boomers. But many families began to move in the 1960s and 1970s to suburban communities. Many neighborhoods were in transition, changing from a majority white population to African-American. Many of these black residents were not Catholic and did not attend these schools.

Another factor is that we have fewer nuns and priests. I recall being taught by a majority of nuns at St. Margaret of Scotland and St. John de La Salle, two Chicago grade schools I attended. But by the time my younger siblings were about to graduate from their Catholic grade schools, there were few nuns. Lay teachers who receive a salary replaced them.

Catholic schools in the past did not have to worry about payment for the nuns. This became a growing expense for the archdiocese over the years, especially as enrollments began to dwindle because of higher tuition.

For some families, the tuition became too expensive. Consequently, many of these schools have had to close. From 1984 through 2004, 130 elementary schools closed, according to the Chicago Archdiocese.

That is why I pull for schools like Our Lady of the Ridge, 10859 S. Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge. This has never been a large school but teachers and staff who work there say the students are the first priority. Sr. Stephanie Kondik, the principal at Our Lady of Ridge who has served 23 years at the school, said she knows all the students by name. These youngsters, Sr. Stephanie said, are more than just a number. She said she cares for all of them.

Other teachers have said the school has a feeling of community and warmth. Sr. Stephanie said the students receive a great education and they are cared for.

But sometimes residents and even people who no longer have a close connection to old Catholic schools begin to take those schools for granted. Sometimes residents need to be shaken a little to realize what is at stake. A neighborhood could drastically change after a Catholic school closes. It could deter younger families who have children from moving into the neighborhood. Some businesses may decide to move elsewhere.

So I was happy to see 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park jammed with people Sunday for a fundraiser with alumni, business and community leaders ready to do what is necessary to keep Our Lady of the Ridge open. Everyone was having a great time while collecting much- needed cash.

The lesson learned here is to not take Our Lady of the Ridge for granted. I think that message has gotten through loud and clear.

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

By Dermot Connolly The Chicago Ridge Village Board has agreed to Trustee Bruce Quintos’ request to hold a public workshop, at a date to be determined, to discuss the environmental remediation of the long-vacant Yellow Freight property at 103rd and Harlem Avenue.

It was revealed at the village board meeting on Tuesday that Crown Enterprises LLC recently purchased the 70-acre property for $10 million from Chippewa Motor Freight Inc. The land is part of a 105-acre TIF district that the board rezoned in January to regional mixed use.

The regional mixed-use designation permits various types of development, including entertainment, retail, and residential, but it can no longer be a trucking terminal.

The original owner, Yellow Roadway Corp., is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to clean up any environmental hazards on the property, mainly caused by fuel storage.

But Quintos and Trustee Frances Coglianese questioned how much is being done.

“I get so many questions from residents about the status of the cleanup,” Quintos said. “In the interest of transparency, I asked for a workshop. I think the YRC property is one of the biggest issues facing the community.”

Quintos noted that the issue has

been discussed by the board in executive sessions held this year, but not publicly.

The board agreed to make public transcripts from the executive sessions in which the property was discussed.

“I was told that there was six feet of petroleum underground (from fuel tanks), lying just above the water table. That is now down to three feet. That petroleum went somewhere,” Quintos said.

Mayor Chuck Tokar questioned the trustee’s timing, coming so close to the April 4 election. Quintos is seeking re-election, and he is allied with Coglianese, who is running against Tokar for mayor.

Trustee Sally Durkin is also running for mayor.

“We’ve been working on this for four years. Why are you so concerned now?” Tokar asked Quintos.

“It is not a panic situation.

Yellow Freight is working on it.

I do not want to incite panic,” Durkin said, citing a letter from attorney Jeffrey Jeep stating that the IEPA is monitoring the work and the site does not pose a public hazard.

The letter was sent to Tokar, and copies were to go to the six trustees. But the copies were not received. Durkin got a second copy when she called the attorney, and she read it publicly after Tokar said the board, as the client, was entitled to waive attorney-client privilege.

Voted best steakhouse 5 years running!

“The best steakhouse on the South Side”

Join our Rewards Program It’s easy and it’s free!

• You receive 5% back with every meal • Specials such as double points throughout the year • $15 is automatically preloaded onto your card once you register Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday Louie’s is the perfect place to host your next event!

4642 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn 708-425-6530 | www.louieschophouse.com Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m.-11 p.m. | Sun. 2 p.m.-9 p.m.

EVERGREEN PARK BOARD MEETING

Board approves business application for new Plaza

By Sharon L. Filkins Work is progressing at the new Evergreen Plaza at 95th and Western Avenue as new stores move closer to completion, as evidenced by board action at the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night.

Trustees unanimously approved a business application for DWS Shoes, which is currently under construction next door to Carson’s of the newly designed plaza.

When asked if the approved application meant the store was ready to open, Mayor James Sexton explained that the approval is one of the first steps in the process.

“The timing of the application doesn’t mean the building is complete. Construction is still underway,” he said.

He estimated the store will likely open in late spring or early summer.

The board also approved a real estate sale contract for the purchase of a vacant home located at 2611 W. 97th St., for $7,000.

Sexton said the village is purchasing the property from Cook County through a program designed to help municipalities clean up vacant properties.

“We will be cleaning up an eyesore. The house on the lot has been vacant for some time.

It is 102 years old and is beyond

repair or renovation. The village plans to demolish it,” he said.

On another matter, Fire Chief Ronald Kleinhaus presented the fire department’s annual report for 2016.

The report indicates that the total number of calls for service during the 2016 year, 3,083, reflects an increase of 202 responses over the total 2015 totals. However, Kleinhaus said there were no civilian injuries or deaths as a result of structure fires.

“This is an on-going testament to our fire prevention and public education efforts,” he said.

The report also estimated total fire loss for 2016 was $1,672,000.

According to the report, the Barraco’s Restaurant fire on Sept. 24, 2016 with an estimated building and content loss of $1,150,000 was the largest contributor to the total fire losses this past year.

In other business action, the board approved the acceptance of a bid from Lyons Pinner Electric in the amount of $74,975 for the laying of fiber optic cable, Phase IV from NW corner of 91st and Kedzie, 2701 W. 91st St. and 2709 W. 91st St. A purchase of a 2017 Ford utility truck at a cost of $21,000, with a $5,500 trade-in, was also approved for the fire department.

The purchase was a budgeted item.

• Thin Crust • Deep Dish • Stuffed • Pan And a Wide Variety of Traditional Homemade Italian Cuisine M-Th 11-10 • F 11-11 • Sat 12-11 • Sun 3-9

$

5 OFF PIZZA

18” PARTYTIME

With this coupon. Not valid with any other offer. 1 per pizza.

3

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Record temperatures prompt hot fun in the ‘wintertime’ Residents of all ages enjoyed the unseasonably warm temperatures last weekend at local parks and walking trails throughout the southwest suburbs.

Usually at this time of the year, adults and children are spending a major portion of their time indoors. The hardiest of residents venture outdoors

in February knowing they have to bundle up to prepare for the weather. However, temperatures hit a record-breaking 70 degrees this past Saturday, Feb. 18.

Adults and children were out in large numbers at the Little Wolfe Playground for children at 107th and Laramie in Oak Lawn. Moms and their children

Oak Lawn resident Marjorie Rocha walks her dog accompanied by her grandson, Vince Petralia, of Crystal Lake, Saturday as the temperatures hit 70 degrees at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center.

took turns on the swings at the park. A couple of teens could be found playing basketball at the nearby court.

Parents and their children, along with grandparents and their grandkids, could be found down the street at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center, 109th and Laramie, in Oak Lawn. Kids were playing on

the playground while other residents strolled along the walking path. Other residents were riding their bikes along the path.

Meanwhile, ice skaters were out of luck. The Daniel V. Capuano Ice Rink in Evergreen Park has been closed because the ice melted due to the warm temperatures.

Ramona Fagan, a resident of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, and her son, Dylan, 6, enjoy their time on the swings during an unusually warm weather Saturday at the Little Wolfe Playground in Oak Lawn.

Parents took their children out to play at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center playground to enjoy the warm weather.

Oak Lawn resident Angelica Niego, 11, a sixth-grade student at Simmons Middle School, has fun playing on a warm February day Saturday at the Little Wolfe Playground.

Photos by Joe Boyle

Warm weather means golf in Palos Hills

By Michael Gilbert In a move not exactly par for the course, Palos Hills decided to open its municipal golf club early this year in response to the unseasonably warm and dry weather.

Ald. Ricky Moore (4th Ward) told the council and a handful of residents on Feb. 16 that the Palos Hills Municipal Golf Course would be open the weekend of Feb. 18-19 and potentially the following weekend. The nine-hole golf course, 7301 W. 105th St., traditionally opens on March 1, according to Moore, who serves as chairman of the City Council’s Golf Course Committee.

“We are going to open this weekend (Feb. 18-19) because of the awesome weather and then if it continues we will go with it (for the following weekend) and then open for good on March 1,”

Moore said. “The weather is supposed to be great, so why not open this weekend? If golfers can get a jump start on the season and get in a few additional rounds then that would be great.”

For the second consecutive year, golfers can play a round for $10, Moore said. After years of having a tiered green fee structure with rates for adults as high as $17 at peak times, members of the golf committee decided prior to the 2016 season to introduce the $10 flat rate.

The lower rate increased interest in the course last year and helped generate an additional $30,000 in revenue from 2015, Moore said.

“I don’t think you are going to beat that anywhere in the south suburbs,” Moore said. “Nine holes for $10 any day and every day is a pretty good deal.”

In addition, veterans of the Unit-

ed States Armed Forces receive a $1 discount on the green fee.

“My slogan is nine bucks for nine holes for veterans,” Moore said. “Even if you’re not a veteran we don’t hurt you, it’s just $1 more.

“Our theme has always been to offer the best golf possible for the most reasonable price, and I think after this last season we have accomplished the mission and we’re going to carry it on through this season.”

Approximately two years ago, the course, which features a pair of Par 5 holes, three Par 3s and four Par 4s, underwent a $200,000 clubhouse renovation project. Moore said no projects of that scope are in the immediate future, but he did say he is hopeful the public works department can do some renovations to the golf course’s patio area to make it a more desired after golf destination.

“We’d like to make (the patio) a place where after you do nine holes maybe you grab a beer and sit outside and enjoy the weather,” Moore said. “It’d be nice to get the patio in tip-top shape. I’m looking forward to that becoming a nice area for people who want to relax and take a little break.”

In other news, Ald. Mark Brachman (2nd Ward) told the council the price of water will increase approximately .45 cents per 1,000 gallons beginning this month.

The new rate for water is now $9.82 per 1,000 gallons. Last year homeowners paid $9.37 cents per 1,000. The city has a 4,000-gallon minimum for its water bill, making the cost $39.28 for the first 4,000 gallons, Brachman said. The hike in water rates will offset the cost of the water and its delivery as well as maintenance and operation of the city’s water system, he added.

In addition to the $39.28 minimum charge for water, residents also pay $11.50 for sanitary sewer service and $9.57 for general capital improvements, making the minimum monthly water bill $60.35, or an increase of $1.78 from last year.

Palos Hills receives Lake Michigan water from Chicago via Oak Lawn.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives School districts vote to approve South Suburban Junior College • 50 years ago From the Feb. 23, 1967 issue The story: Voters in six high school districts registered their overwhelming approval of a South Suburban Junior College on Saturday by a 4 to 1 vote in favor of the new district.

The final tally showed 8,578 yes votes and 2,321 no votes. Cook County Superintendent of Schools Noble J. Puffer has ordered a special election on April 22 to elect the district’s first Board of Election. After successful votes, members of the committee presented Evergreen Park resident Theodore Lownik, general chairman of the committee, with a plaque.

The quote: “I deeply appreciate this,” Lownik said. “But the credit goes to the dedicated people who were willing to spend the hours and hours to make this a success.”

Rezoning for Chicago Ridge condo project idea voted down • 25 years ago

From the Feb. 20, 1992 issue The story: A development plan to convert 1.6 acres of vacant land in Chicago Ridge into a condominium complex failed to cross a major hurdle last week as the village’s planning commission voted 4-2 not to recommend a zoning change to the village board.

The developers group met with opposition from residents fearful that a condo development would only increase overcrowding in Chicago Ridge. According to claims made by Patrick Murphy, a real estate appraiser employed to inspect the site for the developer, there is no need for more commercial business in the area of the property, located on the west side of Ridgeland Avenue between 106th and 107th streets.

The quote: “The general condo market in the Chicago area is strong, extremely strong,” said Murphy. “I’m afraid if commercial was built here we’d have vacancies, which wouldn’t do anyone any good.”

Chicago Ridge trustee candidate remains on ballot • 10 years ago

From the Feb. 22, 2007 issue The story: An objection filed against a Chicago Ridge trustee candidate was dismissed by the village’s Electoral Board last week.

The objection, filed by incumbent Trustee Daniel Badon, himself a candidate on the April 17 ballot, stated that independent candidate Mike Davies’ petitions contained too many signatures.

Badon filed the objection to Davies’ petitions to knock him off the election ballot.

The Electoral Board of Mayor Eugene Siegel, Village Clerk Chuck Tokar and Trustee James Saunoris unanimously voted to dismiss Badon’s objection. The election code requires candidates to gather signatures from no more than eight percent of residents who voted in the last election.

The quote: “Everyone has to follow election laws,” said Badon. “My objective was based on the candidate having an excessive number of signatures.”

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

5

Dist. 218 cheers achievements of students But state budget impasse looms larger than ever

By Michelle Zalesny

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Youth fun.

Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net.

We had a couple of readers who submitted guesses for last week’s Whatizit. The area seen in last week’s photo was the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Harry “Bus” Yourell Pool Aeration Center in Worth.

Worth residents Jerry and Carol Janicki had the right answer, as did Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum. The elevated pool aeration station has a walking path and provides a view of the Cal-Sag Channel near 116th and Harlem Avenue. During the summer months, residents can view birds and other forms of wildlife along the path.

SUDOKU

On a night when local schools were honored for athletic and personal achievements, District 218 Board members were reminded that the state budget impasse continues.

School board member Larry Harris spoke up about the state budget issue in Illinois — that there is still no state budget or spending plans for 2017. The stopgap budget plan that was passed in June of last year expired on Dec. 31, leaving Illinois in a budgetary limbo.

Harris said the board should draft a memo expressing its frustration with the lack of activity and motion of the state legislature regarding the ongoing state budget crisis.

Harris urged that the state legislature should hear from the school district from a local level.

“I think it’s ridiculous that we’ve gone this long without a budget, lack of support, and leadership,” Harris said.”

School board member Robert Stokas was absent from the meeting.

On a more positive note, it was a night of commendations as Eisenhower and Shepard high schools were honored for athletic and personal triumphs at the District 218 School Board meeting on Feb. 15.

First to be recognized was Taylor Burmeister, English teacher assistant and swim coach at Eisenhower High School, who was selected as the South Suburban Conference Boys Swimming Coach of the Year for the 2016 and 2017 seasons by his colleagues for reviving the Eisenhower Area Swim Club and leading the Cardinals to their most successful season.

“This is a big honor, but I couldn’t have done anything without Coach Campione and Coach Belskis, the world’s greatest assistant coaches, especially Coach Belskis who volunteers her time several times a week to help our divers,” said Burmeister. “There are remarkable things happening within the conference, especially in swimming. The teams

Submitted photo

The Shepard High School varsity cheerleaders hold up their trophy after placing first in the CoEd Division at the Andrew High School Invitational.

we compete against are run by some amazing and thoughtful coaches, who are dedicated to their athletes and their programs. To be recognized by them is an honor.”

Head Cheer Coach Nicole Staehlin and the Shepard varsity cheerleaders were also recognized for their season full of success and achievement in competition this winter.

“The Astros won first place in the Co-Ed Division at the Andrew High School Invitational,” said Bob McParland, public Information specialist. “They won second place at the South Suburban Conference meet, qualified for the IHSA state finals, but took fourth in their section, and finally, among all the teams that qualified for state, the Astros took 12th place in the Co-Ed Division earlier this month at Illinois State University.”

Staehlin was not able to attend the meeting.

The board also honored Varsity Dance Coach Marion Castillo and JV Head Coach

Crystal Castillo, choreographer Lindsey Lococo and the Eisenhower Cardinal Dance Team for taking the title of National Champions at Universal Studios Florida. It was a passionate dance routine to John Legend’s “Glory” that made the historic win — the first one in 30 years for Eisenhower at the major state and national team title level.

The Cardinal Dance Team traveled to Universal Studios on Florida for the Dance Team Union national finals on Feb. 5, where they won Best Choreography, Best Hip Hop Group among all divisions and Champions in the Small Varsity Hip Hop division.

Castillo was also congratulated for being selected as the 2016 Coach of the Year for the state of Illinois by the Illinois High School Association.

A video of the team’s dance routine at Universal Studios Florida that won them the national title was shown.

Oak Lawn Park District’s win is special The Oak Lawn Park District’s new event, the Monarch Festival, won the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Special Event award this year. On hand for the celebration were (from left) Debbie Trueblood, executive director of Illinois Park and Recreation Association; Maddie Kelly, executive director for the Oak Lawn Park District; horticulturalist Dolly Foster, and Michael Sinkewich, recreation supervisor. The Oak Lawn Park District was honored at IAPD/IPRA’s Conference in January.

Answers on Page 9

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Submitted photo

Crisis Center’s Heart to Heart Gala accepting reservations

ACROSS 1 Doorbell sound 5 Radio switch 9 Pop out of the CD player 14 “Young Frankenstein” helper 15 “Deck the Halls” syllables 16 Use crayons 17 “The West Wing” actor Alan 18 Fed. agent 19 Best way to sing 20 Keep in suspense 23 Maker of Fiesta Flats taco shells 24 Gorilla who learned sign language 25 “__ you for real? ” 28 Half a Mork-to-Orson farewell 30 Symbol 32 Suffers from 35 Department store fixture 38 Tunnel effect 40 Actor’s prompt 41 “We gotta move!”

42 Shingle securer 47 Roulette bet 48 Like a spoiled child 49 Didn’t need to guess 51 Weekly NBC offering since 1975, briefly 52 Takes notice of 55 Like some country songs 59 It may be affixed to an email ... and, literally, what the last word of 20-, 35- and 42-Across can have 61 Drummer Ringo 64 Sheepish smile 65 First name in bike stunts 66 Japanese verse 67 Tupperware tops 68 Harvest 69 Kentucky Derby racer 70 Sporting weapon 71 Lacking, in Lorraine

3 Signal silently to 4 Sculptured, as an image 5 Kabul native 6 Wee one’s word 7 __ steak 8 Tropical fruit 9 Political debate topic 10 “Fear of Flying” author Erica 11 Antlered animal 12 Two-time 1500-meter gold medalist Sebastian 13 Give it a whirl 21 “My stars!”

22 Maker of NORDLI furniture 25 Texas tourist spot 26 Fix a green 27 Revise 29 Shoreline protection gp.

31 Discreetly send a dupe email to 32 Chef’s flavorings 33 Oak-to-be 34 Sandbar 36 Lewis Carroll specialty 37 Security issue 39 Time and again, to a bard 43 “Honest!”

44 Kremlin rejection 45 Passionate 46 R-rated, perhaps 50 Thin cookies 53 Sharp-eyed flier 54 Rx, for short 56 Skin lotion brand 57 Collect incrementally 58 Sounds from a kennel 59 Sacred chests 60 Hole up 61 Librarian’s warning 62 Confucian “path” 63 Go public with

DOWN 1 Old way to place a collect call 2 Creepy admirer

Answers on Page 9

Crisis Center for South Suburbia is inviting community members to reserve seats at their annual Heart to Heart Gala from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at the Hilton DoubleTree ChicagoAlsip, 5000 W. 127th St. Reservations can be made online at www.crisisctr.org/events/ heart-to-heart-gala. The gala, sponsored by Advocate Christ Medical Center, Exelon, InTech Insulation Technology, and Mechanical Equipment, will benefit victims of domestic violence.

While offering opportunities to support the Crisis Center, the event celebrates the success of CCSS clients and the generosity of the donors, supporters and volunteers who make it all possible.

“This year’s theme, ‘It’s a Small World,’ reflects the common thread we all share of being touched by domestic violence” said Colleen Mora, CCSS board member and Gala co-chair.

“Whether it is a family member, co-worker or someone we knew growing up. Coming together to empower change is one thing we can all do to personally honor those who have been impacted by domestic violence and help prevent others from experiencing its devastating effects. We look forward to sharing this special evening with our amazing community of supporters.”

