Reporter 2 25 16

A handy guide to financial planning

INSIDE:

Sports: Highs and lows of the high school postseason

REPORTER OUT & ABOUT, Section 2

THE

Volume LVI, No. 49

USPS 118-690

$1 Newstand

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

3 SECTIONS 22 PAGES

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Local Dems seek solutions for budget impasse

By Joe Boyle Gov. Bruce Rauner originally vetoed a bill by state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) that passed through the Senate on Monetary Awards Program, or MAP grants, for college students.

Burke felt confident that after a few revisions, with the assistance of state Sen. Donne Trotter (D-17th), that Rauner would be in agreement with the bill as he prepared for his budget address on Feb. 17.

But Rauner vetoed Burke’s bill for a

Rauner’s latest veto of MAP grant bill adds to frustration second time within a month.

“You know, I was hopeful that he would agree this time,” said Kelly, whose district includes Evergreen Park and portions of Oak Lawn. “We will just have to go back to work.”

The governor vetoed Senate Bill 2043 because he said it would “explode the state’s budget deficit.” Rauner believes that approving MAP grants would put a strain on the cash flow for other agen-

cies in the state that are already having financial difficulties because of the budget stalemate.

Burke said that she, along with other legislators, has sent a letter to the governor to discuss aspects of his “turnaround agenda” and where they can find some middle ground. Rauner would like to see some loosening of union rules that he thinks restricts employers from hiring and prevents companies from settling

in Illinois.

“Talking about the budget and funding is an ages-old struggle,” Burke said.

“So, if we talk about the budget, I think we can come up with some ideas. But the maddening part of the budget talks is that the governor wants to eliminate collective bargaining. That’s why these conversations don’t go any further.”

Many Republicans oppose that the bill was going to restore $397 million in

By Dermot Connolly

By Janelle Frost

See LIBRARY, Page 8

See BUDGET, Page 8

Chicago Ridge raises rates for gaming machines

OL Library expanding its outreach to homebound Rebecca Clifford always loved and appreciated books, so after an accident in 2008 that caused a spinal cord injury and placed her in a wheelchair, she had to rely on family and friends to pick up books for her at the library.

Then one day that all changed when one of her sisters was picking up a book for her and learned that the library delivers books to those who are unable to go and use the services in the Oak Lawn Public Library.

Clifford started getting books delivered to her the following week.

“It’s a good service because my sister and friends are really busy,” said Oak Lawn resident Clifford, who has been using the services for about a year. “They’re still accommodating (but) it’s one less thing they had to do for me.”

Now the program is expanding and seeing some changes.

Tippi Price, customer services department head at the Oak Lawn Public Library, said the purpose of the program is to go outside the library’s walls and find patrons not able to come in due to physical, mental or temporary impairments to use services in the library. In doing so, she and her staff are now targeting nursing homes, rehab centers and adult daycare centers.

“We’re going where the needs are,” said Price, who started working at the library in October. “We always had, but with more people we can cover more areas.”

They also are trying to help facilities build libraries and programs that could include artifacts, travel talks and sensory experiences, and have changed the name of the program to Outreach Services.

“We’re not just focused on books but where the books start,” Price said about wanting special programs for patrons that would go beyond reading. “We’re trying to find ways we can incorporate ourselves in people’s lives.”

The Oak Lawn library’s homebound program, now known as Outreach Services, started more than 20 years ago with volunteers before it was eventually given to Nancy Dunne, the library’s interlibrary loan supervisor.

Dunne said the services has grown since then where in addition to print books, the library is able to offer audio books and magazines through the Illinois Talking Book program, which

scholarships and more than $324 million for community colleges. GOP leaders said the funding does not exist because there is no budget.

State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th) said hearings will be held next week in Springfield to deal with the budget issue, and at that time discussions will focus on some compromises that can be reached with the governor.

Cunningham mentioned that perhaps some pension limits can be examined,

Supplied photo

Julie Capuano, the wife of the late firefighter Dan Capuano, joins Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton in admiring the memorial plaque dedicated in her husband’s name. The dedication was held Saturday at the Yukich Field ice rink, now named in honor of the firefighter who died in a Chicago blaze in December.

‘Dan will be remembered’ Evergreen Park ice rink renamed in honor of fallen firefighter Capuano

By Sharon L. Filkins Residents came out in full force late Saturday in Evergreen Park to pay tribute to the late firefighter Dan Capuano, whose memory was honored with a dedication service and renaming of the ice rink at 9000 S. Kedzie Ave. More Capuano, 42, served coverage as a part-time Evergreen of the dedication Park firefighter for 16 ceremony: years. He was also a Chicago firefighter for Page 4 15 years. Capuano, 42, died in an abandoned warehouse fire on Chicago’s Southeast Side on Dec. 14.

He left behind his wife, Julie, and three children, Amanda, Andrew and Nick to mourn his loss. He was known as devoted family man and was active in coaching his sons in hockey, which made renaming the rink in his memory fitting.

Mayor James Sexton announced last month that he and the board of trustees had agreed unanimously to honor Capuano by renaming the ice rink.

“We could think of nothing more appropriate to honor this young man, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, than to name this facility after him. He spent many hours at the

Photo by Sharon L. Filkins

An inscription provides information on fi efighter Dan Capuano, who died battling a Chicago fire in December. The memorial plaque was unveiled on Saturday during the renaming of the ice rink in his honor at 90th and Kedzie.

rink, coaching his two sons and other youngsters in the game of hockey,” said Sexton.

More than 300 people gathered in the Evergreen Park Fire Station, located directly south of the ice rink, as the dedication ceremony began. It was a multi-generational group comprised of senior citizens, young families with

babies in strollers and toddlers, in tow, and large groups of high school students and young adults.

“There are a lot of good people here today,” said Sexton.

First to speak was Village Fire Chief Ronald Kleinhaus, who thanked See CAPUANO, Page 8

After seeing how much money was being spent on video gaming in town, the Chicago Ridge Village Board has decided to raise the fees to businesses for each video gaming machine they have.

“Nobody knew how much would be raised from this when we started it several years ago,” said Mayor Chuck Tokar, explaining why the annual fee per terminal was originally set at $100.

After reviewing data gathered by the Illinois Gaming Board on the amount of money spent on video gaming, the board agreed unanimously with Tokar’s suggestion that the annual fee per machine be raised to $500.

The mayor said the village can use the additional funds for law enforcement, among other Nobody things, because the knew how video gaming is done at places that much would serve alcohol, where the police typically be raised from have to focus more this when attention. we started it Trustees Fran Coglianese and Bruce several years Quintos suggested ago. even raising the fee to $1,000, after Co- ­— Chicago Ridge glianese pointed out Mayor Chuck Tokar that Illinois Gaming Board statistics showed more than $5 million was wagered last year on video gambling in one business in the village.

But when Trustee William McFarland said raising the fees might hurt non-profit organizations such as the Glen Maker American Legion Post 1160, at 10739 S. Ridgeland Ave., and McDonald-Linn VFW Post 177, at 10537 S. Ridgeland, the board settled on raising the fee per terminal to $500. The Oak Lawn Elks Lodge 2254, at 10720 S Central Ave., is the third non-profit in Chicago Ridge with a gaming license.

Village Attorney Burt Odelson explained that non-profits cannot legally be charged a different fee per terminal than other businesses.

“I can’t believe I am the one saying $500 is enough,” said Trustee Andrea Cardin, noting that she has been seeking a limit on video gaming licenses for some time.

When Coglianese brought up the issue of limiting the number of video gaming licenses allowed in the village, Tokar said the trustees could treat them just as they do liquor licenses, which are limited.

Neighboring Oak Lawn had 35 establishments with video gaming licenses in 2015, while Palos Hills had six, Hickory Hills had 14, Worth had 10, and Evergreen Park

“

”

See CHICAGO RIDGE, Page 8

2 The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Oak Lawn man struck by SUV dies from his injuries Oak Lawn police are investigating an incident where an 84-year-old Oak Lawn man was struck by a sport-utility vehicle Friday night at an intersection in the village and later died from his injuries.

James Nassin died at about 8 p.m. at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Nassin was struck while he was crossing

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge

103rd and Pulaski Road from the southwest corner of 103rd Street walking east along the crosswalk, police said.

Witnesses said the striking vehicle was making the turn on the green turn arrow and the pedestrian was crossing against the red light. No charges have been filed up to this point, according to police.

Assault and battery charges Two men from Chicago Ridge and one from Oak Lawn were charged following a fight in a parking lot in the 10300 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 5:30 a.m. last Thursday.

Police charged Andrew Guerin, 19, of the 10400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge, with felony aggravated battery for striking a man in the chest with a machete. Police said the victim was trying to break up a fight he was not involved in.

Keelan McClintock, 25, of the same block as Guerin, was charged with battery for hitting another man, and Jake Brambler, 20, of the 9600 block of East Lake Shore Drive, Oak Lawn, was charged with disorderly conduct. Guerin was held for a bond hearing while McClintock and Bramble were released on bail. No court information was available.

Reception to be held for judicial candidate A reception will be held for attorney William Wojcik from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 at the Goal Post Bar, 5207 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn.

Wojcik, an Oak Lawn resident, is a Democratic candidate for Cook County Circuit Judge. He has been a personal injury attorney for over 35 years.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 424-2121.

Wojcik

Free autism support group to be held The South West Special Recreation Association will host a free support group for parents or guardians who care for individuals with autism from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at the Apollo Recreation Center, 12521 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip.

Parents and guardians can meet

visitors who care for individuals with autism and can share concerns and ideas. This is a parent led group. Due to the sensitive nature of topics and discussions, children should not attend this event.

Residents who plan to attend should call 24 hours in advance at (708) 389-9423.

Driving charges • Darwin L. Hill, 32, of the 7100 block of South Mozart Street, Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop on Feb. 17 in the 10300 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he is due in court on March 17.

• Jason Singer, 31, of the 6200 block of West 94th Street, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:35 a.m. Friday in the 10200 block of Southwest Highway. Police said he was also cited for driving on a suspended license. He is due in court on April 7.

Retail theft charges • Jennifer Wenzel, 36, of the 10100 block of South 84th Terrace, Palos Hills, was charged with felony retail theft by an employee at 2:50 p.m. Friday at Home Depot in Chicago Ridge Commons. Police said that over a period of time, Wenzel had been under-ringing merchandise, not charging the correct value, for an unknown customer. Store officials reported that the losses amounted to $3,370. She was held for a bond hearing on Monday.

• Erica F. Benitez, 26, of the 3600 block of South Damen Avenue, Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 18.

Store security officers who detained her outside the store told police she left after concealing cosmetics worth $76 in her clothing. Benitez, who was also wanted on a warrant from Addison for a traffic offense, is due in court on March 17.

Evergreen Park

Meat Loaves

$

4

39 Lb.

Boneless Marinated

Chicken Breast

$

4

39 Lb.

$

Potato Pancakes

$

3

49

$

4

39 Lb.

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

Busch Summer Sausage........$6.98 lb.

Leon's Knockwurst or Bratwurst...............$4.59 lb.

Provolone or Colby Jack...................$5.49 lb.

Lb.

Boneless Stuffed

$

Jack & Pat’s

Porterhouse or Sirloin Patties

4

19

Chicken Breast

per pkg

398 Lb.

Jack & Pat’s

Pizza Set Ups

$

Bernard Grant, 61, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 2:59 p.m. Feb. 16, at Menards, 9100 S. Western Ave. Police said he took two knives worth a total of $41.98.

Hickory Hills

Driving charges filed • Malcolm Franklin, 21, of the 2700 block of Orchard Street, Blue Island, was charged with driving on a suspended license at 3:25 p.m. Saturday at 89th Place and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for expired registration. He is due in court on March 28.

• Gerald J. Smith, 26, of the 7400 block of South Claremont Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:40 a.m. Saturday in the 8000 block of South 87th Street. Police said he initially gave them a false name and driver’s license, and was charged with obstructing identification. He was also cited for illegally tinted windows. He is due in court on March 28.

• Elizabeth F. Doory, 18, of Burbank, was cited for speeding, and a passenger received a village ordinance violation for cannabis possession, following a traffic stop at 12:08 a.m. Saturday in the 9200 block of Kean Avenue. Police said Doory’s car was traveling 49 mph in a 30 mph zone, and the odor of cannabis was emanating from the car when it was stopped.

Amanda M. Adaszak, 18, of the 8000 block of South Long Avenue, Burbank, was issued the village ordinance violation for a bag containing marijuana that she handed to police, reports state.

Adaszak must appear at a hearing at Hickory Hills City Hall on April 5.

Oak Lawn Kurt M. Beck, 49, of the 9200 block of South Major Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with criminal trespassing and assault after witnesses said he came into a house uninvited in the 9200 block of South 55th Court at 6:48 p.m. Feb. 16, and confronted a man inside.

Beck allegedly came into his exgirlfriend’s house when he saw the door open, and threatened a 52-year-old man inside. He eventually left but was arrested shortly afterward at his own house. Beck is due in court on March 17.

Ground Chuck

5 pk Garden Fresh

Retail theft charge

Assault charge

Extra Lean

Lenten Special

Alyssa Sierzega, 22, of Chicago, was charged with possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia at 4:32 p.m. Feb.16, in the 3300 block of West 103rd Street. Police said she was cited for speeding, and was in possession of 4.2 grams of cannabis and a glass pipe.

A man and woman were charged with battery following

Old Fashioned Butcher Shop 10717 South Ridgeland Avenue Meat: 636-3437 Deli: 636-6203

Jack & Pat’s Homemade

Drug possession, driving charges

Battery charges

Jack & Pat’s SALE DATES: Feb. 25th - March 2nd

a confrontation that occurred at 1:49 a.m. Dec. 10 in the 9500 block of South Homan Avenue.

Police said David L. Johnson, 26, and Amanda S. Kalafut, 20, both of Evergreen Park, approached a house and fought with people inside after hearing them make insulting comments about Kalafut. Johnson allegedly held down and pummeled a man, and Kalafut punched a 26-year-old woman in the head and neck.

Sausage

1098

Each

Cheese

$

769 Each

Sara Lee (oven or honey) Turkey Breast..............$7.09 lb.

Minced Ham or Prasky.....................$6.09 lb.

IL Primo Genoa Salami.............$5.49 lb.

Diamond’s Irish Sausage...............$5.49 lb.

Driving charges • Billal Sheikh, 22, of the 5800

block of West 89th Street, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10:39 a.m. Feb. 18 at 87th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without brake lights, and he was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant from DuPage County for failure to appear in court. Sheikh was released on bail on the warrant and is due in court on the local charges on March 17.

• Kathryn A. Fregeau, 28, of the 300 block of Hunter Avenue, Joliet, was charged with multiple driving offenses and unlawful possession of hypodermic needles when she was stopped at 6:40 p.m. Feb. 16, in the 4100 block of West 103rd Street. Police said she was charged with driving on a suspended license, no insurance and no rear registration light, as well as the possession charge. She is due in court on April 1.

Cars are stolen • A 2008 maroon Mazda was reported stolen from a driveway in the 9400 block of South 69th Avenue between 8 and 9:30 p.m.

Feb. 15. A neighbor’s surveillance camera recorded an unidentified man walking up and down the block, and then getting in the car and driving away.

• In a separate incident, a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country van was stolen from a driveway in 9700 block of South Rutherford Avenue between 5 and 5:40 p.m.

Feb. 17. In that case, tire tracks showed that it was backed out of the driveway and up on grass to avoid a car parked behind it.

There was no evidence of either car being broken into.

Passenger charged in traffic stop Christopher M. Mepham, 23, of the 9300 block of South 50th Avenue, faces drug charges following a traffic stop at 3:50 p.m.

Feb. 16 in the 9100 block of South Austin Avenue. Police said Mepham was a passenger in the car, and was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and possession of cannabis after he was found with one Xanax pill and 6 grams of marijuana. The driver of the vehicle, Rebecca D. Schwab, 21, of the 7400 block of West 74th Street, Bridgeview, was issued a village ordinance violation for possession of 2 grams of marijuana. Mepham was held for a bond hearing.

Drivers face multiple charges

the wheel of his car, blocking the intersection at 99th Street and Southwest Highway at 10:15 p.m. Feb. 5. Police said he was also charged with possession of a controlled substance when a bag of psychedelic or psilocybin mushrooms was found in the car. He was also cited for improperly stopping/parking in the roadway. Erdakos was held for a bond hearing.

Trespassing, weapons charge Latonya Renea Holmes, 41, of the 600 block of North Pine Avenue, Chicago, was charged with multiple offenses following a traffic stop in the 9900 block of South Pulaski Road at 2:42 a.m. Feb.12.

Police said she was charged with criminal trespassing to a vehicle, because the car she was driving, which was owned by a recently deceased boyfriend, had been reported stolen. She was also cited for driving on an expired license and unlawful use of weapon after police said they found a stun gun in her jacket. Holmes is due in court on March 17.

Palos Hills Disorderly conduct charge Osama Mohammad, 35, of Chicago, was charged with disorderly conduct after police responded to a disturbance about noon Feb. 17 in the 8800 block of West 100th Place. Police said a witness reported that Mohammad was screaming threats in English and Arabic about killing people.

He is due in court on March 4.

Deceptive practice reported Police are investigating a case of deceptive practice that was reported at 5 p.m. Friday. The victim told police someone stole five of his company checks, and cashed them for various amounts.

Traffic altercation A man reported being the victim of a battery following a traffic collision about 4 p.m. Feb. 16 in the 10400 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he told them he struck another vehicle by accident, and when he approached the other driver to talk about the incident, the man pushed him to the ground and fled.

Cab driver reports robbery When police responded to a fight about midnight, Feb. 17, in the 8500 block of West 103rd Terrace, a cab driver told them he was robbed and beaten up by two passengers he had driven from Oak Brook to that location. The driver said the two took his wallet and iPhone, but detectives investigating the case said they tracked down the alleged offenders, and found discrepancies in the stories.

No charges were filed.

• James A. Sarpalius, 29, of the 8700 block of South Sproat Avenue, Oak Lawn, was arrested on a Will County warrant and charged with driving on a suspended license and other offenses following a traffic stop at 11:50 p.m. Feb. 16 in the 4900 block of West 95th Street. Police said Sarpalius initially gave them his brother’s name, and when they found that his license was suspended too, he refused to identify Police report information is prohimself. After his name was de- vided by law enforcement agentermined through fingerprints, he cies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of was also charged with obstructing police actions taken, and persons identification and speeding. Af- charged with a crime are preter reportedly threatening police sumed innocent until proved guilty while in custody, he became ill in court. and was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital for treatment.

Area police • Joseph O. Erdakos, 51, of the 9200 block of South 55th departments Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence Chicago Ridge 425-7831 of alcohol and drugs after police Evergreen Park 422--2142 reported finding him asleep at Hickory Hills 598-4900 Oak Lawn 499-7722 Palos Hills 598-2272 Worth 448-3979

OL Park district heading to Jacob Henry Mansion The Oak Lawn Park District will be heading to the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet on Tuesday, March 15 for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The event is for guests ages 16 and up. Individuals will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn, and are scheduled to return at 4 p.m.

The fee is $65 for residents and $75 for non-residents.

Guests will hear Celtic music from “Mulligan Stew.” They will walk through the Jacob Henry Mansion and the Historical Old Central Church. Lunch will be Aunt Annie’s, which serves awardwinning corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots, salad, rolls, dessert, coffee or tea. Vegetarian meals will be made available. A cash bar will be provided.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Reporter

Oak Lawn board considers publishing monthly newspaper

Academy Awards welcomes controversy and ratings

T

he Academy Awards will take place Sunday night. We will hear about the fact that the 20 people nominated for the acting awards are all white. This is just the latest controversy in the years the Academy Awards have been in existence.

I guess I’m not all wrapped up in this debate. I know Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of actor Will Smith, is going to boycott the Academy Awards.

She is appalled that no African-American is up for an award. She does not mention her husband, who was passed up for his role in “Concussion.” Smith plays the doctor who discovers a link to lifelong brain damage of former NFL football players who have suffered repeated concussions.

“Concussion” is supposed to be a good film. I know some people who saw it when it was released near Christmas. The fact Joe of the matter is I have not seen it. That symbolizes some of the Boyle problems of the Academy Award voting process. Other members of the voting academy have not seen it either.

I recall hearing about this years ago. You would think that would be a requirement, but it isn’t. The academy provides an honor to many of these voters that they can take part in the process for life. The only problem with that is: How engaged are some of these voters as they age? Many of them vote on previous formulas that they believe makes a good film.

The Academy Awards, despite the controversy and hoopla surrounding this event, will still draw huge ratings on Sunday. Black comedian and actor Chris Rock serves as host this year. No doubt he will take aim at the “so-white” Academy Awards with a series of jokes. Even when the academy is criticized, it draws more attention. Maybe more people will be watching this year.

That’s the amazing thing about the Academy Awards. The motion picture industry puts on an awards show every year for the world to see and then it proceeds to congratulate itself on being so significant and relevant. And then there are speeches by some of the winners who take themselves much too seriously. This year, nominees will provide to the academy a series of names of people they would like to thank. The names will scroll past on our TV sets. That’s good news. Many of these winners in the past insist of thanking everyone from stagehands to first-grade teachers as they ramble on past their designated 45 seconds.

That’s why we often tune out the Academy Awards telecast as it drags past three hours. A little brevity, along with humility, can go a long way.

In regard to the lack of minorities nominated, the Academy is sensitive to being criticized for being, well, insensitive An effort is being made to have a larger minority presence among the academy voters. Critics also would like to see more women in roles as directors and studio executives, along with more representation of Asians and Hispanics.

It may take a few years before these changes have any real impact. A lot of those old white guys will be around for a few more years. They will be replaced in part by more white men who will become old white guys.

But the Academy Awards, even with it faults, is still interesting when they pick up the pace. I can recall when the independent film “Crash” won Best Picture for 2005 over some heavy contenders, including “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “Brokeback Mountain.” Maybe “Crash” was not really the best film, but it had people talking.

Those are the things that make a movie memorable. I mean, was “Titanic” really the greatest film of 1997? That can be debated. The special effects were great but the story line was like a predictable Lifetime movie. But it moved people and got them talking about the Titanic again.

And was “Ordinary People” the best movie of 1980? I thought it was a solid movie, with Mary Tyler Moore playing a cold and distant mother, a surprising twist. But was it better than Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull”? I’ve seen both movies, and Robert De Niro’s portrayal of self-destructive boxer Jake La Motta was magnificent.

Regardless of the ethnicity and race of the nominees, the Academy Awards are consistent. They love lavish productions and often vote for actors who portray someone with a disability. Musicals are also hailed by academy members. The Academy likes to be important, but not too controversial.

So, enjoy the Academy Awards on Sunday. If the show tends to drag, you can always turn the channel to, let’s say, HBO’s “Vinyl.” I will be watching because I actually saw two movies that are up for Best Picture — “The Big Short” and “Spotlight.”

And the winner is…

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

3

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Michael Gilbert

New Palos Hills Building Commissioner Paul Hardison (left) chats with outgoing building commissioner Gene Newman after the city council meeting Feb. 18. Newman decided to resign after the city decided to make the position a full-time job.

Palos Hills OKs full-time building commissioner

By Michael Gilbert Palos Hills has pegged a self-employed architect as its new building commissioner.

The city council voted 7-0 with one abstention to appoint Paul Hardison as building commissioner during the meeting Feb. 18. The Palos Park resident was to begin work the following day, he said.

Aldermen Joan Knox (1st Ward) and Mark Brachman (2nd Ward) were not present for the vote. Ald. A.J. Pasek (3rd Ward) abstained from voting. He declined to give a reason why when asked by The Reporter after the meeting.

Hardison, who has served as an architect for multi-family, commercial, retail, medical and municipal developments, said the reason to seek out the position in Palos Hills was an easy one.

“I lived in the Palos community since 2006 and I just love it down here – I love everything about this area,” said Hardison, who grew up in Barrington. “When I learned about the job opening and saw that it was something that I could do to benefit the community, I was pretty eager to send in my resume.

Hardison, who earned his degree in architecture from the University of Illinois-Chicago, was hand-picked

by Mayor Gerald Bennett from a pool of seven applicants. Although Bennett was absent from the meeting last week, several city officials spoke highly of his recommendation.

“We got a copy of his resume and it is very impressive,” Ald. Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward) said of Hardison.

“I believe he will be a nice addition (for Palos Hills).”

“He has a wonderful background,” added Ald. Marty Kleefisch (1st Ward) said. “His background is architecture but he knows all the building codes, which is extremely important. He’s been involved in the design and construction of different kinds of buildings.”

Hardison replaces Gene Newman, a plan commission member and architect, who was named to the position in November following the death of Gene Nelson. When Newman was appointed by the council to the position it was a part-time job. The city has since decided to make the building commissioner a full-time job, and Newman indicated to Bennett he would not be interested in taking on the position on a full-time basis.

“I’d like Palos Hills to be a place everybody wants to do work, and I just want to do the best job I can,” Hardison said.

The position is expected to have a salary of around $75,000, Bennett said at the council meeting earlier this month.

Hardison and his wife, Diana, have two sons, ages 9 and 11. Diana is an active member of the Palos School District 118 Parent Faculty Association, he said.

• In other news, Palos Hills Public Works Commissioner Dave Weakley said the Illinois Department of Transportation’s project to improve the intersection of 111th Street and Southwest Highway “is gonna happen,” although an exact start date is not yet known.

