Reporter 3 2 17

Postseason hoops excitement heats up for area teams: SPORTS

Chicago Fire 2017 preview: SPORTS

REPORTER

THE Volume LVII, No. 51

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

USPS 118-690

$1 Newstand 2 SECTIONS 20 PAGES

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Our Lady of the Ridge gives thanks News that the school will remain open is cause for celebration

By Joe Boyle The faculty, students, parents and community of Our Lady of the Ridge Elementary School in Chicago Ridge received the news they had been waiting for on Friday.

The school, located at 10859 S. Ridgeland Ave., will remain open in the fall.

Administration, staff members and students celebrated when they were informed by the Chicago Archdiocese that the criteria had been met to keep the school operating. The administration had been informed on Jan. 11 that the school could close unless it reached an enrollment of at least 114 and could raise over $250,000.

Photo by Joe Boyle The school exceeded those expectations Music ministers who performed during the Prayer Service of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of Ridge Church Sunday night were (from left) sisters Stephanie through a phone-a-thon, two open houses and parishioners spreading the word about the and Jillian Seweryn, along with their mother, Laura.

school. In addition, fundraisers were held and local businesses provided support by donating portions of their profits to go to the school.

A hugely successful fundraiser was held Feb.19 at 111 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. A large crowd was present all day and over 850 tickets were sold for various raffles.

Nearly 880 people attended the event.

“We are ecstatic,” Mary Grisolano, media relations volunteer and graduate of Our Lady of the Ridge, said about the school being allowed to stay open.

Grisolano said the school was able to raise $321,500 over the past month. Enrollment is now at 117 and Grisolano said those numbers traditionally rise in the spring.

To celebrate the news that Our Lady of the Ridge School will continue, a Prayer Service of Thanksgiving was held on Sunday night

at the church.

The Rev. Wayne Svida, pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge, began the service by telling parishioners that this is a great time for the teachers, the parents and students.

“These past few days, have you leaped for joy? We, too, have leaped for joy for fulfilling our obligation to the Archdiocese of Chicago,” Svida said.

Our Lady of the Ridge School opened in 1954. Svida said he is pleased that the school will “continue to educate young men and women.”

Svida thanked everyone responsible for keeping Our Lady of the Ridge open, including the teachers, the staff and the parents.

“This is about family,” Svida said. “They See OUR LADY, Page 10

OAK LAWN TRUSTEE RACE

Vorderer proud of his accomplishments 4th District opponent Koss focuses on crime

By Dermot Connolly

Just one more paczki, or two?

Photo by Anthony Caciopo

Holly Hansen (left), of Oak Lawn, has her mind set on two more paczki as Sharon O’Neil, co-owner of Doughs Guys bakery, prepares Hansen’s order. The line was out the door at Doughs Guys, 12248 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, as residents from many nearby communities stopped in to purchase the traditional Polish treat with sweet filling. Paczki Day, also known as Fat Tuesday in Mardi Gras tradition, marks the start of the Christian season of Lent.

Expert in human trafficking enlightens residents about ‘modern-day slavery’

By Joe Boyle Human trafficking is as prevalent today as it has ever been, and a justice advocate said victims come from all social backgrounds.

“Human trafficking has been around forever,” said Sr. Jeanne Christensen, RSM, the justice advocate for human trafficking representing the Sisters of Mercy Hermanas de la Misericordia West Midwest Community out of Kansas City, Mo. “Violence is the key in human trafficking, and that’s how they control their victims.”

Sr. Jeanne was the guest speaker last Thursday night at the Warde Academic Center at St. Xavier University in Chicago. She spoke on the topic of “Human Trafficking = Modern Day Slavery” before a crowd of just over 150 people.

The majority of the victims are women between the ages of 18 and 24, according to Sr. Jeanne. She pointed out that there are two forms of human trafficking: sex trafficking, in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion; and labor trafficking, in which a person is forced into labor against his or her will.

According to Trafficking Victims Protection

Act of 2000, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery.

Sr. Jeanne said cases of human trafficking can occur at social gatherings and sporting events throughout the country. She mentioned there had even been some incidents at the annual College World Series in Omaha, Neb., where often a group of young women are checked into hotels and stay there for a couple of days.

“Some men feel free to do what they want on the road,” Sr. Jeanne said. “If girls are registered in hotels with don’t disturb signs, that could be a sign of human trafficking.”

Sr. Jeanne said these young women are in danger but are often not in a position to seek help.

“If a victim is at the hospital with a predator, she is not going to tell you the truth,” Sr. Jeanne said. “You need to separate the victims from these predators.”

Sr. Jeanne said the number of trafficking victims in the U.S. is largely unknown. However, thousands of U.S. citizens, including minors, See TRAFFICKING, Page 9

Oak Lawn Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) is being challenged by John Koss in his bid for a second term in the April 4 election.

Vorderer is allied with Mayor Sandra Bury and Koss is allied with her opponent, Trustee Bob Streit (3rd), and they share some election material. But both lifelong Oak Lawn residents said they are running independent of the mayoral candidates.

Vorderer, 70, a lifelong village resident who retired as chief of patrol from the Oak Lawn Police Department, is a Vietnam War veteran.

“The only time I spent away from Oak Lawn was my time spent in tents in the jungles of Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division,” he said.

Vorderer counts among his accomplishments as trustee restarting the tradition of having

community meetings.

“I’ve held more than a dozen of them,” he said. “(Former trustee) Steven Rosenbaum used to do it, and I think they are very important to meet with residents and bring them information. We have had speakers from the business community, village officials, and the police department.

“When I ran last time, I promised not to raise property taxes, and we haven’t,” Vorderer continued. “We have even lowered them a small amount. But a lot of people don’t realize that the village only gets a small amount of their property tax bills, so even if our part wasn’t raised, other taxing bodies may cause their bills to go up.

“As a retired police officer, security is very important to me,” said Vorderer.

He said the police force has See OAK LAWN, Page 9

Speeding, wildlife feeding are hot topics in Worth

By Sharon L. Filkins

Submitted photo

Little engineers

Alexa Coley (left), of Chicago, and Addie Kuecker, of Palos Heights, are all smiles after taking part in a kindergarten class project at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lesson on structure and function explored how to design a building using specific materials. As a final test, the buildings had to withstand a wind machine.

A lively exchange of conversation took place during the Worth Village Board meeting on Feb. 21 regarding speeding and the feeding of wildlife Resident Jim Peltzer, who lives near 114th Place and New England Avenue, spoke up during the public comment portion of the meeting with complaints about speeding traffic on his residential street and people continuing to feed the wildlife at the Worth Waterfalls area, despite the signs that read “Do Not Feed the Wildlife.”

Peltzer said he fears for his children and the neighborhood children going to and from a nearby elementary school.

“Some of these drivers reach 60 miles per hour on my street, they ignore the stop signs and many of them are texting” he said.

“I have tried to flag them down to tell them to slow down. I have

yelled at them, all to no avail. I am really afraid something bad is going to happen. Something needs to be done,” Peltzer added.

He added that he understood that the police can’t be there all the time.

“But would it be possible to increase the presence of the police for a while?” Peltzer asked.

Mayor Mary Werner also responded with her concerns.

“I see these people speeding on our side streets also, and it boggles my mind,” she said. “It is so frustrating.”

“The sorry thing about this situation is the fact that it is the parents of these kids doing the speeding,” said Trustee Pete Kats.