The Crisis Center welcomes

Submitted photo

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia Heart to Heart Gala Committee members are (back row, left) Chris Beele, Dave Anders, Rick Melvin, Ted Mora, Karen Leluga, (front row, from left): Kerri Twietmeyer, Kris Laakson, Deb Lynch, Katie Abbott, Colleen Mora (co-chair), Kathy Waller (co-chair), Mary Ellen Kranz, Cindy Biondo, Jennifer Smith, Shani Smith; (not pictured): Kelly Angel, Carol Cole, Therese Dubelbeis, Jennifer Kanacki, Kristen Morande and Anne Neary.

back award-winning reporter Andrea Darlas, from WGN radio and TV and long-time CCSS honorary board member, as host of the annual benefit. The evening, priced at $100 per ticket, includes cocktails, a four-course dinner, mobile bidding on live and silent auction items, dancing to live entertainment by The Jimmy O and Rhonda Lee Duo, raffles, and more.

The Heart to Heart Gala will also be offering silent auction

items for consideration to supporters not able to attend the event through online bidding. Guests at the event, and supporters at home, are invited to use their cellphones and devices to bid in real time on silent auction items and increase their chances on winning a vast array of items from toys for the kids to weekend get-a-ways and sporting events. The link to register for the silent auction is https://e.gesture.com/events/4ue.

For reservations, sponsorship

opportunities, and additional information visit the website at www.crisisctr.org/events/heartto-heart-gala or contact Christopher Beele at (708) 429-7255, ext. 118.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s mission is to provide emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and address the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence.

Lunch and Vegas-style entertainment for seniors is planned The Vito Zatto Show, which features a Vegas-style singer and entertainer, will perform for seniors on Wednesday, April 19 at the Worth Township Building, 11601 S. Pulaski, Alsip.

The $30 reservation fee includes the show and lunch. Seniors will have a choice of boneless stuffed chicken breast with homemade dressing, a meatloaf dinner with brown gravy, or mostaccioli with meatballs. The meals in-

clude a garden salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, dinner roll with butter and dessert.

Reservations or more information can be obtained by calling (708) 371-2900, ext. 28.

Registration is required.

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, February 23, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Basking in the record-breaking weather

Suburbs should not have to pay Chicago spending shortfalls

W

eather is a popular topic at this time of the year among area residents. It is a safe subject to bring up with someone you hardly know. We all can comment about the unpredictability of Chicago-area weather.

During this past week, the weather definitely was worth talking about. And even better was being able to go outdoors and enjoy the record-breaking temperatures.

We have had warm days in February before. But when you have five straight days of weather averaging in the 60s in February, that is worth noting. And two of those days the temperatures topped 70 degrees. That is quite amazing. Temperatures may drop as low as 34 degrees on Saturday, but even that is not that bad.

The way to look at all this is we are nearing the end of February and the temperatures have been relatively mild and in some cases unusually warm. We also broke a record for going the longest period ever in Chicago history without any accumulation of snow. We have to go back to December and before Christmas to recall any snow at all.

It is welcoming and strange in the same instance. We realize that March is not always a bargain. Snow may return after a long winter’s nap. But how bad can it be? Even with some accumulation, it won’t be here that long. The only people who could be complaining are residents who want to go outdoors and ice skate. The Daniel V. Capuano Ice Rink in Evergreen Park was closed this past weekend because the ice turned into mush.

Temperatures nearing 70 degrees will do that.

The disappointed ice skaters notwithstanding, most residents were delighted by the unusual weather. People were out walking and jogging throughout most neighborhoods. A trip to the Little Wolfe Playground at 107th and Laramie in Oak Lawn found moms with their children taking turns on the swings. A couple of teens were playing basketball at the nearby court. One of the competitors was wearing shorts, and no one thought anything of it.

Just down the street, at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center in Oak Lawn, families could be seen in large numbers at the renovated playground area. Residents of all ages also could be seen walking along the Wolfe Wildlife path. It was a good day to walk the dog along the path. Many people did just that.

Residents also commented to us that Lake Katherine in Palos Heights was filled with people enjoying the warm temperatures.

Other residents could be seen walking or jogging around the campus of Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills last weekend. Students and adults who had the day off from school and work, respectively, on Monday — Presidents Day — had an extra day to enjoy the sunshine.

Such a string of warm days at this time of the year might not happen again. We hope our readers took some time to get outdoors and enjoy themselves. But we want to remind everyone that even if the temperatures drop and we actually start seeing snowflakes again, there is a lot to do in the southwest suburbs.

Seniors have several organizations to choose from. The Oak Lawn Seniors, the Evergreen Park Senior Council and the Worth Seniors come to mind. Trips are planned and luncheons will be offered. St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph luncheons will be held in local municipalities. St. Pat’s and St. Joe’s parties will be held.

We want to remind residents that our local libraries also offer a variety of programs for adults and children. We list a variety of activities in our Community Calendar and Library Happenings each week. The Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Green Hills, Oak Lawn and Worth library events have a variety of interesting offerings. We encourage readers to check out the listings to see if there is something they may be interested in.

The weather has been great, no doubt. We encourage residents to venture outdoors if at all possible. But we also want to remind everyone that there are many places to go that can interest all ages. And those activities that can be found at our local libraries, for example, are enjoyable regardless of what the weather is like outside.

Photo by Joe Boyle

Two girls stroll over the bridge at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center in Oak Lawn, enjoying last Saturday’s record-breaking warm weather.

Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer

The Business Side

The News Side

Donna Brown, Sales Director Joe Boyle, Editor Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer

Southwest Regional Publishing 12247 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Worth, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Subscription rates: $42 per year by mail in Cook County, $52 per year by mail elsewhere. $1 per copy on newsstands and vending machines.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463

D GUEST EDITORIAL

You are not forgotten in my district

By Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd)) In all the commotion that’s been going on this year, what’s largely been missing from politicians and protesters is a focus on how we are going to produce more good-paying American jobs and give middle-class Americans a needed boost.

In his inaugural address, President Trump said, “the forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.” Among the Americans who have been forgotten by our nation’s elites, including much of Washington, are those for whom I have always fought — America’s middle class. The middle class built this nation through their sweat and sacrifices into the greatest nation on earth.

They have lived by the idea that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can make a good life for yourself and give your children a chance to do better. But many no longer see the chance for their hard work to pay off in large part because Washington made bad trade deals that sent good middle-class jobs out of our country.

For the past 25 years we’ve been promised that trade agreements would produce needed jobs, but they’ve done the opposite. President Clinton negotiated the North American Free Tree Agreement (NAFTA) and middle-class Americans suffered as manufacturing jobs fled. President Bush gave us the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Korean Free Trade Agreement (KFTA) and we lost more jobs. Then President Obama completed negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would have been the largest trade deal in world history, and many of us understood it would be another disaster for American workers. So we fought tooth and nail against the TPP and were able to prevent its passage in Congress until it was formally killed a few weeks ago.

Middle-class Americans rightly believe that these trade deals demonstrate that they’ve been forgotten. And although

many Democrats have opposed these agreements, history shows that it’s not just been Republicans responsible for negotiating and passing them.

It’s well past time to end these bad deals. Trade is important, but it must be done fairly so that middle-class Americans benefit, not just big corporations. That is why I have joined Rep. Peter DeFazio in introducing the 21st Century Workers’ Bill of Rights, which tells the Trump Administration and succeeding presidents the rules they should follow in all future trade negotiations These include requiring enforceable labor and environmental standards, combating currency manipulation, requiring strong rules of origin provisions, avoiding provisions that undermine Buy American laws, eliminating investor protections that make it cheaper to send jobs overseas, and ending tribunals that undermine U.S. trade enforcement laws. I’ve also developed my own resolution to prioritize in our trade negotiations the goal of balancing our trade deficit, where we seek to equalize our exports and imports and increase U.S. jobs.

When Trump talked about the forgotten men and women in his inaugural, he said to these Americans, “everyone is listening to you now.” I have always listened. I have always stood for middle-class Americans that have been forgotten in Washington. I will continue to do that. It’s time for others to do the same.

So far I have some concerns with a number of Trump’s cabinet choices being from Wall Street. Wall Street voices are some of the voices that have drowned out the middle class on past trade deals and other policies. The voices of the middle class must finally be the ones that are heard. We will see if Trump’s actions meet his promise. At the same time, Democrats would be wise to better understand how Trump’s middle-class jobs message got him to the White House, and realize we need to focus our fight to support working-class families.

Some scary moments at home

By Don C. White

Have you ever had scary moments?

Well, my wife and I experienced some on Saturday, Feb. 11. We had been out for the evening and upon returning home we heard the furnace start and within seconds shut off. Not a normal thing to happen.

My wife said that had occurred once before earlier that day. We had left home within minutes of my coming home from my work at Ace so we had not taken the time to talk about her day. That was scary moment number one.

Well, being the Mr. Fixit that I am, I grabbed my tool box and headed for the basement. That was scary moment number two. No, just kidding. I did check a couple of things and found that the furnace blower was working but the furnace itself was not igniting. So, no heat, and what do I know about that? Nothing!

When we arrived home and found the problem, the thermostat was registering what it had been set on so the house was still warm.

As I was down by the furnace investigating the problem, my wife noticed something else. The vent piping coming off the furnace, running up to where it connects to the water heater exhaust piping and then up through the roof, was not connected.

For whatever reason, it had come loose and there was about an inch or more gap.

That was scary moment number three.

We don’t know how or when this happened. Had it been while the furnace was running properly and just maybe the carbon monoxide alarm had not worked I would not be writing this article. Another thing that adds concern to the situation is that I have lost my sense of smell. If any of this would have happened it could have been the scariest moment ever.

It was easy to push the two pipes back together and secure them in place. But we

still did not have heat.

We have a maintenance agreement with NICOR that has a 24-hour call system.

So I called to schedule repairs as soon as possible. After talking with their representative we agreed that a weekend premium time service call was not necessary. (There is a dollar limit on each call and we could have exceeded that amount.) Of course, if it had been a typical February weather day, that would have been a different story.

I would have paid and taken the hit.

Please take heed from our experience and, if you have not had a furnace check this winter, schedule one. On your own, check and make sure all of the exhaust piping is well connected and that your carbon monoxide alarm is in proper working order.

Later that same night we received a call from the company that was on call and scheduled a time for the repair to be done. We have a small heater and due to the mild weather we were able to survive without any problems. It did get down to 54 degrees in the house but we were able to endure the cold.

The repair person arrived early on Monday morning and found the problem quickly and made the repairs. He also checked the exhaust piping system and secured it so we should not have that problem again. The total cost was under our limit so that was good news. Whatever the cost it was worth it to have heat and have the other problem taken care of.

This story certainly could have had a different ending. Helen and I thank God that we were kept safe during this adventure.

Please don’t delay in checking or having your heating equipment checked and also your carbon monoxide alarm.

Don C. White is a Palos Hills historian who occasionally shares his views on current events.

We want to hear from you!

Letters should be 350 words or less. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Writers must also include their address and phone number for verification, but that information will not be published and will remain otherwise confidential. Mail letters to the editor to:

The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net

on’t waste your time trying to figure out how Illinois divides the property taxes it collects to support local schools and the sales and income taxes it collects to subsidize Chicago’s bailout.

It’s too complicated, intentionally.

The truth is no one wants you to understand. If you did, you might get upset. Most of your hard-earned dollars go to help someone else, not you.

Most taxes collected in Illinois fund schools in Cook County, mainly in Chicago. Downstate gets only a small portion of that money.

The system is so complicated that no one can accurately explain how it works. Over the years, they have been patching together funding mainly in response not to true “need,” but based on who has the most political clout and who screams the loudest.

The tragedy is that Illinois is in a Budget Holocaust.

The confused system allows districts like the Chicago Public Schools to demand and take more money. Chicago’s schools are a sinkhole of failure.

Here are facts we know: The richer a community, the better their schools.

It’s not about funding. It has to do with the involvement of parents.

The more economically strapped a family is, the less time parents can spend with their children.

That’s why 18 of the state’s top 20 best school districts are located in the north and northwest suburbs, according to Niche.com.

The top 10 are: Vernon Hills SD 128, New Trier Township HSD 203, Barrington Community Unit SD 220, Hinsdale Township HSD 86, Glenbrook HSD 225, Naperville Community Unit SD 203, Indian Prairie Community Unit SD 204 (Aurora), Niles Township Community HSD 219, and Township HSD 214 in Arlington Heights.

Of the next 10 best school districts, only two are not from the north or northwest suburbs of Chicago: Dunlap Community Unit SD 323 in Peoria, and Orland Park’s Consolidated HSD 230 in Orland Park.

The Chicago Public Schools are not even in competition.

That might explain why Chicago has the worst crime rate in Illinois. If Chicago’s schools were doing better, maybe Chicago would have less crime?

Chicago’s schools are a never-ending abyss of wasteful spending. Last year, the state gave Chicago’s schools $600 million. Most of the money — nearly $455 million — didn’t go for better education. It went to the pension debt for teachers and administrators.

Orland Park is a good example of a community in which the residents work hard, earn good wages, and pay more than their fair share of property taxes.

Property taxes there have doubled over the past 20 years, mainly because of increased demands from the state.

Of the $6,000 paid last year, nearly 70 percent went to fund local schools.

In other words, residents in Orland Park want better schools and they are willing to pay for it. In fact, the average Chicago property tax is only $3,600, far less than Orland Park, and yet most Chicago homes cost more than suburban homes.

Chicago schools want more from the state, but they don’t want their residents to pay that increased difference.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, Cook County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, based on counties, yet the hardest-hit counties are downstate.

Illinois collects some $70 billion a year in revenues, most of which goes for healthcare and social services.

Imagine, Illinois spends nearly half of its revenue on healthcare and our healthcare system is so bad. Yikes!

We’re not even factoring in the money from the Illinois Lottery that’s also supposed to go to the schools.

Illinois also created a special General State Aid that today is about $4.8 billion that is used to fund school districts that are in “need.”

The only way to change this mess is to start from scratch. End all special subsidies, special grants, and the GSA, and start the budget process from zero.

That means every government agency and every school district should be forced to justify their spending. If they can’t, they should start cutting spending. Or, residents there can pay more property taxes.

Taking from your neighbors isn’t right.

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist and author who covered Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992.

Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Reporter

7

Leg amputation doesn’t keep Oak Lawn native down Lipinski says U.S. must

R

efusing to let go can be deadly!

For Laura Heneghan, of Lombard, it was holding on to a limb that nearly took her life.

The Oak Lawn native and 1987 Richards High School graduate said, “My legs were my best attribute. I received more compliments about my legs than anything else.”

Beyond the vanity of the matter, Laura had much deeper concerns about having her leg amputated. She was a mom of two elementaryaged children, her daughter, Courtney, 8, and her son, Jordan, 7.

“Will my kids love me without having a lap to sit in?

Will I lose my friends? Will I feel like less of a person with only one leg?”

Laura said those thoughts plagued her.

She prolonged the decision to have surgery until the infected tumor in her leg encapsulated her blood vessels, causing the tumor to rupture. When that occurred, the infection penetrated her bone.

It was either her leg or her life!

“One of the most surprising revelations I had after my surgery was how much easier things became,” recalled Laura. “I felt a tremendous sense of relief. I wish I’d done it much sooner.”

Five years previous to the amputation, Laura was diagnosed with cancer. “Initially, I was misdiagnosed,” she said. “Doctors thought I had an adductor strain.”

An adductor muscle strain is an acute injury to the groin muscles on the medial aspect (inside) of the thigh. Her assumed injury was treated with physical therapy that included an ultrasound, heat and electrical muscle stimulation with hopes to bring blood back to the tissue for healing.

However, Laura in fact had a malignant blood tumor. The therapy fed the tumor and it grew — to the size of a softball.

An aggressive radiation regimen was administered by the well-respected Fermilab, known for treating advanced tumors difficult to reach or that have been slow to respond to other forms of treatment.

Laura said the treatment was so potent it killed the cancer more rapidly than her lymph nodes could handle. Lymph nodes filter lymph of harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The nodes also filter out cellular waste, dead cells, and cancerous cells.

Laura’s dead cells were lying dormant in her leg, wreaking havoc.

“My leg was enormously swollen, didn’t function and it left me in chronic pain,” Laura said. “I was on the strongest pain killers prescribed and I still felt pain.”

Laura said being on medication habitually left her groggy, emotional and isolated.

“My husband would have to take the kids to birthday parties and social outings without me because I was always too tired or in too much pain to go anywhere,” Laura explained.

Her best attribute had become her biggest adversary.

“I had to use crutches because my leg

Oak Lawn native Laura Heneghan enjoys herself on a vacation trip to Las Vegas.

Heneghan has learned to thrive after having her right leg amputated.

“Don’t ever give up on yourself,” she says.

Submitted photo

to Russian President Putin.

“In the recent past, Russia has continued its aggression in Ukraine, sought to interfere in elections in the U.S. and other countries, deployed treaty-violating nuclear cruise missiles, slaughtered innocent civilians in Syria, and grown increasingly close to Iran,” Lipinski said. “So former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn’s lying about a conversation with the Russian ambassador about U.S. sanctions, as well as reports about contacts between Russian intelligence and Trump campaign personnel, are of great concern and need to be fully investigated

by Congress and law enforcement.

“Ronald Reagan succeeded in bringing down the Iron Curtain by showing strength and resolutely standing up to the Soviet Union.

President Trump needs to be similarly resolute toward Putin.”

Mary Janis

didn’t bend,” Laura recollected. “Even with crutches I was challenged because the weight of my leg was so heavy I’d have to drag it.”

The reality of waking from surgery to one less limb might have left most people devastated, but Laura said that isn’t what she noticed was missing. “The pain was gone,” said Laura. “I actually felt relief.”

That wasn’t the only surprise Laura experienced.

Laura found she could propel forward on crutches much easier without hauling around dead weight. She also discovered that her children she worried wouldn’t be able to accept her enjoyed her much more after surgery.

“They loved seeing me happy and enjoying life again instead of laying around stagnant, in pain and sleeping all the time.”

Laura added that, “God brought me through it. He put people in my life that gave me love, support and encouragement.

From my mom sitting by my hospital bedside, my kids helping change bandages, and my church family and friends getting me out of the house, God sent help.”

Laura said surviving cancer and getting through her amputation gave her a renewed sense of passion and purpose. After having been a stay-at-home mom she went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Trinity Christian College. She started working in school District 124 in 2001. She first taught English Language Learners and now she is an ELL coach.

“Never underestimate the power of what you can do with God’s help,” said Laura.

“Don’t ever give up on yourself.”

This December, Laura is slated to walk

across the stage to receive a master’s in Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement. She’s spoken at a half dozen conferences on a national and state level, teaching educators how to gain a deeper understanding of students where English is a second language.

Laura learned that losing her leg didn’t cripple her, it was holding on to it that was doing that. Now she has a life she didn’t know she could experience.

The first time I saw Laura I was getting out of my car with my purse, laptop and camera bag. It was heavy and difficult to carry and I felt bogged down by the load — until I looked up. Laura was walking across the parking lot with a purse, workbag, stack of papers, and a coffee. She was walking on one leg, on crutches. Did I mention she was in a stylish dress wearing a matching sandal that had the nerve to have a high heel?

How dare I complain about what I had to carry? I was walking on two legs with a pair of flat shoes.

I wanted to share Laura’s story because it’s such a great example for anyone refusing to let go of dead weight. Maybe for you it’s a relationship, business, profession or job title.

Maybe at one point the attachment was an attribute, but now it’s your nemesis. It’s time to detach from that which is dead so you can live again.

You can learn more about Laura following her blog at http://sohereiam.weebly. com/ Claudia Parker is an author, photographer and a reporter. Her columns appear every second and fourth Thursday of each month. She can be reached at AuthorClaudiaParker@yahoo.com.

In response to blood shortages and requests for blood donations, Northwestern College, 7725 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, opened its doors to the community and hosted a winter blood drive last month. Students, faculty, staff and members of the public all participated in the four-hour event organized by the Heartland Blood Center and sponsored by the college’s Medical Assisting Department. Sheila RoeBoston (above), program director of the School of Commerce and Technology, takes time out to give blood at Northwestern College’s winter blood drive.

Mary M. Janis, 98, a former resident of Oak Lawn, died Sunday at her home in Lockport.

Mrs. Janis was a retired bookkeeper for many years at Immaculate Conception Parish in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood.

Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Straka; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Services are at 9 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 23) at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hiighway, Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, for 10 a.m. Mass.

Interment will follow at St. Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery.

Raymond Norville Raymond Norville, 85, a longtime resident of Hickory Hills, died Saturday.

Mr. Norville, a U.S. Navy veteran, was a retired lithographer. He was a member of the Chicago Graphics Arts Union Local 458M and was also a member of the St. Patricia Holy Name Society and Garden Club. He was also a former basketball head coach at St. Patricia and St. Symphorosa schools. Mr. Norville also served as a head umpire for Hickory Hills Youth Baseball.

Visitation is from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at Hills Funeral Home, 10201 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. Services will be held at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 from the funeral home to St. Patricia Church, 9050 S. 86th Ave., Hickory Hills, for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment with military honors will be held at St. Casimir Cemetery.

Carole Speiser Carole Speiser (nee Ritter), 76, died Friday at her home in Worth.