Among the work planned for the federally-funded project is the installation of dedicated right-turn lanes at three of the intersections four corners, curb and storm sewer work, and construction of a small paved path to link to the existing path further south on Southwest Highway.

The new turn lanes will be approximately 12 to 13 feet wide and will utilize existing right-of-way, Weakley said. A dedicated turn lane is not in the plans for the corner where Walgreens is located, he said.

“We were asking if (IDOT) could improve intersection functionality so that’s how the dedicated turn lanes came about,” Weakley said.

“In terms of stacking, there should be room for about five cars in each.”

Weakley said whenever the project does begin to expect traffic delays and backups. However, because IDOT has not yet bid the project there is no timetable for the improvements.

The paved path will be around 600 feet long and will provide continuity with the Cal-Sag Trail. It will also make it easier for those biking or walking to the Metra station, he said.

“One of the things we have been pushing for is continuity to our walking and bicycling trails,” Weakley said. “With the idea of complete streets and active transportation as far as putting people on their feet or bicycles then (the path) just makes sense to want to put a link to regional hub like the Metra station.”

The project will likely be completed in one construction season with landscaping work carrying over to the next, Weakley said.

The Oak Lawn Village Board is considering publishing a monthly newspaper, with Mayor Sandra Bury and many trustees saying traditional media and Internet blogs cannot be depended on to keep residents informed about what is happening in the village.

At the invitation of Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th), John Fanning, owner of Crestwood-based Fanning Communications, gave a presentation at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday about “strategic communication services” in which he outlined the advantages of producing a monthly publication that would be mailed to every residence and business in the village.

Fanning suggested starting with a 20-page publication, modeled after one he has been publishing for the Village of Crestwood for several years.

He maintained that the Internet age, with the “unrestricted dissemination of information” available online, has led to a lot of misinformation and deliberate “misinformation” on blogs and other online outlets.

He said everything from municipal bond ratings and real estate values can be affected by incorrect information, and publications such as his would counter that.

In addition to providing information coming directly from the village administration about local plans and projects, Fanning said the free publication also would highlight local school news, including honor rolls, sports achievements and other “positive news.”

Fanning said that monthly printing and mailing costs for a 20-page paper would run about $4,500, but the goal is to have advertising revenue cover those costs and provide a profit.

When Trustee Tim Desmond (1st) asked how long it would take to become profitable, Fanning predicted that with a mix of 60 percent news and 40 percent advertising, the publication would pay for itself and even turn a profit for the village within the first few months of getting off the ground.

Fanning proposed that 80 percent of any advertising revenue generated by the publication would go to the village, with 20 percent going to his

company.

Trustee Mike Carberry (6th) cautioned that while the publication may eventually turn out to be a profitable venture for the village, the board would have to determine how much the village could afford to pay while it was getting started.

“We also have to decide who is going to take ownership of what gets published,” said Carberry.

Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) suggested talking to officials from the Oak Lawn Library and the park district, which already print publications, to see if their efforts could be combined, thereby saving money for everyone.

In addition to asking which village account the money would come from, since the budget has been passed already, Trustee Robert Streit (3rd) questioned the need for a publication, pointing out that there were reporters from at least four publications at the meeting.

Bury stressed that the new village publication would not be competing with existing newspapers and news outlets. It would have no political content, and instead of covering breaking news, she said the publication is intended to be a vehicle for the administration to keep residents informed about the goings-on in the village.

She said that while there already is a “Village Matters” blog, that is only available to people with Internet access who sign up for it through the Everbridge application.

The mayor said the new publication would be an improvement on the old village newsletter, which Village Manager Larry Deetjen said was ended due to costs that amounted to as much as $100,000 annually in printing and manpower.

“I think it would be good for the village and good for business development,” said Trustee Bud Stalker (5th).

“If Crestwood can do it, I am totally confident that Oak Lawn can make it profitable, with all our larger business district and car dealerships,” said Vorderer.

As a first step, the board agreed to have village staff meet with Fanning to discuss details and get answers to the many questions raised at the meeting, beginning with how much Crestwood is profiting from its publication.

Moraine prepares to serve up supply chain breakfast

By Kelly White Supply chain management is becoming a popular area of study at Moraine Valley Community College.

The college will be hosting a supply chain breakfast titled “Forging New Links in Your Supply Chain” for students and current business men and women from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 30 on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, Building M, Room 2.

Supply chain management is the flow of goods and services. It includes the movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

At the breakfast, moderated by Mike Johl, supply chain faculty and program coordinator at Moraine, at-

tendees will be able to learn about trends, challenges and career path metrics in the logistics industry.

“We want to create awareness about the program for current practitioners and students enrolled in the program and those looking to enroll,” Johl said.

Johl has 38 years of experience as senior management, working as the region communication manager at UPS. He retired in 2008 and decided to continue a career path instilling the importance of supply chain management to others.

“Education has always been important to UPS and the company has been working alongside Moraine Valley for many years,” Johl said.

The UPS team offers part–time positions where employees can See MORAINE, Page 8

Crisis Center for South Suburbia offers course on domestic violence training The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is offering a 40-hour domestic violence training course in March.

The program will begin on Tuesday, March 8 in Tinley Park (specific location will be announced at a later date). Sessions take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, for a three-week period.

Enrollment is limited and participants are accepted on a first-come,

first-served basis.

Some of the topics covered during the training: the definitions of domestic violence, myths and realities, the cycle of violence, types of abuse, direct service issues, safety planning, abuser profile, teen dating, issues in working with battered women and legal issues.

CCSS licensed professionals will give participants an inside

look how to address a victim or abuser and how to face issues within the workplace. This is a course open to any individual interested in being educated on what domestic violence is and learning about the dynamics of domestic violence. Some topics within the course may be sensitive to previous victims of domestic violence.

By completing the 40-Hour

DV Training, participants will be allowed to do “client-based” volunteering (working hotline, childcare or court advocacy). Participants will also be eligible for CEU’s and ICDVP certifications.

Participants must attend all sessions to earn the 40-hour training certificate. The cost for the program is $150. The cost for students is $75 with proof of enrollment as a full- or part-time student.

To enroll in the program, contact Deborah Lynch, volunteer coordinator, (708) 429-7255, ext.

124, or volunteer@crisisctr.org To obtain additional informa-

tion about the program, contact Renee Rogers-Williams, director of Clinical and Prevention Services, (708) 429-7255, ext. 134, or rrogers-williams@crisisctr.org

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Evergreen Park ice rink renamed in honor of Dan Capuano A large crowd attended a ceremony held late Saturday afternoon to rename an ice rink in memory of firefighter Dan Capuano, who died in a Chicago blaze in December.

Capuano, 42, was a part-time Evergreen Park firefighter for 16 years and a Chicago firefighter for 15.

He leaves a wife and three children and was known to be a devoted father who enjoyed coaching hockey.

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton said that Capuano paid the ultimate sacrifice, and renaming the ice rink in his honor is a fitting gesture.

Evergreen Park Village Chief Ronald Kleinhaus and Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago also spoke during the ceremony. Skaters had to wait another day to use the rink due to the unseasonably mild temperatures.

The fir fighting gear of Dan Capuano still hangs in honor of the later firefighter at the Evergreen Park Fire Station.

Capuano, 42, was a popular member of the Evergreen Park and Chicago fir departments.

Andrew Murphy, 12, reads the memorial plaque honoring fallen fir fighter Dan Capuano, who was also a hockey coach for young boys.

Photo by Sharon L. Filkins

Supplied photo

Julie Capuano, wife of the later fir fighter Dan Capuano, points to the plaque on the stone for her husband near the entrance of the ice rink renamed in his honor. She is joined by her children, Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago (right) and Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton.

Photo by Sharon L. Filkins

Volunteers sought for Housewares Show pack-up Seventy volunteers are being sought for the Sertoma Centre, which is taking part in the Housewares Show to be held in April in Palos Heights.

Transportation will be provided by two luxury coach buses that will depart from the Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip, at 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8 to go to McCormick Place, where participants will pack up donated items for the Housewares Super Sale happening on

Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3, in Palos Heights.

Donations from companies at this event on March 8 stock the sale allowing Sertoma Centre to price items at 50 to 90 percent off retail. Food and refreshments will be provided. Residents who would like to sign up can contact Laura Gardner, Volunteer Services Manager, at (708) 730-6211, or email lgardner@sertomacentre.org.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Compiled by Joe Boyle News and events from our archives Young Worth artists help publicize efforts for ‘Iron Heart’ • 50 years ago From the Feb. 24, 1966 issue The story: Compiling their artistic skills with their interest in community events, sixth- seventh- and eighth-graders at Worth School created posters to lend a helping hand to the Lions Club project to purchase an Iron Heart for the Worth Volunteers Fire Department.

The Iron Heart supplies external heart massage by means of a paddled pressure device moved by compressed gas at the regular rate against the breastbone.

Many posters were submitted on the announced theme, “Helping Heart,” in the contest sponsored by the Worth Lions Club, with several students submitting more than one.

Posters will be displayed in establishments throughout Worth for the purpose of publicizing the effort to raise $1,000 toward the purchase of an Iron Heart.

Bomb threat evacuates shoppers from Chicago Ridge Mall • 25 years ago

From the Feb. 21, 1991 issue The story: Shoppers were evacuated and stores were shut down for several hours in the Chicago Ridge Mall after a bomb threat was called into the mall, police said.

An unidentified male called the mall at 4:11 p.m. Feb. 15 and indicated that a bomb was set to explode in the men’s washroom in 20 minutes,Chicago Ridge police said. Police contacted the Cook County Bomb Disposal Unit and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to search the mall for the explosive device.

After the mall was evacuated, members of the bomb squad found a cardboard box in the men’s bathroom and removed it from the mall.

The quote: “It appeared to be a device,” said Jerry Springer, spokesman for the ATF Bureau.

“But it was incapable of detonating or exploding.”

Following the removal of the device, the mall reopened at 7 p.m. that day.

Pizza deliverymen help in arrest of alleged robber in Oak Lawn • 10 years ago

From the Feb. 23, 2006 issue The story: Two deliverymen from an Oak Lawn pizza restaurant helped police by following an alleged robber through the streets of Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park last week after a holdup at a neighboring sandwich shop.

The alleged robber the duo chased reportedly threatened an employee at the sandwich shop and demanded money from the register. Police, with the help of the deliverymen, were able to apprehend the suspect.

Abballah Saleh, 19, was returning from one of his deliveries when he saw the robbery taking place. He talked to co-worker Kevin Kozak and they agreed to follow the suspect. Saleh called 911 and informed the police about the car’s location.

The quote: “I listened to the tape, and the dispatchers did a good job of getting information from these guys,” said Oak Lawn Division Chief Bill Villanova. .

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Reporter

McAuley senior named National Merit finalist

By Kelly White Maeve O’Rourke, a senior at Mother McAuley High School, has been named a finalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program.

O’Rourke, 18, was one of 16,000 students nationwide to be named a National Merit semifinalist. Semifinalists were chosen based on PSAT scores. O’Rourke was selected as a finalist after completing an application, writing an essay and taking the SAT. These students were the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

“I am incredibly grateful to have been selected as a National Merit finalist,” said O’Rourke, a resident of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. “It’s an exciting time as I get ready for college, and now this recognition is a great reminder that hard work pays off.”

“With the strong educational foundation built as a graduate of St. John Fisher, Maeve flourished in the challenging academic environment at Mother McAuley,” said Eileen Boyce, the Mother McAuley principal.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. The program is a nationwide competition for recognition and awards conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In each annual program, approximately 50,000 academically

Supplied photo

Mother McAuley senior Maeve O’Rourke was selected as a National Merit finalist.

high school students are honored, but only 15,000 of them are named finalists.

O’Rourke has remained active at McAuley, participating in in cross-country, Math Macs and Student Ambassadors. She is also

a leader of the National Honor Society, a member of the National English Honor Society, Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars, Junior Classical League and is involved in the St. John Fisher/Most Holy Redeemer Youth Ministry Program.

“Aside from elective courses, I have taken honors and AP classes as a way to challenge myself while taking advantage of the opportunities McAuley offers,” O’Rourke said.

She said attending McAuley has contributed to her academic success.

“I went through several pro-con lists before deciding on a high school, and I could not be happier with my decision,” O’Rourke said. “Mother McAuley has shaped me into an open-minded go-getter. Studying in an all-girls environment has given me a huge confidence boost.”

Her educational inspiration comes from Malala Yousafzai-Pakistani, the activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate who survived being shot in the head for her beliefs.

“She inspires me to use my education as a vehicle for change,” O’Rourke said. “Her bravery reminds me that I have a responsibility to make the most of my education.”

O’Rourke has not yet decided on a college, but is planning to study English.

Dist. 218 board extends food service contract

By Dermot Connolly Consolidated School District 218 Board of Education has extended the food service contract for a fourth year to the company currently supplying Richards High School in Oak Lawn, Shepard High School in Palos Heights, and Eisenhower in Blue Island.

When the issue was addressed at the Feb. 16 board meeting, Vice President Randy Heuser pointed out that this will be the last extension given to Chartwells School Dining Services, which has been providing food service to the district since 2012.

“They’re in the fourth year of a four-year contract. There is no sense in changing that now, is there?” he wondered.

The contract must be put up for competi-

tive bids in 2017 because, as district Business Manager Joe Daley pointed out, this school year is the fourth and final time the current contract can be extended. Next year, the food service contract will have to be put up for competitive bid, Daley said.

Technically, federal law only allows school districts to offer one-year contracts to companies for food service. These may be extended one year at a time for up to four years.

The vote was 4-0 in favor of the extension, because board members Larry Harris, Robert Stokas and Carol Kats were not at the meeting.

Federal law also states that the food service company is entitled to an increase for the upcoming year, but that increase must be based on the Consumer Price Index as

of December 2015. Daley said that means the company will receive an increase of 2.6 percent for the 2016-17 academic year.

In other business, the school board also voted unanimously to spend about $83,000 on new uniforms for the band program at Eisenhower High School.

According to district spokesman Robert McParland, this purchase is similar to those done for the band program at Shepard High School in 2014, and in 2015 for the one at Richards.

The Bandman’s Company of Dallas, Texas, submitted the lower of two bids —$83,284.15 — to provide 135 band uniforms, five drum major uniforms and 25 guard uniforms. Three other companies sought information from the district, but did not submit bids.

5

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

Several readers came up with the correct response for last week’s Whatizit photo before our noon Monday deadline. The hint — “Two saints” — might have been a big help The answer was Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, located at 11025 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills. The picturesque church with the large dome is visible to pedestrians and drivers who walk or drive by 111th Street or travel south or north on Roberts Road. The church was founded in 1909, and the current structure was erected in 1976.

Jan Merchantz, of Evergreen Park, had the correct answer, as did Carol and Jerry Janicki, of Worth, and Chicago Ridge resident Jerry Burhoff.

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Learning hills.

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

SUDOKU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OAK LAWN

Film group to view, discuss ‘The Searchers’ CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s free weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the classic 1956 John Ford Western “The Searchers” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at the 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.

Oak Lawn Garden Club to hold meeting The Oak Lawn Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 25) in room 10 of the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Members of the club have been aiding pollinators locally.

The club has harvested invasive phragmites stems, removed leaves and sheaths, and cut them to size for Mason bee houses. Members brought containers to the January meeting.

Mason Bee houses will also be available at the Saturday, May 14 plant sale at the Centennial Park gazebo, 9300 S. Nashville Ave., Oak Lawn for people to buy.

Brass choir to perform at Oak Lawn Bible Church The Cedarville University Brass Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 18 at the Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9345 S. 54th Ave. The Cedarville University Brass Choir is an ensemble selected by audition and is comprised of 18 to 22 brass and percussion players. They perform brass literature from all types of music including classical, jazz, pop and Christian.

Admission is free. A “love” of-

fering will be taken. Family and friends are invited to the event.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-9800.

Spring, cummer kids’ clothing resale A Spring/Summer Children’s Clothing and Equipment Resale will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 5 in the Southwest Chicago Christian School gym, 10110 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

The fee is $12. Residents can call the school office, (708) 6368550, to find how to register by phone. The seller will receive 70 percent of the profit. The school receives the other 30 percent.

The sale is cash only. No children will be allowed into the sale.

Bags are allowed (no backpacks or closed bags).

Oak Lawn Camera Club plans two meetings The Oak Lawn Camera Cub will meet at 7 p.m. Fridays, March 4 and 11, at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Competition Night will be held the first Friday of the month.

Theme for the upcoming competition on March 4 is “Abstract.”

On March 11, the club will have a program night. Guests can attend the first meeting at no charge.

Meetings are held regularly October through April.

Residents who enjoy photography and would like to compete with other photographers from the area can call Betty at (708) 534-1912 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Beverly Embroiderers will hold two meetings The Beverly Hills Embroiderers Guild will hold its regular monthly meetings on Tuesday, March 15 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Jean Smoots will teach the Boutis Provencal (Bootee

“Provensahl”) technique at the 9 a.m. workshop. The evening work group will work on art deco projects with metallic thread and beads at 7 p.m.

During the fall-spring season, BHEG holds its meetings every third Tuesday of the month at the Oak View Center. No specific area residence requirements are necessary to join the guild. The only prerequisite is a sincere passion for or interest in upholding traditions of hand stitching art.

Guests can attend a meeting for free with no obligation. Guests or visitors who are interested in sharing their hand-stitching skills and learn new techniques are welcome. The meetings run from September through April.

More information can be obtained by calling Dana, guild president, (708) 424-3189.

Lenten potluck luncheon at church

Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Holy Unction will take place in the Adult Bible Catechism class.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 974-3400 or visit www.stconstantinehelen.org.

Stagg Music Boosters to hold artists/crafts fair The Stagg High School Music Boosters organization is accepting applications from crafters and artists for the March 19 and March 20 Art for the Season show.

The fee is $85 per 80 square feet for booth space for the twoday run of the show at Stagg, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

For more information or to receive an application, call (708) 974-7520 or (708) 361-8298 or go to staggbands.org.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Presentation on services for seniors and disabled

A Lenten potluck luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 6 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Participants are encouraged to bring a main dish, side dish or desserts to share. Following the lunch, guests will discuss their “Star Words,” a special word each received to reflect on throughout 2016. Each individual will have the opportunity to share what they think God might be saying to them through their word.

Anyone who has not yet received a “Star Word” may contact the church at (708) 422-4200 or office@pilgrimfaith.org to obtain one. The church is handicapped accessible.

Palos Township will hold a presentation about legal services for seniors and the disabled at 10 a.m. Monday, March 29 at the Palos Township Offices, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Mark Hellner, director at the Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL) will be the guest speaker. CDEL is a non-forprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal services to low income seniors and persons with permanent disabilities.

Hellner will be discussing the senior tax opportunity program as well as tax sales, tax redemptions, reverse mortgages, powers of attorney and health care directives. A light breakfast will be served.

PALOS HILLS

WORTH

A Holy Unction service for those dealing with and recovering from illnesses will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at Saints Constantine and Helen

Lunch with the Easter Bunny will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit St. Tickets are $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and older. Music, inflatables, photos with the Easter Bunny and lunch will be provided. Registration will take place up until March 11 at the park district, or by calling (708) 448-7080

Holy Unction to be held

Answers on Page 10

Lunch with Easter Bunny

Chicago’s past is explored at free presentation A presentation on “Chicago’s Lost Side” will be held at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 9 at the Worth Park District Museum, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Author David Witter is hosting a talk on his book in which he discusses Riverview, the Stockyards and the Chicago Hillbillies. This is a free program and registration is not required. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit www.worthparkdistrict.org

ACROSS 1 Explosive sound 5 Outer __ 10 Not even ajar 14 “Born to Die” singer/songwriter Del Rey 15 Stadium divisions 16 Son of Leah 17 “You’re living in the past,” nowadays 20 Flower celebrated in an annual Ottawa festival 21 Move the boat, in a way 22 Painting option 23 Like a typical farmer’s market 25 “Gotcha!”

26 “You can’t go there,” nowadays 32 Peace Nobelist Sakharov 35 Elijah Blue’s mom 36 __ de coeur: impassioned plea 37 “Gone With the Wind” setting 38 “Whew!”

39 Sit a spell 40 The Pac-12’s Beavers 41 Ego 43 Citrine or amethyst 45 “Nobody can go there,” nowadays 48 A Bobbsey twin 49 Stops 53 Early New Zealand settler 56 “Something __, something ...”

58 Bug 59 “Never heard of you,” nowadays 62 Cinch 63 Sci-fi staple 64 Golf shot 65 Breton, e.g.

66 Band tour stop, perhaps 67 Building additions

ACROSS 1 Olive Oyl pursuer 2 Eagerly consume 3 One with degrees?

4 Sauce of southern Italy 5 Norm: Abbr.

6 Capital ENE of Custer 7 Prefix with 5-Across 8 Intercollegiate sport 9 Lawyer’s letters 10 Moccasin, for one 11 Man around the Haus 12 Layer in the eye 13 Considerable 18 Posthaste 19 Escort 24 “Here,” on Metro maps 25 “__ to Billie Joe” 27 Act the cynic 28 Coming up short 29 Bakery specialist 30 Before, to a bard 31 Scatterbrain 32 On the highest point of 33 Apollo’s creator 34 Pharmacopeia listing 38 Abbreviation on a lunch menu 39 Splendor 41 Gastropod for a gourmet 42 Geochronological span 43 “¿__ pasa? ” 44 Three-time Indy winner Bobby 46 Transported 47 Favored to win 50 “60 Minutes” regular 51 Sri Lankan language 52 What a pedometer counts 53 Catchall file abbr.

54 Archer of “Fatal Attraction” 55 Common face shape 56 Redolence 57 Jiffy __ 60 “Science Friday” radio host Flatow 61 Greek “H” Answers on Page 10

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, February 25, 2016

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Published Weekly Founded March, 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Health clubs are less about health and more about profits

Moraine Valley board adjusts while stalemate continues

T

he Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees essentially said during a meeting on Feb. 13 that there is no need to push the panic button even while the budget stalemate in Springfield has no end in sight.

But board treasurer Robert Sterkowitz did sound a warning alarm.

“We have been preparing for this for a while,” he said. “We didn’t want to go there, but we are getting there.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner, in his budget address on Feb. 17, provided no immediate comfort to institutions such as Moraine. His speech did not provide any hint of compromise or specific suggestion on what can be done to alleviate the weight of debt, and it provided no budget. His words for legislators were more along the lines of an ultimatum than any specific solutions.

In the meantime, Moraine has tentatively agreed to raise tuition and technology fees. The board is scheduled to vote on those issues next month. Joseph Murphy, the board chairman, said a tuition increase is necessary with no help from the state. Murphy said everyone keeps asking him about funding for rainy days, but “now it’s kind of pouring.”

According to Rauner, the 2017 budget would be nearly $39 billion but supported by $32.8 billion due to last year’s income tax cuts. The governor plans to reduce the revenue gap by proposing an initial round of spending cuts of nearly $2.6 billion.

That leaves a $3.5 billion deficit. Rauner presented legislators with two options. He said they need to approve elements of this “turnaround agenda” that would be part of a $3.5 billion budget package of new revenue and additional cuts. The other option is to cut the budget by an additional $3.5 billion.

The second option means that if the General Assembly fails to agree with Rauner on these cuts, he wants the authority to make budget cuts. These include Medicaid reimbursement rates and cutting distributions to local governments and local public transit systems.

That definitely does not sound like encouraging news for local municipalities. As we study Rauner’s budget speech, nothing sounds encouraging for local colleges and universities, either.

Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins, president of Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills since 2012, did her best to remain optimistic at the recent meeting. She admitted that Moraine is OK today, but that could change. Jenkins added that the 30 percent reduction figures are just an estimate.

But we do know that some schools are in trouble. Chicago State University may have to close by the end of March unless some emergency funding can be arranged. Eastern Illinois University in Charleston is reducing staff and instructors. Western Illinois University in Macomb will let go of 30 teachers, with more scheduled to be dismissed.

Rauner wants all or part of his turnaround agenda to be approved before talk of tax increases can be discussed. The Democrats, led by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd), have not budged on Rauner’s agenda that Madigan believes would reduce income of workers and diminish the bargaining power of unions.

Despite these two polar opposite viewpoints, we think some room for compromise should have been found by now. While Madigan is steadfast in his opinion that Rauner is ”too extreme” in his views, does the speaker attempt to talk to him and negotiate over some of the concerns the governor has regarding union pensions? We don’t know.

And can Rauner compromise on portions of his turnaround agenda? So far, that has not been the case.

Rauner can discuss the 2017 budget all he wants, but it would be nice to resolve the one for 2016. The Moraine Valley Board of Trustees would agree with that.

It’s time for Worth development The march of time brings with it change. However, change is not always greeted enthusiastically. Change sometimes means leaving a certain comfort zone where you know what to expect even if it blocks progress.

We are reminded of that when some residents questioned the need for six-story multi-family units along Depot Street with up to 48 units per building in Worth. Those were just some of the proposals mentioned at the Worth Village Board meeting on Feb. 16, but that plan was met with skepticism by some residents in attendance.

Some of the residents said Worth did not need any more multifamily units. Some of them suggested that problems occur with these units. We are not sure what they mean by that, other than they would like to see more businesses.

Farr and Associates is a consulting firm that was hired last year through a $75,000 Regional Transportation Association grant received by Worth to create a Transit Oriented Development project near the 111th Street Metra station. During the hour-long presentation before the Worth Village Board and residents, Doug Farr, the founder of the organization, outlined how many residents live near the train station and how many drive to that location.