“I see them; they drop their kids off at the school and speed away, texting and driving and not paying attention. The parents need to be educated.”

See WORTH, Page 9

We’re Bringing More

Bettenhausen Automotive is Moving the Jeep brand to their New State of the Art facility at

8355 W 159th Street in Tinley Park Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge JEEP RAM is open and ready to deliver you 100% Complete Customer satisfaction !

Stay Tuned - We’re expanding to better serve you at our 94th Avenue location in Orland Park!

Sales and Service Hours Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 8:00PM | Saturday 7:30AM - 6:00PM

708-532-2665

Let General Sales Manager Mike Sorensen welcome you to our state of the art facility

BETTENHAUSENAUTO.COM

2 The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Outstanding warrant Laura Cobb, 44, of the 6400 block of Pamela Lane, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for theft when they responded to a disturbance call in the 10500 block of South Harlem Avenue at 12:05 a.m. Monday. Police said they recognized her as someone with an outstanding warrant and took her into custody. She was held for a bond hearing.

Submitted photo

Worth welcomes new police officers

The Worth Police Department added four new officers at a swearing-in ceremony during the Feb. 21 village board meeting. The new officers are (from left) Christian Ferchau, Bryan Brooks, Police Chief Mark Micetich, Gerard Igoe and Roberto Frias.

White’s legislation to expand organ/tissue donor registry passes House committee Secretary of State Jesse White’s legislation that would allow 16and 17-year-olds to register for the state’s First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s license or identification card passed the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee unanimously.

House Bill 1805, sponsored by state Rep. Deb Conroy (D-46th), now goes to the full House for consideration. A similar measure — Senate Bill 868, sponsored by state Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) — passed a Senate Committee last week.

“Our goal is always to save lives,” White said. “Thousands of Illinoisans are waiting for an organ. Many of those who wait are someone’s mother, father, daughter or son. This legislation, which the vast majority of

Suspended license • Richard Hernandez, 24, of the 3500 block of West 61st Street, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:05 p.m. last Thursday at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for using an electronic device while driving, and driving without insurance. He is due in court on March 21.

• Lauren Simmons, 20, of the 400 block of Plum Street, Aurora, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:25 p.m. Saturday in the 10900 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving without lights when required. She is due in court on April 5.

other states have implemented, is an important step in reducing the number of those on the waiting list.”

The legislation amends the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to join the First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry.

Under current law, an individual must be at least 18 years old to join the registry. Those who join the registry will receive a letter from the secretary of state’s office thanking them for joining. White encourages 16- and 17-year-olds to use this letter as a basis for discussing their decision with their parents.

Illinois residents can register with the Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Registry at LifeGoesOn.com, by calling (800) 210-2106, or visiting their local driver services facility.

Domestic battery Lisa Healy, 41, of the 9800 block of South Sayre Avenue, was charged with domestic battery after police were called to a disturbance at her home at 9:50 p.m. Feb. 23. Police said she was intoxicated, and had allegedly pushed a 70-year-old family member, causing the person to fall into a piece of furniture. She was held for a bond hearing.

Correction In a report from Hickory Hills police that appeared in The Reporter on Feb. 23, a wrong address was listed under the heading Drug possession. Kelly J. Heide was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by police. She was charged with attempted possession of a controlled substance. However, Heide does not live at the listed address.

SOUTHSIDE HEARING AID CTR.

Evergreen Park Forgery charge

6739 W. 63rd St. • Chicago, IL 60638 Tom Comerci: Cell: (630) 965-5934 Office: (773) 788-9061 Hearing Aid Sales & Repairs HOUSECALLS • NURSING HOME CALLS

Michelle Fowler, 47, of Oak Park, was charged with forgery, a felony, at 7:46 p.m. Feb. 17.

Police said she tried to cash a forged income tax reimbursement check written for $6,708 at the store’s Money Center.

Revoked license Juan Arroyo, 24, of Vandalia, Ill., was charged with felony driving on a revoked license following a traffic stop at 8:52 a.m. last Thursday in the 9500 block of South California Avenue. Police said he had a previous conviction for the same offense. He was also cited for driving without insurance.

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

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

Farm.

Retail theft

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

P040036 P040036 02/04 02/04

• Brande Smith, 21, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4:18 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she took a $12.98 pregnancy test.

• Dan Decarlos Coprich, 23, of Tinley Park, was charged with retail theft at 4:05 p.m. Feb. 23 at

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

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

SALE DATES: March 2 - March 8

Jack & Pat’s Homemade Meat Loaves

4

$

39 Lb.

Boneless Stuffed

Pork Chops or Pork Roast

3

$

39 Lb.

Homemade Stuffed Green Peppers or Cabbage Rolls

4

$

39

3

98

Krakus Polish Ham...................$5.49 lb.

Scott Petersen Bologna........................$3.79 lb.

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

Brick or Muenster Cheese............................$4.29 lb.

Lb.

Lb.

Extra Lean Ground Chuck

3

Jack & Pat’s

$

469

$

$

Lb.

Porterhouse or Sirloin Patties

Boneless Sizzle Steaks

89 Lb.

Jack & Pat’s

Pizza Set Ups Sausage

1098

$

Each

Cheese

769

$

Each

Sara Lee Turkey Breast...............$6.49 lb.

IL Primo Genoa Salami..............$5.09 lb.

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

Jack & Pat’s (All Beef) Hot Dogs.......................$5.29 lb.

Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St. Police said he tried to return an item he had not bought worth $86.76 for cash.

• George Lampley, 39, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at AutoZone, 2925 W. 95th St., at 1:02 p.m. Feb. 19. Police said he took auto parts worth $428.50.

• Dexter Powell, 48, of Evergreen Park, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor at 12:48 a.m. Feb. 19 in the 2900 block of West 102nd Street. Police said he was cited for providing alcohol to a minor.

Criminal trespassing Allen McKinzie, 24, of Chicago, was charged with criminal trespassing at 4:31 p.m. Feb. 20 after entering a store at 8700 S. Kedzie Ave. Police said he was arrested as he entered the store after being informed previously that he was not permitted to do so.

Hickory Hills License charges • Derrell Alex Givens, 40, of the 8700 block of West 86th Street, Justice, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:42 p.m.

Saturday in the 8800 block of South 88th Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on April 17.

• Vicente Espana, 23, of the 3600 block of West Belle Plaine Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop at 1:13 a.m. Sunday in the 9400 block of South 79th Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, no front license plate, and illegal transportation of alcohol. He is due in court on April 17.

• Tareq A. Shaabneh, 30, of the 7800 block of West 100th Street, Palos Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 1:59 a.m. Feb. 22 in the 7700 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also cited for driving with expired registration. He is due in court on March 9.

Oak Lawn DUI charges • Joseph E. Veesaert Jr., 31, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2:26 a.m. Feb. 11 at 103rd Street and Cicero Avenue. Police said he registered a .176 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also cited for an improper turn, failure to signal and having no insurance. He is due in court on March 28.

• Levon Lee Caradine Jr., 34, of Chicago, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 3:11

a.m. Feb. 12 in the 4900 block of West 95th Street. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage, speeding and failure to signal. He is due in court on March 28.

• Grzegorz Sikorski, 45, of Oak Lawn, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at 3:10 a.m. Feb. 13 in the 5500 block of Southwest Highway. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage, failure to signal and speeding. He is due in court on March 28.