Mrs. Speiser was once employed at Rini’s Pharmacy, which was located in Palos Heights. She was a 1959 graduate of Eisenhower High School.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Kenneth; daughters, Brenda George and Wendy Phelan; and three grandchildren.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

Submitted photo

Oak Lawn native receives honor from lawyers magazine room,” said Ventrelli.

Ventrelli represents professionals, athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and those who value their wealth, lifestyle, and well-being. Although Ventrelli is an experienced litigator, she Ventrelli is described as being equally comfortable devising smart settlement solutions for her clients. She utilizes her analytical skills to master both facts and finances for an optimum position for her cli-

ents at trial or settlement.

Ventrelli said she prides herself on giving each client an honest assessment of how the process will work. She educates clients on their available options and the consequences of those options.

Since 1997, Ventrelli has been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). In 2003, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin named her “40 Attorneys Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch.” Since 2005, she has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer. Ventrelli is also on the Board and Faculty of the American Bar Association/National Institute of Trial Advocacy Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.

SW Suburban Widows and Widowers plan meeting for March 3 The Southwest Suburban Widows and Widowers Social Club will gather for a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, 17100 S. 69th Ave., Tinley Park.

Beverages and snacks are served at the

Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) said last week that Russia is a direct threat to peace and stability in the West and NATO and that President Trump needs to take these concerns seriously.

“We should maintain, if not strengthen, our sanctions on Russia until we see demonstrable improvement in their behavior,” Lipinski said. “That is why I am cosponsoring the Russian Sanctions Review Act, which gives Congress the ability to block President Trump from relaxing sanctions on Russia.”

Lipinski said that the president needs to make clear that the U.S. will continue to prevent Russia’s risky behavior and to reassure allies in NATO and elsewhere.

The congressman added that the Trump administration has to be diligent in countering with Moscow and not with a weak approach

DEATH NOTICES

Thumbs up for winter blood drive

Oak Lawn native Anita M. Ventrelli has been selected as a Top 50 Woman Attorney in Illinois by Super Lawyers, the publication’s top honor for female lawyers.

Ventrellli is a senior partner at Schiller DuCanto & Flecki, LLP. The nominating process by Super Lawyers Magazine invited attorneys to “nominate the top lawyers they have personally observed in action, whether as opposing counsel, co-counsel, or through other firsthand observation in the courtroom.”

“Awards bestowed by one’s peers are the highest honors any of us can aspire to receive.

I am grateful for their recognition of my passion for pursuing my clients’ causes in the court-

maintain Russian sanctions

monthly meetings. Entertainment will be provided at most meetings. The club offers support to the widowed of all ages and faiths.

Club activities include organized restaurant outings, dances, trips, theater outings, monthly

games, discussion and interaction meetings.

Newcomers get acquainted meetings are also being held. More information can be obtained by calling Danell Chmura, (630) 728-9368, or Bill Dolehide, (708) 342-6820.

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

8 The Reporter

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Students learn about Tae Kwan Do

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DOING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 2015-14ATT Plaintiff, -v.STANISLAWA MAREK, GREEN OAKS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants

Master Mike, from Joon Leel’s Tae Kwan Do in Oak Lawn, recently stopped by Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn on Feb. 13 to teach the students in various physical education classes in Tae Kwan Do.

2015 CH 11510 9986-9998 S 84TH TR UNIT 109 Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 13, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Submitted photo

Life Saver

Continued from Page 1

a health emergency with my mother,” Holland said. “He knew to call for help, but I never would have imagined he’d use those skills to take care of me. I am very proud of my son. He acted quickly and saved my life.”

EMS arrived to Holland’s home and transported Holland to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where it was discovered that she had suffered a blood clot that blocked the artery leading to the left side of the brain. Dr. Scott Geraghty, neurointerventional radiologist with the Neurosciences Institute at Christ Medical Center, performed a thrombectomy, removing the clot in her artery and allowing blood to flow to the brain.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Holland was unable to speak and the right side of her face was completely paralyzed,

according to Geraghty.

“If Romeo had suggested his mother go lay down on the couch and rest when he noticed her feeling dizzy, instead of calling 911, there’s a good chance she would have never woken up,” Geraghty said. “In this case, his actions saved his mother’s life.”

Dr. Melvin Wichter, chair of neurology and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute agreed it was Romeo’s fast response that prevented Holland from suffering brain damage or death.

“We can do amazing things if people get to the hospital quick enough,” Wichter said. “In Romeo’s situation, this was the best Christmas gift he will ever receive, having his mother still here with him today thanks to his actions.”

Wichter said children should be educated both at home and in the classroom setting on recognizing signs of stroke in order to help family members in need.

Holland’s recovery is going so well that

she has been discharged from therapy and is back at home with Romeo. She is experiencing slight slurred speech and a minor stutter, but otherwise feels back to normal. She has not yet resumed to work.

“When I found out my son saved my life, I didn’t know what to feel,” Holland said. “He is just such a smart boy.”

Romeo is happy to have his mother with him today.

“I’m happy she is here,” he said. “I love my mom.”

Neurocritical care or neurointensive care is a branch of medicine that emerged in the 1980s and deals with life-threatening diseases of the nervous system, which are those that involve the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Common diseases treated in neurointensive care units include strokes, ruptured aneurysms, brain and spinal cord injury from trauma and seizures.

The Neurocritical Care Unit at Advocate Christ Medical Centrer is staffed by a team of neurointensivists, consult-

ing neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroendovascular radiologists, trauma surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses and technologists specially trained in the care of the nervous system disorders and acute injury. At Advocate Christ Medical Neurosciences Institute, these specialists provide the highest level of neurological care in an environment where patients receive the individualized and appropriate care needed. The hospital integrates a full array of treatments and expertise to address the many dimensions of neurologic care for adults and children, according to Advocate Christ Medical Center officials.

Romeo is in the second grade at Stevenson Elementary School in Chicago’s Scottsdale neighborhood and plans to continue his love for knowledge as he grows older.

“When I grow up, I want to become a scientist because I’m smart,” he said.

“That he is,” his mother agreed.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

EVERGREEN PARK Private art sale to be held at Evergreen Park AL Post A large private art sale that will include paintings from all over the world will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at the Evergreen Park American Legion Post 854, 9701 S. Kedzie Ave. All framed paintings range in price from $15 to $125.

A 10 percent discount will be offered for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, police officers and firefighters.

All sports framed pictures range from $5 to $35 and include football, hockey, basketball and baseball.

HICKORY HILLS Hickory Hills Park District to host preschool open house

The Hickory Hills Park District will host a preschool open house from 6 to 7 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 23) at the Cynthia Neal Rec Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, Hickory Hills.

The open house is for those parents who would like to enroll their child in a preschool program for the first time for the 2017-18 school year. An informational pamphlet on the preschool program will be available that night or by calling (708) 598-1233 to have one mailed.

OAK LAWN Spaghetti dinners will be served at Trinity Lutheran Church

Worship service to be held at Grace Community Church The Oak Lawn Clergy and Religious Workers Association will host a service of Worship and Prayer for Christian Unity at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at Grace Community Church, 10415 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn.

The theme of the Christian unity service is “The Love of Christ Compels Us.” It was prepared by church leaders in Germany shaped by the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity’s report, “From Conflict to Communion.” This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The service focuses on a celebration of Jesus Christ and his work of reconciliation.

The service will include a celebration of God’s love and will also address the deep divisions that afflict the church and take steps toward reconciliation. Participants from a broad number of Oak Lawn churches will include musical groups, musicians, pastors and lay people. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow.

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘Widow’s Peak’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1994 movie “Widow’s Peak” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

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

Doctors provide advice for The 48th annual Trinity Lutheran Spaghetti Dinner millennial women on health, sex

will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the church, 9701 S. Brandt Ave., Oak Lawn.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 to 12. Kids under the ages of 3 can attend for free. The spaghetti will be served with homemade sauce, salad, bread, desserts and beverages. Tickets are also available for meatballs and sausage. Gluten free spaghetti and wheat pasta will also be offered.

More information can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 422-0193. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

‘Ashes to Go’ at Metra station To mark Ash Wednesday, “Ashes to Go” will be provided before the morning commute at the Oak Lawn Metra Train Station on March 1.

Peggy McClanahan, pastor of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn, will provide the ashes for commuters who wish to receive it. She will be distributing ashes from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m.

“This will be our fifth year of doing this,” said McClanahan. “We keep coming back because commuters and those who work near the station are so grateful to be able to receive their ashes on the way to work. It really meant a lot to them.”

Community Art Day Artists of all ages and abilities can showcase their work from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5 at the Oak Lawn Park District’s Community Art Day and Competition at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

The event is sponsored St. Xavier University. This free community art gallery will include an art competition for youths ages 6 to 18 and activities for all.

Registration is required at one of the Oak Lawn Park District facilities or through the online using code 316202-01. Snacks and beverages will be provided at this event.

To display artwork in the community gallery, enter the work in the youth art competition. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

Spaghetti dinner at Pilgrim Faith

Spaghetti dinners will be served from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. They are available at the door. Proceeds will go to the summer camp fund to send youth to Tower Hill Camp this week. The church is handicapped accessible.

Physicians and health care professionals from Advocate Christ Medical Center will provide a discussion for women on “What’s Buzzing for Millennials from Sex and Beyond” to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 4 in the center’s Stein Auditorium, 93rd Street and Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Lawn.

The program will feature female physicians and a lactation consultant who will present topics specific to the health and wellness of female millennials.

The first session is “Let’s Talk About Sex and Your Health” by Dr. Karen Johnson, OB/GYNE. The second session is on “Millennial Sexual Revolution – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” by Dr. Denise Furlong, urogynecologist.

The next two sessions are “What to Expect Before You Are Expecting” by Dr. Nichole Butler, OB/GYNE; and “Exclusive Breastfeeding in the New Millennium/ Knowledge for You, Family and Friends,” by Gail Gorecki, RN, lactation consultant.

A demonstration on making an illusion necklace to take home, and free blood pressure, body mass index, and percent body fat screenings will be available. Lunch will be provided.

Free parking is available in all the parking lots and parking towers on the medical campus. Registration is recommended by calling (800) 323-8622 and referring to event code 1W28.

Pool membership early bird sale The Oak Lawn Park District will be offering pool membership for Central Pool, 9400 S. Kenton Ave., and Centennial Aquatic Center, 9400 S. Nashville Ave., beginning on Wednesday, March 1.

Membership grants allow admission during the open swim session. Residents can save money by purchasing pool membership during the early bird period that is held from March 1 through April 1. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2225 or visit www.olparks.com.

Green and White Skate event

The Green and White Skate Event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19 at the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave. The afternoon of skating, a dance performance and raffles will be included. Music will be provided by a DJ. The fee for this event is $7 for admission and $3 for skate rental. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-5173.

Fish Fry Fridays to begin at Stony Creek Restaurant

Fish Fry Fridays are being offered at the Stony Creek Restaurant and Banquets, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn.

Open seating is available from 3 to 8 p.m. through April 14. The all-you-can-eat menu price includes fresh made creamy clam chowder or Stony Creek garden salad, dinner rolls, homemade coleslaw, lightly seasoned and breaded fresh fruit, homemade hush puppies, baked potato or french fries. Shrimp po’ boy is made to order for $6.95 a sandwich.

The cost is $12.95 for adults and $7.95 for children ages 10 and under. Tax and gratuity are not included in price. A cash bar is available. For more information, contact (708) 857-2433.

Trip to see ‘Saturday Night Fever Show’ The Oak Lawn Park District is headed to the Drury Lane in Oakbrook on Thursday, March 2 for the “Saturday Night Fever Show.”

The bus will depart at 11 a.m. from the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn, and is scheduled to return at 5 p.m. The fee is $80 for residents and $90 for non-residents. The show is recommended for ages 13 and over. Some of the material may be sensitive for younger viewers.

The production is based on the 1977 hit film. “Saturday Night Fever” follows Brooklyn teen Tony Manero in his attempt to escape his tribulations by spending weekends at the local discotheque. Tony tries to win the admiration of the crowd and his heartthrob, Stephanie Mangano, with his dance moves. The show features Bee Gees songs from the movie such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “More Than a Women,” and “Night Fever.”

Lunch will be a choice of pecan crusted tilapia with creamy roasted garlic butter, or grilled boneless pork chop with apple sauerkraut, garden salad, dinner rolls, choice of non-alcoholic beverage, chef’s selection of potato, vegetable and dessert.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

Spring craft and vendor fair

A spring craft and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 11 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Besides 25 crafters and vendors, lunch and coffee will be available for purchase. A raffle will also be offered.

Proceeds from this event will benefit our high school students who are going on a mission trip. More information can be obtained by emailing Kathy Faulkner at kathyf8@yahoo.com No more crafters or vendors are needed.

PALOS HILLS ‘Night at the Bouzoukia’ will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Church

“A Night at the Bouzoukia” will be held at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25 in the East Room of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

The event is sponsored by the St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos. The fee is $40. Children under the age of 14 can attend for $10.

WORTH Marrs-Meyers AL Post to host series of fish frys The Marrs-Meyers American Legion Post 991 will hold a series of fish frys on Fridays from March 3 through April 14 at the post, 11001 S. Depot Ave., Worth.

The fish frys will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Food that will be offered will include cod, catfish, shrimp and chicken strips, soup and salad, baked potato and fries, coffee, tea, soft drinks and desserts. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 12 and under. Kids under age 3 can eat for free.

PARCEL 1: UNIT 32-109 IN GREEN OAKS CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED ON A PLAT OF SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED TRACT OF LAND: PARCEL 1: THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THAT PART LYING SOUTH OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LINE: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, SAID POINT BEING 12.50 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4; THENCE EASTERLY ON A LINE 12.50 FEET NORTH OF AND PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 225.79 FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY, 87.31 FEET ALONG A CURVED LINE CONVEX TO THE NORTHEAST HAVING A RADIUS OF 72.50 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 69 DEGREES, AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHEAST FROM SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF THE SAID EAST 1/2 OF THE SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 118.31 FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY, 81.29 FEET ALONG A CURVED LINE CONVEX TO THE SOUTHWEST HAVING A RADIUS OF 67.50 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE EASTERLY ON A LINE 187.50 FEET SOUTH OF AND PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 51.62 FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, 192.77 FEET ALONG A CURVED LINE CONVEX TO THE SOUTHEAST HAVING A RADIUS OF 117.50 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 86 DEGREES, AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHEAST FROM SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4,99.79 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 24 DEGREES, 18 MINUTES, 21 SECONDS, AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO NORTHEAST FROM SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 736.91 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE EASTERLY, AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 84.68 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, SAID POINT BEING 341.28 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 11) AND ALSO (EXCEPT THAT PART LYING WEST OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LINE: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, SAID POINT BEING 847.38 FEET EAST OF THE WEST LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4; THENCE SOUTHERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES FROM SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, A DISTANCE OF 40 FEET; THENCE SOUTHERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 77 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 26 SECONDS AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHEAST FROM A LINE DRAWN PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4 A DISTANCE OF 172.21 FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE; THENCE SOUTHERLY 169.09 FEET ALONG A CURVED LINE CONVEX TO THE EAST HAVING A RADIUS OF 800 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTHERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 89 DEGREES 42 MINUTES 04 SECONDS AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTH FROM A LINE DRAWN PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, A DISTANCE OF 480.05 FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE; THENCE SOUTHERLY 101 .91 FEET ALONG A CURVED LINE CONVEX TO THE WEST HAVING A RADIUS OF 417.25 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTHERLY AT AN ANGLE OF 75 DEGREES 42 MINUTES 25 SECONDS AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHEAST FROM A LINE DRAWN PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 14 A DISTANCE OF 159.78 FEET TO THE AFORESAID DESCRIBED LINE FORMING AN ANGLE OF 24 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 21 SECONDS AS MEASURED FROM EAST TO NORTHEAST FROM THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF SAID EAST 1/2 OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4) EXCEPTING THEREFROM SAID TRACT OF LAND, THE NORTH 40 FEET THEREOF AND THE EAST 40 FEET THEREOF (EXCEPT THE NORTH 40 FEET) HERETOFORE DEDICATED, ALL IN TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS PARCEL 2: EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1 SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION

BY MILES L. COLEAN, PAUL P. SWETT, JR. AND ARTHUR W. VINER AS TRUSTEE AND MARQUETTE NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST 369 RECORDED JUNE 24, 1970 AS DOCUMENT 211192785 WHICH PLAT OF SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘’C’’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED APRIL 20, 2004 AS DOCUMENT 0411118002 TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS PARCEL 3: EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1 SET FORTH IN DECLARATION BY AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CHICAGO AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 21, 1976 AND KNOWS AS TRUST NUMBER 39811 RECORDED FEBRUARY 14, 1980 AS DOCUMENT 25362209 Commonly known as 9986-9998 S 84TH TR UNIT 109, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-301-006-1045.

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $122,863.61.

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

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

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

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

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C., 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 940-8580 Please refer to file number 16-03376.

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. 16-03376 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 2015 CH 11510 TJSC#: 37-1274 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.

The Reporter

Thursday, February 23, 2017

9

Lipinski celebrates National Engineers Week Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) has introduced a resolution in support of National Engineers Week, which is celebrated every year during the week of George Washington’s birthday.

As one of just a dozen

engineers in Congress, Lipinski introduced the resolution in order to highlight the role that engineers play in our nation and the world, and to help get more young people interesting in engineering.

Schools

consecutive state title, and 11th overall.

Richards High School also has a long history of winning state speech competitions. Earlier this month, senior Peter Forberg won the IHSA state speech championship in the category of extemporaneous speaking. Forberg also took third in original oratory.

“This will be great for the kids to have these state-of-theart buildings,” Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury said.

Deetjen said members of the Planning and Development Commission did ask the school officials if it was possible to build one performing arts center shared by the two schools, since they are relatively close to each other.

“They said it wouldn’t work because the buildings will be used during the school day for various classes, and scheduling would be problematic,” said Deetjen.

Both centers are expected to be available for community use as well.

Continued from Page 1

adding another. Having eight courts will allow the school to host IHSA tennis events.

Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deetjen said after the village board meeting that both projects could break ground in April. Construction is expected to take about a year.

“We are lucky to have two high schools in Oak Lawn with such good performing arts programs,” said Deetjen.

Last year, Oak Lawn High School’s Theater Group set a state record by winning its seventh

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.GLORIA LEWIS A/K/A GLORIA D LEWIS, BAYPORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 16 CH 02685 9840 S PULASKI RD APT 202 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 12, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF COOK AND STATE OF ILLINOIS: UNIT 202-4, IN BAYPORT CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 3 AND THE EAST 1/2 OF THAT PART OF LOT 2 LYING SOUTH OF THE NORTH 535.48 FEET THEREOF IN BARTOLOMEO AND MILARD SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH 36 1/2 ACRES OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, EXCEPT THE SOUTH 8 1/4 ACRES OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘’A’’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 25 295 899 TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS. Commonly known as 9840 S PULASKI RD APT 202, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -v.JOSEPH P. MANZO JR., CROWN MORTGAGE COMPANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 10771 10950 S. NAGLE AVENUE Worth, IL 60482 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 30, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 5 (EXCEPT SOUTH 60 FEET THEREOF) IN BLOCK 10 IN F.H. BARTLETT’S RIDGELAND ACRES, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 1, 1935 AS DOCUMENT NO. 11626307 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 10950 S. NAGLE AVENUE, Worth, IL 60482 Property Index No. 24-18-412-027-0000.

Property Index No. 24-10-226-066-1074.

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $76,468.11.

The judgment amount was $112,666.83.

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

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

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

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

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

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C., 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 940-8580 Please refer to file number 15-15136.

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. 15-15136 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 16 CH 02685 TJSC#: 36-14219 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.

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

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

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

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

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

DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES 10729 WEST 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 Attorney Code. 25602 Case Number: 16 CH 10771 TJSC#: 36-13862 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.

Photos by Dermot Connolly

The Chicago Police Department’s Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society perform during the benefit held Sunday at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park to raise money for Our Lady of the Ridge School in Chicago Ridge.

Our Lady

Continued from Page 1

Mary Grisolano, media relations volunteer and graduate of Our Lady of the Ridge, said the large crowd that attended the fundraiser on Sunday is reason for optimism.

“The turnout on Sunday was tremendous,” said Grisolano.

“This is really great, for sure.”

Grisolano added that the school’s enrollment had to be at least 114 by the end of the month, according to the archdiocese. She said 116 students are currently enrolled and those numbers are expected to rise. Grisolano said the actual amount raised from the fundraiser as of Monday afternoon was still being determined and will not be known for a few days.

But some volunteers said during the event that at least $300,000 has been raised this past month, which is more than the required $250,000.

“Some people are waiting to see what will happen with the school,” Grisolano said. “What usually occurs is there is always a surge in enrollment during the spring. I expect more families will enroll their children at Our Lady of the Ridge.”

Village Clerk Continued from Page 1

has written a novel.