Farr indicated that 5,129 residents live within a half mile of the train station. He added that 67 percent of the commuters using the station drive there and are mostly from the northwest areas, including Palos Park. Only 17 percent of the commuters actually walk to the station, according to Farr and Associates.

What the firm and the Village of Worth are trying to determine is how development surrounding the train station can attract residents to walk to the area. Instead of commuters parking their vehicles and jumping on the train in the morning and leaving the area in the same fashion, Worth officials are trying to find ways to attract walkers to the area.

We like some of the proposals that have been discussed. The Village of Worth has not been working under a cloak of secrecy. It recently held an open house to outline many of the plans that were discussed at the village board meeting.

Yes, some residents have concerns about the multi-family units.

However, the village is listening to those concerns. Before the village board meeting, Farr was informed by the village that threestory, mixed-use buildings, with commercial and retail use on the first floor and apartments on the second and third floors, would be more acceptable.

The combination of businesses and mixed-use buildings sounds like a solid compromise to us. Farr said he was willing to revise the proposed designs but also asked residents to think in terms of 30 years.

That’s where Worth needs to go. In a story on the Worth Village Board meeting in the Feb. 18 edition, Farr said that no new construction has occurred in Worth in more than 30 years, with the exception of the Chieftain’s Irish Pub on 111th Street.

We have gone through a major recession and the economy is showing more life. Future development for Worth has to occur so it can remain viable. We know that residents who have lived in Worth for a number of years like its small-town appeal. But you would like that appeal to extend over the next 30 years.

We would like to think that some of the kids growing up in Worth today will want to live there tomorrow.

Change sometimes is hard, but it is necessary. Thirty years without major development for a village is a long time. We believe it is time for Worth to move forward.

I INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Justice Scalia’s decision on religious freedom was disastrous

By Charles C. Haynes In the days following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia on Feb. 13, conservative religious and political leaders have lavished praise on the long-serving justice as a champion of religious freedom.

Alan Spears, head of the Christian advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, hails Scalia as “the most vocal and passionate voice on the Supreme Court for religious freedom.” Sen. Ted Cruz warns, “We are one justice away from a Supreme Court that would undermine the religious liberty of millions of Americans.”

But surely this is either a case of selective amnesia or wishful thinking.

Justice Scalia was, of course, a devout Catholic who vigorously opposed abortion and LGBT rights at every turn. And he was, without question, an advocate of a lower wall of separation between church and state — a porous wall that would allow affirmations of God by government. All of this endeared him to religious and social conservatives.

But Justice Scalia was no defender of religious freedom.

On the contrary, Scalia authored Employment Division v. Smith, the landmark 1990 Supreme Court decision that all but erased the Free Exercise clause from the First Amendment.

Before Smith, religious Americans could invoke the First Amendment to seek relief from laws or regulations that substantially burdened the practice of their faith. Government could not deny religious exemptions without demonstrating a compelling state interest — and showing that it has pursued that interest in the manner least restrictive, or least burdensome, to religion.

Under this “compelling state interest” test — fully articulated in the 1963 Supreme Court decision Sherbert v. Verner — religious individuals enjoyed a high level of protection for the freedom to practice their faith openly and freely without governmental interference.

In the Smith decision, Justice Scalia, joined by four other justices, radically re-interpreted the Free Exercise clause by ruling that burdens on religious freedom no longer had to be justified by a compelling state interest. Although the government cannot pass laws targeting religious practice, it can pass laws that burden religious exercise if the law is “neutral” and “generally applicable.”

Consider, for example, the question at issue in the Smith case itself: Can the state of Oregon ban the use of peyote — a cactus with hallucinogenic properties — without providing a religious exemption for members of the Native American Church who ingest small amounts of peyote in worship ceremonies (a practice that may date back thousands of years).

Two Native Americans challenged the law after being denied unemployment benefits because they were fired for using peyote in their religious practice. Most legal experts expected the outcome to turn on whether or not Oregon could demonstrate a compelling reason for prohibiting peyote without exceptions. Instead, Justice Scalia used the case to sharply curtail the use of

the long-standing free-exercise test.

In his majority opinion, Scalia ruled that government no longer has to show a compelling state interest for denying religious exemptions — as long as the law in question applies generally to everyone.

Thus, Oregon cannot pass a law stating that Native Americans are prohibited from using peyote, but it could accomplish the same result by prohibiting the use of peyote by everyone. Either way, a central religious ritual for some Native Americans would be illegal.

If religious groups want an exemption from a generally applicable law, said Scalia, they should seek a legislative remedy. This, of course, turns the First Amendment on its head: Free exercise of religion is protected by the First Amendment precisely because it is a fundamental right that is not subject to a majority vote. Seeking religious accommodation through legislation is especially difficult for religious minorities and unpopular faiths — and keep in mind that most of us are a religious minority somewhere in the country.

Leaders of many faiths were stunned by Scalia’s evisceration of the Free Exercise clause. After Smith, it would become difficult — if not impossible — to get relief from laws and regulations that seriously burdened the practice of religion. In the three years following Smith, more than 50 reported cases were decided against religious groups and individuals.

That’s why more than 60 religious and civil liberties groups — from the ACLU to the National Association of Evangelicals — joined together to “restore” the compelling interest test by getting Congress to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

Although the Supreme Court struck down RFRA as applied to the states, it continues to apply to the federal government (as we saw in the 2014 Hobby Lobby decision).

Many states have passed their own RFRAs — mostly without controversy until recent years when opponents of same-sex marriage decided (mistakenly, in my view) that RFRA could provide religious exemptions to non-discrimination laws.

The current confusion and contention surrounding the meaning of “free exercise of religion” is the fallout from Justice Scalia’s decision in Smith. Without First Amendment protection, religious individuals and groups are left to seek accommodation through the political process — a messy, divisive arrangement that puts matters of conscience up for a vote.

If you agree that the First Amendment as applied by the Court for decades went too far in protecting free exercise of religion, then by all means celebrate Justice Scalia’s legacy on religious freedom.

But if you are appalled, as I am, that in far too many cases courts no longer treat religious freedom as a constitutional right, then hope for a replacement on the Supreme Court who will vote to overturn Justice Scalia’s disastrous decision in Employment Division v. Smith.

Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom

The Pope messed up, and Bush was right

By Glenn Mollette The Pope messed up. The media has reported that the pope questioned Trump’s Christianity because he wants to build a wall. “A person, who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.”

Interestingly enough, Pope Francis lives surrounded by a 37-foot wall that was completed in 852. The wall has been reinforced over the centuries and has saved previous popes in the past when the city was under siege.

Therefore, The Vatican must keep staunch security and they do. They have a tremendous wall and a small fierce army.

Pope Francis, like all good men, has the ability to make a mistake and he did. Thus, the pope is not perfect. Pope Francis is a holy man. He is a good man. He is loved by most of us, even those who are not Catholic. ISIS doesn’t love him and would love to infiltrate Rome, invade the Vatican and kill the pope.

Anderson Cooper asked Jeb Bush last Thursday night on the CNN Town Forum about Trump’s Christianity and Bush said

that this was between Trump and God. Bush did not feel it was his job to determine Trump’s relationship to God. During the most ferocious season of political name calling and head hunting, this was one of the most refreshing statements that I have heard.

For once, somebody took a higher path and did not point the castigating finger of judgment and damnation.

Pope Francis’ mistake was similar to the ones we all make. When we point the finger there are always at least three pointing back at us. Well, maybe four depending on how you point.

The Vatican learned something ages ago that America has taken a long time to learn.

National security is important. A wall is not the total answer but it would help just like it has been helpful in protecting the Vatican and the Pope. Building a wall doesn’t mean we are not Christians. Building a wall means we are trying to protect our people.

The next president must build this wall and it wouldn’t hurt for him or her to visit the Vatican to get some ideas.

Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author. He is the author of 11 books.

’ve been a member of health clubs on and off for much of my life.

My first was the East Bank Club when I worked at the Chicago SunTimes. It was fun. I would spend time on the treadmill, by the upper deck pool, but most of the time sipping lattes interviewing politicians.

But deep down, I’m a suburbanite. I’ve manage to migrate my work from Chicago to the suburbs.

A few years back, I joined Life Time Fitness in Orland Park. It was only about 2.4 miles from the house.

They were so friendly. They “waived” my membership fee of $300 and I signed up my family thinking this would be a great experience for them, too.

It cost me about $145 a month.

Eventually, my schedule changed and when I tried to cancel my membership, they gave me a hassle for six straight months. I didn’t realize I had signed away my soul.

Every time I tried to cancel, they would argue with me. I managed my account online but they wouldn’t let me close my account online. They had every excuse. It was exhausting. In the end, I had to write an “official letter” and by the time I delivered it, they imposed a costly penalty. I had to remain a member for two months.

Meaning, they charged me about $290 in extra fees.

I was so glad to get out of there.

It wasn’t comfortable. It was more of a social club than a health club.

Nice employees, but management sucked. For the money I was paying, it just wasn’t worth the hassle.

I ended up at the Palos Health & Fitness Center, which is only 1.8 miles from my house.

Palos Fitness was more of a baby boomer, senior health club than a dance floor for the young and fit. It was never crowded when I would get there at 6 am. I’d work out for about one hour and then leave.

It cost $75 a month, just for me, which was still pretty expensive.

But they didn’t have the highpressure push by the trainers who wandered around Life Time urging you to sign away $300 or more for some personal training sessions.

I always thought about buying my own treadmill for the home, but I figured it would end up as a rack for my shirts and pants. All I wanted to do was move my way up from fast walking to jogging for one hour straight. It felt good.

I liked Palos Health & Fitness Center and its staff. No one bothered me there, although I was constantly doing the math trying to figure out how much it was costing me per-visit.

Palos Health & Fitness Center is owned by Palos Community Hospital, which is one of the best hospitals in Chicagoland. The doctors, nurses and staff are phenomenal. They don’t get the recognition they deserve.

It’s a Catch 22 for all hospitals.

Most people don’t think of a hospital in a good way. The only time you go to a hospital is for some emergency or when someone dies.

So feeling warm and fuzzy about a hospital is not easy.

Maybe that’s why so many seniors who use Palos Health & Fitness Center are angry that Palos Community Hospital wants to close the fitness center to make room for a new outpatient center. On the treadmill, you think you can live forever, not end up lifeless on a white-sheeted gurney.

When I heard the news, I called Palos Health & Fitness Center to cancel my membership. They were very polite. They didn’t hassle me the way Life Time did. They let me do it by email. But, they made me pay for two months. So, in the end, they got me for a $150 fine. At least it was easier than the way Life Time treated me.

Hopefully, I’ll find a better alternative, one that cares about my health more than my wallet.

I understand why so many seniors are complaining about Palos Hospital closing the fitness center.

Where else are they going to go to socialize, spend money and feel like they are doing something to improve their health?

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

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Reporter

7

When we are confronted unjustly, we must not back down H ow often do you “exercise” the right to stand up for yourself?

I recently found myself in a “What Would You Do?” situation.

You know the Primetime television show with John Quinones, right? I seriously didn’t know “what I would do” if what I observed was happening to me.

I was smackdab in the middle of a fight at the gym.

Most gym members know there’s a lay of the land. You wipe your machine down before and after use. Be mindful of your time spent on popular equipment and if you see personal belongings on a vacant machine, it usually means that machine is taken.

Which leads me right into the aforementioned confrontation.

Gym-girl A was on the rolling staircase to my left when Gym-girl B approached from the locker-room.

I was feeling rather sluggish that Saturday morning because I couldn’t use my iPod. I’d forgotten my earbuds and found myself singing inaudibly to the video playing on the flat screen overhead until I heard, Gym-girl A and Gym-girl B… going at it!

“That’s MY machine. I just cleaned it. You need to move,” demanded Gym-girl B. “You don’t own it. You weren’t here. I’ve already started my workout — use that one,” directed Gym-girl A. She was on the machine to my left. I was climbing away on the middle machine. The machine to my right was unoccupied and that’s exactly where Gym-girl A felt Gym-girl B needed to go. She stretched her hands, extending Gym-girl B the belongings that had once occupied the machine; a towel, water bottle, iPod and earbuds.

Gym-girl B appeared completely incensed by the audacity of Gym-girl A and snatched the items saying, “I cleaned this machine and left to use the bathroom. I was gone all of two seconds and you’re going to take it? Really? Okay! Well guess what?

You’re going to clean it now!” The next thing I saw was Gym-girl B glazing Gym-girl A with her water like a Thanksgiving turkey.

I have to admit, I could appreciate Gym-girl B’s position at first. I too have placed my belongings on a machine and walked away for a

brief period but she lost my support completely with the water assault.

“Did she really just take it there?” I thought. I looked around and caught eye contact with one of the personal trainers from clear across the gym floor. I mouthed, “Get over here quick!” Then I did a wide-eyed, clenched teeth facial expression. I was thinking, “If a riot breaks out, where’s the nearest exit?”

By this point Gym-girl A had informed a few of her friends from

nearby machines. They threw out a few verbal assaults but Gym-girl B wasn’t intimidated and didn’t back down from her fighting stance.

Luckily, my panic appeal to the personal trainer caused cooler heads to prevail. I don’t think these women wanted to cross her, she’s built like mixed martial artist, Ronda Rousey.

This trainer was professional but pretty much told them to knock-itoff. Tempers were still flaring so the duo involved a mediator, the gym’s general manager.

Both women had passionate appeals for their position. Their arguments were so equally persuasive the GM didn’t know who to believe. Of course, neither party was being totally honest. Gym-girl A said the machine had been unattended for over 10 minutes and she assumed the belongings had been forgotten. Gym-girl B vehemently denied pouring water on Gym-girl A citing, “The water spilled when she was handing it to me.”

I continued to climb away, not saying a word. As far as I was concerned it was none of my business. I wasn’t investing anymore of my work-out on

Archbishop Blasé Cupich will celebrate Mass at 1 p.m. Friday, March 4 at Queen of Peace High School chapel, 7659 S. Linder Ave., Burbank.

The special Mass will be said to recognize 800 years of Dominican tradition.

A light reception will follow the service.

Residents who are interested in attending the Mass and reception can make reservations by calling Teresa Diaz, (708) 496-4755, or diazt@queenofpeacehs.org

By Claudia Parker

Cupich

DEATH NOTICES Thomas Janetzke Photo by Claudia Parker

Nuala Rabbitte, a fifth-grade student at Southwest School in Evergreen Park, received a Special Recognition certificate for her academic achievement. On hand to honor Nuala are (from left) Christine Grebenor, Maureen Rabbitte, Nuala’s mother; Kim Leonard, District 124 board president; and Dr. Robert Machak, District 124 superintendent.

Blaeser, currently a kindergarten teacher in a different school within District 124, said she remembers that conversation with Nuala’s mother.

“Things didn’t come easy for Nuala, but she worked hard and I knew she wouldn’t give up,” said Blaesar. “Her parents were behind her, fighting for her. They were willing to try anything we suggested.”

Christine Grebenor is Nuala’s fifth-grade teacher at Southwest; she had a lot to say about her drive. “From the time she arrived at SW school she’s shown incredible aptitude despite her daily struggles with reading and writing,” said Grebenor.

Finding the right assisted device wasn’t easy. Grebenor said it took several devices and programs before they found the one that helped Nuala navigate the general education curriculum easily and efficiently. “Nuala’s been an eager participant, always willing to try and experiment with different programs, IPad apps and fonts,” she said.

Maureen Rabbitte said it was last year that everything changed for the better.

“We met with a representative from the A.E.R.O Special Education Cooperative who led us to an app that reads books. It allowed Nuala to listen to the text first, which gave her the ability to digest the information whenever she needed it. She loves it.”

It was also discovered that using the app with a colored filter worked even better. “Black letters on a white background was distracting for Nuala; we learned that adding the filter

helped the words come off the page so she could see them better,” said Maureen Rabbitte.

Grebenor said students can regress during summer months when they’re out of school, but Nuala hasn’t experienced any regression in reading since acquiring this particular technology. She’s now even reading for pleasure.

“I love the Nancy Drew and Boxcar Mysteries,” said Nuala. “Understanding how to read makes me feel happy. I don’t feel alone anymore.”

Ms. Rabbitte said she hasn’t felt anything but support since Nuala arrived at Southwest.

“This award is a big deal. It’s a regional award. Nuala was selected from several nominees. This is happening because of the teachers here at SW. I know of at least four who nominated her — Mrs. Grebenor, Mrs. Kate Winters, Mrs. Cyndi Luchtenburg and Mrs. Maura Quigley. There could be more,” said Ms. Rabbitte. “Three years ago, we would’ve never thought this was even possible.”

Nuala received a certificate of Special Recognition during District 124’s Feb. 17 board meeting. She will receive a formal award on March 16 at the Silver Lake Country Club, hosted by Infinitec’s Southwest Assistive Technology Coalition.

“Nuala is a very resilient, clever and funny young lady. The staff at SW realizes what her potential is, and we look forward to watching her continue to grow using technology. She and her family are very deserving of this recognition,” said Grebenor.

Moraine Valley CC offering pharmacy technician training The Pharmacy Technician Review Board classes will begin this month at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties in retail, hospital or business pharmacy

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

Archbishop to celebrate Mass at Queen of Peace

Evergreen Park 5th-grader excels with boost from technology Nuala Rabbitte has made up two grade levels in reading using assistive technology, and the fifth-grader at Southwest School in Evergreen Park has now been selected to receive the 2016 Outstanding Student Technology Award from the Infitec Southwest Assistive Technology Coalition.

“Nuala suffers from severe dyslexia,” said Nuala’s mother, Maureen Rabbitte. She and Nuala’s father, James, have worked tirelessly to help their daughter progress. “She’s had a reading delay for most of her life. We’ve tried so many things. It didn’t seem like anything would work.”

Nuala said she remembers when she started to notice she was learning more slowly than her peers.

“It was around first grade. I remember my classmates being able to read but I couldn’t,” said Nuala. “It made me feel lonely, like there wasn’t anyone else like me.”

Her mother began to cry. Pushing her hair behind her ears, she wiped her flushed face with a tissue. “Nuala went from being this happy kid to being inward and sad. She would use her arm to cover her paper while she wrote so no one could see,” said Maureen Rabbitte.

“This school district has been amazing from the beginning. I remember her teacher in at-risk Pre-K, Linda Blaeser, saying to me, ‘Nuala’s smart. She works hard. I want you to keep pushing her.’ I didn’t know if she’d ever catch up, but that all changed last year when she started using a new assistive technology device. Things began to click.

She’s now reading at grade level.”

According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a neurologicallybased disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. It can be mild to severe. It’s manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic. Dyslexia is not the result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions.

the shenanigans. But the one thing I could appreciate about both women was they stood up for themselves.

I once lacked a sense of self-worth to the point where I allowed myself to be mistreated. We don’t have time to get into that now, I literally wrote a book, “Becoming a Mother While Losing My Own,” that gives a detailed account of my journey. But not everyone has time to read a memoir.

So I’ll leave you with this: we can’t allow anyone to undermine who we are. If you find yourself being treated unfairly, disrespected, violated or abused, it’s NOT okay. I don’t recommend being belligerent or getting physical with anyone, that wouldn’t be appropriate. However, as long as you have a voice, it’s okay for you to exercise your right to stand up for yourself. If you don’t, who else will?

Recognize your worth. You have value and you matter!

settings. The 13-week class will be offered on the main campus from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 23 through May 10. The cost to attend is $1,200, plus a textbook.

To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and no felony convictions of any kind. In addition, applicants for the PTCE exam must not

have had any drug-related or pharmacy-related convictions, including misdemeanors. Many employers will reimburse the cost of the exams.

For more information, call Moraine Valley’s Corporate, Community and Continuing Education area at (708) 974-5735 or email ccce@ morainevalley.edu. To register online, go to morainevalley.edu/ccce/register.

Thomas E. Janetzke, 75, a resident of Hickory Hills, died Feb. 16 at Palos Community Hospital.

Mr. Janetzke was a pipefitter Survivors include his wife, Monica (nee Ziemba); daughters, Janet Tommasone and Jennifer Janetzke; son, Michael; four grandchildren; and one niece.

Services were Friday from Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. to St. Patricia Church. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery.

Rosalie Pawlowski Rosalie C. Pawlowski (nee Michniewski), 78, a Palos Park resident, died Feb. 17 at Palos Community Hospital.

Mrs. Pawlowski was a retired bookkeeper for New City Luggage manufacturing Co. She was a former member of the 23rd Ward Senior Club in Chicago. She is a former resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

Survivors include a daughter, Suzanne Bonafede; son, Kenneth Pawlowski; five grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were Saturday at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. Interment took place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas Funeral 708-974-4410 Directory Palos-Gaidas 708-974-4410 Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL HOME David Gaidas, Jr. Director

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU” FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL HOME David Gaidas, Jr. Director

10701 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL 11028 Southwest Highway 708.448.6000 Owned and Operated by60465 Palos Hills, IL the Mintle Family “Your Neighborhood Funeral Home”

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU” FUNERAL HOME

708-974-4410 FUNERAL HOME10701 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL

David Gaidas, Jr. Director 708.448.6000 Owned and Operated by Southwest Highway the 11028 Mintle Family “Your Neighborhood Funeral Home”

Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

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

8 The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Oak Lawn Park District co-sponsoring charity co-rec volleyball tournament The Oak Lawn Park District, in cooperation with the Special Recreation Athletic Support Association, will host the 36th Annual Volleyball for Charity Co-Rec Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, April 2.

Volleyball for Charity began 35 years ago by the Clark Family as a fundraising effort benefiting organizations that support individuals with special needs and their families.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Garden Center Services, Misericordia, Park Lawn, Sertoma Center Inc. and SRASA. The tournament will be held from 8 a.m.

to 3 p.m. at several locations, including the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn; Mother McAuley High School, 3737 W. 99th St., Chicago; and Frontier Park, 9807 S. Sayre Ave., Chicago Ridge.

Adults ages 18 and up are encouraged to register a team. Registration for the tournament is $350 and includes eight tournament T-shirts. A $450 registration option is also available and includes eight tournament Tshirts and eight after party tickets to 115 Bourbon Street. Registration and donation opportunities are available online, www.ol-

parks.com, or at any park district facility. The registration deadline is Saturday, March 26.

The after party will be at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $35 each. A ticket includes four hours of open bar, door prizes, a buffet dinner, DJ and more! Premium raffles will be available for an additional cost.

For more information, email volleyballforcharity@olparks.com, call (708) 857-2420, or visit the website at www.volleyballforcharity.org.

Worth Park Dist. to host Easter Egg Hunt on March 19 The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 11:05 a.m. Saturday, March 19 at the Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The free community event will be held rain or shine. Parents and children are invited. Kids should bring their own baskets to collect the eggs.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 448-7080 or visit www. worthparkdistrict.og.

Photo by Janelle Frost

Tippi Price, department head of customer services at Oak Lawn Public Library, reaches for books requested from other libraries, some used in the library’s Outreach Services. The homebound program, now called Outreach Services, is expanding and seeing some changes.

Supplied photo

Talk show focuses on local politics

Oak Lawn resident Ed McElroy (center), host of “The Ed McElroy Show”, recently interviewed Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris, committeeman of the 8th Ward, and Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton. The show will air at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 19 on Comcast Channel 19.

Palos Hills Rec Dept. will host Health and Wellness Fair The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 11 at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. Exhibitors will offer information on Medi-

care, home health care, veteran’s benefits, fitness, dental care and much more. Health screenings and blood pressure screenings will also be offered. Representatives from state offices will also be present to answer questions, and the Secretary of State mobile

St. Xavier University art exhibit features work in honor of Women’s History Month In honor of Women’s History Month, St. Xavier University’s Art Gallery celebrates female artists with the latest exhibition being presented through Friday, March 22 in the SXU Art Gallery, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The gallery’s floor is currently covered with a canvas painting by Leslie Baum. The exhibition entitled “mountain and SEA” takes its title and inspiration from a 1952 photograph of Helen Frankenthaler, where she sits in her studio entirely surrounded by paintings that will launch her career.

This image of an immersive painted environment represents Baum’s current approach, to have a painting engage with

the whole architecture and experience of a space.

Baum is a multi-media artist working with individual pieces that function to unfold across diverse media and scale, including large oil paintings on canvas, pop-up table-top drawings, standing floor panels, animations, watercolors and spray-painted drawings.

Through her work, she finds these materials enhance a particular surface, creating an impact which presents a rich and idiosyncratic visual language.

SXU’s Art Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

unit will be on-site.

Attendees will receive free entry to the raffle with prizes being raffled off. The Health and Wellness Fair is free to attend. More information can be obtained by calling Sandy DeMoor at (708) 342-4200.

Moraine

Continued from Page 3

participate in the Education Assistance program. The program is available in most UPS locations across the nation and aims to tie education to career goals.

“UPS has been instrumental in shaping the program at Moraine Valley,” Johl said.

“Instituting something like this to newer part-time supervisors gets them basic industry knowledge with the help they need to grow in their careers over time.”

The keynote speaker at the March breakfast will be Neil Reddy, executive director of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, which created the Certified Logistics Assistant and certified Logistics Technician certifications, among others at the college.

Other topics and panel members will be Robert Markatos, senior manager of Global Supply Chain at Ingredion, and Tim

Budget

Continued from Page 1

especially the “golden parachutes” offered to some college executives who some institutions want to rid themselves of for a variety of reasons. However, some of these officials are offered large sums of money in an attempt to sever ties.