License charges • Michael L. Medders, 39, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 11:25 p.m. Feb. 21 at 107th Street and Keating Avenue. Police said he was also cited for speeding. He is due in court on March 15.

• Jerrald Lee Kennedy, 24, of Broadview, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 5:19 p.m. Feb. 16 in the 9900 block of South Keeler Avenue. Police said he was also cited for speeding.

He is due in court on April 12.

Retail theft • Chicago residents Mary E. Delaney, 19, and Joseph Koncel, 27, were both charged with retail theft at Jewel, 9424 S. Pulaski Road, at 7:03 p.m. Feb. 14. Police said employees reported seeing them conceal bottles of liquor in bags they carried in. When police stopped them outside in their car, nine bottles of whiskey and bourbon worth a total of $178.11 were recovered, reports state. They were both also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia because they were also carrying hypodermic needles and other items related to heroin use, according to police. They are due in court on March 14.

• Mohammed F. Zayyad, 29, of Oak Lawn, was issued a village ordinance citation for retail theft for allegedly taking electronics out of Target, 4120 W. 95th St., at 5:50 p.m. Feb. 16. Police said staff reported seeing him remove the packaging from an electronic watch, and two computer tablets on display, and leave the store with the items in his pants. He is due at a hearing in Village Hall on March 7.

Palos Hills Drug possession Raymond Silke, 38, of Chicago, was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Police said several pills requiring a prescription and a white powdery substance were found around the driver’s seat when he got out of the vehicle. He was also charged with driving under the influence of drugs, and cited for improper lane usage, failure

to wear a seatbelt and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held for a bond hearing.

House fi e Police assisted the North Palos Fire Protection District with a house fire in the 10900 block of Westwood Drive at 2 p.m. Feb. 20. They were advised that a fire began in the kitchen and spread up to the second floor. The only injuries reported were to the family dog, police said.

License charges • Darnell Brooks, 26, of Chicago, was charged with driving with an expired license following a traffic stop at 1:30 p.m. Friday at 99th Street and 82nd Avenue.

Police said he was also cited for failure to obey a stop sign. He is due in court on April 11.

• Mauricio Merlos-Moreno, 45, of Summit, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at 107th Street and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for failure to yield and driving without insurance. He is due in court on April 11.

• Ameer Alrehn, 24, of Justice, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 10 p.m. Sunday in the 10500 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, without headlights, and no bumper. He is due in court on April 11.

Aggravated speeding Jacek Frzlewicz, 22, of Palos Hills, was charged with aggravated speeding at 7 p.m. Sunday on 103rd Street. Police said he was also cited for driving without a front license plate. He is due in court on March 24.

Vandalism report A woman reported damage to her car at 8 a.m. Sunday in the 10600 block of 81st Court. She told police her vehicle’s tire was damaged while parked in the rear of a building on the block.

Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies.

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

Area Police Departments Chicago Ridge Evergreen Park Hickory Hills Oak Lawn Palos Hills Worth

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

Senator advocates for MAP grants, social services in budget agreement The Illinois Senate pushed through legislation Tuesday that would finish funding state services through the end of the current fiscal year, according to state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th).

The legislative package included legislation that would send promised MAP grant money to students for the current fiscal year.

“The state of Illinois committed to assisting students in bettering themselves by attending a university or community colleges,” Cunningham said. “We need to send the money we promised these students so that they aren’t left hanging with the bill.”

The legislation also would fund critical human service programs who saw what little funding was available from the stopgap proposal end on Dec. 31, the senator said.

“Groups like Sertoma, Park Lawn and Sandbox Learning Center have gone for far too long with no certainty that funding is coming,” Cunningham said. “Today, we were able to give them some hope by starting to pass this compromise.”

SIGN UP TO GET FREE AMBER ALERTS ON YOUR CELL PHONE. wirelessamberalerts.org

A child is calling for help.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Reporter

OLCHS speech team excels in state tourney

VALLEY INN RESTAURANT

The Oak Lawn High School Community High School placed fifth in the IHSA state speech tournament held recently in Peoria. Individual event finalists included Mercedes Lopez, second place, Humorous Interpretation and fourth place, Original Comedy; Marlene Favila, second place, Informative Speaking; Joshua Cash and Jacob Montesano, fifth place, Humorous Duet Acting; and Megan Baker, fifth place, Original Category.

Performance in the Round took home a third place medal. The cast for Performance in the Round was Abby Moore, Alyssa Bitner, Bianca Honeycutt, Cesar Martinez, Grace Pagliaro, Hanna Harris, Jonathan McLawhorn, Julia Rothman, Kaitlyn Grady, Lucas Wessel, Mary Majcherek, Matt Olejniczak, Mirtha Guerra, Moises Pena Bello, Nick Soto, Noah Swanberg and Shelby Roberts.

Owned by the Ristucci family 40 years and counting

LENT SPECIALS Lake Perch, Walleye, Beer-Battered Cod, Smelt and Shrimp, plus many more fish dishes

Lunch Specials • Appetizers • Salads Sandwiches • Chicken • Chops • Steaks Seafood • Pastas • Pizza • Kids Menu

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

Submitted photo

Bizarre Oscar moments captured on live TV

A

nd the winner is…

I guess next year the Oscars will make sure those envelopes have the correct winners. And presenters might be encouraged to speak up if they think something is not right.

Steve Harvey must be breathing a sigh of relief. He was nowhere near Sunday’s Oscars ceremony. You can’t blame this one on him.

If you missed it, a somewhat confused Warren Beatty, joined by Faye Dunaway, announced that “La La Land” was the Best Picture winner.

Since “La La Land” had won a lot of major awards, it was not surprising that it would also be named Best Picture. As the producers and the writers of the movie droned on about the honor, someone was scurrying around in Joe the background.

Boyle Suddenly, a “La La Land” producer announced that a mistake had been made. In the next instance, he said “Moonlight” won the Best Picture award.

I was just about to use my remote to change the channel. I’m glad I waited a couple of minutes. This was live and strange television. Beatty kept stammering about what happened. He opened the envelope and saw the name of Emma Stone, for her performance in “La La Land.”

That led to the surreal scene in which “La La Land” personnel began handing off the Oscars to the stunned crew of “Moonlight.” It was quite crowded on the stage.

That had to be the weirdest thing I have ever seen at the Oscars. What a strange way to end the evening that again went on too long. Host Jimmy Kimmel did a good job of making jokes that did not really offend anyone. But he was also stunned at the end of the night. He did his best to use some humor to conclude the evening, blaming himself and stating that he won’t be asked back again.

Actually, Kimmel could be back. But I doubt if they will have Beatty present the Best Picture award. This was not his fault, but the Academy probably does not want to be reminded about this blunder.

That’s the great aspect of live television, even if they have a 15-second delay. The Grammy Awards has its moments of melodrama as well, like Adele cursing when the arrangement was slightly off when performing a tribute to the late George Michael last month. “Saturday Night Live” has had its outrageous moments going back to Sinead O’Connor ripping up a picture of the Pope and Richard Pryor’s obscenities.

To think everybody was making a big deal about the expected references to President Trump’s immigration ban and his executive orders since his inauguration. But is that any different than any other year? Every year an award winner will speak out on some cause or criticize political leaders for their inaction on the environment and so on. So taking verbal shots at the current president was expected and not all that surprising.