Her father, Michael Walsh, is the maintenance engineer for the village. But she did not consult him about her decision to run for office. Harrison said she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Sally and John Flanagan, and has a more distant relationship with Walsh. She and her husband, Shane, now live with her mother, after selling their home near Midway Airport in Chicago.

She said they came back to help care for John Flanagan, who died of leukemia in 2015.

Pointing to the Chicago Ridge website, which states that the clerk’s office, “serves as a link between the citizens of the community and the mayor and the Board of Trustees,” Harrison said,

LEGAL NOTICE

The Lavin-Cassidy School of Irish Dance performs during the benefit held Sunday at 115 Bourbon Street.

Tokar said the local business community has assisted in keeping Our Lady of the Ride open. A phone-a-thon has been held to inform residents of the importance of the school. The mayor conveyed not only to alumni but also residents and community leaders who may not have attended the school of how important it is to Chicago Ridge.

Our Lady of the Ridge has served 12 school districts and draws pupils from Alsip and Worth. If the school were to close, it would have a negative effect on businesses in the area, the mayor said.

But Tokar was in great spirits at the fundraiser and is confident about Our Lady of the Ridge’s chances.

“I can’t believe how many people came out today,” Tokar said. “It just shows you how many people care for this school.”

Temperatures in the 60s may have encouraged more people to come out. But Grisolano said it was more than that.

“People love our little school,” she said.

“I want to be that person. I want to help the citizens of Chicago Ridge be heard by the mayor and trustees of their village. As a resident who spent my childhood in Chicago Ridge and returned home, I know how much the people of this village care about their town. I want all the citizens to know that their clerk should be their connection to their government,” she said.

Intimating that Schleyer is not available enough, Harrison said, “My whole platform is to be there in the office, to be that link. I am committed to being there during business hours and being the link between the community and the village government.”

She said she gained the needed administrative skills while running a home-based eBay business with her husband. Currently, she volunteers as an aikido instructor with The Center for the Martial Arts in Worth.

Schleyer pointed out that the village clerk position is part-time, and he is in the office at least four hours a day, from 8 a.m. to noon. He said his experience and record of accomplishments during his first term make him more qualified than his opponent.

A journeyman baker originally from Chicago’s Southwest Side, Schleyer currently is production manager for Kirschbaums Bakery in Western Springs. He said his career managing bakeries and serving on contract negotiating committees has helped him as clerk. He is a member of the Retail Bakers of America and Chicago Area Retail Bakers Association.

“As village clerk, besides setting agendas and keeping records of all meetings, I am also the collector. That means I am responsible for the collection of revenue from all taxes and fees, everything from water bills to

vehicle stickers. The staff does the brunt of the work, and technology has helped. But my job is a lot more than showing up, as Ms. Harrison thinks,” said Schleyer.

“I am the liaison between the community and the government. I am very accessible, and have built relationships with organizations throughout the community.”

Schleyer, with his wife, Janis, and their three children, has lived in Chicago Ridge since 1994. He moved from Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood, where he served as president of the Ashburn Civic Association. He later was appointed executive director of the Southwest Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

Locally, he has been active in the Chicago Ridge Athletic Association, and served as Assistant Scout Master in Cub Scout Pack 3665.

“As village clerk, I rebuilt the Chamber of Commerce and I helped bring a Lions Club to town,” he noted. He is a founding member of the Chicago Ridge Lions Club, which was formed about a year ago. “I also started a student pledge program and held very successful veterans supply drives.”

“I also have kept my campaign promises. I did not participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan, and I have refused the 2 percent annual pay raises (that village clerks are entitled to by ordinance).”

He said that if re-elected, he will continue to reject any increase to the base $20,000 annual salary that he started with. “And I believe in term limits, so if I am re-elected, this will be my last term,” he said.

LEGAL NOTICE

WWR #10139550 STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF COOK IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

FRANK GASCA; MARGARET GASCA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants.

CASE NO: 16 CH 02849 CALENDAR NO. 63 Property Address: 10650 82nd Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, Frank Gasca, Margaret Gasca, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, Defendants in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Chancery Department, Cook County, Illinois, by the Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: Lot 248 in FRANK DELUGACH’S WOODED HILLS, being a subdivision of the South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Township 37 North, Range 12 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

Commonly known as 10650 82nd Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

Parcel Number: 23-14-213-018-0000 and which said Mortgage was made by Frank Gasca and Margaret Gasca, Mortgagors, to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois as Instrument Number 0533235209; And for such other relief prayed; that summons was duly issued out of the said Chancery Department, Cook County, Illinois against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU, the said above defendant, file an answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of Chancery Department, Cook County, Illinois, at the Courthouse, in the City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, on or before the 13TH day of MARCH, 2016, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a decree entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint.

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. 180 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL, 60601 Telephone: 312-782-9676 Facsimile: 312-782-4201 ChicagoREDG@weltman.com ARDC No. 6289784 Cook Atty. ID No. 31495

LEGAL NOTICE

SUDOKU Answers

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the circuit court, Cook county, on the 10th day of March, bearing Case Number 17M50271, located at 10220 S. 76th Ave. Bridgeview, IL 60457, in room number 203, grants me the right to assume the name of Wyatt Matthew Miller.

The city and state of my address are Chicago Ridge, IL; the month and year of my birth are July 1996; place of my birth is Chicago, IL; my present name is Sabrina Marie Miller.

LEGAL NOTICE

CROSSWORD Answers

10 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

COMINGS & GOINGS

Five reasons not to be a ‘do-it-yourself’ investor

Rockler woodworking, hardware store now open in Orland Park

T

A

new store that specializes in woodworking and DIY products opened last week in Orland Park.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware opened a new, 7,000 square foot retail store Saturday at 15758 S. LaGrange Road.

Visitors will find a broad range of products that include power tools and laser machines, as well as unique project ideas, lumber, hardware and finishing accessories.

Bob new store includes Bong The dedicated classroom and demonstration space, along with ongoing, free, classroom demonstrations and a knowledgeable staff to assist with project advice.

“The new Orland Park store reflects Rockler’s ongoing efforts to provide the greater Chicago area with more and better access to a truly wonderful educational resource and retail experience for woodworking and DIY tools and supplies,” Rockler Vice President of Retail Dana Busch said in a release.

The official grand opening will be held in April, which will include special product demonstrations, manufacturers’ representatives, and promotions.

The new Orland Park location is the company’s third in the Chicago area and its 36th store nationwide. Other area stores are in Schaumburg and Bolingbrook. The company was founded 63 years ago.

The Orland Park store will employ approximately 12 people.

Culver’s to open near Midway Airport

Culver’s franchisee Guy Hollis, who operates six locations in Lyons, Bridgeview, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park and Franklin Park, is now planning a new restaurant for the Midway area.

The city has approved selling him a vacant lot at 6400 S. Cicero Ave. The 4,000-square-foot eatery is expected to break ground soon and open near the airport early next year.

Hollis also is working on a Culver’s at

Rockler is now open at Orland Park’s Lake View Plaza shopping center.

the 6 Corners area in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood and another in north suburban Evanston.

Hollis opened his first franchise in 2004 in Bridgeview.

Another south suburban franchise owner, Justin Obriecht, with locations in Tinley Park, Orland Park and Matteson, is working on bringing a Culver’s to the Wrigleyville area.

The Culver’s is one of a slew of new businesses planning to open on that stretch of Cicero near the airport between Chicago and Bedford Park.

A Panda Express recently opened at 6501 S. Cicero and a Lou Malnati’s is under construction at 6456 S. Cicero in a former used car lot.

Top Driver buys A-Orland Driving School Top Driver driving school announced last week that it had acquired A-Orland Driving School in Orland Park.

Top Driver, which is the largest private driving school in the Midwest, closed on the deal to acquire Orland Driving School on Feb. 14.

A-Orland Driving was established in 1967 and is one of the best known private driving schools in the southwest suburbs.

Top Driver said it would continue to operate out of the majority of A-Orland locations effective immediately.

Top Driver said in a release acquiring A-Orland extends the company’s footprint, visibility and service area.

Top Driver previously had classroom locations in Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Homer Glen, Manteno, New Lenox and Tinley Park. It also operates at

Photo by Bob Bong

Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

Top Driver was founded in 2003 and now has more than 65 locations.

Top Driver CEO Paul Zalatoris said in a release, “Top Driver is excited to have the opportunity to service the driving needs of teens and adults of the southern suburbs of Chicago and the Kankakee region.”

For more information, visit topdriver. com or call (800) 374-8373.

Cal City Bakery opens in new location

Cal City Bakery moved from its original location on State Line Avenue to its new digs at 816 Burnham Ave. on Jan. 27.

The bakery opened in the former Steffens Bakery at 714 State Line in February 2014. It serves fresh doughnuts, pastries, strudels, cookies, breads, cakes and wedding cakes.

Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The bakery owner is Jose Rojas.

For information, call 708-862-6640 or visit its website at www.calcitybakery. com.

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

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

BEST OF THE WINE GUY

Good food and good thoughts can help stave off illness

E

ach year, medical science announces several new “wonder drugs” — whether for physical or mental illnesses – that are relentlessly marketed as if they will make us healthier and improve the quality of our lives.

The commercials for these drugs are filled with warnings and descriptions of conditions that seem to imply to otherwise healthy people that if they have certain symptoms they may have the disorder their drug “treats.” They feel people with fear, doubt and frustration, and like sheep being led to slaughter, they flock to hospitals and psychiatrists.

From my view, it looks like someone has a diabolical plot to create a nation of hypochondriacs for their own financial gain.

It is obvious these pharmaceutical companies are inventing reasons for people to buy their products. After all, people with health problems are usually aware they have problems and don’t need commercials to tell them so, right?

And these supposed lifesaving drugs are here to make life easier or more bearable. Yet, the number of people in hospi-

Thursday, February 23, 2017

tals, therapy and mental health

clinics keeps rising, year after year.

We have drugs for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, yet the people on these drugs still die of heart attacks and strokes, if not directly from the side effects these drugs cause. We have antidepressants and antianxiety medications, and every time you go to a gathering of family or friends you learn someone has recently been prescribed one of them.

And doesn’t it seem funny that no diseases or disorders ever seem curable anymore?

Whether physical or mental, people are stuck taking pills or

TAX SEASON IS HERE! S & L FEDERAL TAX SERVICE, LLC (708) 424-4500 Call an Enrolled Agent

Larry Gillette • EA, CTRS

OPEN ALL YEAR LONG

• Personal Income Taxes • Business Taxes Monday - Saturday 9am-9pm • Business Entity Sunday 10am-8pm Formation • Federal / State Audit Services Burbank, IL 60459

5728 W. 87th St.

shots the rest of their lives just to be “normal.” It just doesn’t add up.

Mental health legislation, meanwhile, is being instituted to deprive us of the will to think for ourselves, and that’s exactly what “Joe Public” has forgotten how to do. Instead of thinking and reasoning, many people, especially in regard to their health, just do what someone who they think is an expert tells them to do.

Here’s a fact: Many if not most physicians today are taught now how to prevent, treat or cure illnesses, but how to treat them with drugs.

Here’s another fact: Many if not most physicians own stock in pharmaceutical companies.

Now is it beginning to add up?

So, you may ask, what can you do about it? First, remember that you and only you are responsible for your health and what happens to your body and mind. What you eat, what you drink, what you think, what your feel and how much you exercise are up to you.

You are an electro-spiritual being. Your body is essentially a vessel operated by a central processing unit – a battery and

wires – composed of a brain and the nerves that run to every part of your body.

The sicknesses that we endure are almost always caused by an upset or imbalance in one or more of the body’s systems. Keeping these systems in balance by eating the right foods, avoiding the wrong ones, exercising, praying and meditating can prevent illness from gaining a foothold. Restoring this balance once you are sick can help you on the road to recovery and set you free again.

Eat your fruits and vegetables, use your mind constructively and keep it filled with positive thoughts. These are your first lines of defense against sickness and disease.

And don’t forget to drink your wine.

Anthony Scarano is not a doctor. He is an Evergreen Park resident, winemaker and certified naturopath. Suggestions in this space are his opinions based on years of independent study and personal experience.

Wine should be consumed in moderation. Overindulgence may be harmful to your health.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of February 20) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.430

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.250

4.295

0

United Trust Bank (as of February 20) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.146

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.411

0

10-year fi ed

3.250

3.303

0

Prospect Federal (as of February 17) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.171

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.875

3.938

.25

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.438

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

a cohesive picture? A hese days, you financial professional, can go online with years of experiand invest, for ence and training, is modest fees. You can generally more capable also visit various webof finding the research sites for research and sources and making watch numerous cable the most sense out of shows for investment the results. recommendations. So, Put experience why shouldn’t you Scott to work in making be a “do-it-yourself” Johnson portfolio recommendainvestor rather than tions: Even if you’ve work with a financial been investing for many years, professional? you might be surprised at all Actually, there are at least five good reasons why a finan- the underlying influences that cial advisor can help make you should go into making investment decisions. But a finana better investor. cial professional understands A financial advisor can: market patterns, the nature of Ask the right questions: diversification and other factors If you try to invest on your necessary in helping you make own, you may find yourself the right choices for your situasking the wrong questions, ation. such as: “What’s the ‘hotSpend time looking for test’ investment out there?” A financial professional can help opportunities: Even if you enjoy the process of investing, frame better questions, such the chances are quite good that as: “Given my individual you can’t spend as much time risk tolerance and long-term on it as a financial professiongoals, which investments al. That means, among other should I consider to help me things, you aren’t constantly on build a balanced portfolio?” the lookout for new investment In other words, a financial professional can help you ask opportunities. Nor are you the questions that can lead to always looking within your own portfolio for opportunibetter results. ties to rebalance or make other Look at your situation adjustments that can help you objectively: No matter how move forward toward your hard you try, you won’t be goals. able to take all the emoBut when you work closely tion out of your investment with a financial advisor, he or choices. After all, your inshe is exploring the financial vestment success will play a markets for new investment large role in some key areas prospects while regularly of your life, such as your ability to enjoy a comfortable reviewing your portfolio for possibilities of upgrading retirement. Consequently, if quality, increasing diversificayou think you’re not making tion or making adjustments in the progress you should with your investments, you may be response to changes in your life. tempted to make a hasty deThe “do-it-yourself” route cision to give your portfolio may be fine for home repairs. a “jolt.” Frequently, though, But when it comes to managsuch choices can backfire. ing your investment situation, When it comes to investing, there are benefits to working it’s better to invest with your head, not your heart. A finan- with a professional. cial advisor can analyze your Scott Johnson, CFP, is a situation, assess your risk financial advisor with Edward tolerance and make appropriJones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos ate recommendations.

Show a deeper understand- Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal ing of investment research: advice. This article was writYou can look up many types ten by Edward Jones for use of financial data on your own. by your local Edward Jones But do you know how to put financial advisor. all these pieces together into

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office.

The Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Chicago Ridge Potas Robert to Lavin Matthew Dale, 10304 Ridgeland Ave, Unit #103, $49,000; Altobello Michael to Altobello James J, 10530 S Oak Park Ave, $100,000; Wilmington Sav Fund Soc to Naranjo Anthony, 10230 Fireside Dr, $155,000; Strama Stanislaw to Baranetchi Gabriel, 7009 Oconnell Dr, Unit #103, $76,500; Nasakaitis Gary V to Campos Jorge L, 10549 S Oak Park Ave, $180,000.

Evergreen Park U S Bk to Mufaddal Real Estate Fund LLC, 2735 W 96th Pl, $86,000; Solis Michael L to Cloney Heather L, 3215 W 98th St, $179,000; Nowak Edward Tr to Winford Henry L, 8924 S Francisco Ave, $159,000 Tracy Russel L Tr to Cazares Eduardo, 8821 S Francisco Ave, $188,000; Evergreen Oasis Holdings LLC to Net3 EP II LLC, 8956 S Troy St, $650,000; W & D Investments LLC to Net3 EP II LLC, 2800 W 95th St, $353,000; Net3 EP II LLC to Wintrust Bk, 8956 S Troy St, $4,297,500; Franz Donna D to Kane Jessica A, 9129 S Clifton Park Ave, $144,000.

Hickory Hills Mack Investments I LLC to Breit Christopher J, 9020 S 85th Ct, $296,000; Firkins Ruth A to Alawad Mohammed, 7800 W 95th St, Unit #91583A, $112,000; Alawad Mohammed to Reliant Asset Corp, 7800 W 95th St, Unit #91583A, $115,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Netter Molly Kachale, 9024 W Christina Dr, $320,000; Voight Michael to Durrani Nadia K, 9005 S Roberts Rd, Unit #21B, $115,000.

Oak Lawn Bello Scott to Aguirre Noel, 8909 51st Ave, $136,000; Auda Alaaeldin H to Diaz Edna J, 4845 105th St, $225,000;

Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Diaz Miguel D, 10000 Minnick Ave, $178,000; Prof-2013-S3 Legal Title Trust to Awad Arafat, 6534 W 91st St, $310,000; Roberts Noel to Chomicki Brian, 9541 Menard Ave, $167,500; Sakiri Zaim to Walker Kenneth, 9641 Karlov Ave, Unit #9641-SW202, $75,000; Skendzel Ryan A to Brown Thomas A, 8912 55th Ct, $252,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Cheatham Jermane, 5840 104th St, Unit #112, $65,000; Klimek Suzan C to Aguilar Julio III, 10018 Moody Ave, $199,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Dmochowska Monika, 10330 S Komensky Ave, Unit #10330C, $36,000; Palucki Marcus to Hernandez Martha E, 10321 S Kolin Ave, $265,000; Mozdzen Stanley to Vidmar Brandon A, 9000 Moody Ave, $272,000; Schuld Daniel J Sr to Schmitt Colleen E, 9725 52nd Ave, $434,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Mannion Joseph S, 11000 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #11000NE4, $41,000; Shipp Carol J to Jackson Dennis, 4030 W 97th St, Unit #203, $94,000; Stout John to Dyson Terzah RJ, 9820 Pulaski Rd, Unit #1072, $45,000; Alpers Gregory N to Kleszczewski Steve J, 5269 W 89th St, $170,000; Qualter Mary Jo to Garcia Reuben A Jr, 10048 Crawford Ave, Unit #2E, $55,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Sienkiewicz Andrzej, 10340 Pulaski Rd, Unit #203, $41,500; Goggin Richard E Jr to D A Bar Bldr Inc, 10741 S Kenneth Ave, $110,000; Turecki Andrzej to Leos Sergio, 4042 Trafalgar Ln, $155,000; Awesome Homes & Cap LLC to Perez-Villalobos Olga R, 5361 Kimball Pl, $219,000.

Palos Hills Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Samulevicius Domas, 11323 S Roberts Rd, Unit D, $115,000; Majcher Janusz to Deer Land LLC, 10505 S 82nd Ct, $59,500; Dolecek Therese A to Povilaitis Vida Tr, 11018 Theresa Cir, Unit #2C, $150,000; Muthana Yousef to Bugayes AnwarM, 10546 S Aspen Dr, $198,000.

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Reporter

11

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Local students on dean’s list at Carroll University

Local students were selected to the dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. Earning dean’s list honors from Evergreen Park were Daniel Anzelmo and Emma Przeslicke. Other local students selected to the dean’s list were Julie Coti, from Oak Lawn, and Mostafa El-leboudi, of Palos Hills.

Oak Lawn resident is named to dean’s list at Northeastern University Submitted photo

A group of students at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights were recently honored at the Recognition Assembly for their academics, Christian character, leadership, scholarship and hard work.

Chicago Christian students honored at Recognition Assembly The Recognition Assembly was held recently at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights to honor students who displayed qualities of academic excellence, Christian character, leadership, scholarship, hard work and determination during the third quarter.

Teachers from each department recognized students during an assembly at the school.

The students were treated to a special lunch to celebrate their efforts.

Chicago Christian students who received honors were Janay Turner, Aariah Moore, Amy Lyons, Josiah Vis, Anthony Luciano, Trent Riemersma, Josh Purnell, Tony Reppmann, an Evergreen Park resident; Raquel Robertson, Abigail Joritz, Cassie Sluis, Abby Haan, Palos Heights; Christa Janowiak, Orland Park; Bethany Regnerus, Palos Heights; Elizabeth Czajkowski, Orland Park; Cassidy VandeKamp, Isayas Aris, Frank Johnson, Gladie Ngiama,

Hickory Hills; Lauren Marchbanks, Adeline Larson, Palos Heights; and Danny Bulthuis.

The list includes Allyah Nichols, David Falb, Macey Kerfin, Palos Heights; Abby Kuipers, Orland Park; Jason Henry, Collin Pujdak, Mitch Sachs, Palos Heights; Joey Mavrogiannis, Keysean Bonds, Frank Jones, Ben Fry, Drew VandeKamp, Albert Aardsma, Hickory Hills; Emma Lyons-Weber, Anna Regnerus, Palos Heights; and Sophia Sanders, Hickory Hills.