“I think if we can talk to the governor about some reforms in these areas, we can compromise on other issues like MAP grants,” said Cunningham. “In the realm of higher education, I don’t think we are really that far apart.”

But limiting collective bargaining that the governor has insisted on is not going in the right direction, Cunningham said.

“We can be mired in this standoff for a long time,” if collective bargaining reductions are stressed by the governor, Cunningham said. “The right for workers who can negotiate for better wages is a right that should not be taken away. It is at our core beliefs.”

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission estimated that if the Senate bill was not

Library

Continued from Page 1

is part of a nationwide network that provides library service to residents who cannot read print because of a physical or visual impairment.

“It’s nice that we can bring now more than books. We couldn’t do that before,” Dunne said. “The population was elderly people who never saw computers in their lives, now they are more sophisticated”… and a tech-savvy group, she said.

Clifford said probably down the road she will be interested in using books on tapes but luckily with her injury she can still read a book and turn pages.

As of Feb.12, 17 people are using the Outreach Services, which is up from nine people when Price started in October. The program is growing, but Price said with 60,000 people in Oak Lawn, the numbers are not a true representation of people that are in need of services. The library hopes to make more people aware of its services through word of mouth, its newsletter and the library’s revamping website.

It was through word of mouth that Oak Lawn resident Lillian Spiewak learned about the library’s outreach services.

“Someone mentioned it,” said Spiewak, who is handicapped and homebound. “I called the library and asked and was told I could order books. That’s how I got Nancy ([to deliver books). That was my

Bend, manager of Learning and Development at UPS Integrad.

They will speak about training for tomorrow in the supply chain management world.

The program began at Moraine six years ago, according to Johl, who came to the college three years ago.

“The college has hosted supply chain events before but have not had one for a few years now,” Johl said.

Johl, along with department heads, is responsible for organizing the breakfast in hopes to spread the world about career opportunities available in the supply chain management field. The breakfast is anticipating from 50 to 100 attendees.

People who work in distribution, transportation, warehousing, shipping/receiving, dispatching professionals, business owners and managers, educations, supply chain students and economic developers are encouraged to attend this program.

Capuano

vetoed, 125,000 to 130,000 eligible students would have been approved for MAP grant assistance.

In regard to compromise, Republicans have stated that they would set aside $1.6 billion for grants for community colleges and four-year universities with their proposal. But according to the Republican plan, this would allow Rauner to move funds around during a budget crisis.

Burke is suspicious of that idea because money that is set aside for MAP grants and education in general should not be altered during a budget standoff.

Colleges and universities have not received funding from the state since July 1 because of the budget impasse. Other programs have been funded through court orders and laws.

“Thousands of Illinois students rely on the MAP grant program for access to education and to prepare for a better life,” Burke said. “Higher education is an essential state service that is just as important as elementary and secondary school, and should not be held up by this budget impasse.”

everyone for coming out in honor of the Capuano family.

“We were honored to know him not only as our brother in the department, but we were honored to know him as our friend.

He will be long-remembered for the good man he was,” said Kleinhaus. “Losing him has been a tremendous loss, both for us personally as fellow firefighters, but for our community as well.

He will be greatly missed.”

Sexton said Capuano was a giving man.

“He was devoted to his family, first and foremost. He gave to the community through his work, he generously served his church, Queen of Martyrs, which he loved and he was a dedicated coach for the St. Jude Hockey Club.” said Sexton. “It was never about Dan. For him, it was always about others and what he could do for them. With this memorial located so near the fire station, Dan will be remembered on every call, with each truck that leaves the fire house.

“We are honoring Dan Capuano here today, but I also want to say thank you to all of our first responders, for all that you do to keep our community safe,” added Sexton.

Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago, said, “We are honoring our brother here today with this beautiful memorial, by

Chicago Ridge Continued from Page 1

has only one, the Evergreen Park American Legion Post 854.

Detailed information about the gambling activity at all of the establishments, including the 20 in Chicago Ridge with gaming licenses, is available on the Illinois Gam-

Continued from Page 1

ing Board’s website at www.igb.illinois.gov/ VideoReports.aspx.

According to the IGB, Jenny’s Steakhouse, at 11041 S. Menard Ave., was the business that saw most, with $5.49 million in wagering done on its five video gaming terminals last year. Over $5 million was won, leaving a net wagering activity of $463,749.

Just five of the Chicago Ridge establishments with gaming licenses recorded less than

lucky day. She usually comes on a Wednesday or Thursday.”

Spiewak, who has been using the services for a couple of years, gets eight to 10 books each visit.

She likes reading books on the Amish, murder, and dogs and cats written by veterinarians, which she is reading now. Spiewak said the services are a lifesaver as she would never get books if it didn’t exist.

“Nancy’s good at picking out books. She knows my taste,” Spiewak said. “It’s a charm. I read them as fast as I get them.

I love it.”

Price said it’s important for them to develop a relationship with the patrons and know their reading taste because they cannot get out and like the visit. “Sometimes it’s more important than the reading materials you bring,” she said. “We try to service their needs.”

Dunne agreed. “It’s not just the books. They love the contact.”

When it comes to the books, Clifford said she doesn’t have to wait long for them to be delivered.

She reads about two books a week, mostly fiction books, biographies and what’s on the best seller’s list. “(The library) is really accommodating. If they don’t have a book they get it from another library,” Clifford said. “It seems like I can keep them for a little while.”

For more information about Oak Lawn Public Library’s Outreach Services, contact Price at (708) 422-4990, ext. 615, or tprice@olpl.org. which he will be remembered.

Fifty years from now, a child will be skating here and will ask, ‘Who is Dan Capuano?’ And Daniel V. Capuano will be remembered.”

The Rev. Benedykt Pazdan, pastor at Queen of Martyrs Parish where the Capuano family attends church and school, officiated the service, offering Intercessions and the prayer of blessing.

Sexton then invited the group to move to the site of the memorial, immediately north of the fire house, for the unveiling of the plaque. Following a prayer by Pazdan, Capuano’s widow and the three children unveiled the memorial revealing a large stone on which was placed a beautiful red plaque bearing a photo of Capuano wearing his firefighting gear.

Next to the photo is a block of text telling the story of the tragic accident that took his life.

Emblazoned across the top of the plaque, in large gold letters is his name, “DANIEL V. CAPUANO.” Underneath his name it reads, “September 27, 1972 – December 14. 2015.” At the bottom of the plaque are the words, “Dedicated on February 20, 2016.”

In addition to the memorial stone, a new sign has been added near the roof of the ice rink.

It reads, “Village of Evergreen Park, Daniel V. Capuano Ice Rink, Dedicated February 20, 2016.” On the bottom left side of the sign is the logo of the Evergreen Park Fire Department and on the right is the Chicago Fire Department logo.

$1 million in wagers, with the least amount registered by O’Connor’s Pub & Grill, 5900 W. 111th St., with $21,993 wagered. The $19,278 won left a net activity of $2,715.

The net taxable income, which is roughly the same as the net wagering activity, is taxed at 30 percent, with 5/6 of the money going to the state, and 1/6 to the municipality. So in 2015, Chicago Ridge’s share of the video gaming revenue was $240,778.22.

CONSUMER NEWS

Thursday, February 25, 2016

COMINGS & GOINGS

B

Gas station closes The BP gas station at 94th Avenue and 159th Street in Orland Park closed recently.

Wendy’s closes The Wendy’s restaurant at

14555 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park closed recently.

A

Equity group buys Bedford Park company A New York-based equity group recently acquired Raymundo’s Food Group LLC, a Bedford Park.-based maker and marketer of refrigerated snacks and desserts. No sale price was disclosed.

AUA Private Equity Partners LLC is a lower middle-market private equity firm investing in family owned businesses and in companies benefiting from the growth in the U.S. Hispanic population.

Raymundo’s will be led by its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Alvarez, who has a long and successful career leading companies in the food sector, where he previously held CEO positions at Overhill Farms, Spartan Foods, Busch’s Fresh Food Market and Ruiz Foods.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to partner with AUA Equity to help build Raymundo’s,” Alvarez said in a release. “The company has all of the ingredients for success in establishing itself as a leader in the mainstream refrigerated segment.”

AUA Equity has also appointed seasoned food executive, and existing AUA Equity Operating Executive, Bob Levi to the board of Raymundos. He brings considerable food experience from his tenure at the Jello division of Kraft Foods, and as the president of Kraft’s Wal-Mart division.

Raymundo’s Food Group was founded more than 15 years ago and sells gelatins, flans, puddings and other ready-to-eat products aimed at the growing Hispanic demographic in the

Photo by Bob Bong

Binny’s Beverage Depot is open for business in Mokena

United States.

Raymundo’s products are distributed through mass retailers, conventional grocery retailers, as well as through independent and local Hispanic retailers.

Wintrust Financial Corp. provided financing for the deal.

Lou Malnati’s opens in New Lenox Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria opened its 44th location on Monday in New Lenox.

The latest location offers carryout, delivery and catering services at 2510 E. Lincoln Highway. The restaurant is known for its Chicago-style deep dish and also has a wide variety of other items on its menu.

Hours are from 4-10 p.m.

Monday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

The Malnati Organization had expressed an interest in expanding into New Lenox for some time, according to Stu Cohen, vice chairman of the Malnati Organization.

“We are thrilled to be able to join the Village of New Lenox.

As a thriving community and a great place to raise a family, we feel it is a natural fit for a

Lou Malnati’s,” said Cohen in a release.

MB Financial profit rises MB Financial, Inc., the holding company for MB Financial Bank, has announced 2015 fourth quarter net income available to common stockholders of $41.6 million, or 56 cents per diluted common share, compared to $38.3 million, or 51 cents per diluted common share, last quarter and $34.1 million, or 45 cents per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter a year ago. Annual net income available to common stockholders for 2015 was $150.9 million compared to $82.1 million for 2014. Diluted earnings per common share were $2.02 for 2015 compared to $1.31 for 2014.

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

Laughing it up can be beneficial to your health

I

n the last decade or so, we have discovered a medicine that can help prevent illness, heal and enhance life. It is not a pill or tablet, or syrupy concoction kept in the medicine cabinet.

In fact, you can’t put in your mouth. This medicine is not even for sale.

When news of this was first publicized it was taken lightly.

The researchers who conducted the clinical studies were surprised by the results, and they referred to it as a medicine because they claimed it could heal the sick. Everyone has access to if they choose.

So what is it? Laughter.

Fear, dread and doom and gloom all bring stress. We know stress can kill. But

laughter is like sunshine and melts away these harmful emotions. The Bible says it makes the heart merry.

Bring laughter into your life – at home, at work, with family and friends, and even by yourself. Laughter is sometimes best when shared. A person with a cheery disposition who is smiling, laughing and joking brings sunshine to

a gloomy day.

We need laughter today more than ever. With the news being so bad, it will bring you down and cause you to lose faith in humankind. We’re better off not watching the news and should instead be tuning into comedies and programs about health, foods and history.

Go dancing and attend concerts. Get together with family and friends to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries – or life in general. Take vacations – even short ones ­— and take them often. Be happy for anyone who has good fortune, and give thanks to God and be content with who you are and what you have.

Laugh at bad luck — it can’t last forever.

Don’t forget to educate yourself about food and the health benefits it can provide.

Learn to cook and how to heal yourself with the ingredients in your kitchen. It is not only good for you, but fun.

To sum it up: Laugh daily, eat well, drink some wine and find life worth living.

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.

Wills and trusts to be discussed during seminar in Worth A seminar will be held to discuss wills and trusts at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 2 at Kerlin Walsh Law, 11301 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.

Suellen Savant Hawking, of Hawking Fi-

Little Co. of Mary Auxiliary to host shopping event The Little Company of Mary Auxiliary is hosting its 10th Annual In Good Company shopping event entitled “Tiptoe through the Tulips” from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at Ridge County Club, 10522 S. California Ave., Chicago.

More than 40 vendors and 600 women attended last year’s event with more expected this year. The event raises funds that will benefit Little Company of Mary’s Bereavement Support Programs.

Event tickets are $40. Instant raffle tickets are $5 each, or five for $20. Grand raffle tickets are $20 each, or three for $50. Winners need not be present. Grand raffle prizes include a gift card tree valued at $1,000, a wine rack filled with 20 bottles of wine, and an overnight stay at the DoubleTree Hotel Chicago-Alsip with included package.

For more information or to purchase an event ticket, contact the Little Company of Mary Auxiliary at (708) 229-5281 or visit www. lcmh.org/foundation.

nancial Group, will be the guest speaker.

She is a writer, teacher and TV host. The discussion will focus on the meaning and purpose of documents involved in making out wills and trusts. Guests will learn about

estate planning.

A Q&A session will follow. A certificate for a free consultation will be given to individuals who attend the seminar. Reservations can be arranged by calling (708) 448-5169.

s an investo add some bonds tor, you may or other fixed-rate be gaining vehicles. Not only can familiarity with the these investments help term “market correckeep your portfolio in tion.” But what does balance, but they also it mean? And, more may hold up better importantly, what during a correction. does it mean to you?

• If you’re retired: A correction ocAfter you retire, you Scott curs when a key Johnson may need to take index, such as the money from your S&P 500, declines investment accounts – at least 10 percent from its that is, sell some investments previous high. A correction, – to help pay for your cost by definition, is short-term of living. Ideally, however, in nature and has historically you don’t want to sell stocks, happened fairly regularly – or stock-based vehicles, during a correction – because about once a year. However, when you do, you may be over the past several years, we’ve experienced fewer cor- “selling low.” (Remember the most common rule of rections, so when we have investing: Buy low and sell one now, it seems particularly jarring to investors. high. It’s not always easy to How should you respond follow, but it’s still pretty to a market correction? The good advice.) answer may depend, to some So, to avoid being forced extent, on your stage of life. into selling, you need to be • If you’re still working: prepared. During your retireIf you are in the early or ment years, try to keep at middle parts of your working least a year’s worth of cash instruments on hand as well life, you might not have to as short-term fixed income concern yourself much about investments. By having this a market correction because money to draw on, you may you have decades to overbe able to leave your stocks come a short-term downturn. alone and give them a chance Instead of selling stocks, and stock-based investments, to to recover, post-correction. supposedly “cut your losses,” And it’s important to mainyou may find that now is a tain a reasonable percentage good time to buy more shares of stocks, and stock-based vehicles, in your portfolio, of quality companies, when even during retirement — betheir price is down. cause these investments may Also, you may want to use provide the growth necessary the opportunity of a correcto help keep you ahead of tion to become aware of the inflation. Consequently, as need to periodically review and rebalance your portfoa retiree, you should have lio. Stocks, and investments a balance of stocks and containing stocks, often stock-based vehicles, along perform well before a correc- with fixed-income vehicles, tion. If their price has risen such as bonds, certificates of greatly, they may account for deposit, government securities a greater percentage of the and so on. total value of your portfolio Being prepared can help — so much so, in fact, that you get through a correction you might become “over— no matter where you are weighted” in stocks, relative on life’s journey. to your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. That’s Scott Johnson, CFP., is a financial advisor with Edward why it’s important for you Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., to proactively rebalance your Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. portfolio — or, during a corEdward Jones does not prorection, the market may do it for you. To cite one aspect of vide legal advice. This article rebalancing, if your portfowas written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward lio ever does become too Jones financial advisor. “stock-heavy,” you may need

Pullman tour will be followed with lunch at Hotel Florence The Oak Lawn Park District is planning a trip on Wednesday, April 6 to see America’s first completely planned industrial town founded by George Pullman.

The town held the main assembly plant for the famous Pullman Sleeper Car. With the aid of visual guides, tour the area along with the well-preserved factory community. The tour will include a stop at the Pullman Visitors Center, the Hotel Florence, and the on-going restoration of the factory grounds.

Pullman is a Chicago City Landmark District, an Illinois State Historical Site, and a National Historic Landmark District.

Lunch will be included at the Hotel Florence. Sandwich choices are roast beef, baked ham, roast turkey, corned beef and albacore tuna with grilled vegetables, potato salad, coleslaw, brownie and beverage. A short walk included.

Individuals who plan to attend will meet at 9 a.m. at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn, and are scheduled to return at 4 p.m. The fee is $77 for residents and $87 for nonresidents. Participants must be at least 16 years old.

More information about any of the Oak Lawn Park District trips can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.

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 Hill Suzanne to Cortez Fernando V, 9800 S Nashville Ave, Unit #98006, $100,000; Chiridge Harlem LLC to Santos John H, 9640 Harlem Ave, $4,000,000; Judicial Sales Corp to WQ Dev Inc, 10836 Princess Ave, $70,500; Skobel Tadeusz to Rabianska Helena, 9840 S Nashville Ave, Unit #98406, $112,000.

Evergreen Park Newquist Jerome C to Martin Anthony G, 3125 W 101st St, $164,000; Bledsoe Charles C to Secor Thomas, 9229 S Central Park Ave, $205,000; Green Dorothy E to Telander Brittany L, 10222 S Trumbull Ave, $230,000; West Town B&T to A & J Gen Const Co, 9656 S Maplewood Ave, $85,000.

9

Respond wisely to ‘market correction’

New Binny’s opens in Mokena inny’s Beverage Depot opened its doors at U.S. 30 and Wolf Road on Mokena last week as part of a soft opening for the Chicagoarea liquor store chain.

The 25,000-square-foot store opened Friday, Feb. 12, at its newest location at the Mokena Marketplace. The freestanding store features a walk-in humidor for cigar sales and Bob a wine cellar.

Bong It is the company’s 32nd store and third in the south suburbs, including locations in Orland Park and Evergreen Park. It is the chain’s first store south of Interstate 80.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The store will celebrate its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The store will hold a ribbon-cutting at 11:45 a.m. with Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer.

Guests are invited to sign up for a free Binny’s Card, enjoy tastings of staff favorite wines and new California releases, local and national craft beers and free giveaways.

For more information, call the store at (815) 534-8980 or visit www.binnys.com.

The Reporter

Hickory Hills Judicial Sales Corp to North Shore Holdings Ltd, 9437 S 79th Ave, Unit #302, $76,000; Bank NY Mellon to Doherty Mary, 9041 Forest Ln, $107,500; Santora Thelma to Rzezinski Waldemar, 9138 W 95th St, Unit #91381A, $117,000; Januchowski Henry F Tr to Gruszka Ryszard, 8821 Hillside Dr, $230,000.

Oak Lawn Hammersmith James F to Kwak Krzysztof, 10913 Tripp Ave, $108,500; Degonia Bruce C to Marquez Israel, 9124 53rd St, $139,000; Bradley Byron K to Wasilewski Edward J, 9717 S Keeler Ave, Unit #8102, $38,000; Pajonk William to Murphy James, 10324 S Komensky Ave, Unit #10324B, $39,000; Staley Cheryl to Hartin Gincy B, 9624 53rd Ave, $134,000; Safranek Laura L to Szczep Andrzej, 9524 Natoma Ave, $65,000; Tinajero Leonor to Ray Kenyong A, 9231 Tripp Ave, $223,500; Staten Trading LLC to LFBT Shelf

I LLC, 9707 S Rutherford Ave, $40,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Riley Inv LLC, 10510 S Kostner Ave, $180,000; Schrock Thomas M to Calarco Nicholas Andrew, 4501 100th Pl, $201,000; Harris Erin E to Russell Timothy, 10317 S Keeler Ave, $200,000; Connaghan Cornelius to Rodriguez Rene E, 8930 Meade Ave, $329,000; PNC Bk to Kupiec Lukasz, 5930 W 88th Pl, $182,000; Mack Ind VI LLC to Torok Anastasia Mitchell, 6225 W 87th St, $155,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Kostro James E, 10324 S Keating Ave, Unit #1C, $47,000.

Palos Hills Fannie Mae to Mietus Stanislaw, 10603 S 80th Ct, $85,000;

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Feb. 22) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.750

APR 3.785

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.125

3.180

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

3.875

3.920

0

United Trust Bank (as of Feb. 22) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.750

APR 3.770

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.125

3.161

0

10-year fi ed

2.875

2.927

0

Prospect Federal (as of Feb. 22) 30-year fi ed

RATES 3.625

APR 3.673

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.375

3.442

.25

Scalzo Bruno to Alhaj Feras, 26 Lucas Dr, Unit #26, $285,000;

15-year fi ed

3.000

3.067

.25

Quattrocchi Peter to Lepkowski Robert, 8127 Chestnut Dr, Unit #58B, $125,000.

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Judicial Sales Corp to North Shore Holdings Ltd, 11135 Center Rd, Unit #1135F17, $67,000;

10 The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Tinley Park Home & Garden Expo 2016 takes place March 5-6 A new host has come to present the annual The Tinley Park Home & Garden Expo 2016 on March 5th and 6th — the weekend it has traditionally run.

Home expo production company Brilliant Event Planning, Inc. intends to offer homeowners in Chicago Southland and portions of Will County a key opportunity to connect with home improvement specialists. With spring upon us it is an opportune time to consider investing into the home. Furthermore, Kelly Edward’s of HGTV’s “Design on a Dime” is the featured presenter from noon-1 p.m. both days.

A Romeoville native, DIY enthusiast Edwards will talk about trends in interior design along with simple and inexpensive fixes for transforming the home, interspersed with giveaways. Her book Design Cookbook: Recipes for a Stylish Home will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation. Edwards will take a Q&A. For those who have not been to the new Tinley Park Convention Center, it is located at 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park. The expo offers homeowners hundreds of exhibits and professional representatives from well-known, quality local and national home improvement companies, builders and makers ready to discuss ideas and oblige any questions. Everything is covered: from basic ser-

vices, to high-end building.

Attendees can enjoy the experience of live entertainment, food, as well as substantial discounts on all products and services. Free gift basket and gift card giveaways, promotions, a balloon artist, and things for the kids await at this family-friendly two-day expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Attendees are reminded they may bring a coupon found in local company advertisements and mailers for a $2 discount. Regular admission is: $5 for an adult, $3 for students and seniors, and children under age 17 are admitted free. Abundant parking at no charge is available.

For more information or to inquire about exhibiting call (630) 468-2237 or visit www.HomeShowEvent.com Brilliant Event Planning, Inc. produces largescale home improvement & remodeling expos in the Chicago metropolitan area. Brilliant creates a friendly environment that matches quality local, professional contractors & specialists with homeowners looking for the latest in renovation.

All events are family attractive with a focus on live presentations and consumer education. The company operates out of Burr Ridge.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS CHICAGO RIDGE Celtic music concert “GraceNotes: Celtic Music Concert” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford.

Visitors can listen to the banjo,

LEGAL NOTICE 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 2006-W5 Plaintiff, -v.- JAMES A. BYLAND, CAROL A. BYLAND Defendants 13 CH 03489 5404 DRURY LANE 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 January 7, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 30, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 18 IN SECOND ADDITION TO C.A. PERSON’S SUBDIVISION, BEING PART OF THE EAST 3/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 5404 DRURY LANE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-09-327-018-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $303,215.77.

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.

hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, guitar, violin, accordion, bodhran and vocals in a set of instrumentals and sing-alongs. The free program is for all ages. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visiting the website at www. chicagoridgelibrary.

EVERGREEN PARK Spellbinder presents ‘The Legacy of Black Magicians’

The “Legacy of Black Musicians” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy St. The family event will feature a performance by The Spellbinder, master illusionist Walter King Jr. Through his show, “The Legacy of Black Magicians, “King will introduce the audience to legendary past African-American magicians as Fetaque Sanders, “The First Lady of Magic” Ellen Armstrong, and escape artist Wiilmont Barklay, among others.

The Spellbinder uses illusions and state-of-the-art special effects to bring the history of AfricanAmerican magical performers, from the 19th century to the present day. Registration is requested from the library website at www. evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN

One-woman performance of Agatha Christie A performance on “The Mystery of Living: Packing for Syria with Agatha Christie” will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday,

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT – CHANCERY DIVISION Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. PLAINTIFF VS Gerald P. Nordgren, solely as special representative for Margaret Sankowski (Deceased); Lake Louise Improvement Association; Standard Bank and Trust Company, a corporation of Illinois as Trustee under the provisions of a Trust Agreement dated the 17th day of March, 1997 and known as Trust Number 15558; Michaelene Nash; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Margaret Sankowski (Deceased); Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, DEFENDANT(S) 15 CH 13941 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

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 C13-79911.

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Gerald P. Nordgren, solely as special representative for Margaret Sankowski (Deceased); Lake Louise Improvement Association; Standard Bank and Trust Company, a corporation of Illinois as Trustee under the provisions of a Trust Agreement dated the 17th day of March, 1997 and known as Trust Number 15558; Michaelene Nash; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARGARET SANKOWSKI (DECEASED); UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: Lot 17 in Lake Louise Apartments Second Addition, being a subdivision of part of the Northeast quarter of Section 17, Township 37 North, Range 13, East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

Commonly known as: 5749 Circle Drive, Units 1E, 1W, 2E, 2W, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 and which said mortgage was made by, Margaret Sankowski, unmarried; Mortgagor(s), to Urban Financial Group; Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, as Document No. 1526445066; and for other relief.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this County, 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before MARCH 14, 2016

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C13-79911 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 13 CH 03489 TJSC#: 35-17319

RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 120 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 239-3432 Fax: (312) 284-4820 Attorney No: 6238055 Pleadings@rsmalaw.com File No: 15IL00469-1

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

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

March 16 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Betsey Means, from WomanLore, brings to life Christie, the prolific English “Queen of Crime.” This one-woman theatrical performance is adapted from personal writings and complete with authentic costumes and designs.