The Academy Awards ceremony has had a number of strange events over the years. The one that stands out in my mind was Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, who slowly walked to the podium on behalf of Marlon Brando, who was supposed to receive the Best Actor award for “The Godfather” in 1973. Littlefeather pushed away the Oscar and said that Brando would not accept the award due to the negative treatment of American Indians by the film industry. Littlefeather, who was dressed in Native American attire, was met with both cheers and boos after her statement.

The 1974 Academy Awards stand out in my mind because the streaking phase was in full swing. Co-host David Niven was at the podium waiting for presenter Elizabeth Taylor. Suddenly, a naked man streaked across the stage while giving the peace sign. Niven was briefly startled but remained composed.

The longtime actor then replied, “Isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings.”

The quip received some laughs. We didn’t see most of the streaking man but noticed some bare legs racing by and could figure out what was going on. Niven proved to be an old pro capable of an ad lib on live TV. It was a harmless and funny moment.

But Sunday night’s gaffe was unique. Beatty probably wanted to crawl off the stage. The only thing you can do after this is just laugh it off. But that’s the great thing about live television.

It was the most memorable moment of the Academy Awards.

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

Chicago Ridge/Worth Chamber to host Meet the Candidates Nights The Chicago Ridge/Worth Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Meet the Candidates Nights for both villages.

For Chicago Ridge, the mayor and clerk candidates are scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 at the Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave. The Chicago Ridge trustee candidates will speak at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15 at the Vil-

lage Hall.

The Worth candidates will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at the Worth Village Hall, 7112 W. 111th St. These events are open to all residents and business owners of Chicago Ridge and Worth.

The sessions will allow the opportunity for anyone to submit questions and concerns for the candidates to respond to.

OAK LAWN BOARD MEETING

Board approves demolition of vacant building

By Dermot Connolly Approval for the demolition of a long-vacant and dilapidated building was among several safety-related issues addressed during an unusually brief Oak Lawn Village Board meeting on Tuesday night.

The board approved a resolution accepting a bid from KLF Construction for the demolition of the Town of Lake Furniture building at 9815 Southwest Highway. The building, which sits on a triangular piece of property at the corner of Melvina Avenue, has been vacant since 2009 and had fallen into such a state of disrepair that the village fenced it off more than a year ago.

“The building had fallen into such a state of disrepair that it had become a health and safety hazard. I was really worried that someone would be injured by falling debris,” said Mayor Sandra Bury. “It will now be completely demolished and the ground leveled. That is the best thing for the village.”

The mayor explained that correcting the issue had been difficult because the property was held in a trust by a beneficiary called Town of Lake Utilities, and the last known representative of the trust has died.

The village went to the Cook County Circuit Court last year to get permission to finally demolish the building, which had several liens against it for property maintenance issues.

In other business during the half-hour meeting, Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) announced that a long-awaited traffic light installed at the intersection of 95th Street and Kilbourn Avenue was

finally activated at 10:30 Tuesday morning.

“And I got caught at the first red light,” Vorderer said with a smile.

The trustee said he had worked for years to get the light installed at that location, on the west side of Advocate Christ Medical Center, after traffic increased with the addition of a multi-story parking garage. There is already a light two blocks east at Kostner Avenue.

“The cost of the light has been paid for completely by the hospital,” he noted.

Vorderer said traffic counts were carried out before the light was installed, and the issue will be looked at again if residents of the streets south of 95th Street report traffic build-up due to the light.

“Residents can call me if they are having problems with increased traffic, and I will hold a community meeting to discuss ways we can solve it,” he said.

The board also approved a site lease agreement with T-Mobile Central to construct a telecommunications tower in the village right-of-way at 103rd Street and Mayfield Avenue.

Trustee Tim Desmond (1st) pointed out that wording of these lease agreements usually allows companies to avoid compliance with the prevailing wage ordinance, because the land is considered private property during construction.

“But after I spoke with representatives of (IBEW) Locals 9 and 134, we’ve added language to this lease so that moving forward, they will have to adhere to the prevailing wage contract, meaning hiring union contractors,” Desmond said.

Voted best steakhouse 5 years running!

“The best steakhouse on the South Side”

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

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

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

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

Collins believes Illinois Senate closer to solving budget woes State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-16th) said she is pleased that the Illinois Senate on Tuesday began to move in the right direction to end the state’s two-year budget impasse.

“While I am deeply disappointed that we have approved a gambling expansion, I am grateful that we saw strong bipartisan compromise on supporting Chicago Public Schools, giving voters the power to consolidate local government and taking steps to

make sure we do right by taxpayers as we purchase goods and services in state government,” Collins said.

Collins, whose district includes portions of Oak Lawn, said the Senate’s action is encouraging.

“Today we have moved closer to a long-needed solution through compromise and statesmanship that has been sorely lacking in Springfield of late,” Collins added.

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

F N JOH y

y Dentistr Complete Famil osmetic Dentistr y tistr y • C Restorative Den ls • Emergencies Treated tia Dentures • Par lcome • Senior Discounts e New Patients W

525 (708) 63Ap6p-t.2Available

t.

Evening & Sa ldental.com www.koza

Lawn k a O • o r e c i C 10844 S.

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

$

5 OFF PIZZA

18” PARTYTIME

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

3

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Shepard faculty volunteers make lunch at Ronald McDonald House A group of special education teachers from Shepard High School in Palos Heights volunteered on a recent Saturday to buy and make lunch for the residents of Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn.

Ronald McDonald House provides free or greatly reduced

housing for families of sick children receiving treatment at adjacent hospitals. Local volunteers help RMH, which can be found around the world, in its mission by providing meals and other means of support.

This particular RMH serves Advocate Hope Children’s Hos-

pital in Oak Lawn.

Shepard teacher Brenda Heenan arranged the outing for her colleagues. Heenan’s husband works as a nurse practitioner at Advocate Christ Medical Center and helped coordinate the visit.

Teacher Brenda Heenan, from Shepard High School, helps prepare a meal for residents of the Ronald McDonald House at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Faculty members from the Special Education Department recently volunteered at RMH.

Faculty members from Shepard High School Special Education Department work together to prepare a meal for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Submitted photos

Faculty members from the Special Education Department at Shepard High School volunteered recently to buy and prepare a meal for residents of the Ronald McDonald House at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital.

Scupltures exhibit on display at SXU Art Gallery The exhibition “Reparations: Sculptures and Drawing” will be on display through Saturday, March 25 at the St. Xavier University Art Gallery, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

The wood sculpture and drawing work of Barbara Cooper will be on display and will serve as the second exhibit installment of the spring semester. The exhibit

will be closed on Monday, March 6 through Sunday, March 12 because of spring break.

Cooper showcases her artwork through observations of building processes in the natural world. Her work is about taking something that grows, then goes through an industrial process, becomes waste material, and is then returned to organic form again through her

artistic skill. She has a sustained interest in developing forms that express flow and movement within the context of space and structure.

The SXU Art Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Southwest Suburban Widows and Widowers to meet The Southwest Suburban Widows and Widowers Club will hold their next meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, 17100 W. 70th Ave., Tinley Park.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided at the meeting. All denominations are welcome.

More information can be obtained by calling Danell, (630) 778-9368.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives Hickory Hills to receive Lake Michigan water from Chicago • 50 years ago

From the March 2, 1967 issue The story: The Village of Hickory Hills will get Lake Michigan water directly from the city of Chicago, during the board meeting on Tuesday night.