Oak Lawn resident Jameson O’Reilly was selected to the dean’s list at Northeastern University in Boston. O’Reilly is majoring in mathematics and physics. He is also a member of the university honors program, which offers high caliber students the chance to further hone their studies and interests, live in special interest-on-campus housing, and participate in one of two honors courses each term.

Evergreen Park residents earn degrees at Fort Hays University

Two local students earned degrees during the fall 2016 semester at Fort Hays University in Hays, Kansas. Samantha Aalders, an Evergreen Park resident, graduated with a bachelor science in information networking and telecommunication (computer networking). Dawn Bilk, also of Evergreen Park, graduated with a master of science in instructional technology.

Local students named to dean’s list at Millikin University

A group of local students were named to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Millikin University in Decatur.

Local students who made the dean’s list at Millikin were sophomore Nicole Larkin, an Evergreen Park resident, College of Professional Study, Sport Management, senior Karoline Ciezczak, a Hickory Hills resident, College of Fine Arts, Music Business; and Ryan Sikora, of Hickory Hills, College of Arts and Science, Mathematics Actuarial Science.

Oak Lawn residents earning dean’s list honors were freshman Kathryn Coffey, College of Fine Arts, Theatre; junior Taylor Lindemann, College of Fine Arts, Theatre; and junior Kelly Schrage, College of Fine Arts.

Local students named to dean’s list at Northern Illinois University

Submitted photo

Proud of these Mustangs

Twenty-two students at Evergreen Park Community High School students received the Mustang Pride Award at a breakfast in the school’s cafeteria last month. Students who received honors were Darren Brandt, Destiny Cobbins, Bianca Dejesus, Darby Duffy, Gonzalo Esparza, Gabriel Garcia, Luke Hanlon, Terrance Hawkins, Ta’Juan Ingram, Katie Jacobsen, Dana Kahn, Miles Merriweather, Ariel Polk, Shaun Quinn, Bryanna Sacks, Lily Sader, Hope Shannon, Dan Smith, Joe Traversa, Julissa West, Victoria Yozze and Maggie Zofkie. These students were recognized for unusual achievement both in and out of the classroom. Their parents were invited to the ceremony in their honor, sponsored by the principal, where the students received a certificate of recognition.

Moraine Valley and Olivet form transfer agreement program Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) and Moraine Valley Community College have formed a new partnership agreement that will allow students to seamlessly transfer from the community college and begin pursuing a four-year baccalaureate degree.

The dual admissions initiative created by ONU is called Pursue ONU, and will provide Moraine Valley students an opportunity to earn degrees in management, business administration and nursing.

Moraine Valley is one of many community colleges participating in Pursue ONU, a program designed for students who desire to continue furthering their education. Mo-

raine Valley students receive support from Olivet’s Financial Solutions, Admissions, and Academic Advising departments.

“The fact that Moraine Valley currently enrolls 68 percent of its student body into a transfer program speaks to what makes them a perfect match for a partnership with Pursue ONU,” said Dr. Jonathan Bartling, Olivet’s dean at the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. “We are excited to begin our partnership and provide an opportunity for these students to further themselves by continuing their outstanding education.”

The Pursue ONU initiative allows students to be simultaneously admitted to Moraine

Valley and ONU’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS.) Through SGCS, adults and other non-traditional students can study Nursing, Business, Education, and Ministry at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Classes can be taken online or at numerous locations throughout the Midwest.

Moraine Valley students can transfer more quickly by taking general education and prerequisite classes before beginning as full-time Olivet students. Academic advisors will ensure that students are enrolled in only the courses needed to pursue their bachelor degree.

To learn more about Pursue ONU, visit graduate.olivet.edu/programs/pursue-onu.

Southwest Chicago Christian School to hold open house March 6 An open house and a fee day of preschool will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, March 6 at the Southwest Chicago Christian School, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

The school offers a Christ-centered

learning community. The school also offers preschool classes, full- and half-day kindergarten before and after school care programs, certified and experienced teachers, and owns and operates its own bus service.

Southwest Chicago Christian School is also the lone school in the area that offers fully certified STEM classes through the Project Lead the Way Gateway program.

More information can be obtained by contacting www.swchristian.org.

A group of local students were selected to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Earning dean’s list honors were Chicago Ridge resident Hali Gertz, College of Health and Human Services; Hickory Hills resident Elizabeth Pawlicka, College of Health and Human Services; Hickory Hills resident Pawl Such, College of Engineering; and Oak Lawn residents Aziz Zedieh, College of Liberal Arts and Science; Alyssa Contino, College of Health and Human Sciences; Jessica Gall, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Madison Geraghty, College of Education; Zachary Hendriz, College of Engineering; Arif Mirza, College of Engineering; Kathleen Plutz, College of Liberal Arts; and Ryan Thompson, College of Business.

The list includes Palos Hills resident Andrew Jender, College of Liberal Arts; and Worth resident Ewelina Waksmundzka, College of Business.

Palos Hills and Worth students earn dean’s list honors at Moraine Valley

A group of Palos Hills and Worth students were selected to the dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester at Moraine Valley Community College.

Palos Hills residents earning dean’s list honors from Palos Hills were Engie Abdelbaky, Mohammad Abualleil, Huda Aburuman, Mohammed Abuzir, Khaled Alkhaldy, Rei Bedini, Kaitlyn Beiriger, Amrita Brar, Raminta Budriene, Seonwoo Chae, Melanie Davenport, Aiste Druktienyte, Nour Efein, Michael Elnaiami, John Flanagan, Brian Gearhart, Gytis Grabauskas, Alecandra Guzman, Allison Helmuth, Lisa Jovanovic, Greta Kancleryte, John Kladis, Judy Kuriha, Kailee Lopez, Dawid Machaj, Griselle Martinez, Bryan Martinez, Eric Martinez, Eric Matusevicius, Kevin Alpine, Zachary McClanahan, Bartosz Morawski, Sara Nakira, Van Nguyen, Kacper Ostalowedki, Helen Paris, Jamie Price, Jacob Puente, Nicholas Relstab, Roed Sadi, Bernadette Sagula, Sam Shareef, Samera Shehab, Ruben Tocila, Ola Tomaszewski, Kristina Tzavares, Tyler Vldeka, Jacob Watson, Natalia Wilk, Olivia Wozniak, Kimberly Zielinski and Karolina Zubek.

Worth residents who made the dean’s list were Damiola Adewale, Asmaa Amara, Sarah Anderson, Marwan Awadh, Lamese Ballout, Sean Batkiewicz, Alexander Blizek, Richard Bretzer, Joseph Brewer, Herman Chochorowski, Mohammed Dawod, Rachel Habina, Kimberly Heenan, Samantha Jakob, Sung Hyun Jang, Helena Janinah, Kaitlyn Kolodziejski, Kinga Lukaszcyk, Hannah Meiron, Tadayoshi Nakayama, Katelyn Paulsen, Alexis Pezdek and Heba Salim.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE Kids make emoji pillows Emoji pillows sessions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 14 through April 11 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford.

Children ages 5 to 12 can come to the library and sew a two-sided emoji pillow. One side will be a smiley and the other will be heart eyes. All the supplies will be provided to make this a fun session for kids. The program is limited to 10 participants.

Kids who take part are expected to attend all four sessions. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Human tic-tac-toe

Human tic-tac-toe will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at the Chicago Ridge Library. The program is for children from grades six through 12. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Jumbo Connect tourney The Jumbo Connect Tournament will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The program is for children from grades six through 12. Friends can join to take part in the tournament in an effort to become champion. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Youths can make bead crafts Children in grades six through 12 can take part in a program where they can

make various designs from 7 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 14 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Participants can use beads and an iron to create a melted design. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

EVERGREEN PARK Discuss ‘Rise and Fall of Ladies Underwear’ A discussion on “The Rise and Fall of Ladies’ Underwear” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy.

Women’s fashions are shaped, literally and figuratively, by their underclothes.

Throughout history a woman’s frame has not always been entirely her own.

This presentation will unveil some myths about women’s unmentionables. Elizabeth Carlson presents the program.

Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary. org or call (708) 422-8522.

‘GraceNotes’ to perform “The GraceNotes” will perform a variety of music and encourage sing-alongs at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at the Evergreen Park Library. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

Author, photographer to discuss his book ‘Chicago Monuments’

Author and photographer Larry Broutman will talk about his new book, “Chicago Monumental” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Evergreen Park Library.

The book is a photographic tribute to over 250 of the monuments, fountains, memorials, and statues in Chicago’s parks

and cemeteries, as well as those on the city’s streets and buildings.

Social Scrabble Tournament

The Social Scrabble Tournament will be held Saturday, March 11 at the Evergreen Park Library. Players of all ability levels are welcome. Check-in is at 12:45 p.m. The registration fee is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. This includes tournament play, snacks and soft drinks.

The first game begins at 1 p.m.

The contests will be three rounds with timed matches and one-on-one game play. Proceeds will benefit the “Evergreen Reads” community reading event.

Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

Tooromeen School of Irish Dance to perform

Students from the Tooromeen School of Irish Dance will entertain with a performance of classic Irish dance at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 at the Evergreen Park Library. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN Conversation circle for new English speakers A conservation circle for new English speakers will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through May 24 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Participants and trained volunteers will work together in large and small groups. The winter-spring session will be held in the Quiet Study Room on the second floor. Beginning, intermediate and advanced English learners are welcome (students must have some English

training).

The fall 2017 session will start up again in September. More information will be provided in upcoming newsletters. More information can be obtained by calling Mary Williams, the head of the adult and young adult services department, at (708) 422-4990, or visit www.olpl.org.

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

Families can attend ‘Macaroni Soup’ concert Guests can sing along with Miss Carole and Clarence at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Oak Lawn Library. “The Family Concert: Macaroni Soup” is for all ages. For more information about this and other youth programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Accepting reading material donations Patrons can donate “gently-used” books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library Outgoing Book Sale at the Oak Lawn Library.

Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older text books. The donation drop-off area is near the library’s Cook Avenue entrance. Interested parties may fill out

a short form at the Customer Service desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation.

The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides a variety of books, magazines and other forms of media at bargain prices.

Hardcover books cost 50 cents each, paperbacks are 25 cents and magazines cost 10 cents each. Audio visual items are priced as indicated. Funds collected from the book sale support library programming and purchases that are beyond their regular budget.

PALOS HILLS Restorative Yoga Patrons can learn to relax, rest and relieve effects of chronic stress during a Restorative Yoga session beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Guests are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and blanket. Registration is limited to 30. The class is for adults only.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Children can roll the dice Children ages 8 and up can bring their own favorite games or try to some new ones, like Sushi or Munchkin, from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the Green Hills Library. Dice is not required.

Parents or guardians can register their children online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Close encounters of the chemical kind

The Science Alliance is returning with a program for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, March 6 at the Green Hills Library. Children of all ages and caregivers are welcome. Kids will learn about the basics of solids, liquids, gasses and chemical reactions. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

12 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Student of merit

New principal is appointed at Ridge Central Elementary School

Dr. Jeana Lietz, principal of Oak Lawn Community High School, congratulates Thomas Stritch after he was named a Commended Student in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. She will be presenting him with a letter of commendation from the high school and the National Merit Corporation.

Submitted photo

Vanquishing Varicose Veins

Saturday, February 25 at 9 am

o t r e t s i Reg WIN A !

Y A D A SP

Pre-treatment

Enjoy complimentary breakfast and giveaways with Dr. Sanjeev Pradhan and Dr. Michael Shao as they explain Vanquishing Varicose Veins.

Screening, breakfast and presentation are FREE. Please reserve a seat by Thursday, February 23.

Call 708-475-0746 or email to jcardenas@vascspecialists.org.

Saturday, February 25 9 am - 10 am

3 months post-treatment

Doors open at 8:30 am

Coleman

Yale fellowship trained vascular surgeon Dr. Sanjeev Pradhan and University of Chicago fellowship trained Dr. Michael Shao, assisted

by Courtney Stanford, NP will: • explain the causes of varicose veins and why they should be treated • explain why varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem • describe newest and latest types of treatments available for vein problems • explain why it is best to seek treatment for your vein problems from a board-certified vascular surgeon • provide free screening and consultation to interested registrants

Trinity Christian College Grand Lobby, Palos Heights 6601 College Drive on Rt 83 just west of Ridgeland

815-824-4406 VeinCareInstitute.org VascSpecialists.org

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Feb 22

SOUTH SIDE IRISH PARADE FILM FESTIVAL March 4th, 2017

LINE UP:

PEN MICAYS MOND

Feb 26

Mar 6

Mar 10-11

PEN MIC NDAYS

On Broadway - 3PM Sing Street - 7PM (opening reception at 6PM, post-reception to follow the film)

MO

TICKETS:

Festival Pass - $25 ($23) On Broadway [only] - $10 ($9) Sing Street (receptions included) - $18 ($16)

$10/$15

The Chicago Ridge School District 127.5 Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Megan Nothnagel as the new principal of Ridge Central Elementary School for the 201718 school year.

Nothnagel will replace Terri Bollinger, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Superintendent Kevin Russell was appreciative of Bollinger’s years of service and “dedication to countless students, staff and community members.”

Nothnagel currently serves as a fourth grade teacher at Brook Park Elementary School in Brookfield LaGrange Park School District 95.

In addition to her role as a teacher, she has numerous leadership responsibilities including serving as a team leader, a member of the school improvement team, teacher mentor, curriculum writer, and member of several district committees.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a mathematics emphasis from Eastern Illinois University. In addition, she has earned a master’s degree in school improvement leadership with a principal certification from

Olivet Nazarene University.

Nothnagel is currently taking courses to earn a second master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. Nothnagel lives in Orland Park with her husband, Fritz, and their two daughters, Teagan and Eleanor.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Chicago Ridge School Community,” said Nothangel. “I look forward to working with the students and staff at Ridge Central Elementary School and collaborating with all of District 127.5. I know together we can continue to be leaders in learning and prepare our students for the future.”

“Nothnagel brings a love of working with children, elementary experience, curriculum expertise, enthusiasm, energy, and organization to the position,” said Russell. “Megan will be a great addition to the Ridge Central Family.”

Both Bollinger and Nothnagel said they will work closely over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition. Nothnagel will officially begin on Monday, July 3.

N I E V E FRE !

G N I N E SCRE

Doors open at 8:30 am

Feb 20

Thursday, February 23, 2017

couples

www.beverlyartcenter.org | 2407 W. 111th Street | Chicago, IL 60655 | 773-445-3838

Cypser

Ligda

Mother McAuley honors three at annual celebration gala A celebration gala was held for Mother McAuley High School on Feb. 4 at the Beverly Country Club in Chicago. This annual fundraiser benefits tuition assistance for Mother McAuley students, and celebrates individuals who exemplify the charism and values of foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley.

This year Mother McAuley honored John Coleman, Esq. with the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, and inducted two members of the McAuley community as life trustees: Sister Marion “Dolly” Cypser, Class of ’63, RSM; and Steve Ligda.

Coleman received the award by the schools because he embodies the hallmarks of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. As a litigation partner at the firm of McVey & Parsky, Coleman has served as counsel for the administration and staff of Mother McAuley since 1999.

He is described as a person who has a deep understanding of the Catholic Church and a deep faith.

One of his 13 siblings said that, “John exudes calmness. He is the guy you want on your team for any heated discussion or debate.

He brings judicious assessment and peaceful accord to the table.”

The distinction of life trustee was established in 2014 to honor individuals whose contributions of time, talent or financial support has demonstrated their sincere commitment to Mother McAuley.

For the past 38 years, Sr. Marion has served as the principal of

St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy School in Oak Park. Under her leadership, the school received the Croghan Award in 2016, which is awarded to a Big Shoulders School whose students have shown the between their expected and achieved scores on national tests.

Sr. Marion is a founding member of Amate House, a young adult volunteer program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago, and has served on the boards of many social service and educational institutions. Her work with Mother McAuley included serving on the Board of Trustees for 19 years.

She also has served on the Sisters of Mercy financial boards.

Ligda first became involved with McAuley as a member of the Fathers Club. He later chaired the Mother McAuley Board of Trustees for five years and most recently served as a member of the academic affairs and finance committees.

A member of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park for 45 years, Ligda has served his parish and the church in a number of roles. He is a graduate of the Archdiocese of Chicago lay ministry training program, as well as the Archdiocese of Chicago spiritual director training for Christ Renews His Parish.

He has been called upon as counsel for various groups, including the initial Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, and delegate to the Illinois Council of Catholic Bishops. In 2012, Ligda received the Archdiocese of Chicago Christifideles Award.

McAuley appoints new director of alumnae relations and development Peggy Evan Rourke has been attended Saint Xavier Academy, appointed the new director of and spanning three generations alumnae relations and develop- through to my daughter. My deep ment at Mother McAuley High belief in our mission is shared with School. an amazing team, and I believe we Rourke, a 1976 graduate of can collectively make a passionate McAuley, has nine years of fun- difference and lasting impact for draising experience. She served generations of McAuley women recently as the director of and families.” development for Beacon The director of alumTherapeutic and Diagnae relations and develnostic Treatment Center opment is a key memin Chicago’s Beverly ber of the Institutional neighborhood, where she Advancement team and increased donor revenue is responsible for enfor its annual holiday gaging and supporting event from $30,000 to the school’s more than $100,000.

26,500 alumnae. BeShe was responsible yond relationship buildRourke for developing a junior ing, Rourke will spearboard of young executives and head fundraising and recruiting implementing the annual Beacon within the Mother McAuley and Bash to raise money for home- St. Xavier Academy alumnae less kids. She is also the operator community. of her own fitness company, and Rourke will oversee the alumdevelops and leads fitness classes nae coordinator and programs and for children and adults. events including the Annual Golf “I am excited to help lead Outing and Scholarship Dinner, McAuley into the future with McAuley Hall induction, Banner an ignited spirit of growth,” says Class Reunion, Legacy Mass, TraRourke. “My passion for McAu- dition of Excellence scholarship ley is deeply rooted in my fam- committee, alumnae volleyball ily, starting with my mother who league and phone-a-thon.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Vorva,Sports SportsEditor Editor••sports@regionalpublishing.com sports@regionalpublishing.com KenJeff Karrson,

Thursday, February 2017 Thursday, March 23, 5, 2015

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

NJCAA takes away 15 wins from MVCC women’s hoops team Coach: Infractions ‘minor;’ school plans to appeal penalty

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Moraine Valley Community College officials plan to appeal last week’s National Junior College Athletic Association’s decision to strip the nationally ranked women’s basketball team of 15 victories for using ineligible players.

Coach Delwyn Jones said he found out about the penalties on Feb. 15. At the time, his team was 25-2 and ranked 13th in the nation among NJCAA Division II schools in a coaches’ poll.

“These are very minor infractions,” Jones said Thursday night, after his team’s 84-61 victory over Waubonsee in Palos Heights, which would

have given the Cyclones a 10-0 mark in the Skyway Conference and a 26-2 mark overall if not for the forced forfeits.

“With one player, they wanted two different forms and we sent them one of the forms,” Jones said. “But both of the forms say the exact same thing. All the information is the same. We gave them a release but not a transfer waiver. But since she never enrolled in the previous school, we will argue that you don’t need a waiver if she didn’t enroll.

“The other player is a good academic student.

This is her sixth semester and she needed 60 credit hours and she had 54. She is eight credits from graduating with a 2.75 GPA and she’s ineligible. It doesn’t make any sense when you have kids play-

ing 12 credits and a 1.75 GPA. We’re hit by red tape. There are some things we probably should have seen that we didn’t. For the sophomores who worked so hard to get this record… it’s tough.’’

If the NJCAA sticks to its guns, the Cyclones enter this week 11-17 as the players involved did not play in all of the games this season.

The Cyclones have hopes of making the NJCAA national tournament and they were not penalized for the postseason. But seeding the Region IV tournament will be unpredictable. Jones said the coaches will gather Sunday for the postseason seeding meeting.

“That’s going to be a question mark,” Jones said.

“It’s gone both ways in the past. The team at the top is not going to want to play a team that is literally 26-2 on the court. They don’t want to play a team like that early.’’

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley women’s basketball coach Delwyn Jones said the NJCAA is taking 15 victories away from the Cyclones for “very minor infractions.’’

Distinct reactions from Eagle state champs

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Sophia Jablonski, shown giving in the thumbs up after sectional action on Feb. 11, became the IHSA’s first bowler to win the state tournament in the wheelchair division.

Photo by Jason Maholy

The area’s lone state wrestling champion of 2017, Sandburg’s Pat Brucki, was stoic after winning and receiving his gold medal.

Brucki stoic after finally claiming wrestling title

By Jason Maholy Correspondent

CHAMPAIGN — After the clock reached zero in his final high school wrestling match, Pat Brucki hardly wore the look of someone who had just attained his goal of reaching the pinnacle of the prep grappling world.

Call it a moment of stoic reflection by an introspective athlete who seems mature beyond his years. One can be certain Brucki was far more excited than his outward expression suggested.