Film series explores feminism

The film series “This is What a Feminist Looks Like!” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursdays, March 3, 24 and 31, at the Oak Lawn Library. Explore the beginnings of second wave of feminism, women of the world rising up and the power of women in religion. Films are not rated and may contain mature situations.

History of railroads in Oak Lawn The new gallery exhibit, “Full Steam Ahead: The Railroad in Oak Lawn,” debuts Saturday, March 5. Since 1881, rail service has given Oak Lawn travelers the opportunity to venture beyond the village while also bringing in visitors and commerce. Featuring nearly 40 unique images, the new display will be available for viewing in the second floor Local History Room. For more information about local history, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www. olpl.org.

Book discussion on ‘The 5th Wave’ A discussion on the book “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23 at the Oak Lawn Library.

The first five high school students to check in at the Teen Room, starting Tuesday, March 1, will get a free copy of “The 5th Wave.” This event is for teens in grades nine through 12. For more information about this and other young adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Teen Tech Week Teen Tech Week will be celebrated Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12 in the Teen Room at the Oak Lawn Library.

Teens will work on projects such as 3D printing, vinyl cutting, button making and more.

The program is open to teen in

SUDOKU Solution

grades nine through 12. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Kids can ‘Shimmy and Shake’ at library A program entitled “Shimmy and Shake” for children ages 5 to 7 will be held from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the Oak Lawn Library. Library staff will read books and sing songs to get the youngsters moving.

Registration is not required. For more information about this and other youth programs, call (70) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Sensory Storytime for children and adults Children of all abilities and their siblings are invited to take part in the Sensory Storytime program filled with stories, music, rhymes and playtime from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at the Oak Lawn Library. Registration is not required. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS

Make open glass terrariums at library Adult patrons are invited to make open glass terrariums beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Registration is limited to 35. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Painting workshop to focus on spring flowers

Spring flowers will be the inspiration for a hands-on workshop beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 28 at the Green Hills Library.

Christine Thornton will be the instructor for the program. She will advise participants to choose a flower to draw on watercolor paper. Individuals will learn to paint with watercolor pencils.

Registration is limited to 30.

The workshop is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Simple spring meals Simple spring meals will be discussed and presented to patrons during a session that begins at

CROSSWORD Answers

LEGAL NOTICE

6:30 p.m. Monday, March 14 at the Green Hills Library.

Chef Maddox will demonstrate a menu of spring asparagus and trio of mushroom strudel, chicken Provence style, and lemon curd tart with caramelized Italian meringue. Samples will be provided.

Registration is limited to 50. This event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

ginners will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8 at the Green Hills Public Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills.

A $5 cash deposit will be required at the time of registration, which will be refunded to all individuals the day of the class.

Registration will take place at the information desk. The class is for adults only.

Presentation on Amelia Earhart

Teen/Tween Photo Booth fun is offered at library

To mark Women’s History Month, a presentation about Amelia Earhart will be given at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, March 22 at the Green Hills Library. Historian Jim Gibbons will present the life of the woman known as “Lady Lindy”, an American aviation legend that on her final flight simply vanished. Did she drown at sea, or land on an island to live out the rest of her life? This event is for adults only.

Computer basics will be taught at library Computer basics class for be-

The Teen/Tween Photo Booth will be held for ages 10 to 17 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 at the Green Hills Library. Youngsters can come to the library for a fun night in the photo booth. A photo station filled with props and background are available to take pictures on the Fuji instant mini-camera. Photo holders can be made to display the new snapshots. One lucky person will win the instant camera.

Registration is limited to 25.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Orland Township’s Senior American Idol auditions now open Supervisor Paul O’Grady and the Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the fourth season of “Senior American Idol,” a fundraiser for the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation.

An informational meeting and audition for this event will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Check-in on March 1, is at 5:45 p.m. Auditions are open to seniors age 55 or older and require participants to perform a song of their choice (no more than two minutes long) acapella in front of a panel of judges.

Auditions are free. Please call Orland Township at (708) 4034222 to register for auditions.

Orland Township Senior American Idol will be held at Georgio’s Banquets, 8800

W. 159th Street, Orland Park, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Tickets for this event are currently on sale, please contact the Orland Township Office for more information.

“Orland Township’s Senior American Idol is a terrific event for our seniors,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “It benefits the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation, making it a victory for the Orland Township community as a whole. We’re expecting some new excellent singers and looking forward to another big turnout this year.”

To stay up to date on events like this and other happenings in Orland Township, be sure to follow Supervisor O’Grady and the Township on Facebook, www.facebook.com/supervisorogrady, or visit our website, www.orlandtwp.org

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Reporter

11

Two Mount Carmel students place at IHSA state speech finals

Supplied photo

Igloos for students

The 3- and 4-year old preschool classes at St. Catherine of Alexandria School in Oak Lawn celebrated the cold days of winter in a fun way. During the month of January, they asked the school families to save and donate empty gallon milk containers. They collected over 500 containers! Using the containers, they created two large igloos for the students to work and play in.

Mount Carmel High School excelled in their second year of competing in the IHSA Speech Tournament with two students placing in the Individual IHSA State Speech Finals After performing well in qualifying rounds throughout February, seniors Emmanuel Reid and Justin Fekete, of Oak Lawn, placed third and sixth, respectively, in the competition held at the Civic Center in Peoria.

“To get where they went, (Fekete and Reid) had to receive a high rating from 23 different judges before finals,” said Dennis Brumirski, director and moderator of Caravan Speech. “They have been working since October. This is a reflection of how focused and talented they are.”

Reid placed third in the Oratorical Declamation competition, which exhibits qualities of public speaking. Competitors are presented a preexisting speech at the beginning of the season, and craft an eight minute rendition of it at competitions throughout the remainder of the season. Articulation, eye contact, pace, and vocal inflections are evaluated throughout competitors’ performances.

“I definitely feel like I have a talent for oration, but (Oratorical Declamation) brought forth all of the skills that I’ve had and have wanted to work on,” said Reid. “I have really related to the message of this speech. I let myself have as much fun as possible during the speech. I think that (Oratorical Declamation) spoke to me because I have a little bit of freedom within it. By the time I got (to the state finals) I felt comfortable with it. Even though I was in a high level competition, I was still competing as if it was another tournament.”

After placing in Radio Speaking last season, Fekete finished sixth in Impromptu Speaking this past weekend. After being presented several quotes, competitors select one, prepare for two minutes, and then deliver a six minute speech supporting a thesis they formulate from the individual quote.

Competitors present real world examples to substantiate their claims along the way.

“You have to know a little bit about a lot of things that a lot of people haven’t heard about before,” Fekete noted. “You have to be able to incorporate all of that into a speech on the fly. It takes a lot of practice.”

Supplied photo

Mount Carmel High School seniors Emmanuel Reid (left) and Justin Fekete, of Oak Lawn, placed third and sixth, respectively, in the Individual IHSA State Speech Finals at the Civic Center in Peoria.

Having previously competed in the Chicago Catholic Forensic League, the Caravan Speech team began competing in the IHSA in the 2014-15 school year.

Unlike other IHSA events, the Speech State Finals do not contain divisions for school size and do not incorporate a multiplier. Students throughout Illinois compete directly with one another as they advance throughout qualifying rounds. According to Brumirski, the Mount Carmel Speech Team ascended to 15th in the IHSA this season.

“Our students apply intelligence and creativity, and really enjoy competing,” Brumirski said. “Once again, a lot of that credit goes to the caliber of students we have at Mount Carmel.”

Richards Navy ROTC students ‘push’ limits for two instructors The Richards High School Navy ROTC students waited as instructors Doug Groters and Dennis Reynolds jogged around the classroom The instructors needed to make good on a standing wager: If a student earns a medal in competition, they do 50 push-ups. This time, with students Allison Lively and Seirra Boclair-Johnson both earning awards at the Chicagoland Drill Competition at Robert Morris University, they’d need to do 100.

“Glad to do that,” laughed Reynolds.

Out of more than 300 competitors, Lively and Boclair-Johnson both placed in the top five at the individual knockout contest. Navy officers review high school JROTC students as they perform drill sequences and, oneby-one, eliminate those who make mistakes.

Lively and Boclair-Johnson lasted until the very end. “They were exceptional,” Reynolds said.

The First-Year Drill Team from Bulldog Company won first place at the contest and the Academic Team placed fourth.

Richards High School students Seirra Boclair-Johnson (left) and Allison Lively pose with their medals won at the Chicagoland Drill Competition at Robert Morris University. Each placed in the top 5 of more than 300 competitors in the individual knockout contest.

McAuley art students receive top honors in competition Several art students from Mother McAuley High School recently received 11 top honors in the Scholastic Art, Midwest Regional competition.

Students from McAuley who earned honors were junior Susan Devane, senior Lanihya Duncan, senior Frances Figel, senior Kelly Fischer, junior Faith Primozic, or Orland Park; senior Ishbel Rodriguez and senior Rachel Todd, Orland Park.

Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Honors are awarded as follows: Gold Keys to the top 5-7 percent of all entries; Silver Keys to the top 7-10 percent of all entries; Honorable Mention to the top 10-15 percent of all entries.

“I am so proud and excited to share the news about our Mid-

Supplied photos

Richards High School JROTC instructors Doug Groters (left) and Dennis Reynolds make good on their wager: 50 push-ups for every medal won by a student in competition.

Shepard students earn Honors with Distinction

Supplied photo

Seven Mother McAuley art students received 11 top awards in the Scholastic Art Midwest Regional. The students are shown here holding their work. They are (back row, from left) Frances Figel, Lanihya Duncan, Faith Primozic, Ishbel Rodriguez, (front row, from left) Susane Devane, Kelly Fischer and Rachel Todd.

west Regional Scholastic Art Awardees,” said Kathy Gordon Davis, Visual Arts and Technology department chair.

Devane was awarded two Gold Key awards, one in drawing and illustration and one in printmaking, as well as a Silver Key award in drawing and illustration. Primozic was awarded a Gold Key and a Silver Key award, both in digital art. Figel was awarded a Gold Key

in editorial cartoon, sponsored by the Herb Block Foundation.

Duncan was awarded a Silver Key award in drawing and illustration. Todd was awarded two Silver Key awards, one in painting and one in mixed media. Rodriguez was awarded an Honorable Mention in drawing and illustration. Fischer was awarded an Honorable Mention in painting.

Queen of Peace Dance Co. ready to rock the house The Queen of Peace High School Dance Company will celebrate its 15th anniversary with the “Rock the House” show this weekend in the Peace Pride Gymnasium, 7659 S. Linder Ave., Burbank.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.

26 and Saturday, Feb. 27. The Peace Dance Company will also perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 “Rock the House” will feature dances choreographed to classic and current rock and roll hits.

Tickets are available at the door and range from $5 to $12.

A group of students at Shepard High School in Palos Heights have been selected to the Honors with Distinction list for the 2015-16 first semester.

Students with a grade-point average of 4.0 or above earned for Honors with Distinction. It is possible to exceed a GPA of 4.0 with weighted grades offered in honors and Advanced Placement courses.

Freshmen who earned Honors with Distinction are Malak Zatar, Zachary Chua, Lucas Contreras, Reem Efein, Farah Elhoumaidi, Timothy Kopec, Jenna LoPresti, Millisent Caballero, Breanna Cordova, Paige Fugger, Aniya Jackson, Regan Monahan, Allison Witt, Katie Alex, Francesco Di Dio, Nadia Hernandez, Brandon Herrera, Alexander Komperda, Skyler Safi, Tatiana Almeida, Jason Covone, Alyssa Gonzales, Emma Horstmann, Elizabeth Jeeninga, Casey Bruce, Lillian Fisher, Kujtesa Gashi, Tyler Harvey, Christian Kowalkowski, Mario Owens, Ryan Wyrobek, Andrea Zavala Tinoco, Sabreen Ballout, Tucker Carter, Veronica Janik, Rudy Krastin, Magdalene Myrda, Nicholas Strama, Citlalli Velez, Kaylin Carreno, Joel Esparza, Yousef Isa, Christian Johnsten, Haley Kamholz, Symantha Noftz, Abigail Notter, Madelyn Powers, Justin Reilly, Jalen Rodriguez, Jainika Sharma, Kaitlyn Shelton, Kyle Skopec, Samuel Vander Weele, Dianna Lopez, Susan Zarebczan, Ameer Mohammed, Isabel Plasencia, Kylie Radz, Cynya Al-Ruh, Daniel Born, Emilie Bowman, Nicholas Brown, Thomas Dougherty, Mitchell Elzinga, David Klein, Carolina Lozano, Brandon Pizur, Kyle Reynolds, Joseph Thompson, Alyssa Zaldivar, Grace Culver, Paige Gilbert, Rebecca Harkala, Michael Ritchie, Grace Snelius, Micah Bourke, Emily Callahan, Sara Dziadkowiec, Emily Edmiston, Kevin Graham, Rachel Guzman, Anderson Kitzmiller, Zachary Oganovich, Yazan Shareef, Paulina Slaby, Alexis Urbauer, Sa-

mantha Witkowski and Jakub Zolnik.

Sophomores at Shepard earning Honors with Distinction are Rachel Habbal, Delaney Lyons, Isabella Gorzelniowski, Rebecca Ruger, Adam Zatar, Lauren Banicki, Alana Born, Jacob Kalabich, Elizabeth Correll, Meghan Hill, Nicholas Condon, Kathy Myrda, Jonathan Runquist, Angeline Schmelzer, Declan Quinlan, Amanda Wandachowicz, Hayley Goebel, Tania Hernandez, Ramsey Nakhleh, David Castillo, Jamal Mizyed, Matthew Dykstra, Paula Clohessy, Connor Sterling, Charles Szykowny, Reiner Mahler, Andrew Mutzbauer, Andreina Romero, Alexander Spindler, Kiley Boerema, David Cooper, Nicholas Smeraldo, Adam Alleruzzo, Jacob Kats, Kareema Keshta, Brooke Pieroth, Noor Ballout, Matthew Randich, Hanin Abuzer, Tyler Divis, Ahmad Zatar, Brooke Zielke, Mohamed Efein, Emily Paolini, Ryan Smith, Jillian Cabusas, Cristian Guerrero, Eric Ramirez, Thamer Yasin, Katherine Juarez, Abigail Morgan, Stephanie Reichard, Moriah Southall, Jacob Wolniak, David Dziuba, Angela Flisk, Joshua Lagrosa, Melissa Sanchez, Rainah Folk, Brianna Lukasiewicz, Nicholas McLawhorn, Lucas Gleich, Joseph O’Connell, Paul Striepling, Noelia Perez, Eric Bruesch, Sabdiel Romo, Nicholas Dombroski, Andrew Alheim, Sarah Kiwan, Ashley Klein, Caroline Staszak, Mallory Byrd, Christopher Sneed, Elizabeth Martinez, James Mundo, Anastasia Gadomski, Tiffany Kozlarek, Klaudia Styrnik and Cole Urban.

Juniors earning Honors with Distinction are Oluwatobi Sogebi, Daniel Becker, Kevin Callahan, Valeria Hernandez, Alison Elzinga, Veronica Jacobson, Victoria Churin, Kelli Callahan, Brenna Braasch, Matthew Gibson, Ednan Gusic, Kelly Pawlak, Caleb Washington, Thomas McInerney, Jenna Huisenga, Joseph Iaquinta, John Clohessy, Timothy Komperda, Joseph Monahan, Marley Wiest, Paul Milkus, Stephanie

Wasag, Brian Nelson, John Cody, Erika Brann, Jack Carberry, Alexis Carr, Allison Terry, Connor Kapala, Justin Soriano, Emma Toomey, Hailey Pezdek, Ellen Mueller, Alyssa Riley, Austin Castillo, Naledge Killins, Scott Huston, Nathan Sanchez, Brenna Koepp, Felicia Lonosky, Aleksandra Mierzejewska, Maryam Sandoka, Nicole Connors, Aaron Gowaski, Miquela Rubio, Brian Maty, Eryk Nowak, Robert Marinec, Jacob Esparza, Emma Sisk, Mary Stocklen, Karolina Budz, Nicole Fleck, Maura Callahan, Reilly Longawa, Samah Rafati, Audrey Stocklen, Adrian Cabrera, Patricia Medina-Malpica, Jacob Walters, Jackson Bergman, Valerie Stone, Hamzah Alkhatib, Ines Ruiz, Mark Farenga, Taylor Senf, David Lepak and Saul Tototzintle.

Seniors earning high marks are Natalie Bruce, John Wolniak, Abigail Graham, Hayden Wiest, Sara Campione, Jacob Zuiker, Caroline Graham, Michael Graham, Hannah Horstmann, Aleck Poradowski, Jacob McGrath, Hannah Vasil, Michael Cuzco, Kylie Sterling, Janet Santoyo, Kendall Yerkes, Krystyna Nedza, Alexander Gowaski, Dylan Doidge, Sarah Quattrocki, Kailey Fitzgerald, David Lawando-Reddy, Troy-Lemuel Magpantay, Zachary Sierzega, Dinah Tadros, Taylor Hoekstra, Morgan Dolehide, Angeline Schulist, Alyssa Trinko, Nancy Lesnicki, Riley McDermott, Margaret Sera, Bryanna Cross, Samantha Stone, Karsyn Hettlinger, Dylan Porter, Maria Munoz, Jacob Nolan, Logan Couture, Maulika Thakkar, Max Jones, Nickolas Loquercio, Aolani Cahue, Garrett White, Benjamin Meyer, Elizabeth Ciukaj, Randall Barnes, Abigail Schultz, Grace Spindler, Jennifer Kempczynski, Anthony Crespo, Jacob Vander Weele, Jayna Wilson, Taiah Womack Hayes, Timothy Kruse, Kathryn Baker, Jenna Kozicki, Marlen Terrazas, Skylor Hilger, William Fitzgerald, Alana Oliveros, Paige Harkabus, Brandi Roberts, Lamese Ballout, Edmund Leyden and Noah Oprondek.

12 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Marist will host Tech Teen Week

7:00 PM

Tech Teen Week will be held for students in grades six through 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. March 8 through March 10 at Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago.

The event includes workshops, snacks, gaming space, and access to all the additional mini-workshops in the school’s academic resource center.

Students can register in advance and pay $10 for the three day experience, which includes all the activities. Pre-registered students get special access to the three big workshops, which include robotics, digital photography, and coding. Space is limited in these workshops, so early registration

is suggested.

Students who do not pre-register can pay $5 per day at the door, and get access to the general activities, gaming space and snacks, but not the big workshops. The academic resource space will include a Pixar animation lab, 3D printing demonstrations, drone demonstrations, personal laser decal design and printing, makerspace activities, a Sphero obstacle course, catapult building, and game tables.

This event is held in conjunction with local public libraries. For more information and online registration, visit the school’s www.marist.net.

Teens can enter at the library doors near the flag pole.

Supplied photo

Students work together to build a robot during Marist High School’s 2015 summer camp.

Marist pro-life club marches in D.C., deals with winter storm 5-9 PM

Marist High School’s pro-life club members participated in the 2015 March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January with 19 students and two teachers representing the school’s club.

The group was met with some challenges this year as the East Coast was hit hard by Winter Storm Jonas, which left more than two feet of snow in the nation’s capital. The storm began just as the march started, shutting down much of D.C., changing many of the planned events and excursions for the group.

The club managed to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and several monuments. The group walked to the White House, too. In the heart of the storm they helped push cars out of drifts and went sledding at the Jefferson Memorial. They also stopped to say the Memorare prayer in the snow, which depicts one of the miracles of St. Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers. The group also visited Cong. Erik Paulsen

Supplied photos

Above: Marist teacher Theresa Coy (from left), Morgan McDonald, Kate Shroba, Maggie Guidici, and Kaylee Harris hold up pro-life placards at a mass and rally held before the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Other Marist students stand behind them. Right: Marist students and teachers make their way through the streets of Washington, D.C., while there for the March for Life. The group had to adjust its schedule due to Winter Storm Jonas’ impact.

of Minnesota at his office.

It was the second trip to the march for senior Matt Kettering, who said despite the snow, it was a great experience. “This is an important issue to me,” Ketter-

ing explained. “We had to adjust to the weather, but it was still great to be a part of something so meaningful.”

For more than 10 years, Marist has participated in March for Life,

which marks the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. Since 1974, hundreds of thousands of participants gather each year to march through D.C.

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Oak Lawn resident on dean’s list at St. Mary’s University A local student was selected to the dean’s list for the first semester at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn.

TINLEY PARK

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

The Home Expo Promoted by America’s Handyman Bob Vila

March 5-6 Sat & Sun 10am-5pm

E R IS T N R RT CO A ’S N ID OO K LL BA

Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Dr. Tinley Park Adult Admission: $5.00 Senior Admission: $3.00 Children Under 17: FREE

HomeShowEvent.com EXHIBITING VENDORS INCLUDE:

Exterior - Interior - Building - Landscape - Granite

Bring Ad For

Design - Renovation - Remodeling - Plants - Decks

$2.00 OFF

Basements - Kitchens - Bathrooms - Security - Garage Windows - Roofing - Siding - HVAC - Beds - Blinds

Admission Design Expert Kelly Edwards of HGTV Fame Presents 12p-1p

Offering the finest plants in the area, Ted’s Green House will be selling a wide variety of annuals, perennials, biennials, herbs, vegetables and specialty stock.

Tara Nagy, a resident of Oak Lawn, was named to the dean’s list for the 2015-16 fall semester.

Evergreen Park student is accepted for fall at Cornell College A local student has been admitted to Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa for the fall 2016 semester.

Maddie Donahue, a resident

of Evergreen Park, will be attending classes at Cornell this fall.

Evergreen Park resident is named to dean’s list at Clemson University A local student has been selected to the dean’s list for the fall 2015 semester at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Evergreen Park resident Margaret Scanlon was selected

to the dean’s list. She is majoring in Nursing.

Oak Lawn resident is selected to dean’s list at Ohio University A local student has been selected for 2015 dean’s list for the fall semester at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Robert Cook, a resident of Oak Lawn, was named to the dean’s list at Ohio University.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

State of the state tourneys See how the area participants performed in gymnastics, bowling, swimming. Page 2

Jeff Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com

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

Hoops aplenty Plenty of postseason chatter in boys and girls basketball.

Page 3

Thursday, February 2016 Thursday, March 25, 5, 2015

Southwest••Section Section2,2,Page Page11 Southwest

SANDBURG WRESTLERS RUN GAMUT OF EMOTIONS

Eagles’ elation turns into deflation

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Sandburg’s wrestling team had plenty to be pumped up about Saturday night when seven wrestlers placed in the top six of the Illinois High School Association individual championships in Champaign.

Three nights later, the Eagles were deflated and grounded as their dual season came to a halt with a 29-26 loss to Marmion on Tuesday night at the Class 3A Argo Sectional.

It was not only a battle of two of the best three teams in the state according to the Illinois Matmen website, but two of the better teams in the United States as well. Marmion was ranked 16th in the nation and Sandburg was right behind at 17th according to the InterMat website.

“It’s a tough loss,” Photo by Jeff Vorva Sandburg coach Louie Hayes (right) and Rudy Yates conEric Siebert said. fer before Tuesday’s dual match against “We had two state Marmion. Both Sandburg wrestlers were champions, one of the lone area champions in Saturday whom (Rudy Yates) night’s individual event in Champaign. won his third state title and one of whom (Louie Hayes) wrestled one of the best matches I’ve ever been a part of in the chair (a 2-1 win over previously unbeaten Real Woods of Montini). We obviously have a lot to celebrate but right now, this loss is pretty fresh.’’

The turning point against Marmion was two close losses at 152 and 160 to help the Aurora school pull ahead, 29-17.

At 152, Sandburg’s Christian Robertson, who took sixth in the state at 138, dropped a 4-2 decision to Mikey Callahan in a match that had Sandburg coaches arguing that Robertson should have gained a couple of points in the closing seconds of the bout.

At 160, Trace Carello, a state runnerup at 152, beat Ben Schneider 2-1 in double overtime.

The two teams met Jan. 16 at the Sandburg Duals in Orland Park and Marmion squeaked by with a 30-29 victory.

Brother Rice, making its first sectional appearance, dropped a 41-21 decision to Montini with Dominick Capron (170), Jake Hutchinson (182) Christian Acevedo (195), Scott Sierzega (220) and Mark Green (285) picking up victories.

In Saturday’s state action at State Farm Arena, Hayes won the 113-pound title to improve to 44-2.

Yates won his third title in four years as he nipped Montini’s Dylan Duncan, 3-2, to improve to 44-0. He hurt his shoulder in a semifinal match and wasn’t sure he would answer the bell on Tuesday.

“About an hour before weigh in, I said ‘screw it, I want to try to just do the best for my team,’ ’’ he said.

Yates finished his career 167-3 and was 91-0 after transferring to Sandburg.

Patrick Brucki took second place after a 9-3 loss to Marmion’s Nathan Traxler at 182 pounds. Kevin Stearns took third at 120, Schneider and Brian Krasowski took fourth at 160 and 170 respectively and Robertson claimed sixth at 138.

Other area individual placers on Saturday were Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson at 106, who finished third after beating Stagg’s Domenic Zaccone, 4-3, in the third-place match.

Marist’s Diata Drayton took fourth in the 220-pound class.