Acting on the recommendation of financial consultants Benjamin and Lang, the board passed an ordinance approving the plans, specifications, and estimates of cost for a direct connection to Chicago at 84th and Cicero. The estimated cost is $630,000.

In his report, Edward Benjamin stated that the village, over a period of 40 years, would be better off obtaining the water directly from Chicago The quote: “Over an extended period, Hickory Hills will do better arithmetically on an annual basis by going to Chicago,” said Benjamin.

Oak Lawn trustees vote may boost packaged liquor stores • 25 years ago

From the Feb. 27, 1992 issue The story: Oak Lawn village trustees Tuesday approved a request for a Class “B” liquor license for Candle Food and Liquor, an action that sets a precedent for the sale of packaged liquor at local marts in the village.

The decision is the result of what Trustee Ed Barron called the village board’s “need to reexamine” its position on packages liquor sales in village convenience stores and small-sized supermarkets.

The quote: “Times are tough, and many businesses can use any boost they can get,” said Barron.

“In all fairness, we should allow small businesses to sell packaged good until 11 p.m. so they can keep us with the competition of larger store chains.”

OLHS-Hometown District 123 votes to reduce budget • 10 years ago

From the March 1, 2007 issue The story: The Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 Board of Education voted 5-0 Monday to reduce its 2007-08 budget by $945,000 and offset a deficit projected to reach more than $8 million by 2012.

Voters approved of a referendum for District 123 in 2003 that increased the education fund tax rate 1.5 cents from $2.20 to $2.85 per $100 of a property is assessed valuation.

The budget cuts are for the 2007-08 school year, but each subsequent year the cuts and budgets will be examined and district officials and parent financial groups will look to reduce the deficit.

The board proposed to cut art and music programs for elementary school students by 20 minutes, eliminating one full-time art teacher and two full-time music teachers.

The quote: “The ramifications of 20 minutes, it might look like it would be OK on paper, but the reality is something different,” said Wendy Miller, band director at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. “I’d like to encourage the board to take other steps, in particular raising fees.”

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Reporter

5

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Round park.

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

As for last week’s Whatizit, several readers realized that the logo of the kite can be found on the facade of the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum, 5100 Museum Drive., near the Oak Lawn Patriot Metra Station. The facility has hands-on play and learning rooms. Kids can experience various interactive rooms, exhibits and performances.

Responding correctly to last week’s quiz were Oak Lawn residents Cynthia Foulkes, Steve Rosenbaum and Sue Kozik. Also answering correctly were Palos Heights resident Chrystine Busch and Vince Vizza, of Evergreen Park.

SUDOKU

Answers on Page 9

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Moraine Valley Community College opened in 1967 with an enrollment of 1,200 students.

Submitted photos

Today Moraine Valley Community College is the second largest community college in the nation and enrolls about 34,000 students annually.

Moraine Valley Community College going strong on its 50th anniversary

By Kelly White The Moraine Valley Board of Trustees recognized the 50th anniversary of the college during a board meeting on Feb. 21.

The college, located at 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills, was founded by the Oak Lawn Rotary and opened its doors on Feb. 18, 1967. Members of the Oak Lawn Rotary were responsible for initiating efforts to bring a ballot item asking residents if they would support the establishment of a community college district. The ballot received overwhelming support from the local community.

Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, president of Moraine Valley Community College, presented a letter of recognition Monday to the Oak Lawn Rotary for establishing the college.

“A total of 290 acres of land were originally purchased in 1967 by the Oak Lawn Rotary,” said Joseph Murphy, the board chair. “We would like to thank them for their constant support of the college. Because of them, Moraine Valley went from a sod farm to having 14 state-of-the-art buildings and continues to be rock solid since 1967. Moraine Valley focuses on job building and career building and still continues to promote student success in the southwest suburbs.”

Since 1967, Moraine Valley Community College has been one of the nation’s leading community colleges. Offering nearly 150 associate degree and certificate programs, Moraine Valley has built a reputation for preparing the finest graduates and employees, board members said.

“Out of the different schools I’ve attended throughout my life, Moraine Valley has been the one that stood out the most for me,” said student Reem Motan, 20. “I’ve always admired how the school has been a place where diversity is not only accepted, but where it is celebrated. It’s an environment that has offered me endless opportunities to thrive as a student and as a leader.”

When Moraine Valley began, the enrollment was 1,200 students. Most of those students

Photo by Kelly White

Moraine Valley Community College’s Board of Trustees discussed the college’s 50th anniversary during a recent board meeting.

came from Oak Lawn due in large part because of the Oak Lawn Rotary Club. Today it is the second largest community college in the nation and enrolls about 34,000 students annually, according to Moraine Valley officials.

“The biggest difference is size of our student body,” said Jessica Crotty, director of marketing and communications at Moraine.

“Early estimates were that the college would never exceed 6,000 students.”

In the college’s early days, the school subscribed to an open-learning concept, where classrooms didn’t have permanent walls. Students could walk through the hallways and stop to listen to any instructor that sounded interesting to them.

“It was a trend in higher education at that time, but wasn’t the most practical,” Crotty said.

Now the college has smart classrooms designed around the concepts being taught and hands-on learning approaches, including math labs, nursing simulation labs and a massage clinic.

The first college building in 1967 was a temporary office in Oak Lawn. Later, college officials leased two warehouses in Alsip, where the first classes were held. The college then

acquired a sod farm in Palos Hills, which is where the main campus stands today. In its infancy, it had a number of temporary buildings that over time were replaced with the 14 buildings that exists at the college right now.

The addition of the college’s off campus sites in Blue Island and Tinley Park serve the students at the far ends of the district’s footprint.

With the size and student enrollment being the college’s main change since its beginning, college officials believe the thing that has remained a constant over the past 50 years is the school’s sense of community.

“The faculty and staff at Moraine Valley have always worked together for the benefit of the students. The people at Moraine Valley have created and sustained a family-feel on the campus for generations,” Crotty said.

“Moraine Valley is one of the most well respected community colleges in the nation because of its excellent programs, innovative spirit and engaged leadership. It’s a college that all our district residents can be proud of.”

Students feel the same way.

“I’m very blessed to attend a school that aims to make every student feel like they belong here and for accepting everyone for who they are,” Motan said.

Plans for Sabre Room site development delayed

By Sharon L. Filkins

ACROSS 1 Bumper car, at times 7 Cookbook author Rombauer 11 Smoke 14 Lancelot’s unrequited lover 15 Assam products 16 Barcelona bear 17 Equipment for picnic competitions 19 Grabbed a chair 20 Melee 21 Ballet bend 22 State with five national parks 23 Embryo development sites 26 Priestly vestment 29 Right Guard rival 30 Old anesthetic 31 Willy Loman, in a 1949 play 34 Architect Jones 37 McDonald’s founder 38 Make really happy 41 Nobel Prize subj.

42 “Cheers!”