“I’m not much of a celebrator; I like

to let my wrestling do the talking,” the Sandburg senior said after winning the Class 3A state championship at 195 pounds on Saturday at the University of Illinois’ State Farm Center. “It was emotional. I didn’t really have time to celebrate. I just wanted to take it all in.”

Brucki defeated Mason Kroening of Waubonsie Valley 12-4 in the title bout to secure his first state title in four tries.

The four-time state qualifier placed third at state as a sophomore in 2015 and second last season, both times at 182 pounds.

“It truly hasn’t sunk in yet, but it feels

great,” he said. “It’s a relief. It’s a lot of reward for a lot of hard work, and it’s good to see it pay off.”

Brucki’s state title is the second in his family; his brother, C.J., was the Class 3A champ at 160 pounds in 2013.

“It makes it a lot easier to sit at the dinner table,” Pat Brucki joked. “I’ll hang this one (state championship medal) up right next his in our workout room. It’s truly an honor because I have a lot of respect for what he did, and if I can be half as good a man as he is I’ll be happy.”

History-making bowling champ celebrates with a ‘Yaaaaaaaay!’

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

“I won state! Yaaaaaaaay!’’

That was Sophia Jablonski’s unabashed triumphant message to the world in a tweet after she… well… won state.

The Sandburg junior became the first bowler in Illinois High School Association history to win in the wheelchair division when she defeated Troy (Triad) freshman Chenoa Stokes 353-293 in a four-game series Saturday at Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

Jablonski got out to the lead early with an 82-60 advantage in the first game but Stokes roared back and closed the gap to 158-149 after two games. Jablonski rolled a 95 and 101 in the final two games to pull away.

The junior bowler has cerebral palsy but has been active in her athletic career, first with dancing in her grade school days and now bowling in high school. The IHSA has offered postseason competition in the wheelchair division since 2014, but this is the first year the tournament had participants.

See WRESTLING, Page 2

Peace out: Pride plays in its final game ever

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

In light of the school closing after this semester, the happy ending would have been for Queen of Peace’s basketball team to go out and win the Illinois High School Association Class 3A girls basketball state championship.

But that didn’t happen. Simeon, the thirdseeded team in the De La Salle Sectional, knocked off second-seeded Queen of Peace 50-39 Monday night in De La Salle’s fieldhouse in the sectional semifinals. It was still one of the best seasons in Queen of Peace’s history.

Now what?

Another happy ending would be if the eight varsity players left on this 28-4 team would all find a home together next season.

With St. Laurence High School going coed

next school year, outside speculation is that those players will all head next door with Pride coach George Shimko leading the way.

But that might not be the case.

“We don’t know what the situation is with everybody,” Shimko said. “We’re going to just let the players breathe now. We don’t know the St. Laurence side of things.

It would be great if we all stuck together and went there — or anywhere — as a team.

“Being fair to St. Laurence, they have a tough situation, too. It’s brand new and they have to figure out how everything is going to work. They need time to breathe, too.’’

Shimko said if a job opens at St. Laurence, he would be interested.

Meanwhile, the players are not sure where everyone would end up.

“I would love to play with all of them again,

See BOWLING, Page 2

but I don’t think we will end up at the same place,” said junior Ashley Murphy, who led the Pride with 13 points against Simeon. “I really wish we would, but people have to do what’s best for them. Queen of Peace was the best fit for all of us but there is not a second school that is good for all of us.’’

Senior Kara Shimko, who added 12 points Tuesday night, said that the midJanuary news that the school was going to close because of finances “was like getting hit by a bus.’’

The players are still in shock.

“I think it will always be there,” Murphy said. “At the end of the year when we realize we will not be coming back, it will be just as sad as they day we found out.’’

Simeon grabbed an 18-2 lead Tuesday Photo by Jeff Vorva night. While the Pride was able to cut the Assistant coach Alex Shimko hugs his sister, Kara, as Erin Foley and Kelly deficit to 25-21 at halftime, it was never able Mason sadly look on after Queen of Peace lost the final game in school to take a second-half lead. history Monday night. The school is set to close after this school year.

2

Section 2 February 23, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

IHSA STATE SWIM MEET

Caliendo, Farley and Smiarowski looking for long stays at state

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Sandburg coach Jim Caliendo is leaving the boys swimming program the same way he did when he arrived at the Orland Park school in 1994 — as a sectional champion.

The Eagles won the Lockport Sectional on Saturday with 279 points, while Stagg was second STATEMENT with 266.

Under Caliendo’s watch, the GAMES Eagles won 15 sectional titles in his 23 seasons. He plans on retiring after this season.

He will bring a small army of seven athletes to his final Illinois High School Association state meet starting Friday at New Trier High School in Winnetka.

Will any of the Eagles keep his coaching career going one more day and qualify for Saturday’s round?

Senior Aiden Farley hopes so. Farley finished ninth in the state in the 200 free and 10th in the 500 free last year. His sectional time of 4 minutes, 37.78 seconds was the eighth-best time in the

state on Saturday and he has a good shot at making another top 12run this year. His 1:42.38, however, was 14th in the state, so he has a little work to do to get to the top 12 and compete on Saturday.

The most sucPhoto by Jeff Vorva cessful area athJim Caliendo is attending his final lete in sectionals state meet as Sandburg’s coach. was Stagg senior Lucas Smiarowski, who was a four-time champ, taking first in the 200 IM and 100 breast and helping the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams to titles.

The Chargers’ 200 free relay team of Rafal Jezierski, Mike Kotas, Brad Petersen and Smiarowski are seeded third in the state with its 1:25.14 showing in Lockport. Hinsdale Central is first with a 1:23.71 with Niles North second at 1:24.49.

Smiarowski is also seeded fourth in the 200 IM

WADING TO WINNETKA Area swimmers participating in the IHSA state swim meet at New Trier in Winnetka starting Friday.

Sandburg • Aiden Farley: 200 free relay, 400 free relay, 200 free, 500 free • Joey Jenkot: 200 free relay, 100 breast stroke • Marty Blake: 200 free relay, 50 free • Nick Jackson: 200 free relay 400 free relay • Cooper Reiher: 400 free relay • Kyle Fox: 400 free relay • Carter Thoss: 100 fly Stagg • Lucas Smiarowski: 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 200 IM, 100 breast stroke • Brad Petersen: 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 100 free • Rafal Jezierski: 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 50 free • Tommy Witek: 200 medley relay • Mike Kotas: 200 free relay

FOCUS ON THE CHICAGO FIRE

Demo rocks the place with 41 points vs. Waubonsee Sports Editor

Moraine Valley hosted a Rock the Place promotion and sophomore men’s basketball player Tommy Demogerontas had the place rockin’ with a 41-point performance in a wild 118-114 home victory over Waubonsee on Thursday.

Jason Rowland added 16 points, Jaelon Wilson 14, Nick Sims 13 and Leon Williams 12.

Women’s basketball: Michelle Borgen’s 30 points helped lead the Cyclones to an 84-61 victory over Waubonsee on Thursday night. Erin Drynan had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Sports Editor

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Sandburg/Stagg’s Maddy Roe, balancing herself on the balance beam during sectional action, had three top-10 finishes in the state gymnastics meet.

ALL IN Southwest will host tryouts for its spring travel season.

The first tryout is March 12 at the Swanson Center, 6652 S. 78th Ave. in Bedford Park. Sixththrough-eighth-graders try out from noon to 1 p.m., ninth and 10th graders try out from 1 to 2 p.m. and 11th- and 12th-graders from 2-3 p.m.

The second date is March 13 at the Frontier Field House, 9807 Sayre Ave. in Chicago Ridge.

Sixth-through-eighth-graders try out from 6 to 7 p.m., ninth- and 10th-graders from 7 to 8 p.m. and 11th- and 12th-graders from 8 to 9 p.m.

For more information visit wwwaiathletics.com

Shooters host tryouts

The South Side Shooters girls 3rd- through 11thgrade tryouts are tonight (Thursday) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Stagg High School and March 7 and March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. Players need to attend just one night. For more information, contact Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150 or visit www.shootersbball.com.

— We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com

Men’s baseball: TCC played four games against Spring Arbor University over the weekend and finished 3-1 against the Cougars. Zack Jones had a double and pitched the win in relief

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley’s Tommy Demogerantas scored 41 points against Waubonsee on Thursday.

in a 7-5 victory on Sunday.

Women’s basketball: The Trolls finished their home season with a 79-52 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Lauren Stokes had 18 points.

Men’s basketball: The Trolls wrapped up their home

Men’s track: Former Shepard star Abel Hernandez won the 5,000-meter run in the inaugural Chicagoland College Athletic Conference indoor meet in Bourbonnais with a time of 15 minutes, 29.19 seconds.

Women’s basketball: The Cougars, ranked third in the nation, beat No. 16 Cardinal Stritch, 66-45, Saturday in a CCAC battle. Mikayla Leyden had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Men’s baseball: The Cougars opened the season 0-4 including loses to No. 9 Missouri Baptist and Clarke by 9-3 and 5-1 scores, respectively.

Continued from Page 1

Maddie Giglio, a freshman from Sandburg/Stagg, finished ninth in the floor exercise.

STATE GYMNASTICS

Roe, Giglio find Moraine hosts bench homes in top 10

ALL IN hosts tryouts.

Trinity Christian College

St. Xavier University

Wrestling

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS

A bench press competition will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Moraine Valley Community College Health, Fitness and Recreation Center (Building H), 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. The competition is open to Moraine Valley students, FitRec members and non-members.

Participants must be 18 years old and will face others in their weight class divided by gender.

Each contestant has three attempts to lift his or her max weight with proper form. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the competition.

Registration before the contest is $15 for Moraine Valley students and active FitRec members and $20 for non-members. Day-of registration increases by $5. All participants who register by Feb. 15 are guaranteed a T-shirt.

“Last year, we had 25 participants and are hoping for more this year. We decided to host the competition again because as soon as it was over, students were asking when we could do it again. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of family and friends spectated,” said Julie Bearden, assistant director of Fitness and Wellness. “Last year, it was open only to students and gym members, but this year we opened it up to the community because of the excitement it generated.”

For rules and regulations or for more information, visit morainevalley.edu/fitrec or contact Bearden at julie.bearden@morainevalley.edu or (708) 608-4029.

season with an 86-64 loss to Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Jordan Perry scored 18 points and went over the 1,000-point mark for his career.

Men’s volleyball: Eddie Binion had 19 kills in a five-set loss to Lawrence Technological University.

By Jeff Vorva

By Jeff Vorva

press competition

the 200 IM as a sophomore, last year he was disqualified in that event in the preliminaries and missed the top 12 of the 100 breast by 19 hundredths of a second.

FOCUS ON COLLEGE SPORTS

Fire stays unbeaten in the preseason

The Chicago Fire remained perfect at 4-0-0 in the preseason with a 5-2 victory over Miami FC Sunday night at the IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton, Fla. While the preseason means very little in regards to the regular season, the players are enjoying winning. Last year, the Fire had a Major League Soccer-worst 7-17-10 record, so this is a relief for some players.

“We’re building up, of course,’’ forward Luis Solignac said. “I think we’re going to be great for the beginning of MLS. There are new guys — some guys this is the first time I played with them in a game — so we’ve got to get used to it and know each other. It’s getting better and better.

“These games are good to practice what you do in training. At the same time, it will be good to review the things where we are not sharp enough.

Against MLS teams you can’t make those kinds of mistakes. These games are good for that. We are going to improve those things and improve also the things we’re doing good — the high pressure — and I think we are in a good moment and on a good track to continue building.”

Solignac, John Goossens, Arturo Alvarez, David Arshakyan, and David Accam each scored for the Fire on Sunday.

On Feb. 15, the Fire beat the Montreal Impact, 4-1, at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla. Accam, Dax McCarty, Nemanja Nikolic scored for Chicago, which also picked up an own goal from the Impact.

McCarty and Nikolic are two offseason signees the Fire is counting on to try to turn things around.

The MLS season opens for the Fire March 4 at Columbus. The team’s home opener is March 11 against Real Salt Lake at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

with a 1:52.56. Glenbrook South’s Sam Iida is first at 1:48.81. The Stagg junior is seeded eighth in the 100 breast with a :57.77.

This year, he’s hoping for redemption from a rough state meet in 2016. After finishing sixth in the state in

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Stagg’s Lucas Smiarowski was a sectional champ in two individual and two relay events.

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Sandburg/Stagg co-op gymnast Maddy Roe moved up a notch to seventh in all-round and notched top-10 finishes on the balance beam and uneven bars Saturday at the Illinois High School Association state meet at Palatine High School on Friday and Saturday.

Roe finished 21st in the state as a freshman two years ago and eighth last year. On Saturday, she claimed seventh with a 37.575. Prairie Ridge’s Nikki Baars won the event with a 38.075.

Teammate Maddie Giglio, a freshman, made her state debut and finished 28th in the allaround with a 35.1500.

Roe also took seventh on the balance beam with a 9.00. A fall during her routine dropped her down. Maine South’s Caleigh Pistorius and New Trier’s Maeve Murdock tied for first with 9.425 scores. On Friday, Roe had a 9.400 on the beam during the all-around competition. She also finished ninth on the bars with a 9.275.

Giglio enjoyed a top-10 finish with a ninthplace finish in the floor exercise with a 9.375.

Brucki said he went into the title tilt trying to treat it like any other match, but that the reality of what was potentially minutes away did cross his mind as he was warming up in a tunnel beneath the arena’s stands.

“But once I was out there it was game time,” he said. “I had to focus, and I tried not to let anything get in my head and break my concentration, and I was able to do that.”

So what will the Princeton-bound Brucki do to top his state championship?

“All-American,” he said confidently.

Sandburg coach Eric Seibert said he couldn’t be happier for Brucki. Seibert and the Eagles coaching staff saw something special in the youth during his freshman year and helped mold him into the champion they told him he could be.

“You experience a whole bunch of emotions, but I’m so happy for him and his family,” Seibert said. “The kid’s put in so much work and he’s such a great person on and off the mat. He’s been just a blessing to coach, in so many different ways.

“You always hope that someone who does everything right in his life has the success he’s had, and to cap it off with a state championship, he’s very deserving, and it’s very rewarding.”

Two area wrestlers, both of whom advanced to their respective championship bouts unbeaten on the season, settled for second place on Saturday. Domenic Zaccone (113) of Stagg and Diata Drayton (220) of Marist were both the top seeds in their weight classes and entered the finals a combined 84-0, but they were among several wrestlers whose unblemished records fell during the tournament.

Zaccone, a sophomore who placed fourth last season at 106 pounds, dropped an 11-2 decision to Joey Melendez of Montini. Drayton defeated three opponents by a combined score of 30-11 before falling 8-4 to Matt Wroblewski of Prospect.

Photo by Jason Maholy

Domenic Zaccone of Stagg suffered his first loss of the year in the state title match against Joey Melendez of Montini.

Also placing second were Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson (120) and Scott Sierzega (220).

Johnson, a junior, fell to top seed Dack Punke of Washington, 6-0, in the title match. Sierzega, a senior, dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision to Urbana’s Luke Luffman.

Other area wrestlers who took home medals were a pair of 120-pound sophomores, Jacob Dado of Marist (fourth) and Pat Nolan of Sandburg (fifth).

Sandburg senior Cole Bateman (220) came within one win of a medal when he was eliminated in the consolation round quarterfinals — known as the “blood round” because the winners are guaranteed no worse than sixth place, while the losers go home. Bateman won his first match before Wroblewski bested him 8-0 in the quarterfinals, then beat Brian Ahle of O’Fallon by technical fall in the consolation bracket. His bid for a medal ended at the hands of Waubonsie Valley’s Nick Sondag, who topped him 14-9.

Malik Scates (285) and Stagg’s Noah Price (132), both seniors, also competed in the tournament, with Scates losing his only match and Price going 0-2.

Sandburg High School creates an Athletic Hall of Fame

Carl Sandburg High School created an Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize and honor Eagle athletes, coaches, and supporters who have excelled in their respective sports or coaching and supporting roles.

School officials invite members of the com-

munity to nominate former athletes, coaches, and supporters who should be considered. Nomination forms can be found on the Carl Sandburg High School website, http://sandburg.d230. org, under the “Athletics” tab. All nominations should be submitted electronically and must be

submitted no later than May 1. A selection committee made up of nine individuals will meet to vote on each nominee at the end of May and the first class of inductees will be notified in June.

The inaugural class of inductees will be recognized at a ceremony at the school on Nov. 3.

Bowling

a 921-979-943 and hovered around the top 10 in the first round. After the break, the Bulldogs exploded with their best score of the day with a 1,032, followed by 998 and 897 to secure a fifthplace finish at the halfway point.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs were strong with 944-908-960 in the third round but fell off the pace with a 990-823-869.

Machesney Park Harlem won the state title with a 12,310 and joined its boys team in winning state bowling titles in 2017.

Sandburg junior Emily Schrader, who finished 10th in the state last year, took 25th after rolling a 2,464.

As she did in sectional play, Schrader dug herself a hole early by rolling a 164 Friday and was tied for 105th place. She finished the morning session with a 221 and 188 for a 573. But Schrad-

er roared back after the break, tossing a 224-202268 for a 694, which vaulted her to a tie for 16th place heading into Saturday’s play.

She started the third round with a 193 and 179 to slip a few spots. She finished with a 225-192172 to finish 25th.

Jessica Soskich of Buffalo Grove won the individual title with a 2,669.

Oak Lawn, making its first state appearance as a team, finished 23rd with a 5,005 and missed the second-day cut. Junior Allison Hebel led the Spartans with a 1,147, followed

by Stephanie Gasca’s 1,065. Others who bowled for the Spartans were Hailey Gershon, LeAnne Kommenich, Jayna Greiman, Lena Rayas and Mia DeGrazia.

Hebel advanced to the second day and finished with a 2,204, good for 62nd place.

Continued from Page 1 Sandburg coach Joe Geiger said he is hopeful that because of Jablonski and Stokes, more special-needs bowlers will participate.

In the traditional state tournament, Richards finished seventh with a 11,264 pinfall for 12 games.

Senior Peyton Attig led the way with a 2,469 and was the area’s top finisher in 23rd place.

Alexandra Wozniak rolled a 2,373 and finished 38th individually. Senior Gina Bartkus added a 2,215 and junior Caitlyn Solomon had a 2,151.

Other Bulldogs who participated were senior Phoenix Lopez and sophomore Katie Strache.

On the first day, Friday, Richards opened with

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 23, 2017 Section 2

3

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards St. Laurence Sandburg Shepard Stagg

W-L STREAK NEXT

22-5 19-7 16-9 24-3 9-17 11-13 11-15 13-12 11-13 17-8

L2 W9 W3 W3 W1 L1 W1 L3 W1 W2

IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 2A Regionals at Argo, Fri.; 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals at Richards, Fri., IHSA 4A Regionals hosts Oak Lawn, Friday; IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals hosts Reavis, Friday; IHSA 4A Regionals hosts Homewood-Flossmoor, Thurs.; IHSA 4A Regionals

* Records through Sunday, Feb. 19; compiled by Jeff Vorva.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn and Rashad Johnson hope to knock off rival Richards on Friday night before heading into regional play.

STREAK

19-9 21-8 27-4 22-8 17-14 28-4 13-14 11-18 10-22 11-17

L1 L1 W6 W4 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1

NEXT

Season completed Season completed IHSA 4A Sectionals IHSA 4A Sectionals Season completed Season completed Season completed Season completed Season completed Season completed

* Records through Monday, Feb. 20; compiled by Randy Whalen.

F

Brother Rice is second seed at Thornwood Sectional

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Brother Rice’s Josh Niego and his teammates picked up the second seed in the Thornwood Class 4A Sectional

LET’S GET STARTED Coming postseason games for area teams: EISENHOWER CLASS 4A REGIONAL Monday: Shepard vs. Eisenhower, 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Stagg vs. Marian Catholic, 7 p.m.

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR CLASS 4A REGIONAL Monday: Reavis vs. Oak Lawn, 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Brother Rice vs. Reavis/Oak Lawn winner, 7 p.m.

RICHARDS CLASS 4A REGIONAL Monday: Richards vs. Kennedy, 6 p.m.

T.F. SOUTH CLASS 4A REGIONAL Tuesday: Marist vs. T.F. South/Argo winner, 6 p.m.

SANDBURG CLASS 4A REGIONAL Tuesday: Sandburg vs. Lemont, 7:30 p.m.

EVERGREEN PARK CLASS 3A REGIONAL Monday: Evergreen Park vs. Chicago Noble/Johnson, 6 p.m.

ST. LAURENCE CLASS 3A REGIONAL Monday: St. Laurence vs. Chicago Hancock, 7:30 p.m.

MOMENCE CLASS 2A REGIONAL TITLE Friday: Chicago Christian, Clifton Central or Iroquois West vs. Watseka or Momence, 7 p.m.

against Lincoln-Way East for a third time this season in the final.