Above: Sandburg’s Rudy Yates gives Marmion’s Anthony Cheloni a ride in the air in Yates’ last match of his high school career.

Yates, who is heading to Northern Iowa, won the 132-pound match, 7-2.

Right: Patrick Nolan of Sandburg, has the upper hand over Marmion’s Ryan Fleck. Nolan won the 120-pound bout, 13-1.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Austin powers Marist into sectional final

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Just one area girls basketball team remains standing.

Marist beat Lincoln-Way North 74-44 Monday at the Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional to improve to 24-8 and has a battle at 7 p.m. Thursday, tonight, with Homewood-Flossmoor.

The Vikings beat Lincoln-Way East 57-34.

In Class 3A, second-seeded Queen of Peace suffered a heartbreaking 43-43 setback to third-seeded Phillips at De La Salle on Tuesday to leave Marist as the lone team still playing.

Claire Austin had nine first-quarter points for Marist and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds while Julia Ruzevich had 16 points and her twin sister, Kate, had 10 points.

“I’m so happy with our girls,” Marist coach Mary Pat Connolly said. “Austin was really heck on the boards, wasn’t she? We were in some foul trouble and we’re so deep that we were able to survive that.’’

Surviving H-F might be tougher as the Vikings feature speed and size — especially when 6-foot-5 Eva Rubin is in the lineup.

“I am excited — I played against her in club and I think we all know how she plays,” Austin said. “We know how to play all of them. Coach Connolly is good about always preparing us for our next game so we will be ready for her.’’

“I think we match up really, really well with them,” Connolly said. “We just need to come up with a game plan and figure out a way to stop (Rubin) and their pressure. It’s the sectional final. All the teams at this point are strong. I think it’s going to

be a good game.’’

North closed the season at 26-4 and it is the final game for the Phoenix as the school will close its doors after the 2015-16 school year.

“We knew they would come out strong because it was their last game,” Austin said. “We had to top their intensity. We’re all friends with them and we play with them and against them in the summer so there are no hard feelings… I hope.’’

Meanwhile Queen of Peace received a balanced attack with Ashley Murphy and Ashley Lynch each scoring 11 points while Kara Shimko popped in 10. Jovanna Martinucci had eight points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists for the Pride (20-12).

The future appears bright for the Burbank program as none of the nine players on the roster were seniors.

Claire Austin, who led Marist with 21 points against Lincoln-Way North Monday night, gets out of trouble with a tricky pass in the second half of the game.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

2

Section 2 Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Queen of Peace wins regional despite Shimko’s banishment F iguratively speaking, Queen of Peace girls basketball coach George Shimko is in the Cook County lockup for getting a parking ticket.

The Illinois High School Association bounced him out of the Class 3A postseason tournament for a rules violation that has some scratching their heads.

The Pride, a team with nine players and no seniors on the varsity roster, played a junior varsity game against Guerin at Concordia University on Jan 17. The IHSA said that you need at least 10 players suited up for a JV game or it counts on your varsity record.

So it counted on the Pride’s varsity record and the team went one game over the limit, and Shimko, who is also the school’s athletic director, was suspended from coaching in the postseason.

Shimko appealed to the IHSA officials and said it was a mistake and he didn’t know the rule.

That didn’t matter.

The coach pleaded that they were not cheating or trying to gain any competitive edge for seeding because they didn’t count the game in their record.

That didn’t matter either.

When Shimko did find an IHSA rule that would allow the waving of a punishment due to an error?

JEFF VORVA

Making the Extra Point “They told me they were being lenient with me,” Shimko said. “They said the whole team could have been removed from the postseason.’’

Geez. That would have been really harsh.

This suspension is harsh, too.

If a coach is going to get a postseason ban, make it for something good, like illegally bringing in a 7-footer from another country or bringing in some 30-point-a-game stud and doctoring up her grades. Something a little more juicy than playing a JV game with nine athletes.

And think of this — if the seeds would have held true, the Pride would have played four postseason games.

Putting it in a bigger picture, that’s two more games that NFL player Ray Rice was originally sentenced to for assaulting his girlfriend.

To me, a one-game suspension or even a warning would have been fair for Shimko. But the IHSA saw it differently and Shimko was banned from coaching last week’s regional victories over

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Queen of Peace coach George Shimko watches his team beat King Thursday night for the Class 3A regional title from a stage area in the gym. Shimko was suspended for the postseason for not having enough players at a JV game in January.

Assistant coach Mike Landstrom is using his temporary role as head coach as a “great opportunity.’’

Perspectives-Calumet and King. He was allowed to be in the gym and, to the IHSA’s credit, he was allowed to take photos with his team after winning the regional title Thursday night and help cut down the nets. So there was some joy to be had for the third-year coach.

Losing a coach can be a jolt for some teams but the Pride was able to prosper. The keys have been handed over to assistant coach Mike Landstrom, a 25-year-old with a unique basketball background.

The 6-foot-8 Oak Lawn native said he played just one season – his senior

year — at Marist High School and tried to walk on at St. Xavier University. He earned some scholarship money for hoops his sophomore and junior seasons. He started coaching youth teams when he was in high school and now has been thrust into the pressure cooker of postseason basketball with a team that earned the No. 2 team in the De La Salle Sectional.

“Honestly, I’m looking at this like it’s a great opportunity,” Landstrom said. “Our whole (assistant) coaching staff is rather young. It’s an opportunity for us to step up our game.

‘I got into my own head’ Roe’s great weekend at state ends with two falls on beam

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Left: Sandburg-Stagg gymnast Maddy Roe was flying high on the balance beam in the state finals before falling later in the routine. Right: Roe executes a flip on the balance beam during the state finals.

nior year and winning the floor and finishing second in the all-around her senior year.

White said Roe will likely follow the same path.

“It’s OK to get mad but get mad and come back and make sure it doesn’t happen again.’’ White said.

“And I’m sure she is going to do that. She wanted to win really bad and that’s OK. How many girls in the state can say they had a chance to win?’’

The veteran coach said before the first fall, Roe was on pace for a high score.

“She has been rock solid on that thing all year,” White said. “I think she had one fall the entire season on the balance beam. The rough part is that she

knew she was the frontrunner and everyone in this gym knew she was the frontrunner of this event. It was a matter of ‘was she going to hit?’ and what was going to happen.

“The other girls’ scores were down a little bit and it was setting her up beautifully.’’

Glenbard West freshman Maddie Diab won the event with a 9.525. Diab was also the state champ in the all-around and vault. DeKalb junior Aleah Leman won the floor exercise and the aptly-named Nikki Baars of Prairie Ridge won the uneven bars.

Prairie Ridge won the team title for the second year in a row with a 150.600.

Making state-ments: Area bowlers shine in Rockford, swimmers set for Evanston Sports Editor

Sandburg sophomore Emily Schrader’s better-late-than-never finish in the Illinois High School Association State Girls Bowling Tournament earned her a spot in the top 10.

Schrader had consistent series of 630 and 628 in the first two rounds of the tournament Friday at Cherry Bowl in Rockford and sat in 31st place.

But Saturday she was on fire with a third-round 661 and saved the best for last with a 700 in the final three games for a 12-game total of 2,619 to vault her into 10th place. Buffalo Grove junior Jessica Soskich won the tournament with a 2,749.

In the team competition, Richards missed the top-10 cut and finished 13th in the state.

Junior Amanda Wozniak rolled a

1,226 in six games on Friday to lead the Bulldogs while junior Sarah Coffman had a 1,190, junior Payton Attig fired a 1,181 and senior Natalie Fadden tossed a 1,179.

Junior Gina Bartkus shot a 567 in three games and junior Phoenix Lopez rolled a 546.

Wozniak’s score put her in 50th place and she was able to compete on Saturday and she rolled a 633 and 635 to launch her up to 36th place.

Sandburg, Smiarowski hope to dazzle at state After a two-year absence, Sandburg is back as sectional champion.

The Eagles won their own boys swimming sectional Saturday in Orland Park with 305.5 points while twotime defending champion Stagg was second with 250.5 and Brother Rice was third with 216.

After two third-place finishes in the sectional in 2014 and 2015, coach Jim Caliendo and his crew earned the program’s 16th overall sectional title.

The Eagles will send five individual athletes and three relay teams to Friday and Saturday’s IHSA State Meet at Evanston High School.

Junior Aiden Farley won the sectional championship in the 200 yard freestyle (1 minute, 41.10 seconds), the 500 free (4:33.59) Jake Gobielle won the 100 free (:47.97) and Kevin Stratton won in the 100 back (51.88). Matas Skultinas and Leo Espino qualified for state in diving.

The Eagles will send its 200 medley, 200 free and 400 free relays to state as well. Stratton, Gobielle, Farley, Josh Lang, Marty Blake and Cobie Fritsch all competed in the relay events in sectional and came away with three firstplace finishes.

Stagg junior Lucas Smiarowski could make the biggest individual impact in the area. He finished sixth in the state in the 200 IM last year and won that event in the sectional this year with a 1:54.28. The field is going to be stacked in that event as six other swimmers turned in lower sectional times and there are several swimmers within a fraction of a second behind him.

He also qualified in the 100 back and 100 breast event. Teammate Gabe Jezierski also qualified in the 100 breast.

Brother Rice’s Solomon Geinosky won the 100 butterfly with a :51.93 and qualified in the 100 back. James Ryan won the 100 breast with a :58.58 while Ray Adams qualfieid in the 50 free and 100 breast. The 200 free relay team of Geinosky, Ryan, Luke Healy and Adams also qualified.

HIGH SCHOOL/COMMUNITY SPORTS NOTES

Track standout Clark is named Oak Lawn High School Athlete of the Week Jabari Clark was named the Feb. 8 Oak Lawn Community High School Athlete of the Week for Feb. 8.

The junior track runner had an indoor season in which he excelled in the 55-meter dash, the 400 relay, the had one of the top-three varsity times for the team in the 55-meter dash, the 200 and 400 daashed and the 400 relay.

Oak Lawn baseball, softball registration Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball offers baseball

Red Stars’ 2016 schedule rolled out Sports Editor

Sports Editor

By Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON PRO SOCCER

By Jeff Vorva

By Jeff Vorva For Maddy Roe, Friday was fun.

On the flip side, Saturday was a struggle at the Illinois High School Association state gymnastics meets at Palatine High School.

The sophomore from Stagg High School finished ninth in the state in the all-around event on Friday with a 37.275, up 12 spots from her 21st-place finish in 2015.

In the south suburban area, which is not known for having a lot of state-ranked gymnasts, that was a huge finish. The last person on the Sandburg-Stagg coop team to finish that high in the all-around was Krystyn Mischeck, who took second in 2009.

On Saturday, things were still looking up when Roe took eighth place on the vault.

But on her bread-and-butter event, the balance beam, Roe cruised along for the first half of her routine but fell on her standing back attempt and fell a second time on her dismount. She said she wasn’t hurt either time but her score of 8.375 stung a bit as she finished 11th.

“I got into my own head,” she said. “I just panicked, I guess. Before beam, I had an actual panic attack. I’ll use this experience for next year.’’

She was trying to become the second female state champion in Stagg history. It was incorrectly reported last week that she would have been the first but Lisa Peterson had won the vault and all-around in 1986.

Still, Roe can be mentioned among the elite gymnasts in the area already and she has two years to go.

“My job is to let her know how well she did during the weekend and all season rather than a few minutes ago,” Sandburg/Stagg coop coach Mike White said. “I’ve had this happen with kids before and it’s not the first time it’s happened. You can cry a little — it’s OK to do all that stuff. But you build on it and come back next year.’’

White, who is retiring as head coach after 24 years at the helm, might be back as an assistant coach next year. He admitted his palms were sweating before Roe took the beam and he said the last time that happened was when Misheck won the floor exercise in 2009.

He said that Mischeck, currently an assistant on Sandburg/Stagg ‘s team, also had rough times at the state tournament before putting it together her se-

“We had the foundation set from the beginning. Now it’s just a matter of keeping it going. It’s been a little more challenging, but I like it. It’s a good time.’’

Landstrom admits that being the man all the players’ eyes are on during a game was something he had to get used to.

“The first game, I was not used to it and when we were coming into the timeouts, I kept looking at (fellow assistant coach Alex Shimko) and he looked at me and we were like, ‘Who is supposed to bring in the huddle?’ ’’ Landstrom said.

So the Pride moved on to the sectional semifinals with their coach watching near the stage area of his gym instead of his customary spot on the bench. This week was tougher as the Pride lost a one-point heartbreaker to Phillips on Tuesday night at the De La Salle Sectional Would the result have been different if he were on the bench instead of somewhere else? We will never know.

What we do know is that after Tuesday, the IHSA can let him out of jail and he can get ready for what should be a successful 2016-17 campaign. And if anyone offers Shimko a chance to play another JV game?

He should bring 20 players just in case. Unless, of course, there is a rule against that, too.

and softball for kids ages 4-18. Instructional leagues for boys and girls are also offered. Registration is open in February and March online at www.oaklawnbaseball.com.

South Side Shooters hosting tryouts The South Side Shooters girls basketball club will hold tryouts for its spring session, for girls grades 4-12, Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Stagg High School and March 1 and 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College. For more in-

formation, visit www.shootersbball.com or contact Director Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150.

PBO still offering registration The 2016 Palos Baseball season still has opening and there is time to register.

Go to www.palosbaseball.org and click on the registration link on the registration tab. Nearly 600 players annually participate in the league.

We welcome submissions from the community at sports@regionalpublishing.com

The Chicago Red Stars, which will call Toyota Park in Bridgeview their home in 2016, will open the season April 16 in Houston and will make their home debut at 6 p.m. April 23 against Western New York, The first homestand will continue the following weekend when first-year NWSL club Orlando Pride and Olympic gold medalist Alex Red Stars Morgan comes to 2016 schedule Bridgeview at 5 p.m. on May 1.

Home games at Toyota Park The 20-game April 16 at Houston, TBA schedule includes a April 23 Western NY, 6 p.m. four-game regional May 1 Orlando, 5 p.m. matchup against May 7 at Boston, TBA back-to-back reign- May 13 at Kansas City, TBA ing NWSL Cham- May 22 at Seattle, TBA pions FC Kansas May 29 Sky Blue, 6 p.m.

City, with two slat- June 12 Portland, 5 p.m. ed at Toyota Park June 18 Boston, 7 p.m. on May 13 and June 22 at Portland, TBA Sept. 7.

Things could get July 1 at Western NY, TBA exciting toward July 9 at Washington, TBA the end of the sea- July 16 at Orlando, TBA son when the fi- July 23 Houston, 7 p.m. nal four games July 30 Kansas City, 7 p.m. feature playoff Aug. 27 at Sky Blue, TBA semifinal contend- Sept. 4 Seattle, 6 p.m. ers Seattle Reign Sept. 7 Kansas City, 6 p.m.

FC, FC Kansas Sept. 11 at Kansas City, TBA City (twice) and te Sept. 24 Washington, 7 p.m.

Washington Spirit. The top four teams in the standings qualify for a spot in the NWSL playoffs.

The NWSL will also be taking a majority of August off due to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. The Red Stars begin their preseason in March with three matchups against Illinois State University, Notre Dame and Northwestern University.

United States Women’s National team members Christen Press and Julie Johnston return to Chicago in 2016 and are joined by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who was acquired from the Boston Breakers during the offseason.

Reigning NWSL Rookie of the Year Danielle Colaprico will enter into preseason with the Red Stars after earning her first call-up by the U.S. National Team during January camp.

Season tickets and flex packs are currently on sale, with individual tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. today. Red Stars season ticket memberships allow fans to experience Toyota Park tours, invitations to season ticket member events with the Red Stars team and discounts on merchandise and camps.

For more information about becoming a season ticket member, call 773-697-8699.

Fire faces champs The Chicago Fire, which opened the Simple Invitational in Portland, Oregon, with a 3-2 victory over Vancouver on Saturday, faced Minnesota on Wednesday night and will take on defending MLS champion Portland on Sunday.

First-year Fire coach Veljno Paunovic said he wants his team to treat the Portland game like all of the others.

“Our approach for every game is that we want to win,” he said. “We have to be aware of what we want to achieve at this point in the preseason and meet our goals for the long term. For us, every game is special and every opponent is special.’’

Against Vancouver, John Goossens scored with an assist from Matt Polster while Gilberto and Kennedy Igboananike scored on penalty kicks.

Discounted tickets available for opener Premier tickets, usually $42, are available for $20 for the March 6 opener against New York at Toyota Park. Corner Kick tickets, which are usually $32, are available for $13 at www.chicagofire.com/cccfb.

BASKETBALL

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016 Section 2

3

CHICAGO CATHOLIC LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Broadcast news: 13th-seeded St. Laurence takes fourth

By Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence’s Chris Carli tries to find some room against Fenwick in a CCL tournament semifinal loss on Feb. 17.

Sports Editor

For a few hours on Saturday afternoon, St. Laurence’s boys basketball players were television stars.

But after getting beaten by Providence Catholic, 54-45, in the third-place game of the Chicago Catholic League Tournament broadcast on WCIU-TV at DePaul University, the Vikings are hoping there will be no more reruns of games like that during the rest of the season.

The two teams were unlikely candidates to even play in that game as St. Laurence was seeded 13th and Providence 14th but both teams pulled off upsets to get to the

Photo by Jeff Vorva

final four.

Providence has three players from area grade schools on its roster in Eric Justice and Griffin Duesing (Cardinal Bernardin) and Jordan Dababneh (St. Michael).

Justice led the Celtics (11-17 after the win) with 15 points.

St. Laurence fell to 13-14 after the loss but second-year coach Jim Maley was happy his team could make it that far and the TV exposure could help his program in the future.

“It was awesome for our guys and awesome for our school and our program in general,” Maley said. “We’re trying to build something and this is a good first step heading in the right direction.

These guys are starting to believe

and hopefully our young guys are believing, too. It’s going to take a little more time but we’re getting there.’’

With a freshman team that went 21-2 and the potential for some of those players to help on the varsity next year, the 2016-17 season could be similar to this one, a rollercoaster ride. But after that, there could be some big seasons ahead.

Meanwhile, some of the outgoing players will savor reaching the final four of the tournament and getting some TV time.

“We proud that we made it to the final four – nobody thought we would be here,” senior Brett Risley said. “We started the season 1-6 and it’s great that we could make it this far.’’

Marist, Queen of Peace shake, shake, shake their way to regional crowns

By Phil Arvia and Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON BOYS BASKETBALL

Marist, Stagg take the fifth

By Anthony Nasella and Jeff Vorva

Southwest Regional News Marist’s 57-30 win Friday over the hosts in the Class 4A Oak Forest Regional final was all about shaking off the pain from last year.

Queen of Peace’s 62-34 win over King in its own Class 3A regional final the night before was all about shaking off the IHSA’s decision to suspend its coach, George Shimko, for the postseason because the Pride played a January junior varsity game with nine players.

Both teams took care of business and were the only two area teams to earn regional titles and entered sectional play this week.

For most of Marist’s players the pain of last year’s loss to Sandburg in a regional title game was something they wanted to erase. For Claire Austin, the pain of an elbow from Oak Forest’s star forward, Taylor Sterkowitz Friday night was also something that needed to be shaken off.

“Yeah, that hurt — she got me right in the eye,” Austin said, pointing to an incubating shiner above her left eye. “My contact came out right away, too.”

Austin exited after that blow midway through the third quarter, returning near the end of the period and playing most of the fourth to put the finishing touches on a 13-point, 10-rebound performance. Meanwhile, Sterkowitz, an all-SSAC player who came in averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game, was limited to 10 and 5, respectively.

“That’s Claire Austin … she loves the game,” Marist coach Mary Pat Connolly said. “She really started coming out (as a defensive stopper) when we played New Trier.”

In that January contest, a 56-51 New Trier win, the Trevians’ 6-3 center, Jeannie Boehm, led all scorers with 29 points. But, Connolly noted, “She could’ve had 50. We told Claire, ‘If you can guard her, everybody else is easy.’”

Austin clearly pestered Sterkowitz, who finished her Oak Forest career with 1,067 points.

“She’s a lot stronger than me,” Austin, a slender 6-footer, said. “I knew

Fenwick won the tournament and beat St. Laurence, 71-51 in the semifinals Feb. 17 at St. Joseph in Westchester.

“That was the one thing we haven’t seen this year,” Maley said.

“We hadn’t gotten killed by anyone. But they got to us early (Fenwick led by 28 at halftime).

“They beat a ton of good teams for a reason. But we made them look a lot better in the first half. We struggled against them. But I’m proud of the guys how they fought in the second half.’’

Brother Rice finished fifth in the tournament after beating Seton, 47-41. Mike Shepski had 18 points for the Crusaders while Matt Ganser added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Southwest Regional News

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Jovanna Martinucci lets out a laugh after the Queen of Peace girls basketball team was presented with the regional championship plaque Thursday night.

I had to push her out. I could tell she was getting frustrated.”

The RedHawks (23-8) knew that feeling based on last year’s playoff ouster — especially twins Julia and Kate Ruzevich.

“That one was close to our hearts, because we transferred from Sandburg,” Julia Ruzevich said. “It really motivated our whole team. We wanted to come back, get this one, and go as far as we can. It pushed our team this whole year.”

Marist won its 10th regional title in 13 seasons. Oak Forest (24-4), which moved up to 4A this year, was a 3A regional winner last season.

In this contest, though, the Bengals were never really in it. A 13-0 run late in the first quarter put Marist up 19-9, and a 12-1 burst to close the half was essentially the knockout blow.

Julia Ruzevich matched Austin’s game-high 13 points, while Tehya Fortune added 12 points and Kate Ruzevich eight points and six rebounds.

Queen of Peace, which had 28 losses two seasons ago, raced out to a 28-2 lead against King and the game was never in doubt after that.

“We had a lot of great energy early,” said Mike Landstrom, who has taken over as the Pride’s head coach for Shimko.

The Pride, which has no seniors on the squad, headed into De La Salle sectional action with a 20-11 mark, which officials said is its best record since 1992-93.

Ashley Murphy came up with 14 points and six rebounds, Ashley Lynch added 12 points and six assists while Kara Shimko had 10 points and five assists.

Mother McAuley was the only other area team to make it to the regional finals and the Mighty Macs suffered a 44-37 overtime loss to Lincoln-Way East in McAuley’s own Class 4A title game.

Queen of Peace junior Kara Shimko has a big smile as she cut down the a part of the net after her team beat King.

Marist and Stagg received the best seeds of the area’s Class 3A or 4A boys basketball teams as both drew fifth seeds in their respective sectionals.

Marist was seeded fifth in the Class 4A Bloom Sectional and Stagg drew the same at the 4A Lockport Sectional.

Marist coach Gene Nolan, whose team entered this week’s action with an areabest record of 20-6, considered it a fair seed.

Yet, Nolan is hopeful that his RedHawks squad will play far above its seed but possibly standing in the way at the Marian Catholic Regional could be the host Spartans, who beat the RedHawks 56-43 Jan. 29 in an East Suburban Catholic Conference game to snap a five-game winning streak. Senior Chamar Hawkins has 23 points in that contest.

“I thought we’d be anywhere in the five to seven range,” Nolan said. “The teams who were ahead of us (Simeon, Thornton, Homewood-Flossmoor and Marian) deserved it. Wherever we’re seeded, I always tell the kids to worry about the things you can control. Things you can’t, we just don’t worry about those things. We’ll play whoever we’re against.

First up for Marist in regional play on Wednesday will be the winner of next Monday’s St. Rita-Bremen contest for the chance to play in Friday’s championship.

The RedHawks defeated St. Rita 63-47 earlier in the season, as sophomore Morgan Taylor scored 20 points and had four 3–pointers. But the Mustangs were without their starting point guard — sophomore Jordan Matthews — in that game due to illness.

Stagg has been up and down this year and entered this week with a 14-9 mark after beating Andrew, 51-39, at the United Center on Sunday. Potentially standing the Chargers’ way of a regional title is Oswego, which is also up-and-down this season and survived a double overtime win over sixth-seed Plainfield North on Friday.

Brother Rice drew the ninth seed at Bloom, Richards the 13th seed, Oak Lawn the 18th seed and Shepard the 19th. Sandburg was seeded 11th at the Lockport Sectional.

In Class 3A, St. Laurence drew the seventh seed at its own sectional and Evergreen Park was 15th.

Doesn’t anyone want to win this conference?

The South Suburban Red has five out of seven teams that entered this week with sub-.500 records.

While the wins may not be plentiful, the drama is certainly there.

Richards and Argo entered last Friday’s action with 8-3 marks. Oak Lawn (which was 4-7) knocked off Argo, 54-44 to help its neighborhood rival, Richards. But Richards was busy losing to Reavis (which was 6-5), 61-60 in overtime.

That sets up Friday night’s fun as Richards is at Oak Lawn at 7 p.m. and Argo is at Evergreen Park, also at 7 p.m.

FIRST THINGS FIRST A look at first-round regional games:

CLASS 4A

Monday • Thornwood vs. Oak Lawn at Oak Lawn, 6 p.m.

• Richards vs. Hubbard at Marian Catholic, 6 p.m.

• Eisenhower vs. Shepard at Thornton, 7 p.m.

Tuesday • Plainfield North vs. Sandburg at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday • TF North vs. Brother Rice at TF North, 7 p.m.

• Marist vs. St. Rita/Bremen winner at Marian Catholic, 7 p.m.

• Stagg vs. Oswego East/Plainfield Central winner at Andrew, 7 p.m.