44 Connections traced on ancestry. com 46 Tiny amounts 49 Chill in the air 50 Denials 51 Big name on Wall Street 55 French friends 56 Elevator option 57 Horseshoe-shaped letter 61 Tried to get into an office 62 Lisa Simpson’s instrument 64 With 43-Down, what a criminal might be on 65 Augusta National’s __ Corner 66 British Invasion star 67 Doesn’t lack 68 Nothing more than 69 Its flag features a six-pointed star

DOWN 1 Weight room count

2 Burn soother 3 Damon of “The Martian” 4 Mazda roadster 5 Inters 6 Classic auto 7 Novelist Calvino 8 Deliver from memory 9 Succeed 10 In the Gospels, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one 11 San José denizen 12 First name in gravity 13 Some black-clad teens 18 “This Is __ Tap” 22 Early Web forum 24 Title 25 City with two MLB teams 26 More than wonders 27 Carefree adventure 28 Connections traced on ancestry. com 32 Modern birthday greetings 33 “Can’t help ya” 35 Disco adjective 36 Tip jar fillers 39 Lease signer 40 “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” writer Carle 43 See 64-Across 45 Galaxy alternatives 47 Title for Bovary 48 Distracting bedmate 51 “Party on, Wayne” speaker 52 City on the Missouri 53 Sty denizens 54 Ugly campaign tactic 58 “¿C-mo __? ” 59 “The Wizard of Oz” family name 60 Skater’s maneuver 62 Impact sound 63 Geisha’s sash

Answers on Page 9

The Hickory Hills City Council and the Committee of the Whole were scheduled to discuss the project to replace the old Sabre Room at last Thursday’s meetings.

However, neither party was able to attend. On the agenda for discussion were the revised plans for the Sabre Woods development on the former Sabre Room property, 8900 W. 95th St., and a planned re-location of a Dunkin Donuts facility. The Sabre Room property is currently being demolished.

Mayor Mike Howley siad he had been notified by both presenters that they would not be able to attend, due to unforeseen delays in their plans. He said he expected that both projects would be ready to present at the March 9 council meeting.

He added, however, that he had recently received a 13-page document including three revised plans for the Sabre Woods development from the parties involved. The plans are from Koziarz Group (owners of the property), Retown (development manager) and Chicagoland Realty (marketing and sales).

Last month, the Sabre Woods project had been deferred until further notice due to zoning issues, water supply and sewage discharge limitations and traffic flow regulations.

“We want to move forward with development on this site, but we want to abide by what our zoning board has recommended,” Howley said.

In reviewing the document which Howley had distributed, both council members and staff, raised a number of questions and concerns on density levels, setbacks and width of streets proposed.

Responding to the lengthy discussion and numerous questions raised, city attorney Vince Cainkar, who is the council’s liaison to the Sabre Woods group, said: “The problem here is the fact that these groups are not developers. They are shopping this to various developers and are getting different ideas and basically, they are not sure what direction to take.”

Cainkar said he would relay the council’s questions and concern.

Commenting on the deferred Dunkin’ Donuts presentation, Howley said he did not foresee any problems arising with the planned project, as the owner, Sadiq Poonawala, who currently owns a Dunkin’ Donuts at another location in Hickory Hills, is simply looking to relocate to a larger facility at 8700 W. 95th St. In other matters, a nationally

recognized artist, Mark Paul John, known as a “Freedom Artist,” presented three pieces of his work; one to the city, one to the police department and one to the fire department.

For the last 15 years, he has traveled across the country donating his work in honor of American heroes. To date, he has donated 811 pieces.

He presented “United We Stand” to the police department and police

chief Al Vodicka said, “I will hang this in a place of honor.”

“American Pride,” depicting firefighters battling huge flames, was given to the fire department and a moving depiction of helicopters silhouetted against a backdrop of exploding bombs, titled “Answering the Call” was gifted to the city.

More information on Mark Paul John and his work is available at www.markpauljohn.com.

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, March 2, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Community deserves credit for saving ‘Our Lady’

Trump’s war with mainstream media should be our war, too

W

e are pleased to note that good fortune often comes to pass when people work together for a common goal. As many of you may already know, Our Lady of the Ridge Elementary School in Chicago Ridge will reopen next fall after business and community leaders, parents and faculty helped get the word out and raised enough money to keep it open.

The community and the school administration should be proud of what they accomplished. We mentioned in earlier editorials and in columns that the fate of Our Lady of the Ridge School was in the hands of the community. The community had reason to smile when the Chicago Archdiocese announced on Friday afternoon that Our Lady of the Ridge will remain open.

It would have been easy to give up when the archdiocese announced on Jan. 11 that Our Lady of the Ridge was considered for closure if it could not raise at least $250,000 and add to the school’s enrollment by the end of February. Our Lady of the Ridge had always been a smaller school. But the enrollment had dipped well under 115 going into this year. The archdiocese wanted to see at least 114 students enrolled in the school.

The most recent report had Our Lady of the Ridge at 117 students with expectations that the enrollment will increase when word gets out that the school will remain open. The school exceeded the required funding amount as February came to a close.

The school raised over $300,000.

It was our opinion that the archdiocese did not want to close Our Lady of the Ridge. It is the only Catholic school in the area and also covers 12 public school districts. Along with Chicago Ridge, Our Lady of the Ridge draws students from Worth, which does not have a Catholic school, and Alsip. Children have also attended Our Lady of the Ridge from as far as Oak Lawn and Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.

We felt Our Lady of the Ridge was not far from the goals that the archdiocese established. It was just a matter of becoming organized and getting the word out about the advantages of sending children to Our Lady of the Ridge. This was a challenge because higher tuition is difficult for some parents to pay. It can be a sacrifice.

But we felt more confident after talking to volunteers and Sr. Stephanie Kondik, who has served as principal at Our Lady of the Ridge for a total of 23 years. She spoke of the school as if it were an extension of family. The principal said the smaller classes allowed her to get to know all the students by name. She said she loved the school and referred to Our Lady of the Ridge as our “little gem.”

An open house was held to start off Catholic Schools Week and anyone that passed by the school at 10859 S. Ridgeland Ave. could see signs and banners pointing to the programs offered at the facility. A second open house was held on Feb. 16. A major fundraiser was held at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park on Feb. 19 in an effort to raise the necessary funds to keep Our Lady of the Ridge open.

If there was any indication that Our Lady of the Ridge had no chance of continuing, that was dispelled by the massive response from alumni, local businesses, parents, residents and current students who attended the fundraiser. A large crowd was in attendance all day. The people who attended the event realized how important the school is and were confident that they had already raised enough money.

If there’s one thing people learned this past month, it’s that Our Lady of the Ridge is important to this community. Perhaps many residents had taken the old school for granted. Maybe the archdiocese’s warning in January gave the community the push it needed.

But the end result is that the parishioners and the community responded. Now that the school will remain open, it is up to the community to keep those doors open for the long run. Residents should never again take for granted their “little gem.”

I America needs mentors and life coaches

By Dr. Glenn Mollette A growing career industry across the country is life coaching. People are actually going into private practice opening offices and spending hours every week giving direction to people and a listening ear. We have had psychiatrists and other mental health workers for years but now people are training to help others with just the most basic types of problems and questions.

We live in an age where people are more desperate than ever for somebody to talk to. People have problems from spiritual, financial, to making daily decisions. People wonder about what to do with their lives. They don’t know how to get a job or what opportunities might exist for them. Millions of American kids pass through 12 grades of school and graduate clueless about what to do next.

More than ever people need to know that their lives are not in vain. They do not exist to just create social media postings in hopes that a few people will “like” them. They need to know that if they do not make a television reality show that they are still OK because every day they exist in their own reality show. The reality is that each American has an opportunity to have a real life. Life is never free from hurdles, work, challenges and usually grit and grind. However, there are ways to navigate the maze of living life.