In Class 3A, St. Laurence was seeded 10th in the 24-team St. Rita Sectional and will host a regional. Evergreen Park is seeded 13th and will also host a regional.

The Class 2A postseason started this week. Chicago Christian, the lone area team to win a regional title in the past three seasons, was seeded

second in the Sub-Sectional B bracket of the Seneca Sectional.

Conference calls

Chicago Christian easily won the Metro Suburban Red title with a 12-0 mark, four games ahead of Timothy Christian.

The South Suburban Red continues to confound. Evergreen Park and Richards share the lead at 7-5. EP is at Argo (1-11 in league play) on Friday night and Richards hosts Oak Lawn (5-7).

Brown stays Justin time for an ESCC title

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

As a freshman, Justin Brown played at Marian Catholic.

As a sophomore in his first year at Marist, the Lansing resident recalled, “I wanted to go back there (to Marian). But I would have had to sit out a semester. And my dad (Kevin) had built up a good relationship with the coaches here.”

So Brown stayed, and grew into a 6-foot-8 force for the RedHawks. On Friday, he and fellow senior Bobby Hawkinson played key roles in a Senior Night, 49-41 win over St. Patrick that guaranteed Marist a share of the East Suburban Catholic Conference title with one game to play.

The RedHawks (24-3, 7-1), who have never won an ESCC title outright and last shared one in 1997, lead Marian Catholic and Notre Dame by one game in the standings. Marist closed its league schedule Wednesday with a game at Marian Central, which was 2-6 in the ESCC heading into this week.

Coach Gene Nolan was happy as well with the win over the Shamrocks (19-7, 5-3). St. Patrick entered the game averaging 66.7 points per game in league action, tops in the ESCC, but shot just 15-of-40 (38 percent) from the floor and were the 26th opponent this season to lose the battle of the boards to the RedHawks.

W-L

It’s a waiting game for Moraine Valley stars

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

The good news is that Brother Rice’s boys basketball team picked up a second seed in sectional action.

The bad news is that the Crusaders could be heading into the postseason losing two of their last three in the regular season.

The Crusaders picked up the second seed in the 22team Class 4A Thornwood Sectional, behind traditional power Simeon. Last year, the two teams met in the regional final at Thornton Fractional North and Brother Rice scored the first nine points of the game and led by two at halftime but dropped a 44-28 decision to the Wolverines.

Brother Rice finished fourth in the Chicago Catholic League tournament with losses to St. Joseph in the semifinals and Loyola in the third-place game and was hoping to get back on the winning track with a win over Tinley Park on Tuesday.

Marist picked up a fifth seed at Thornwood. A Thornton Fractional South regional final matchup with fourth-seeded Thornton Fractional North could be in the works.

Stagg grabbed the eighth seed, Richards was seeded 14th, Shepard 16th and Oak Lawn 17th.

Sandburg drew the eighth seed in the 22-team LincolnWay East sectional and hosts a regional. The Eagles could face Bolingbrook, the No. 1 team in the state until it was knocked from the unbeaten ranks Friday

GIRLS Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Queen of Peace Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Justin Brown, shown in a game earlier this year, is happy with his decision to stay at Marist and the Redhawks inched closer to an ESCC title Friday night.

The 6-7 Hawkinson (10 rebounds) and Brown (eight) spearheaded that effort.

“Those two guys are great seniors,” Nolan said. “Their effort was just terrific. Everybody’s was. This team has established a great team culture.

“You don’t hold a great offensive team like St. Pat’s to 41 points unless you’re playing great team defense.”

Hawkinson, who added nine points, Brown (10) and junior point guard Maurice Commander (game-high 17) never left the floor for the RedHawks.

Sophomore guard Chase Robinson (10 points) and junior swingman David Daniels (five

rebounds) got only the briefest of rests in the first half.

“The whole team, everyone, contributes,” Hawkinson said.

“We’re accountable to each other. You have to play hard to play here.”

Certainly, the RedHawks, who never trailed, seemed to take turns stepping up against the Shamrocks. Brown and Hawkinson combined for 11 of their team’s 14 points in the first quarter; Commander led with seven of his 17 in the second and Robinson with six of his 10 in the third. All five starters scored in the final period.

None played harder than Hawkinson, who frequently defended smaller players on the perimeter and grabbed two offensive rebounds off missed free throws in the game’s final minute to stave off a desperate St. Patrick comeback. The first of those boards resulted in a put-back bucket for Hawkinson, blunting a Shamrocks surge that had cut the Marist lead from 14 points with 3:30 to play to seven points with 55 seconds left.

“It was just getting in position,” Hawkinson said. “The guy who was supposed to box me out didn’t give his best effort, and I did.”

“It didn’t surprise me at all,” Justin Brown said. “I know Bob’s going to show up with his biggest games on the biggest nights. He’s a role model for me and my effort.’’

ood for thought for those who aren’t very hungry: I figured that when I was going to talk to Moraine Valley Community College sophomore star players Erin Drynan and Michelle Borgen, they would tell me all about the colleges around the country that want to gobble them up.

I figured they would tell me they JEFF VORVA are receiving Making the mountains of mail and Extra Point recruiters from colleges across the country are kicking holes in their front doors to get a few minutes of face time.

I figured wrong.

Despite the fact that these two have been putting up monster numbers in scoring, rebounding and shot blocking for two years, they are not in high demand.

Or maybe they are.

But they are going to have to wait.

It’s getting close to March and the Cyclones’ Dynamic Duo are more concerned about getting their team to the nationals rather than dwell on colleges.

But, since I was nosy and pressed them on the college issue last Thursday, they both sounded a little frustrated about the present and optimistic about the coming months.

Borgen, who played hoops at Andrew High School, is crossing her fingers in hopes a spot in the NJCAA nationals will generate more interest.

“If we go to nationals, it will help us a lot,” Borgen said a few minutes after scoring 30 points against Waubonsee. “There are a handful of NAIA schools in the area I like. (Moraine) Coach (Delwyn) Jones said that if we go to nationals, since I’m 6-foot tall, that will help a lot.’’

Drynan, a Mother McAuley graduate from Evergreen Park, is philosophical. When asked if she was disappointed she hasn’t heard from many schools, she said: “No… yeah. I mean they will come when they come and whatever happens, happens. I’m putting myself out there.’’

Drynan, who hauled down a school-record 25 rebounds in a game at Elgin Community College on Valentine’s Day, said she sent film of herself to dozens of schools across the nation.

Jones has seen this before. He is not worried about his stars landing somewhere to play basketball.

“It’s actually not late at all,” Jones said. “In my 17 years, I only had one player sign before June 1. For high school, that’s very late. But the junior colleges are coming a little later.’’

While the players say they haven’t received much interest, Jones said some schools have sent out feelers to him about the pair.

“They are still getting some interest — Georgia Southern is interested in both of them but I’m not sure if they want to go to the same school,’’ the coach said. “Western Illinois still has some interest. UIC showed some lukewarm interest. Chicago State is real high on them. There are a number of NAIA schools showing interest — St. Francis, Indiana University Northwest, St. Xavier — and there is some Division II interest, too.’’

So it’s a case of hurry up and wait.

Erin Drynan (above right) of Moraine Valley and Michelle Borgen (left) are two of the top junior college players in the nation and are not getting many nibbles from fouryear colleges yet.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

The name game

I actually thought writer Jason Maholy was pulling a gag on me when, in his state wrestling story, he mentioned a kid from Washington named Dack Punke.

I thought Maholy was full of baloney and was making a Daft Punk reference or was honoring C.M. Punk, whom Maholy worked with for a day or two before C.M. became a famous pro wrestler.

Being the good editor that I am, I looked it up and there is actually a Dack Punke and he’s pretty good. He’s heading to Missouri for his college career.

In girls gymnastics this weekend, a girl from Prairie Ridge named Nicki Baars was the all-around state champion, but I was disappointed that she only took third in the uneven bars event. Shouldn’t someone named Baars own the bars?

Finally, I was at the Lockport swimming sectional, where the hosts have a diver named Wrigley Fields.

When the Cubs found out about his name in 2008, they let him throw out the first pitch before a game. His father, Jerry Fields, is obviously a Cubs fan.

708-422-8000

9204 S. Western • Evergreen Park thecrazycrabchicago.com

Traditional Cajun Seafood Boil Crab • Lobster Shrimp • Crawfish

Variety of Original Appetizers and More!

• CRAFTED WITH LOVE • FAMILY OWNED • OVER 10,000 CUSTOMERS SERVED!

OPEN DAILY 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WE’RE HIRING!

10% Off ANY SIZE ORDER MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

4

Section 2 Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Busy regional week produces three girls hoops champs Evergreen Park’s Kacey Gardner (left) shows some appreciation to teammate Samaria JonesTinsley after she ran up the stands to chase down a ball during a 47-30 regional semifi al victory over Thornridge on Feb. 8 in the Oak Forest Class 3A Regional. The Mustangs lost to Oak Forest, 43-32 on Friday in the title game.

Marist sophomore McKenna Kallianis (middle, reaching for the ball) and freshman Jenna Ryan (right) were two players inserted into the RedHawks lineup for defense. Their pressing prowess helped the team erase an 11-3 deficit and record a 75-28 win over Sandburg.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Kate Ruzevich yells out for help in Marist’s regional victory over Sandburg Friday at Lincoln-Way Central.

Mother McAuley’s Grace Hynes (left) and Kelly Gallagher go up for a rebound last Thursday againt Lincoln Way East in regional fi al action.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Photo by Aaron FitzPatrick

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Maggie Robertson (No. 30) and Ally Corcoran celebrate Marist’s 12th regional title in 15 years.

Photo by Aaron FitzPatrick

Mother McAuley’s Kyra Signorelli, Emma Ruff, Molly Corcoran and Tara O’Malley show off the regional championship plaque — McAuley’s first since 2013.

McAuley wins first regional title since Connolly gambles with youth and Marist wins another title; Queen of Peace wins in 3A 2013 and gets even with L-W East

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Marist’s heavily favored girls basketball team — the second seed in the Class 4A Shepard Sectional — was down 11-3 to 10th-seeded Sandburg after the first six minutes in the LincolnWay Central Regional final Friday night. That’s when veteran coach Mary Pat Connolly got a peek at the future by throwing some young players into the fire.

“We used two freshmen (Jenna Ryan and Morgan Flynn) and a sophomore (McKenna Kallianis) on the press,” Connolly said. “Those freshmen just came up from the sophomore level and I didn’t know what to expect. In practice, they seemed to run the press the best. It was a crapshoot putting them in during a varsity game in the state playoffs and down by eight.’’

Thanks in part to the defense, the RedHawks scored eight points in the final two minutes of the first quarter and kept the press going most of the rest of the way of a 75-28 victory.

The RedHawks have won 12 regional titles in the 15 years since the school went coed.

“It’s almost expected we win a regional title,” the coach said.

But two years ago, Sandburg knocked off the RedHawks, 61-57, in the regional final in Marist’s own gym.

Senior RedHawks twins Julia and Kate Ruzevich had transferred from Sandburg after their

CLASS 4A SECTIONAL MATCHUP At Shepard Thursday: Mother McAuley or Homewood-Floosmoor vs. Marist or Marian Catholic, 7 p.m.

freshman season, in which both were integral parts of the Eagles’ varsity squad, so emotions ran high in that game.

Two years later, Marist was able to get some revenge.

“Redemption never tasted so great,” said Kate Ruzivich, who led Marist with 15 points Friday. “We knew what was on the line so we tried not to pay attention to the name across the chest. It felt great.’’

Queen of Peace wins at Solorio

A few weeks ago, Queen of Peace’s basketball players were devastated to find out their school was closing after the team put together the best regular season in school history.

Last week, they found some relief. While they won’t finish their career at Queen of Peace, many players on the team will go next door to St. Laurence, which announced it will become a coed school. The players celebrated the good news with a 54-24 win over Goode Stem Academy as Ashley Lynch finished with 13 points and eight rebounds while Kara Shimko added 10 points and seven rebounds.

It was the 10th regional title for the Pride.

By Aaron FitzPatrick Correspondent

Once in a while you can see a team grow and mature right before your eyes.

Thursday night, the young players of Mother McAuley appeared to do just that.

A year after losing to Lincoln-Way East in overtime in the Class 4A Stagg Regional championship game, Mother McAuley, with much of the same team as the year before, routed the Griffins, 52-33.

“This same group of kids were (mostly) freshmen and sophomores at the time,” McAuley coach Ashley Clanton said. “They’re coming up through the ranks so this was a big step for them to take home a regional championship.”

According to Illinois High School Association records, this is McAuley’s 25th regional crown in 31 seasons but its first since 2013.

The last few years, the Mighty Mac squads didn’t have a lot of experience and suffered quick exits from the postseason. While the Mighty Macs are a year older, there were signs early on against LWE that maybe there were still some growing pains ahead.

“We do have a young group,” said Clanton. “I think sometimes their nerves get to them. That’s something that we’re working on is to compete and play in the moment. I think in the second half they finally realized what that was.”

For nearly three periods, the Mighty Macs and

Griffins played hot potato with the lead. Mother McAuley struggled to put the ball in the basket and get into any sort of flow on the court.

“I think the first half might have been a little bit of nerves coming out for a regional championship,” said Mighty Mac sophomore Grace Hynes.

“I was really nervous during the national anthem, but after I got some touches I started to settle in.”

Hynes was part of a furious finish to the third period and start of the fourth as McAuley stretched a four-point lead to 17 in about three minutes. Junior guard Vanessa Gavin (11 points) drained a pair of 3-pointers during the run while Hynes poured in seven of her game-high 13 points in the outburst to go with three rebounds and a pair of steals.

“We just talked at halftime about our mistakes in the first half and how we had to slow it down and play our game,” Hynes said. “Take our time and our shots. I just think we had a new confidence, and it showed.”

The Mighty Macs effectively shook off their nerves from the first half and now look to make a deep run in this year’s postseason. They were scheduled to face state power Homewood-Flossmoor Tuesday in the Shepard Sectional.

“We just want to think about all of the stuff we worked on throughout the season,” said Hynes.

“We’re really trying to implement it in our games.

Everyone did a great job moving the ball around tonight. We’ve just got to keep up our confidence as we move on to our next game.”

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

5

Thursday, February 23, 2017 Section 2

448-4000

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W4 Plaintiff, -v.NANCY DIAZ, PONCIANO ALVARADO, ARGENT MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 05896 9135 S. 87TH AVE 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 June 21, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9135 S. 87TH AVE, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02312-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $345,061.30. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C14-12785. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C14-12785 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 15 CH 05896 TJSC#: 37-1601 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.

I715428

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.BRETT C. BENFIELD, EAGLE RIDGE VILLAS III ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 011438 18145 OHIO COURT 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 December 14, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 16, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 18145 OHIO COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-32-400-029-1145. 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, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-12148.

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-12148 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 011438 TJSC#: 36-14633 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.

I713628

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KURT F SCHMID, IF ANY, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., KURT F SCHMID JR, INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KURT F SCHMID, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 15475 12600 SOUTH 82ND AVENUE 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 April 18, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 9, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 12600 SOUTH 82ND AVENUE, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-26-414-015. The real estate is improved with a single family home with an attached 2 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, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500.

Please refer to file number 11688. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. 11688 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 15 CH 15475 TJSC#: 37-804 I714037

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 THE CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-11CB MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11CB; Plaintiff, vs.

MATTHEW J. SPECKHART; LISA M. SPECKHART; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MATTHEW J. SPECKHART, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LISA M. SPECKHART, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 12 CH 28814 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 10, 2017 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. 23-33-204-022-0000.

Commonly known as 12857 South Brian Place, Palos Park, IL 60464.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a mixed use property which may be used as commercial and/or residential.

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 W12-4204.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I713866

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP 2002-HE2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-HE2; Plaintiff, vs.

PILARITA G. ESPINOSA; VICTOR F. ESPINOSA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PILARITA G. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VICTOR F. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 6599 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 14, 2017 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. 23-14-115-024-0000.

Commonly known as 8530 West Broadmoor Drive, 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 the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA16-0071.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I714741

POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR!

IN MUCH DESIRED BROOKSIDE COMPLEX California style ranch on wooded Move in across right now enjoy living in this .8+ acre from&Forest warm, very spacious Preserves awaits your townhome talents! 4 with 3bdrms, bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths35x25 & charming 3 baths, walkout Fplc! updates.

Att. 2-car bsmtMany w/office.

Being sold “As Is�garage.

Call soon – this won’t be on the market long! $319,900 $246,500

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

For Sale

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

Remember to recycle this newspaper!

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! 448-4000

34

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

“Follows Me Everywhere!� Ž

“10 in the Park�

NEW as of 7/7/11

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.

6

Section 2 Thursday, February 23, 2017

448-6161

The Regional News - The Reporter

Help Wanted

Suburban law firm seeking part-time receptionist with 1-2 years of related experience in an office environment. Candidates must be able to multi-task without compromising on quality, be professional and courteous under stressful situations, be able to prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment, be able to collaborate and support fellow co-workers and be proficient in handling office equipment. Job duties include greeting guests and visitors in an efficient, professional and pleasant manner, helping guests with appropriate information needed while maintaining confidentiality, answering phone calls and directing callers to the respective attorneys/departments, collecting, sorting and delivering incoming mail, file maintenance and assisting with clerical tasks such as copying and faxing on an as needed basis. All inquiries and resumes should be directed to Kim Ooley, Office Manager, at kooley@odelsonsterk.com.

448-6161

448-4000

For Sale

Asphalt Paving

4 chair solid wood dining set with linen drawer. $95.

Bedroom dresser & nightstand. $75 Call 815-302-8610

C&C

Asphalt Paving Inc. Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1982

www.threebrotherslandscaping.net

Wanted

Complete Residential & Commercial Service

Depend on an accredited company with the qualifications, resources, and professional management that has been getting the job done right for nearly 30 years

SNOWBLOWERS,

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

448-4000

Plumbing & Sewer

Landscaping

GEORGE’S GEORGE’S

Your Complete Paving Contractor (708)

425-0410

MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

PLUMBING & SEWER

(708)-687-8091

Commercial & Residential Maintenance Experts

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs • • • • • •

Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices 40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

Prompt and Reliable Customer Service

Cleaning Services

Snowblower Repair

No Hidden Costs or Fees

Help Wanted

Certified • Fully Insured Licensed • Bonded

Advertise in the service directory!

Clean-out Services

Call today 448-4000

Stan’s Hauling

Removal of all unwanted items.

From homes, offices, storage areas, garages, apartments, condos, etc.

7 days 773-206-9309 www.stanscleanout.com

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Will fix at your house

Reasonable Rates

Call: (815) 450-0004

Plumbing & Sewer

Tree Service

ARE YOU HAVING A GARAGE OR YARD SALE? ADVERTISE IT ON THE CLASSIFIED PAGE!

count!

Reasonable Dis Town Lowest Prices in

BROTHERS TREE SERVICE Stump Removal - Tree Removal Licensed and Bond 773-239-3570 Senior Citizen Discount 708-913-8968 Remodeling

FATHER & DAUGHTERS REMODELING Not affiliated with Ron Kafka & Father & Sons

WINTER Special 1/3 OFF • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Rec Rooms • Attics • Flooring

• General Repairs • Garage Repairs • Decks • Windows • Doors

• Porches • Dormers • Roofs • Concrete • Tuckpointing

• Siding • Soffit Fascia • Gutters • Electrical • Plumbing

FREE Architectural Drawings and Permit with Room Addition Purchase Free Estimates Guaranteed Work Full Insured

708-795-6940

STARTING A BUSINESS? NEED ADVERTISING THAT WILL STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR? LET US HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Newspaper advertising works!

Your business picks up when our readers pick up our newspaper.

Call our Advertising Department Today!

There’s more than enough food in America for every child who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they need by supporting Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. Visit FeedingAmerica.org

The Regional News The Reporter 708-448-4000 Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Senior Discount Veteran Discount Licensed & Bonded

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 23, 2017

VARIETY

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

A healthy alternative to the classic sticky bun will make your morning

By Wolfgang Puck

ZAP2IT.COM

Hepburn starred in “My Fair Lady,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1964. Hepburn played flower girl Eliza Doolittle who was transformed into a lady by Professor Henry Higgins.

Audrey Hepburn’s sons fight legal battle over memorabilia

By Gene Maddaus Audrey Hepburn’s sons are waging a legal battle over the right to display memorabilia, according to a lawsuit filed today in L.A. Superior Court.

The younger son, Luca Dotti, is the chairman of the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. According to the suit, the older son, Sean Ferrer, has been interfering in the charity’s efforts to exhibit Hepburn memorabilia.

Hepburn died in 1993. According to the suit, Ferrer and Dotti — who each live in Italy — jointly own their mother’s effects. Shortly after her death, they formed the charitable fund and signed an agreement to donate proceeds from exhibitions to various children’s charities.

But the lawsuit contends that Ferrer ran into financial difficulties in 2008 and 2009, including a divorce and a burdensome real estate transaction in Italy. In 2012, Ferrer withdrew from the fund’s board and Dotti took over as chairman.