CLASS 3A

Marist passes test Marist’s DeJae Black fires off a pass during Monday’s Class 4A Eisenhower Sectional semifinal victory over Lincoln-Way North.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Monday • Evergreen Park vs. DuSable, at King, 6 p.m.

Wednesday • St. Laurence vs. King/UNO Garcia winner at King, 7 p.m.

4

Section 2 Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

FOCUS ON ST. XAVIER UNIVERSITY

FOCUS ON TRINITY CHRISTIAN

Cougars lose Vozel, then lose second game of year

Jourdan earns All-American status

Baseball team opens Correspondent the season with doubleheader loss The final two games of the

At the end of the two-day NCCAA National Track Championships Friday and Saturday, Trinity Christian came away with one All-American, four school records, and seven personal best performances. The women’s team also scored 11 points and took 13th place.

The All-American performance came from Ashley Jourdan who took second place in the mile, just .01 second behind the first place runner. Her time of 5 minutes, 3.95 second was also a school record.

Jourdan also scored points with a sixth-place finish as a member of the distance medley relay team. The other runners in that relay were Megan DeWeerd, Emily Dykstra, and Anna Spotts. Jourdan and Dykstra also paired up with Christa Veenstra and Jessica Wiersma in the 4 x 400 meter relay and placed 10th.

The highest-placing finisher on the men’s team was Alex Clark in ninth place in the mile. He recorded a time of 4:28.64. The men had two school record performances. Matthew Schaap ran a :9.44 in the 60 meter hurdles for the new mark. The foursome of Shawn Hintz, Jason Nagelkirk, Justin Schutt, and Nathan Rusnak put together a school record time of 1:36.79 in the 4 x 200 meter relay.

The individual qualifiers will compete in the NAIA Indoor Championships on March 3-5 in Johnson City, Tenn.

By Anthony Nasella

regular season for the St. Xavier women’s basketball team were possibly the toughest pair of games the Cougars played all season for more than one reason.

Though No. 1-ranked St. Xavier started the week with a thrilling 58-55 win over No. 24 St. Ambrose on Feb. 17, the team suffered a crushing loss when junior forward Sarah Vozel was lost for the season in the closing minute of the game with a torn ACL. Vozel started 29 games and averaged 10 points and 6.1 rebounds a game while adding 63 assists and 38 steals.

“Sarah is the brains of our team and one of the most intelligent players we have,” SXU coach Bob Hallberg said. “She makes very few mistakes. She inbounds the ball well for us and is a solid ball handler. She gets the job done on the boards and is smart with shot selection. We need players to step up now with Sarah out.”

The loss of Vozel then carried over to Saturday’s showdown against Cardinal Stritch – which saw the game go to overtime and the Cougars offense disappear in an 83-72 road defeat to finish the regular season 28-2 and tied for first in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference with a 17-2 mark.

Now, St. Xavier will attempt to pick up the pieces in this week’s CCAC Conference Tournament – where a possible win in Tuesday’s first-round game against Indiana University South Bend could lead to a showdown against a long list of conference rivals who will give the team all that it can handle.

“Everybody is throwing everything they can right now at (Cougars leading scorer) Kara Krolicki,” Hallberg said. “And the rest of the players are just going to have to step up more — especially now with losing a quality player like Sarah Vozel who does so much for us.”

“We definitely would like to finish the season with three wins and the Conference Tournament Championship.”

In the home win over St. Ambrose, sophomore guard Krolicki and junior guard Mikayla Leyden combined for 31 points.

Krolicki led Saint Xavier with 16 points, while Leyden added 15 points and three steals. Vozel added 11 points.

The Cougars got a key free throw with 12 seconds remaining by senior center Caitlin McMahon (seven points, 10 rebounds, six blocked shots) to extend the lead to three, but the Fighting Bees failed to sink a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds.

Despite five players scoring in double figures, the Cougars fell short in overtime to Cardinal Stritch. St. Xavier got a key driving lay-up by sophomore center Brittany Collins with 24 seconds left in regulation to help force the extra period, but the offense went just 2 for 10 from the floor in overtime.

Caitlin McMahon (17 points, eight rebounds and six blocks), Leyden (12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals), Krolicki (12 points), Collins (11 points) and junior forward Meaghan McMahon (11 points) all contributed in the loss.

Juniors Ryan Pellack (Tinley Park/Lincoln-Way North) and Tom Hayes (Crestwood/Mount Carmel) each finished with two hits on the day, but the Saint Xavier University baseball team dropped its season-opening doubleheader with Georgetown College (Ky.) Friday afternoon at Wilson Field in Georgetown.

The Cougars were limited to just one hit as a team in a 4-0 loss in game one and then let an early 1-0 lead slip away in the late game before falling 5-1.

Five errors hurt SXU, especially in the opening game where three miscues led to three late unearned runs for the Tigers.

Sophomore right-hander Tyler Hebel (Waterloo/Waterloo) got the start in the first game for Saint Xavier and suffered the loss (0-1). He threw the first five innings and allowed six hits, two runs (none earned) and no walks with two strikeouts.

Freshman lefty John Constantino (Crystal Lake, /Crystal Lake South) pitched the final inning and allowed two hits, two runs (one earned) and a walk with one strikeout. Pellack recorded SXU’s only hit in the first game.

Men’s basketball drops regular-season fi ale Junior guard Kyle Huppe (Edgerton, Kan./Gardner Edgerton) and sophomore guard Larry Motuzis (Darien/Hinsdale South) combined for 35 points, but the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball team dropped its regular season finale with Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) Saturday afternoon, 73-66 at Panella Court in Milwaukee.

The Cougars (18-11 overall/15-5 CCAC) never led after the opening five minutes of play despite tying the game several times throughout and had difficulty sustaining any type of momentum.

Barry pounds down 26 kills vs. Marian Setting a Saint Xavier University men’s volleyball record with 26 kills, junior outside hitter Sean Barry (Wilmette/Loyola Academy) led the Cougars to a thrilling four-set victory over Marian University (Wis.) Friday night at the Shannon Center in Chicago.

The Cougars (3-8 overall) dropped the opening set by a score of 25-19, but then regrouped and took the next three in exciting fashion, 32-30, 32-30 and 25-22. Barry also finished the night with 11 digs and three service aces towards the victory. The previous single match kills record of 23 kills was set by former standout Evan Muys in a road match against Lourdes University (Ohio) on March 30, 2012, in five sets.

Junior outside hitter Dan O’Keefe (Evergreen Park/ Loyola (La.)/St. Rita) also had an impressive all-around outing with 13 kills, 24 assists, eight digs and four block assists. Sophomore middle blocker Bradley Gadek (Gurnee/Carmel Catholic) tied a school record for block assists in a match with 10 to go along with seven kills. Sophomore middle blocker Thomas Matonis (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg) had seven total blocks (two solos) as well.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

The SXU women’s basketball team will have to play the rest of the season without Sarah Vozel, who suffered an ACL injury.

Hoops teams end season with victories Photo by Jeff Vorva

MSOE’s Neil Naughton (right) was named his conference’s offensive player of the week after a big weekend against Fontbonne and Greeneville.

THE NEXT LEVEL

Naught errors for MSOE’s Naughton

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Orland Park native Neil Naughton went through a weekend of volleyball error free. And the middle hitter was rewarded for his efforts.

The sophomore men’s volleyball player at the Milwaukee School of Engineering was named the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League’s Offensive Player of the Week last week after hitting .773 with 17 kills and no errors in conference victories over Fontbonne on Feb. 12 and Greenville on Feb. 13.

MSOE was ranked 15th in the nation among NCAA Division III schools and the 6-foot-7 middle hitter was ranked 15th in the nation in hitting percentage (.395) after the big weekend.

It was the second time he earned the honor. He made a huge first impression has a freshman when he was named the player of the week the first week of the 2015 season when he had 28 kills and a .426 hitting percentage against Benedictine and Cardinal Stritch.

When he was a senior at Sandburg, Naughton and Kyle Van Stedum were the Eagles’ middle hitters in the rotation. Van Stedum is currently a freshman at Benedictine and after the Feb. 12-13 weekend, Naughton was second in the league in hitting percentage while Van Stedum was sixth.

Dome, sweet dome Lewis University’s softball team will play in the Dome Invitational Friday through Sunday in Rosemont and one athlete is hoping to capitalize on a successful freshman season.

Sophomore outfielder Kaylee Prieto helped the Flyers to a 27-22 mark last year and she started 29 games and hit .290 with 15 RBI. Her best game was a 4-for-4 performance against Illinois Springfield on May 1.

She also won the Br. David Delahanty Award which is given to Lewis student-athletes for academic excellence.

Freshman Dara Sanders of Mother McAuley, a pitcher and infielder, is also on the Flyers roster.

The Trolls basketball teams were not able to qualify for the CCAC tournament and had their seasons end on Saturday but both teams were able to end the 2015-16 season on a high note.

The men finished the campaign 9-21 overall and 4-17 in the conference with a 63-55 road victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph Caleb Jonkman led the team with 17 points — 15 of which came from draining five 3-pointers.

Jordan Perry added 14 points and David Buffham added 11. Nari Garrett had 10 rebounds.

The women’s team finished the campaign 3-26 overall and 2-17 in the conference winning by more than 50 points with a 94-40 triumph at St. Joseph.

All 14 players on the Trolls roster scored at least two points and four players were in double digits.

Katie Moran and Samantha Andringa each had 13 points, Lauren Stokes had 12, and Olivia Schipper added 10. Kaitlyn Gehrke was the high rebounder with eight. Allie Paluchniak, Jessia Bianchi and Bethany Jansma each had four assists.

Men’s volleyball loses close match to rivals It could not get much closer for the Trolls in a conference match at Saint Xavier University Friday dropping a 26-24, 26-24, 25-19 decision.

The Trolls (2-9 overall, 1-3 in conference play) were led by Ben Tocila, whose all-around game included six kills, 10 digs and five aces. Nick Costa had nine kills.

The team will play next at 7 p.m. Tuesday at home against Robert Morris University.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

He comes from a big family Waubonsee Community College stopped by Moraine Valley on Feb. 9 for a game, and head and shoulders above his teammates stood 6-foot-11 freshman John Stark from Oswego. Stark’s cousin is Frank Kaminsky, a 6-11 college star at Wisconsin last season who is a rookie center for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets this season.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

FOCUS ON MORAINE VALLEY

Women’s cross country team ranked 4th in nation in classroom The National Junior Cross Country Association compiled all the grades and eight members of the Moraine Valley Community College’s cross country teams came up big and the women’s team was ranked fourth in the nation while the men earned the 14th ranking.

Hannah Funk (Sandburg), Stephanie Majewski (Reavis), Gabriela Plewa (Reavis), Weronika Staszel (Reavis), Tonie Wasco (Sandburg), Alec Altman (Sandburg), Braulio Castellanos (Reavis) and Jeremy Morgan (Tinley Park) were recognized for academic achievement for the fall 2015 semester. Wasco also earned the honor in 2014.

Joining the five individual recipients on the women’s All-Academic team are Abby Correa (Oak Forest), Amy Miller (Shepard) and Yuliana Olivares (Reavis).

Joining the three individuals on the men’s All-Academic team are Michael Bradley (Mount Carmel), Vicente Carbajal Jr. (Eisenhower), Ryan Dovgin (Andrew), Kevin Dusek (Shepard)and Ronaldo Wallace (Thornridge).

“These scholar-athletes are extraordinary. Their performance on and off the field speaks highly of them and their dedication and commitment. I am very proud of their achievement. It is a tremendous honor for them and Moraine Valley,” said Coach Mark Horstmeyer.

The Moraine Valley cross country program has fielded 51 Scholar All-Americans and 14 Scholar All-America teams since the sport was reinstated in 2000. The fourthplace women’s ranking is the highest either

team has ever achieved.

The women’s team also excelled athletically this past season, winning Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV Division I championships for the second consecutive season and finishing 32nd at the national championship. Funk, Correa, Majewski, and Olivares also earned all-conference and all-region honors — Correa for the second time. On the men’s side, Morgan earned all-conference and all-region accolades and was a national qualifier.

Men’s basketball shares Skyway Conference title

The Cyclones needed five extra minutes Thursday night to claim a second straight Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship. After defeating Prairie State College Thursday in overtime, 86-81, Moraine Valley tied (10-4) for the crown with Elgin Community College.

In one of their sloppiest games this season, the Cyclones relied on their reserves down the stretch to come away with the vital victory. Down 38-33 at halftime, the Cyclones inserted David Gray, Jordan Radcliff (Columbus International) and De’Angelo Robinson (Chicago Vocational Career Academy) for needed energy, and they delivered. With 13 minutes in regulation, the Cyclones were down by as much as 12, but some key Ermias Nega free throws also helped them creep back. Going into overtime tied at 75, Gray knocked down a big three to push his team ahead.

Nega led the charge with 30 points, nine

rebounds and four assists. Tommy Demogerontas earned his seventh double-double with 20 points and 18 rebounds along with five assists. Gray topped out with 18 points.

Women’s basketball wins 10th conference game The Cyclones won their third straight game and 10th win in conference Feb. 16 after shutting down Morton College 87-51 in their last regular season home game.

The Cyclones were in control early, taking a 14-2 lead and never looking back. By halftime, Moraine Valley was ahead by 30 points.

Erin Drynan earned a second straight triple-double (31 points, 19 rebounds, 10 blocks) while Michelle Borgen her second consecutive double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds). Dee Dee Shatat continued her hot shooting with three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

Carly Trinley (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences) had nine assists.

Two days later, they nipped Prairie State College to finish second in the Skyway Conference.

Dee Dee Shatat finished with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Borgen led the campaign with 21 points and 12 rebounds for 20 regular season doubledoubles. Drynan chipped in 11 points, 15 rebounds and nine blocked shots, her 22nd regular season game with double-doubles.

Compiled by Jeff Vorva from submitted reports

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016 Section 2

5

Images from another thrilling week in sports

Here are a couple of guys with a lot of victories on their resumés.

St. Joseph coach Gene Pingatore (above) takes in the Fenwick-St. Laurence game in a Feb. 17 Chicago Catholic League tournament semifinal game in Westchester. The next night, Tom O’Malley, the St. Xavier Universitiy men’s basketball coach (below), watched Mother McAuley and Lincoln-Way East battle in regional action.

Pingatore opened this season with 962 wins on the high school level and O’Malley racked up 900-plus at the high school and college levels.

Mother McAuley freshman Grace Hynes (No. 15) swats the ball away during the Mighty Macs’ overtime loss to Lincoln-Way East on Thursday in the regional fi als.

The mama and papa-razzi get their clicks in with cameras and phones after Queen of Peace’s regional title victory over King on Thursday night in Burbank.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Queen of Peace students dressed as older ladies mug for the camera after doing the “Chicken Dance” in the second half of the Pride’s regional title game against King.

Not to be upstaged, Queen of Peace’s Ashley Murphy jumps onto the stage in her school’s gym to chase down a loose ball during regional action last Thursday.

6

Section 2 Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

BUYING OR SELLING?

For Sale 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.DAVID E. ANDERSON A/K/A DAVID C. ANDERSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ARLEEN ANDERSON, EMJSOC, INC. F/K/A SENERGY OF CHICAGO, INC., SPRINGLEAF FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS, INC. F/K/A AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS, INC., VILLAGE OF SCHILLER PARK, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, IRWIN COMMERCIAL FINANCE CORP., EQUIPMENT FINANCE, MIDLOTHIAN COUNTRY CLUB Defendants 13 CH 11441 6006 WEST 124TH STREET Palos Heights, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 4, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 5, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6006 WEST 124TH STREET, Palos Heights, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-29-309-009-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $144,540.78.

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.

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

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

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

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

For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 291-1717 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. only Please refer to file number 13-066880.

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.

SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 13-066880 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 13 CH 11441 TJSC#: 36-1218 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

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

ISA RAFATI AND RULA ATIEH, UNKNOWN TENANTS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 14 CH 9960 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on December 10, 2015, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 11, 2016, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 16464 W. 118TH PLACE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467.

P.I.N. 27-19-303-009.

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 within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 14-01438 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I683792

Put 42 years to work 34 years with RE/MAX

Don’t trust your real estate purchase or sale to anyone else

CALL DAVE MIRES

Your Personal Real Estate Consultant for Life RE/MAX International Hall of Fame

(708) 341-0946

POTENTIAL TO HOUSES BECOME SPECTACULAR! THREE OPEN SUNDAY, 12-4 California style wooded • 8514 W 121st St,ranch PALOSon PARK $799,000 .8+ acre across from Forest 4 ½ baths Impeccable, gracious, 4 bdrms,

Preserves awaits your talents! 4 • bdrms, 17337 Antler Dr, walkout ORLAND 35x25 PARK $479,000 3 baths, 108th to Deerpoint, to Antler bsmtAve w/office.

Being West sold “As Is�

4$319,900 bdrms, 3 baths, granite & SS Kitchen

For more details and pictures go to our website: www.BHHSBlount.com

15607 S. Harlem Ave. Orland Park, IL 60462 • davidjmires@gmail.com

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA HOME EQUITY LOAN, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FM2 Plaintiff, -v.DARLENE M. MANOS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, COLONIAL HEIGHTS, TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 005376 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 13, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 28 PARLIAMENT DRIVE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-24-300-053-0000. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, 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 14-15-04679.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 1415-04679 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 005376 TJSC#: 36-2079 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.

I685529

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, vs.

CHARLES W. JACOB; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHARLES W. JACOB, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 12306 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 18, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-23-200-026-1085.

Commonly known as 11129 South 84th Avenue, Apartment 1A, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

(312) 360-9455 - WA15-0428.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I684443

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.CATHERINE WHITNEY, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. Defendants 11 CH 37102 10751 SOUTH LACROSSE AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 22, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 10, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10751 SOUTH LACROSSE AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-16-403-018-0000; 24-16403-019-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $143,045.66.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (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 the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F13100115.

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

ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 150 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F13100115 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 11 CH 37102 TJSC#: 36-1597 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.

• 8433 Hollybrook Lane, TINLEY PARK $345,000 191ST TO 88TH Ave, s. to Bantry 3 bdrms 3 ½ ba, loft, full bsmt, 3-c garage

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY PURCHASE FROM THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AS RECEIVER OF WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK FKA WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA Plaintiff, -v.JOZEF HARMATA AKA JOSEF HARMATA, CITY OF CHICAGO, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC Defendants 15 CH 02663 10210 S. 86th Ave. 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 October 7, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 5, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10210 S. 86th Ave., Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-306-013-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $237,883.71.

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: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee s attorney.

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.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 15 CH 02663 TJSC#: 36-1882 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.

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FNBN I, LLC Plaintiff, -v.LILLY SAMARDZIJA Defendants 13 CH 7113 9170 WHEELER DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 15, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 16, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9170 WHEELER DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-208-017-0000. The real estate is improved with a 2 story home with an attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1226597.

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. PA1226597 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 7113 TJSC#: 35-18051 I684103

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

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 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FF9, Plaintiff, vs.

ANNA E. NESTOR A/K/A ANNA NESTOR, THOMAS B. NESTOR A/K/A THOMAS NESTOR, LINCOLNWAY COMMUNITY BANK, DOORNBOS HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 11 CH 23296 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on May 29, 2015 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, March 7, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-09-108-020-0000.

Commonly known as 14460 Raneys Lane, Orland Park, IL 60462.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Frederic Deraiche at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. File Number SPSF.0399 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I683703

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NA TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2004-FF6, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-FF6; Plaintiff, vs.

VIDA DOUGLAS AKA VIDA MIKLIUS; FIRST MIDWEST BANK AS ASSIGNEE OF THE FDIC AS RECEIVER FOR PALOS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 5, 2007 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 1-7143; UNKNOWN OWNERS, AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 12 CH 34155 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on October 14, 2015 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-26-300-005-0000.

Commonly known as 12321 S. 88th Avenue, Palos Park, IL 60464.

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

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I685738

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.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

7

Section 2 Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Regional News - The Reporter

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Part-Time Office Manager/ Bookkeeper

2-3 days/week. Quickbooks experience required. Organizational and phone skills a must. We are a local family owned business.

Send resume to: office@ williamquinnandsons.com or apply in person.

3860 W. 127th St. Alsip, IL 60803 Help Wanted

South Suburban law firm seeking full time

LITIGATION SECRETARY

with outstanding proofreading and organizational skills to do work for multiple attorneys.

Must have experience with transcribing and organizing pleadings, discovery and correspondence and must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of Federal and State court electronic filing systems required. Use of ProLaw a plus.

Please email resumes to: ffrazier@odelsonsterk.com

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED Southwest Regional Publishing and Southwest Community News Group is seeking an Advertising Sales Representative.

The Sales Representative will prospect and cold call in addition to maintaining established accounts.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Have 2-5 years proven outside sales experience and customer retention • Be highly self-motivated, competitive and organized • Have the ability to hit the ground running • Have proven ability to close sales on a one to two call cycle WE ALSO LOOK FOR CANDIDATES TO DISPLAY: • Drive and Energy • The ability to succeed in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment • The ability to multi-task • An outgoing personality

PART TIME PRESSMAN

Experienced pressman needed to operate a Goss Community press part time.

20-30 hours per week.

Day shift.

Please email resumes to

arichards@regionalpublishing.com Wanted

SNOWBLOWERS,

Do you have unused items for sale?

Give them a new home and make some $$$

Amy Richards at arichards@regionalpublishing.com or call Southwest Regional Publishing at

708-448-4000

Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Plumbing & Sewer

KRYSTAL KLEEN

PLUMBING & SEWER

GGEORGE’S EORG E’S

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs

TOO BUSY TO CLEAN?

• • • • • •

Let Us Professionally Clean Your Home or Office. • Satisfaction Guaranteed • References Available Bonded/Insured FREE ESTIMATES

Cleaning Services

40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

Nurse’s Assistant

Lots of Patience & Trustworthy CAREGIVER LOOKING TO CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

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

(708) 636-4030

PLEASE FAX OR E-MAIL RESUME TO AMY RICHARDS: 12243 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4000 • Fax: 708-448-4160

Cleaning Services

WE OFFER: • Competitive salary plus commission • High earnings potential

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

Help Wanted

Snowblower Repair

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Available Mon.-Fri. Hours depend on need

Will fix at your house

at 708.439.6238

Call: (815) 450-0004

Excellent References.

Rates Vary Please call Mary anytime Leave a message & number

Reasonable Rates

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016

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:

“SPOTLIGHT’’: Having a very good run this film-honors season — including a recent win for best picture at the Critics’ Choice Awards — director and co-screenwriter Tom McCarthy’s excellent, Oscar-nominated drama is an ode to the determination of journalists. It traces the investigation by several Boston Globe reporters that ultimately uncovered a long-concealed child-molestation scandal within the Catholic Church ... and reverberations that prove to be not just local, but global. The superb ensemble cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery (“Mad Men’’), Brian d’Arcy James (“Smash’’) and Stanley Tucci. **** (R: AS, P) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “THE GOOD DINOSAUR’’: The well-established Disney-Pixar brand of captivating animation and storytelling is in effect again in this entertaining-for-all-ages feature about the bond forged between a dinosaur and a youngster (voices of Raymond Ochoa and Jack Bright) who end up saving each other, in both the literal and figurative senses ... and more than once. Heart-tugging moments and gentle history lessons — youngsters are likely to emerge knowing much more about prehistoric species — are part of the formula here, as is a voice cast that includes such notables as Anna Paquin, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn and Sam Elliott. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “FARGO: YEAR TWO’’:

Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons (“Friday Night Lights’’) and Jean Smart all were winners at last month’s Critics Choice Awards for the second season of the FX series, which also took an honor there for the overall show. This round is a prequel, with Patrick Wilson as the younger incarnation of the lawman played by Keith Carradine in the initial season; with personal problems of his own, he becomes involved in the probe of a young couple’s (Dunst, Plemons) larceny — and the adage that not everything is what it seems gets fresh proof here.

Ted Danson, Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Donovan (“Burn Notice’’), Bokeem Woodbine and Cristin Milioti (“How I Met Your Mother’’) also are in the solid cast of this chapter of the saga, inspired by the Coen brothers’ Oscar-winning movie of the same name. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) “SECRET IN THEIR EYES’’: Adapted from an Oscar-winning Argentinian film, this melodrama teams Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman as members of an investigation team whose mutual work ended tragically with the murder of the Roberts character’s daughter. For well over a decade, another colleague (Chiwetel Ejiofor) has been determined to find the killer ... and when he believes he finally has, the resulting information has a profound impact on all concerned. Dean Norris (“Under the Dome’’), Michael Kelly and Alfred Molina also appear.

DVD extras: two “making-of’’ documentaries; audio commentary by director-screenwriter Billy Ray and producer Mark Johnson. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Bluray and On Demand) “THE LION GUARD: RETURN OF THE ROAR’’: The launch point for an animated series on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, this feature was televised last November and again offers the voices of James Earl Jones

and Ernie Sabella as “The Lion King’’ characters Mufasa and Pumbaa. Actually, that’s “Uncle Pumbaa’’ ... which he becomes to a younger brigade of African lions led by Kion (voice of Max Charles), the son of Samba and Nala (voices of Rob Lowe and Gabrielle Union), as the members of the new generation use their respective gifts to maintain the Circle of Life. Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle’’) also is heard. *** (Not rated) “I SMILE BACK’’: Known for her comedy, Sarah Silverman tackles a dramatic role — for which she earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — in this story of a troubled woman whose life is at loose ends, largely by her own doing. The wife and mother lives for the moment, engaging in drug abuse and casual hookups, but she reaches a crisis point and has to decide whether she can straighten herself out enough to preserve her family.