Bad things happen to people. People are brought up in broken homes, by single parents, in poverty, and surrounded by domestic violence. The scenarios are endless. This is why more than ever we need everyday life coaches who can help people with the simplest of life’s quests.

Young adults up to old age seniors need guidance. You can find a lot of answers on Google but often people don’t know the right questions to ask.

How do I write a resume’? What do I put on a resume’? How do I dress for a certain job interview? Where do I start to find a job? What are my career choices? How do I choose a career?

How do I know what I am good at

doing? How do I save money? How can I make my life better? How can I avoid trouble? How do I start a business? How do I obtain financial aid for college? What do I have to do to be a schoolteacher, a lawyer, a doctor an engineer or other professional? My life is bad and how can I change my life? I am unhappy with my physical condition what can I do to be a healthier person?

I understand that not every counselor has an immediate answer to every person’s questions. However, answers are available and often a steady mind with a listening ear can help someone find an answer.

Some people need help from a medical professional. Some need help from licensed clinical counselors. Many today just need some basic common sense direction.

Churches today are utilizing life coaches. Sometimes it’s a trained minister but other occasions exist where there is a trained life coach connected to the church whose job is to help those in the community to find direction and guidance.

Chicago, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Memphis and every city in America struggling with violence would be well served to plant guidance coaches, mentors or life coaches throughout these troubled communities.

In reality, it’s the job every parent should do. Unfortunately, parents have either dropped the ball, flown the coup or just cannot pull their own lives together. Sadly in America we have so many dysfunctional families that life coaches are needed to help mom and dad as much as the young teens struggling in these scenarios.

More law enforcement, more police dogs and more curfews are not going to solve the hurt being felt by so many lost young adults in America. More than ever, these young men and women need community leaders, mentors and coaches with a listening ear and commonsense advice for living and achieving a better life.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New pastor helps bring St. Louis de Montfort Parish together In July, 2016, the parishioners of St. Louis de Montfort Parish and school welcomed their new pastor, the Rev. Stanley Stuglik, or “Father Stan.”

Fr. Stan came to St. Louis de Montfort Parish from St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills, and from his first parish, Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Oak Lawn.

Father Stan is a “true” Cub fan and a Green Bay Packers fan.

He tells us “G” stands for “God” first, then “Greatness” followed by “Glory” then “Green Bay.” He also is a Blackhawks fan and an avid Musky fisherman, having caught a 48-inch Musky!

But most importantly, Father Stan Has brought back the feeling of “family” and “togetherness” to our parish.

Upon entering our church this past Christmas, Father Stan had it decorated so beautifully that it looked like “Heaven on Earth!”

Because of the joy he brought to the St. Louis de Montfort Family, a special group of parishioners donated new candles, a new cross, new altar cloths. Another family donated six beautiful lighted Christmas trees and many bright red Poinsettia plants that decorated the altar this Christmas, with the manager right in the middle of that altar.

Thank you, Father Stan, for giving your St. Louis de Montfort family a Christmas to remember!

— Jacki Hojnacki, Burbank

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

The Business Side

The News Side

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

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

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

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

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

Trump is the real phony, not the media Trump has done it! He would not allow CNN, New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and Politico attend a White House press briefing. These news agencies are credentialed, so they are legal to attend.

President Trump likes to attack the media by saying over and over, the news is “fake,” phony, and “we are fighting the fake news.” Mr. Trump describes the press as the “enemy of the American people.”

Mr. Trump is working hard to convince the public that we should be against all the media. His brain-washing worked against the Republican candidates who ran against him. The crowd liked him taking apart each candidate and belittling them. They cheered him on. He turned the crowds against Hillary Clinton also. By now, I think the public has had enough of his trash talking, and will turn him off.

It is very obvious that Steve Bannon, who is linked to the racist and nationalist movement also known as alt-right, is finally coming out in public and making statements that you would expect. Trump is standing there like a “fake president.” He is helped by his assistant, Stephen Miller, who is a boring, in your face, tell you off, type of personality. They learn from their leader. The American people don’t need this type of behavior. We should be above that and let them know about it.

This Trump team is in big trouble now. The White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, who reminds me of

Barney Fife, the deputy sheriff on the Andy Griffith Show, wanted to know facts from the FBI, of which he is not allowed to do. He may be punished for doing this. The FBI is investigating people involved with the Russian interference with the 2016 election.

As a distraction, Sean Spicer, Trump’s press spokesman, has jumped in to make it more complicated with his remarks. President Trump adds his expected remark, “It’s fake news that we are fighting, it’s fake, phony, fake.”

The Trump team is trying desperately to make this “Russian” investigation go away. The more they stumble, the guiltier they look.

In only just over a month in office, he has stirred up and damaged so many issues, like the refugee ban, and the “Wall”, the Russian issue, immigration and others. It is evident he is unfit for office of the president of the United States of America. He must be Impeached soon to keep the USA from becoming a third-world power.

I am pleased to see that people are going to the “Town Hall” meetings to address their elected officials.

Some elected officials are actually afraid to have a “town hall” meeting. They see the crowd and ran away from the meeting. It just so happens that they belong to the same political party that President Trump belongs to. Does that tell you something? Stay Strong America!

— Dean Koldenhoven, Palos Heights

We want to hear from you!

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

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

’m not a big fan of the mainstream news media, which I define as the national press (excluding the local community media).

President Trump’s attacks on the mainstream news media are justified and we should be supporting it.

The national news media lies. They exaggerate. They fuel racism and bigotry with their reporting. Their mantra “if it bleeds it leads” is the driving force in determining what gets covered and what doesn’t.

In truth, the national news media is no longer independent, but owned by a small handful of multi-national conglomerates and corporations whose purpose is not fair reporting, but greed.

Many of you know I am Palestinian. I’m proud my father is from Jerusalem and my mother is from Bethlehem. I often joke that Jesus is my cousin.

Many people think I am Muslim, though I am Christian (Lutheran and Orthodox).

I respond I am proud to be “Muslim by culture.”

I am also patriotic. I served during the Vietnam War, honorably and with distinction. I also served 12 years in the Illinois Air National Guard. Yet, all my life, this country has treated me as if I was a threat.

The day I was honorably discharged, the FBI launched an investigation into my life, “suspecting” I supported terrorism. After two years of wasting taxpayer money, their 40-page report concluded I was just an American concerned about improving the lot of my ethnic community.

Imagine as a child watching Hollywood movies that portrayed people who looked like my father, uncles and cousins as “terrorists” who were intent on destroying America and killing American civilians. That was in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Countering that anti-Arab bias is why I entered journalism in 1975, instead of becoming a doctor. I wanted to make the media accountable, informing the public by presenting both sides of important issues, like the Palestine-Israel conflict. We still don’t get that even today.

Every day, national newspapers publish columns and national TV hosts one-sided shows attacking Arabs, Palestinians and even Muslims. Yet there is no countering voice from Palestinians or Arabs. We’re excluded.

I’m proud this newspaper allows me to express my views; I always try to be fair.

Italian Americans, blacks and Asians often tell me that Hollywood also slanders them, too.

Ah, but there is a difference. While the media portrays Italians, blacks, Asians and other ethnic groups in a negative way, they also portray them in a positive way, too.

Blacks have their own TV network. There are many TV sitcoms that present other ethnic and racial groups in a positive, and humorous light. But there are none that do the same for Arabs.