The following spring, Ferrer sent a notice attempting to block the fund from exhibiting his mother’s effects, the lawsuit states.

According to the suit, Ferrer then took control of the fund’s GoDaddy account, which hosts its website and email. The suit also contends that Ferrer interfered with Dotti’s efforts to use photographs of their mother in a cookbook, “Audrey at Home.”

Ferrer has also raised objections to a forthcoming series of exhibits of Hepburn memorabilia in China.

The lawsuit claims that Ferrer had

his Swiss lawyer send a letter to the Chinese exhibitor threatening to sue if the exhibits went forward.

Ferrer also forced a postponement of an exhibit in Australia and the cancellation of one in Korea, according to the suit.

“Ferrer seeks to entirely control, limit and prohibit the Fund from using the Hepburn IP unless it is willing to pay a significant portion of the fundraising proceeds to a charity of Ferrer’s choice, or to simply preclude the Fund from utilizing the Hepburn IP altogether,” the suit alleges.

As a result, the fund claims that it is at risk of being unable to meet charitable obligations to children’s hospitals and could be forced to shut down.

Ferrer could not be immediately reached for comment.

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.

STARTING THIS WEEK:

“MANCHESTER BY THE SEA’’: Writer-director Kenneth Lonergan’s (“You Can Count on Me’’) much-praised — and rightfully so — drama offers a superb performance by Casey Affleck as a troubled loner stunned, and unsettled, to find he’s been given guardianship of his late brother’s son (Lucas Hedges). Michelle Williams also is excellent as the Affleck character’s remarried exwife, with whom he shares a tragic past. Kyle Chandler, Gretchen Mol, Tate Donovan and Matthew Broderick also are in the very fine cast, and Matt Damon is among the film’s producers. **** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “HACKSAW RIDGE’’: In his first directorial effort in a decade, Mel Gibson earned wide acclaim for this true drama of an Army doctor (played by Andrew Garfield) who — while weaponless — saved numerous lives during the World War II battle of Okinawa. A conscientious objector, he earned the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions, the roots of which are detailed in what amounts to a prolonged flashback.

Teresa Palmer, Rachel Griffiths, Hugo Weaving and Gibson’s son Milo also appear in the involving film, which viewers should be forewarned includes graphic war sequences. Actor and playwright Robert Schenkkan (“All the Way’’)

co-wrote the script. DVD extras: deleted scenes; Veterans Day greeting by Gibson. *** (R: AS, GV) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “BAD SANTA 2’’: Billy Bob Thornton is “bad’’ again in this 13-years-later sequel, as his character Willie reunites with ex-con sidekick Marcus (Tony Cox), who wants to make up for his past actions. The plan to do so ends up hitting close to home for Willie, who finds a surprising patron in a founder (“Mad Men’’ alum Christina Hendricks) of the charity that he and Marcus plot to swindle. Kathy Bates and Brett Kelly also star in the expectedly offbeat comedy, which hits many familiar notes but ultimately is less effective than the original. ** (R: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (LA BELLE ET LA BETE)’’: The story surely is well-known, but the retelling rings quite mature in this version of the classic tale, casting Vincent Cassel (“Black Swan’’) and Lea Seydoux (“Spectre’’) as the title duo who are brought together when the lovely Belle offers to pay the price for her merchant father’s theft of a rose. The Beast shows her mercy, and in turn, she tries to end the curse that has plagued him. DVD extras: theatrical trailer; interviews with Cassel, Seydoux and director Christophe Gans. *** (PG-13: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “GRACE AND FRANKIE: SEASON 2’’: “9 to 5’’ alums Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin continue their title parts in the Netflix comedy series, as the dissimilar women move forward with their sometimes tenuous bond over hav-

ing been left by their husbands (Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston) for each other. Matters of health concerns and old flames are among the issues that arise, with Sam Elliott, Estelle Parsons and Ernie Hudson among guest stars.

Brooklyn Decker and Ethan Embry also continue their roles from the show’s first season. *** (Not rated: AS, P) “AIR BOUND’’: Animated animals are the “stars’’ of this tale, a re-voiced Japanese feature about two mice about to join others of their kind on a sea voyage. Their plans are diverted when another mouse needs their help to defeat a scheming weasel — a literal weasel in this case, with words spoken by “Saturday Night Live’’ alum Jon Lovitz — in a supposedly idyllic place named Dream Island. Nash Grier, Jimmy Tatro and YouTube personality Justine “iJustine’’ Ezarik also are in the voice cast. *** (Not rated: V)

COMING SOON:

“CHRONIC’’ (Feb. 28): A private nurse (Tim Roth) develops highly interdependent relationships with his terminally ill patients. (R: AS, N, P) “ALLIED’’ (Feb. 28): Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard play spies who fall in love while teamed on a top-secret World War II mission.

(R: AS, N, P, V) “DOCTOR STRANGE’’ (Feb. 28): The Marvel Comics character (Benedict Cumberbatch) takes a new path after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. (PG13: AS, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

Valentine’s Day is barely over. A month and a half after the holidays, we have finished another round of indulging ourselves with too much rich or sugary food. As a result, I know that many people now are trying to recommit to their New Year’s resolutions to eat more healthfully.

And yet, here comes one more of what sometimes seems to be an endless parade of temptations: The food industry has declared Feb. 21 as National Sticky Bun Day! As if we need any excuse to start our mornings with sweet, warm breakfast rolls.

Of course, there are ways that you can have your sticky bun and eat it guilt-free, too. If you make the right choices, you can easily create your own baked morning treats that not only taste good but also are good for you.

Take the recipe I’d like to share for Cinnamon Swirl Honey Whole Wheat Bread. As fancy as that may sound, it’s incredibly easy to mix and bake, though it does take a few hours of waiting for the yeast to do its work making the dough rise.

The recipe’s combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flours produces a loaf that is pleasantly tender while also delivering a healthy dose of fiber with each serving. A spoonful of honey adds a subtle touch of mellow sweetness. And just a little sugar helps deliver the aromatic aroma of the ground cinnamon that is swirled through each of the two loaves produced by the recipe. Yet, for all the satisfying pleasure the loaves provide, each serving of two 1/2-inch (12-mm) slices add up to only about 137 calories, with a mere 25 percent of those coming from fat.

Not only is the recipe delicious and healthy but it’s also versatile.

If you like, you can add seedless raisins or dried cranberries or cherries, dotting them on top of the cinnamon sugar before you roll up each rectangle of dough.

Some toasted chopped walnuts or slivered almonds would also be good, incorporated in the same way.

I like to toast the bread to enjoy with my morning coffee or for Sunday brunch, and it’s also good for sandwiches. Once it has cooled completely after baking, the second loaf that the recipe yields may be sealed in a freezer bag and stored in the freezer for up to several weeks, then thawed in the refrigerator before use. The dough itself can also be used to make excellent homemade pizzas or other flatbreads.

May I suggest you try preparing the recipe this Sunday when you have a few hours? That way, you’ll still have some ready to slice and serve next Tuesday as a healthy alternative to National Sticky Bun Day!

Elena Veselova/Dreamstime.com

Seedless raisins were added atop the cinnamon sugar before the dough was rolled up.

CINNAMON SWIRL HONEY WHOLE WHEAT BREAD Makes two 9-inch (22.5-cm) loaves • Honey Whole Wheat Yeast Dough (recipe follows) • Nonstick cooking spray • 1/3 cup (80 mL) sugar • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • Prepare the Honey Whole Wheat Yeast Dough.

After the dough has rested, covered, for 10 minutes, divide it into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured work surface and with clean hands, gently roll and shape each piece to make an even ball shape. Cover the balls with a damp kitchen towel and leave to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out each ball to form a 9-by-12-inch (22.5-by-30cm) rectangle.

Evenly spray the insides of two 9-inch (22.5-cm) loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon.

Lightly brush the surface of each rectangle with cold water.

Starting at the nearest shorter edge of each rectangle, evenly sprinkle each piece of dough with the cinnamon-sugar mixture up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the opposite edge.

Starting at the nearest short edge, tightly roll up each rectangle of dough. Place one roll, seam down, in each prepared loaf pan. Cover the pans with a damp towel and leave to rise at warm room temperature until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).

With a sharp knife, lightly score three evenly spaced diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake the loaves until golden brown, about 45 minutes.

Carefully turn them out of the pans onto a wire rack to cool before slicing with a bread knife.

HONEY WHOLE WHEAT YEAST DOUGH Makes enough for two 9-inch (22.5-cm) loaves SPONGE: • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) lukewarm water, 80 F (27 C) • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 cup (250 mL) allpurpose flour • 1 cup (250 mL) whole wheat flour DOUGH: • 3/4 cup (165 mL) allpurpose flour • 3/4 cup (165 mL) whole wheat flour • 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt • 5 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil First, prepare the sponge: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, stir together the yeast, water and honey until the yeast has dissolved. Stir in the all-purpose and whole wheat flours just until a soft, loose dough forms. Cover with a clean towel and set aside at warm room temperature for 20 minutes.

To prepare the dough, add the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, the salt and the olive oil to the sponge. Fit the stand mixer with the dough hook and attach the bowl with the dough. Mix on the next-to-lowest speed for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Continue mixing on medium speed until the dough looks well developed and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes longer.

Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes before proceeding with the recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Honey Whole Wheat Bread.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): A loved one can help to keep you on track in the week ahead. You may have the urge to jump into the frying pan by buying something of dubious value or investing in something that might not turn out as planned.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think before you act. You might briefly feel that you are in a competition with someone and jump the gun in a moment of poor judgment. In the week to come family members can help you achieve long-term goals.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You can take pride in a family member’s accomplishments or simply enjoy pleasant surroundings. In the week to come you might find that your home has increased in value or a new neighbor may become friendly.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Make promises you can keep. You may be thrown into contact with people who say or do things on the spur of the moment. In the week ahead you should be mind-

ful that casual assurances aren’t necessarily commitments.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take a chance on romance. Shared feelings will be obvious. Play your cards right and a new love may blossom in the week ahead. A raise or promotion can be obtained if you are persistent and choose your timing wisely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pan for gold. A golden nugget of information you find this week can make your money grow or a wise decision possible. You could reach a crucial turning point; a decision can cause the dominoes to tumble over.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your calendar app might not be able to keep up with last minutes changes as this week unfolds. Your attraction to exciting experiences and people can keep your dance card filled. Avoid being extravagant about purchases.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Whisper sweet nothings to get some things. Congenial communication between you and others can improve any endeavor this week. Don’t plant your feet into the ground and refuse to budge

over a minor matter.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Candy is dandy but quickly consumed. It is a good idea to be cautious about purchases and investments as this week unfolds.

You may fall prey to a tendency to see only what you want to see.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your energy levels may be high in the week to come. Be sure to use your extra enthusiasm to tackle worthwhile projects.

You may easily be distracted by friends or aggravated by undue peer pressure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to advice and wise counsel from others this week as you plan for the future. You may possess the golden touch where money or purchases are concerned. Your intuitions could be highly accurate.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The bling is the thing. You might be attracted to bright shiny objects like a crow but end up with a chewing gum wrapper rather than silver. Discriminate between enduring things and false fronts this week.

8 Section 2

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Regional News • The Reporter

Benefits of busy work

By Jon Depaolis

When dealing with the stresses and burdens of daily life, many people turn to psychologists or other mental health specialists for help. This can often lead to hefty medical bills.

But what if there were another way to improve one’s mental health while also bettering his or her quality of life? Turns out, the answer is simple: Find a hobby.

Dr. Beth A. Howlett; director of the Widener University Counseling Center in Chester, Pennsylvania, and an expert in health and fitness, as well as mental health and well-being; believes hobbies are one way to improve mental health.

“Our hobbies are things that can give our lives purpose and meaning beyond our jobs and our place in our family,” Howlett says.

“It’s something we choose to do for ourselves.”

Physical activities and hobbies, such as running or going to the gym, can bring obvious health benefits.

“Research has shown at least with exercises — and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens with some of the other [non-athletic] activities — that endorphins are released to help stimulate the pleasure center of our brain,” Howlett says.

The routine or repeated practice of a hobby can also yield benefits.

“It can be grounding,” Howlett

says. “It can be a healthy escape, too.”

But it doesn’t have to just be a physical exercise.

“Creativity helps with plasticity of the brain,” Howlett says.

“It creates new neural pathways, and I think it can be immensely helpful in many respects — even in terms of the aging process.

Obviously, exercise has many benefits — physically, mentally, emotionally. But I think things like music and art, those creative forms — gardening, too — get people to connect with nature. That is also close to the spiritual realm, so it’s close to that domain of a person’s life.

“Being creative or connecting in different ways can be very beneficial to mental health. It can get you outside of yourself when you’re engaged in something that you choose to do for the fun of it.”

Laurene Rehman, a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an expert in recreation, leisure and health, also spoke to the benefits of leisure activities in improving mental health.

“If folks aren’t experiencing those positive benefits in their work, [hobbies] are a way to compensate,” Rehman says. “Leisure provides important mental health benefits, in particular, from that idea of taking a reprieve or a break.”

Rehman says a key piece to “positive leisure” is that it offers the chance for a full-immersion

experience, where one gets so engaged in something that time appears to pass by quicker than normal.

“You are so immersed in something that you honestly don’t see what happens around you,” she says. “It’s that chance to shut everything out — any toils, stresses, or emotional or physical challenges.”

A key is to find something that works for the individual. Rehman recommends having a repertoire of leisure activities at one’s disposal.

“We tend to get stuck in ruts, where we only think of one thing and that’s all we end up doing,” she says. “If anything, trying something new or different should be your New Year’s resolution.

You can see if something is your passion that you’ve never had the chance to do.”

Rehman suggests contacting local municipal organizations to see what offerings are in the area.

And while there are clear benefits to using hobby therapy as a way to deal with life’s stresses, it is important to know when to seek professional help.

“If you are experiencing a lack of joy in life, even in activities that used to give you pleasure, you’re suffering most likely from depression,” Howlett says. “I think that would warrant seeking medical help if you are unable to find meaning and life satisfaction in the work and activities you do in life, and if it is affecting your health and relationships.”

Put your best fork forward Smith Village observes National Nutrition Month, hosts health fair As colder weather gives way to spring, many people are noting the effects of winter on their waistlines. Because older adults tend to have slower metabolisms, weight gains can be more dramatic and more difficult to reverse. These winter gains also can increase risk for stroke, heart attack and diabetes.

Smith Village, a life plan community in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, will be encouraging older adults to put their best fork forward in March. The idea is to help them achieve better nutrition and improve lifestyle habits during National Nutrition Month®, an annual health education campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Smith Village supports a healthy lifestyle for older adults, which makes it a great setting for older adults to learn about healthy nutrition and sound health practices,” said Christina O’Neil, Smith Village nutrition care manager, dietician and coordinator for this year’s health fair.

To support physical activity, Smith Village has an onsite fitness center. Dining services offer many heart-smart choices, including seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as low-sodium and low-fat options. For more special health considerations, residents can consult with O’Neil, who works with executive chef Gautham Rao to provide delicious healthy meals for all residents.

Following the lead of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics throughout the year, Smith Village offers a diverse menu featuring foods that support memory and healthy eyesight as well as foods that fight inflammation. Among these superfoods are fresh leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash, colorful root vegetables, cherries, berries, strawberries, nuts, plant-based fats, fatty fish and herbs and spices.

Smith Village health fair, March 9

Smith Village invites friends and neighbors to attend its annual health fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, at 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. The life plan community sponsors this free event to share the wealth of health expertise available to its residents.

Executive chef Gautham Rao will conduct food demos and provide complimentary samples to introduce attendees to lots of delicious healthy choices.

In addition to samples and National Nutrition Month giveaways, the health fair will feature free health assessments and more.

Staff dietician Christina O’Neil will provide information about healthy snacking and recipes.

Great Lakes Caring will offer free blood pressure checks.

share information for older adults and their families on coping with dementia.

Walgreens will administer flu shots.

For more information about the Smith Village Health Fair, please call 773-474-7300 and ask for staff dietician Christina O’Neil.

About Smith Village

Christina O’Neil, Smith Village nutrition care manager, dietician encourages older adults to learn more about nutrition at the Smith Village health fair, March 9.

Little Company of Mary Hospital will conduct blood sugar testing.

Smith Village memory support coordinator Diane Morgan will

Smith Village is sponsored by Smith Senior Living, a not-forprofit organization serving older adults since 1924. The life plan community provides spacious residences and engaging programs for independent living, as well as assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. Smith Village also offers short-term rehabilitation services for residents and others requiring assistance after surgery or a medical incident. For more information, call 773-4747300 or visit SmithVillage.org.

Exploring natural energy

By Michael Gilbert Millions of people each day depend on a cup of coffee in hopes of becoming functional in the morning. Others turn to soft drinks or caffeine-laden energy drinks.

But some researchers have conducted studies that claim these tactics can have harmful effects.

Increased blood pressure, insomnia, headaches and anxiety have been reported by those who consume too much caffeine.

Michelle S. Fielding, a Pennsylvania- based homeopathic practitioner and nutritionist, notes those who are over caffeinated often find themselves in an agitated state and the psychoactive drug can affect one’s nervous system. A healthier diet can provide one with more natural energy, and that begins by putting down the java and picking up a piece — or three — of fruit, she says.

“I always recommend to my clients that they have three servings of fruit at breakfast,” Fielding says. “Fruit empties toxins out of the liver. Fruits also have a low glycemic load.

“You don’t need coffee. Grab an orange, some grapes and pieces of melon.”

Kevin Richardson, a personal trainer and the owner of the New York-based High Intensity Training, agrees with Fielding on the importance of a nutritious breakfast.

“You need to start out with a good breakfast, and I’m not talking about a doughnut or some pastry,” he says. “You need a breakfast that is high in fiber and contains complex carbohydrates.

“If you miss breakfast or just have something like a bagel, you are setting yourself up to overeat because the body can’t regulate itself.”

Richardson agrees that fruit is an important part of any good breakfast.

He also recommends oatmeal and eggs. “It’s not exactly rocket science,” he says. “You’ve got your carbs and your proteins.”

Fielding suggests heading out and getting some exercise two hours after eating breakfast.

“Walking is very good for you,” Fielding says. “It’s good to gradually increase the time you spend exercising. If you start doing 15 minutes, make it a goal to get up to 30 minutes.”

A brisk walk outside is Fielding’s

preferred method, but she says the treadmill is a good option at night or in less than ideal weather conditions.

Yoga is another low impact workout that can provide plenty of natural energy. Fielding attends yoga class three times a week and says it’s not only a good option for burning calories and toning muscles, but also serves as a total body workout by including deep breathing and mediation.

If one is seeking a higher impact workout for a natural energy boost, Fielding suggests strength training and running. Typical strength training exercises might include squats, bench press, deadlifts and leg curls.

“Strength training can build muscle and make your bones stronger,” Fielding says. “It can really get your blood pumping.”

Fielding says it’s important to follow up the morning workout with a nutritious lunch. Her go-to healthy dish is a salad with a variety of greens and strips of lean, grilled chicken. Dressing high in fat can often ruin what would otherwise be a very healthy meal. Fielding opts for a homemade dressing consisting of olive oil and a mix of herbs.

Olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, has many heart-healthy macronutrients. Benefits to consuming olive oil include lowering rates of inflammation, heart disease and blood pressure.

A dish consisting of a lean protein like grilled chicken and a carbohy-

drate such as a baked potato is a good dinner option, she says.

Richardson points out that people who fail to eat properly often turn to caffeine to make it through the day.

This, however, is not a wise option.

“Caffeine only creates the illusion of energy to your adrenal glands,” he says. Only macronutrients from food can give you energy.

Richardson advocates drinking water, and believes there is little reason to ever grab a cup of coffee or a can of soda.

“Humans were around for 2,000 years without soda and coffee and they did just fine,” he says. “I don’t believe there is any reason why someone can’t drink water.

If you’re thirsty enough you will drink water.”

A healthy diet isn’t the only way to get a natural energy boost. Richardson says a good night’s sleep also plays a key role.

“Getting constant sleep is so critical because you can’t make up for lost sleep,” he says. “Oversleeping on the weekend sets you up to crash during the week because your body is used to sleeping for a long time.

“Stick with a certain time and sleep that length every night. I tell people they shouldn’t even need an alarm clock. Your body should be programmed to not be dependent on an alarm clock. If you’re using an alarm clock you probably aren’t getting enough sleep.”

Open 7 Days a Week Extended Hours

Your Body on LaVida Massage...

Side effects include:

More Energy Improved Mood A Healthier You!

New t Clien l a i c e Sp

39

$

95 MINUTE 60

SESSION

(with this coupon. first time clients only.)

5009 CalSag Rd. (Route 83) Crestwood

5009 CalSag Rd. (Route 83) Crestwood • 708.385.1919 Crestwood.IL.LaVidaMassage.com