Josh Charles (“The Good Wife’’) plays her husband, and Skylar Gaertner and Shayne Coleman their children, in co-screenwriter Amy Koppelman’s adaptation of her own novel. Thomas Sadoski (“Life in Pieces’’) also stars. *** (R: AS, N, P)

COMING SOON:

“THE NIGHT BEFORE’’ (March 1): Three pals (Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie) seek the biggest party they can find on Christmas Eve. (R: AS, N, P) “CHILDHOOD’S END’’ (March 1): The Arthur C. Clarke story puts Earth under the control of seemingly peaceful aliens; Mike Vogel, Daisy Betts and Charles Dance star. (Not rated: AS, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

PINTO’S POPCORN PICKS

‘Race’ works but should have given us much more TONY PINTO

“Race” is your standard inspirational biopic. This one just happens to be about Jesse Owens (Stephan James) during the three-year stretch leading up to and including the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany.

This is the story of an impoverished black youth from the Depression era streets of Cleveland as he sprints to greatness by breaking track-and-field records, all while undermining Adolf Hitler’s racist agenda. There’s a lot more to it, but this is a very safe film that doesn’t take any risks in the story telling department.

“Race” doesn’t just show his greatness; it also shows his flaws as well. It doesn’t dwell on his flaws as much as it could or arguably should. Director Stephen Hopkins wants to keep this film as uplifting as possible, while only briefly touching on stories like his fling with a woman who was not his high school sweetheart /eventual wife Ruth (Shanice Banton). It’s a story-arc that ultimately goes nowhere, so why bring it up? Owens had a daughter in high school and they glance over that as well.

This is not just a movie about track and field; it’s also a story about race, segregation and the possibility of the American delegation pulling its athletes out of the games in Nazi Germany. Without these dealings there would be no movie because the option for Owens to run would not have been available.

Owens defied a boycott-favoring consensus that included the NAACP in order to live his dream of Olympic glory, but his gold medals were no match for the same America he competed for. There was no White House visit; he didn’t meet the president which was customary at that time. Toward the end there is a scene where he goes to the Waldorf-Astoria to attend a dinner held in his honor, but they still won’t let him use the front door. It’s a scene that doesn’t convey the emotion that it properly should, which just happens to be the film’s biggest problem.

Stephan James stars as Jesse Owens in “Race.”

The other big storyline is Owens relationship with his coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis). The normally comedic Sudeikis does a fine job as the Ohio State track coach. They both use each other to learn from their problems. At times their relationship does seem a bit forced. Maybe it really was.

There is so much this film tries to hurriedly touch upon that a lot of it doesn’t seem to work. Most of it ends up being pertinent to the story, but most of it ends up losing its emotions as the film rushes to the next scene.

“Race” is a great movie at showing what Jesse Owens did, but it ultimately falters in showing us who he really was. It shows a shell of a man. Most won’t find fault in the not fully fleshed out portrayal of Owens and will just see this as a chance to cheer for someone as he goes through his trials and tribulations on his way to winning Olympic gold.

Portrayal gives a real-life BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS ‘Downton Abbey’ story THIS WEEK

Teen pottery class

A dramatic portrayal of Lady Catherine of “Downton Abbey” will be hosted Tuesday, March 1, at 1 p.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

Actress Lynn Rymarz will share the story of how Catherine Wendell, an American-born woman, met and married the sixth Earl of Carnarvon and made a life for herself and her family living in Highclere Castle, the real home for the setting of the PBS Downton Abbey series.

Rymarz is an extremely popular performer, according to program director Lois Lauer.

The noon luncheon, which precedes the March 1 program is already filled, but guests may call in a reservation for the 1 p.m. program which costs $10. Call The Center: 361-3650.

Supplied photo

Lynn Rymarz will portray Lady Catherine, the American born Countess of Carnarvon.

She married the sixth earl, and they lived in Highclere Castle, the setting for “Downton Abbey.”

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Get that heart rate up. Find ways to release pent up energy and clear your mind for the upcoming week ahead. Make sure to leave your schedule flexible as romantic interludes could suddenly pop up without warning.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Have it your way. You are able to use your charms and wiles to get nearly anyone to fall into line.

Put your social acumen to good use by reconciling differences, asking for favors or making new acquaintances this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Find your support group. You’ll find that those who care about you the most will provide the enthusiasm you need to get your ideas off of the ground. A significant other may make the rest of the world seem to stand still later in the week.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Stick to your convictions this week. Don’t back down when it comes to letting others know where you stand on specific issues. Avoid getting too deep into

conversations involving subjects of which you have little or no knowledge.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Family comes first. Schedule time to pay attention to loved ones as work may take up too much of your time this week. If someone approaches you for advice, be helpful and enthusiastic as criticism could be poisonous.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t compromise your values.

In the heat of the moment, you may feel compelled to say or do something that goes against everything that you’ve been taught.

Steer clear of confrontations in the week to come.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Bury the hatchet. There’s no point in allowing ill feelings to fester.

You can improve everyone’s mood by taking steps towards reconciliation. Matters of romance and relationships may take precedent as the week progresses.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23- Nov. 21): Nothing stands in the way of progress. No matter if you take baby steps or giant leaps forward you get closer to achieving your goal.

Don’t shrug off a commitment or promise this week just because

you don’t think it’s important.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Play it cool. Don’t allow someone to get under your skin this week as this may be precisely the reaction they were looking for.

Find constructive outlets to blow off steam such as sports or tackling chores around the house.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- Jan. 19): May the force be with you.

Just have a little faith that the universe is working with you and not against you, and everything will turn out for the best this week.

Someone may be willing to help more than you anticipated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 18): A well-tended garden blooms best. Don’t expect projects to become rousing successes unless you have provided the proper care and attention to making them work.

Romantic prospects are likely to improve in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19- Mar. 20): The means don’t always justify the ends. Giving simply to help out those in need is a wonderful thing, while giving to receive kudos is not quite as admirable. Ethical questions may seem irrelevant but could impact the future.

A new session of Teen Pottery classes will start on Tuesday, March 1, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. Art teacher Heather Young will instruct students on the use of the potter’s wheel, a variety of hand building techniques, and the glazing of the finished pieces.

This class meets every Tuesday for six weeks. The class fee is $85 and that includes all supplies and kiln firings.

Registration is required. Call The Center, 361-3650.

Adult pottery class

Six-week Stoneware Pottery Class are offered at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, beginning Tuesday morning, March 1, 9:30 a.m. and Thursday evening, March 3, 6:30 p.m.

Under the guidance of potter Heather Young, students make strong professional-looking stoneware pottery, often embellished with nature designs. Students create beautiful stoneware bowls, mugs, and vases, in additional to interesting decorative pieces. New students learn a variety of handbuilding techniques and learn to throw pots on one of the studio wheels.

The pottery class cost $95 plus a $15 materials fee for six weeks.

Advance registration is required.

Call 361-3650.

Tony Pinto’s grade: B-

The class fee is $95 and students can expect to pay $40-$50 in silver costs, to be paid directly to the instructor in class. Registration is required. Call The Center, 361-3650.

Weaving class

A new six-week weaving class begins at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, Wednesday, March 2, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Weaver Nettie Botts of Palos Park teaches new students to create samplers on portable table looms during their first weeks in her class. For the remaining class weeks, Botts then helps them to design a project of their own choosing. Experienced weavers design projects in the pattern weave of their choice, using either the table looms or the large floor looms. Weavers make projects such as scarves and table linens of their own color scheme and design.

The cost of the weaving class is $95, plus a $10 materials fee for new weavers’ samplers. Students will purchase their own threads and yarns for future projects.

Advance registration is required. Call 361-3650.

Papercraft workshop

A spring paper workshop will be held at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to noon, at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

New Log Cabin instructor Linda Sears invites students to create Easter and spring themed Silver jewelry class cards and papercrafts by cutting, A new Silver Jewelry class punching, texturing, stamping, and will begin Tuesday, March 1, arranging layers of papers. from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Log The workshop cost $16, plus a Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 $5 materials fee. Advance registraSouthwest Highway, Palos Park. tion is required. Call The Center This class will be taught by at 361-3650. new teacher Wendy Martin, an experienced silversmith and jewelry maker who is very excited to The Bridge Teen teach this fine art. Within this six Center programs week session students will create • College Decisions & Scholarbeautiful pieces of sterling silver ship Tips (High School only) - 5 jewelry such as pendants, earrings, to 6 p.m. today (Thursday), at The pins, bracelets and more. Begin- Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st ning students will learn to saw, Court, Orland Park, students will file, solder and polish in their first get help deciding what college introductory projects. they want to go to and what major

they want to pursue.

• Battle of the Bands - 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Friday, third annual Battle of the Bands with live music from several local bands including Liquid Capital, Poisoned Paradise, The Imperials, Apollo, and Sugar Rush. A free coffee bar will be open to students.

• Peanut Butter Dog Treats - 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 1, a program with Chew On This Dog Barkery to teach students how to make baked peanut butter treats for their furry best friends.

• Build a Catapult - 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 1, a program with CarMax to teach students how to make their own catapult out of household items.

• ACT Prep - 5 to 6 p.m. March 2, an ACT preparation program with Intellect Learning Center.

This program is for high school students only.

• Ukulele - 5 to 6 p.m. March 2, 9 and 16, students will learn the basics of paying the Ukulele.

• Behind the Scenes: Walgreens - 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 3, a visit to a local Walgreens to take students behind the scenes to see the day-to-day responsibilities of a cashier and a photo technician.

• Around the World: Cheese - 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 3, students will be taken through a cheese taste test courtesy of Whole Foods. Students will try several different types of cheese from all over the world.

These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

UPCOMING Center Cinema

“The Palm Beach Story” will be shown on Friday, March 4, 6:30 p.m., as part of the monthly Center Cinema series at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

“The Palm Beach Story” stars Joel McCrea as a cash-strapped inventor. Claudette Colbert stars as the inventor’s wife who comes up with a novel scheme to get him funded.

A discussion follows the movie.

Free popcorn is served. No fee is charged but pre-registration is necessary. Call The Center at 361-3650.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Southwest • Section 2, Page 9

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

Cuban sandwich proves a panini by any other name is just as delicious

By Wolfgang Puck As a chef with restaurants on three continents and the good fortune to travel and eat my way around the world, I am always fascinated to see how so many dishes that may at first seem unique to a particular cuisine actually have close cousins in other countries.

Fried chicken, for example, is undeniably all-American; yet, I grew up eating wonderful skillet-fried chicken in Austria, and chunks of crispy chicken are popular bar snacks in Japan.

Then there’s my grandmother’s potato-and-cheese-stuffed dumplings, remarkably similar to Italian ravioli and Chinese pot stickers.

Now consider the sandwich.

It may owe its name to the English nobleman who, because he couldn’t be bothered to tear

himself away from the gambling table, asked his meat to be served between two slices of bread. But that doesn’t fully explain why so many countries today claim sandwiches all their own. Take the panini, Italy’s own signature pressed sandwich. Yes, people across Europe and North America have enthusiastically taken to it, coming up with all sorts of variations involving different breads, cheeses and other fillings and seasonings. Still, other countries have their own griddled sandwiches.

There’s America’s lunchtime classic, grilled cheese, for example.

One of my favorite panini cousins, though, is the Cuban sandwich, which originated about a century ago among Cuban immigrants in southern Florida. It’s one of the most generous grilled sandwiches I have encountered,

featuring cheese and a generous assortment of cured and cooked meats, plus pickles and mustard, cooked not between two slices of bread but inside a length of long, slender French bread. Better still, the sandwich is weighted down to press it as thinly as possible, to produce a wonderfully crusty, crunchy exterior that complements the hot, rich filling bound together with melted cheese.

This is no ordinary panini.

Yet, as special as it sounds, a Cuban sandwich is still incredibly quick and easy to make at home.

You can use any assortment of fillings you want, including roast pork or other leftover meat. Just be sure to include yellow ballparkstyle mustard and sliced dill pickles to achieve just the right tangy flavor. The other key is to not just to cook the sandwich inside

a panini grill, but also to weigh down the grill with a brick or heavy cans (placing them carefully for even pressure and so they don’t slide off).

You’ll be amazed by the difference these few little secrets make to the results. And I predict that, once you try it, you’ll make Cuban Sandwiches a regular part of your own home cooking repertoire.

CUBAN SANDWICH Serves 1 • 1 length French or sourdough baguette, cut to fit your panini grill • 3 to 4 tablespoons mayonnaise • 3 to 4 tablespoons yellow mustard • 2 to 3 thin slices Swiss cheese

Financial News

• 4 to 6 thin slices smoked or cured ham • 4 to 6 slices salami • 6 thin lengthwise slices dill pickle • 3 or 4 slices roast pork, or other meat of your choice • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened Preheat an electric panini press or a hinged electric countertop double-sided grill.

With a serrated bread knife, cut the length of baguette horizontally in half. Evenly spread both cut surfaces of the bread with mayonnaise, then mustard. Arrange the bread halves coated side up on a work surface.

Layer the bottom half of the bread with the Swiss cheese.

Then, in even layers, arrange

2016

the roast pork, salami, ham and pickle slices.

Press the top piece of the baguette onto the filling, compacting the sandwich evenly. Brush the top of the bread with butter. Place the sandwich in the preheated panini grill.

Weigh down the top of the panini grill with a brick wrapped in foil or with two large cans of tomatoes or other canned goods, placing them for even weight distribution and to avoid them possibly slipping off.

Cook the sandwich until the filling is heated through, the cheese is melted and the bread is well browned and very crusty, about 5 minutes.

If you want to cut the sandwich in half, use a serrated knife and a sawing motion to avoid squeezing out the filling. Serve immediately.

A guide to financial planning

Personal Finance | Investing/Savings | Real Estate | Retirement | Budgets | Debt Management | Estate Planning | Tax Services

Financial tips to get on track Money is something that individuals usually need more of but frequently find in short supply.

People worry about money a lot. According to the YouGov poll for the Institute of Financial Planning and National Savings and Investments in Great Britain, nearly two-thirds of respondents worried about their finances, with 43 percent saying they worried about money “more often than not.” Things aren’t much different in the United States, where a recent survey from Lincoln Financial Group showed that 53 percent of respondents worried about having enough money for retirement.

Taking charge of personal finances may seem like a difficult undertaking, but you don’t have to make drastic lifestyle changes to grow your savings. Try these tips to save more and live a more financially-conscious life.

• Keep financial records. It’s hard to determine your financial standing if you do not prioritize record-keeping. Find a method that you can stick with consistently. Some people prefer oldfashioned bookkeeping with pen and paper, while others may like

the convenience of software and mobile apps.

• Explore auto-withdrawal and deposit. Many financial institutions offer several services to customers that can make banking and money management easier.

You can set up a savings account and have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into this account. You also can arrange for automatic bill pay so you don’t have to worry about accruing late fees for missed payments. Check with your bank or credit union about these types of services.

• Put a change jar in your house.

Change might not be popular, but it is money. Having a jar or bucket in a location of the house where

you set your wallet or purse may encourage you to save that loose change for something larger.

• Sign up for shop-and-earn programs. Everyone from credit card companies to major retailers offer incentives to repeat customers. These include cash-back or other perks for a percentage of the money spent on purchases. These programs equate to built-in discounts and can help you squirrel away even more money without making a conscious effort.

• Consider investing. Investing can put your money to work in exchange for a return. There are many different types of investments available. If you are an investing novice, work with a financial planner or broker who can help you find a level of risk you are comfortable with.

• Pay off debt. The earlier you can get rid of outstanding debt, the better. Put money toward high-interest loans and credit cards so you aren’t paying so much in costly interest charges. Afterward, you can start saving in earnest.

Learning to take charge of personal finances early on can set you on a course for financial stability throughout your life.

When to begin saving for retirement After finishing school and landing their first jobs, the furthest thing on many young professionals’ minds is retirement. Although the day young workers will cash their last paychecks and bid farewell to the workplace may be decades down the road, it’s never too early to begin saving for retirement.

The sooner a person begins saving for retirement, the more time his or her money will have to grow. As more deposits are made and interest is compounded, retirement investments can grow considerably.

Ideally, workers should begin saving as soon as possible.

Compounding interest produces a better return for professionals who start saving when they are young than for those who delay their retirement savings. Unfortunately, many of today’s new workers are not prioritizing retirement.

According to a study from Hewitt Associates, just 31 percent of Generation Y employees (individuals born after 1978) who are able to deposit money into a 401(k) retirement plan actually do so.

The easiest way to save for retirement is to make the process entirely automatic. One can achieve this by signing up for an employer-sponsored 401(k) or another retirement plan. When opening a 401(k), workers will have a predetermined portion of their earnings deducted from their paychecks and deposited into the retirement account. Such contributions are made prior to being taxed, adding even more incentive to begin saving as soon as possible.

Money deposited into a 401(k)

Simple ways to spend less When people take inventory of their spending habits, many come to the conclusion that they need to scale back. Upon making that realization, many people immediately assume they need to give up certain luxuries. However, spending less on nonessential items may free up funds for more enjoyable activities, such as dining out and travel. Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to be a minimalist, and it’s easier than you might think.

Explore these relatively easy methods to tame spending.

• Use cash as much as possible. Paying with cash can create an emotional feeling of loss and taps into your five senses. Taking cash from your wallet and handing it over to cashiers could slow down your subconscious spending, which is less likely to happen if you always swipe a credit or

debit card.

• Keep a spending log. Jot down your spending habits on a piece of paper or use home budgeting software to track where you tend to spend the most. This gives you an accurate and fluid method to examine your spending.

• Spend less on shopping sprees.

Some people use shopping as an emotional release or a method to relieve stress. If you like shopping but want to cut back on your spending, shop in less expensive stores, such as consignment or dollar stores. This feeds your desire to shop without breaking the bank.

• Eliminate one monthly bill.

Find a way to cut out one monthly expense. If you’re not using that gym membership, cancel it. If you can’t find something to eliminate, find a way to cut back. Maybe you can scale back your mobile phone service plan. Downgrade

your cable television package to one that’s more affordable.

• Do things yourself. Consider the services you pay others to do that you may be able to do yourself. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, paint your home interior. Have everyone pitch in to clean the house and scale back on housekeeping services. Cook your own meals and rely less on takeout.

• Transfer savings automatically. Transfer a portion of your paycheck directly into a savings account. Set up automated transfers so the money never appears in the account linked to your debit card.

• Pay bills on time. Do not waste money on late fees and penalties. Use automatic bill pay so you don’t miss any payments and waste money on fees.

How to find a financial planner

will then be available for withdrawal when the employee reaches retirement age. If the employer has a matching program, even better, as that means the company will match employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

A person may also want to establish an IRA (individual retirement account). IRAs, which are available as traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs, are typically offered through financial establishments and provide tax-friendly ways to save for retirement. There are differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, and these differences are related to taxes and may depend on when contributions are

made as well as when withdrawals are made.

Young professionals may want to keep more of their retirement funds in stocks and aggressive accounts to earn more. As one gets older and closer to retirement, a conservative approach is more prudent. Advisors may suggest older professionals then begin investing in bonds and other less volatile opportunities.

Professionals of all ages can speak with a financial planner for more information regarding retirement savings. In addition, options to invest through an employer can be discussed with human resources personnel.

Managing money can be a daunting task. Monitoring retirement and investment accounts can sometimes seem like a full-time job, and that’s in addition to the responsibilities many men and women already face with regards to their careers and families.

To combat the sometimes confusing and intimidating nature of money management, many people enlist the help of financial planners. Financial planners can help men and women navigate the plan for retirement and help them prepare for unforeseen events that can affect their finances. Finding the right financial planner can be similar to finding a physician; just like you don’t want to trust just anyone with your health, you also don’t want your finances in the hands of someone you don’t trust.

The following are a handful of tips for men and women as they look for financial planners who they can be comfortable with for years to come.

• Choose a certified planner.

Many financial professionals claim to be planners, but only those men and women who are

certified financial planners, or CFPs, are licensed and regulated.

CFPs must take various classes with regard to financial planning and pass an exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. In addition, a requirement to maintain their designation as CFPs is that, once certified, CFPs continue their education so they can stay abreast of the latest industry trends and developments. While CFP status does not guarantee a given planner will meet your needs, it’s a good place to start.

• Consider how a CFP earns his or her living. How a CFP earns his or her living is another factor to consider. Commission-based financial planners earn commissions when buying or selling a stock, while fee-based planners earn a percentage of your annual assets.

Many people starting out prefer planners who earn hourly fees, feeling that such a pay structure makes them more comfortable and gives them time to build up a relationship with their planners.

• Work with a fiduciary. Financial planners are held to two

standards: the fiduciary standard and the suitability standard. The latter requires that planners give advice that suits investors’ objectives, while the former requires planners to give advice that puts their clients’ best interests ahead of their own. So what’s the difference? A planner beholden to the suitability standard can recommend the least suitable investment option (which may earn him or her more money) among a handful of suitable options, without having to report to his or her client any conflicts of interest, whereas a fiduciary is obligated to recommend the option that is best for the client.

• Be wary of boasts. Some planners will try to impress prospective clients with boastful talk of beating the market. Such boastfulness should raise a red flag, as it suggests a planner is more likely to roll the dice with your money than make sound investments.

Finding a trustworthy financial planner is a great way to grow your money. But who to work with is a decision that requires careful thought and research.

10 Section 2

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Regional News • The Reporter

Financial News

A guide to financial planning

2016

Personal Finance | Investing/Savings | Real Estate | Retirement | Budgets | Debt Management | Estate Planning | Tax Services

CNB focuses on financial needs Submitted by CNB Bank & Trust, N.A.

The history of CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. dates back more than 160 years, and the institution prides itself on maintaining the local community focus on which the individual bank locations were founded. CNB Bank & Trust has an ownership ancestry that has remained virtually unchanged for well over a century, and operates under the oldest continuously active banking charter in Illinois.

The bank remains dedicated to the success of local individuals and businesses while always focusing on the high quality service and products that CNB Bank & Trust customers have come to expect.

Prior to 2011 CNB Bank & Trust operated as four individual

0 $50 ing s Cloredit C

sister banks under the Carlinville National Bank Shares, Inc. Holding Company: Carlinville National Bank, Citizens State Bank, Palmer Bank, and Cornerstone Bank & Trust, N.A. In 2011, all four banks were consolidated into one bank, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A., and CNB Bank & Trust now has 12 Illinois locations in Alton, Brighton, Carlinville, Carrolton, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Oak Forest, Palos Heights, Pittsfield, Shipman, and Taylorville, and one Missouri location in Clayton.

While the number of locations has grown, one thing that remains constant is the dedication with which each location serves their community. Each location is staffed with professional, courteous, and highly-trained employees who are eager to build a relationship with every customer.

Continuing to make small-town values a priority, CNB Bank & Trust assists the local communities in a variety of ways, and regularly supports local schools, churches, non-profit organizations, and community fundraisers.

The business philosophy of CNB Bank & Trust is simple: maintain the rich tradition of excellence while keeping an eye toward the future. While CNB is proud of their history, the bank is also dedicated to making the future better through innovative product offerings, online tools and resources, and exceptional customer service provided by knowledgeable banking specialists. Maintaining the hometown values that make our communities so special while meeting all of your financial needs…that is CNB Bank & Trust.

Did you know?

Financial experts advise that individuals and families save enough money to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses in the case of an emergency or unforeseen layoff. Others say that savings should be closer to a year’s worth of expenses. In spite of the obvious benefits of having a financial safety net, many people continue to live paycheck to paycheck, either voluntarily or out of necessity. According to Pitney Bowes, a document management services company, and Bankrate.com, many people fall well below the benchmarks suggested for savings accounts, checking accounts, 401(k) plans, and other means of building nest eggs. Data suggests the average American has anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 in savings and between $2,000 and $4,500 in checking accounts.

AJ Smith Federal Savings Bank 14757 S. Cicero Midlothian, IL 60445 10:00 AM CALL TO RESERVE A SEAT TODAY: 708-237-8128 Continental Breakfast will be served! *Just for attending you will receive a $500 credit toward closing costs on your next new loan with AJ Smith Federal.

Come and learn how to buy your home and get tips from the experts in the industry.

The American Dream is within your reach.........Let us show you how to get there.

•

Low Down Payment options using FHA loans.

Why rent when you can own?

Questions about your existing mortgage are welcome.

Rates at all time lows.

Affordable homes are easy to find.

NMLS# 276735

• • • • •

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU

Phone: 708-687-7400 • www.ajsmithbank.com • mortgages@ajsmithbank.com

For A Limited Time We Are Offering A

CD Special

18 MONTH CD

1.15% APY*/1.14% INTEREST RATE *annual percentage yield. The special requires a minimum of

$5,000 to open. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal, fees could reduce earnings. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

IT’S TAX TIME

ARE YOU READY? CALL A PROFESSIONAL

LIST YOUR TAX SERVICES HERE! It’s not about numbers... it’s about people.

Working Hard for the Hardest Working

Located in Sears at the Orland Park Mall 4646 W. 103rd Street Oak Lawn, IL 60453

11139 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL 60482

6858 S. Pulaski Road Chicago, IL 60629

(708) 567-6339

FREE T-SHIRT

we have you covered

Pick up the phone and call 708-448-4000 and ask for Val Draus for pricing, sizes and more information!