They are given a voice in the news media, but Arabs are excluded. In 1985, I was the only Palestinian journalist to work at a major American daily newspaper. I was told that I had to keep my views “on my side of the typewriter.” But not the other ethnic reporters. They were encouraged to write about their heritage and politics and history.

Arabs are isolated, excluded and demonized by the major media in newspapers, on TV, on radio and in Hollywood movies. It has an impact.

Arabs lobbied for years to get the City of Chicago to formally include Arabs and Muslims in the fight against racism. Mayor Harold Washington and Mayor Richard M. Daley supported our inclusion in the city’s Human Rights Commission. But as soon as he was elected mayor, Rahm Emanuel shut Arabs out and pulled the plug on the fouryear-old Arabesque Festival, the city’s only Arab celebration.

Chicago honors the Irish, Italians, AfricanAmericans, Hispanics, Asians and others with parades, festivals and city-sponsored events. But nothing for Arabs.

Emanuel feels no compulsion to respond to my queries for an interview about these and other issues, I believe because I am Arab.

I blame the news media. Their racist stereotypes and biased coverage of Arab issues poisons the minds of mainstream Americans, making it easy for Hollywood, TV, the media, and Mayor Emanuel, to exclude, ignore and ostracize Arabs.

To me, this isn’t about Donald Trump at all. It’s about making the mainstream news media accountable for its unprofessionalism, biases and racism. Too many reporters have turned their “objective” news reports into opinions and columns.

There’s a difference between “reporting” and what I do, writing a column that you know upfront is my opinion. Too often, news reports sound objective but really represent the reporter’s opinions.

It’s obvious in the biased coverage of President Trump, and in the coverage or Arabs.

Ray Hanania is an award-winning political columnist and author. He covered Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Reporter

Chicago Ridge Public Library hosts first Cookbook Club

By Kelly White

Chicago Ridge residents are cooking up new friendships with discussions over their favorite meals.

The staff at the Chicago Ridge Public Library, 10400 Oxford Ave., began its firstever Cookbook Club on the evening of Feb. 20. Local area residents were able to gather together, share some of their favorite recipes and bring in samples to try. The Cookbook Club is not open to just Chicago Ridge residents. Anyone is welcome.

“My favorite part about cooking is being able to taste and experience different types of food from different backgrounds,” said Sasha Robinson, 29, of Chicago Ridge. “Cooking is always about learning something new.”

Robinson, who attended the Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago, says she enjoys sharing her passion with others. She decided to keep it simple for her first night of the club by preparing an appetizer of grilled romaine lettuce served over garlic bread.

“I really enjoy this club because food is something that has the ability to bring people together,” she said.

The club will continue to meet on a monthly basis under the guidance of Lori Lysik, adult services programming coordinator at the Chicago Ridge Library, who organized the club.

“I attended a programming meeting for

libraries and this event really stood out to me,” Lysik said. “I decided I wanted to give it a try at Chicago Ridge. This is program that has never been done before. It’s different than a lot of our other programs here at the library. It allows for community to come and interact with one another. This is a great way to learn new recipes and mingle.”

“The club is very enjoyable because everyone is just simply having fun swapping recipes and cooking stories with one another,” said Kathy Gisselman, of Chicago Ridge.

Gisselman enjoys spending time at home cooking with her family. For her shared plate, Gisselman prepared chicken meatballs.

The event drew 10 residents, and the library is hoping the number of attendees will grow month by month once word begins to spread. Each attendee brought in a sample of a shared recipe, from common tasty treats to something unique, along with a printed step-by-step recipe of how to prepare the meal at home.

“The club is an exciting way to learn new meals to prepare for yourself or for your family and also to learn different ways to prepare everyday meals,” Lysik said.

Having Crohn’s disease, Lysik has learned how to arrange her diet to best suit her lifestyle. She explained to guests how the disease has triggered her to alter her food preparation habits, resulting in feeling healthier while still

Queen will be chosen through inaugural Irish Festival on Saturday A new queen and runner-up will be selected through the inaugural Irish Festival on Saturday, March 4 at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.

The newly selected Irish Festival queen will participate in ceremonies, contests, Irish Fest and all of the activities during the month of March. She will also be given the high seat atop the Gaelic Park float in the St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Gifts including a $750 travel voucher and many other prizes will be presented to the queen.

Photo by Kelly White

Lori Lysik, adult services programming coordinator for the Chicago Ridge Library, shows off a pasta she made for the library’s first ever Cookbook Club.

being able to enjoy what she eats.

“Because I have heath restrictions when it comes to what I eat, I was able to show others how I substitute for my restrictions,” she said.

Lysik prepared bacon ranch pasta salad for visitors to sample and bring home to their family members if they wished.

There are no limitations to the type of food that is prepared. The only club requirement is a love for cooking. The club will meet next at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20.

District 230 schools are growing closer via intervention programs

By Dermot Connolly Being part of a team is a big part of student life at Stagg High School, and not just the sports teams.

Social worker Hillary Ortiz, Dean Kristyn Koss and guidance counselor Rich Kowalczyk gave a presentation during the District 230 Board meeting last Thursday at Stagg on the three student intervention teams that students are assigned to and remain on throughout their time at the Palos Hills high school.

“It allows for the large school to feel a little bit more intimate,” said Kowalczyk, explaining that all students are assigned to either the blue, white or orange team, in honor of the school colors, as soon as they start school.

A handful of faculty members are also part of each team, including deans, guidance counselors, social workers and teachers. He said the goal is for the students to build friendly relationships with the faculty members, and feel comfortable going to them with a class or any problem they may have.

“At least two social workers are on each team. Each we (social workers) meet as teams to identify any students that might be struggling,” said Ortiz.

Incoming students receive T-shirts corresponding to their team colors, as well as welcome letters listing all the faculty members on their teams, who will remain with them throughout their four years at the school.

“On the first day of school, the freshmen meet their whole team,” said Koss. She said that as well as helping the students, the system also helps the faculty members on the teams to get to know the students on a firstname basis.

“From Day One, they have a sense of belonging,” said board member Denis Ryan.

“It really has helped bridge that gap between coming from an elementary or junior high school, and going to a much larger high school,” agreed Kowalczyk.

“It really begins in eighth grade,” said Stagg Principal Eric Olsen, explaining that incoming students are assigned to teams when they register for classes. “The transition process begins at that time. The parents even get really excited (when their children are assigned to teams),” he said.

The teams are also encouraged to wear their colors during school events, and activities are often organized by team.

“It sparks a little healthy competition,” said Kowalczyk.

The team members are able to seek out the faculty members at any time, but many team-related activities occur during Period 2.

Just as in Sandburg and Andrew, the other two District 230 high schools, Period 2 is reserved for advisory, enrichment and intervention programs, which students can avail of according to their needs.

Following the presentation, several board

members pointed to an increased enrollment over the past five years in honors or Advanced Placement courses as one indication that intervention programs at all three schools are working. Superintendent James Gay cited the latest statistics, which show a steady increase over the past five years in that 3,720 students have requested at least one honors or advanced placement for the 2017-18 school year (48 percent of enrollment). That is the same percentage, but about 35 more students, as enrolled for this year. This is up from 3,545 (45 percent) in 2014.

“Overall, District 230 students are taking more challenging classes and their grades are improving. We attribute this to the extensive support that is provided through the Period 2 Advisory, Enrichment and Intervention programs as well as the additional supports provided in intervention centers during lunch periods,” said Gay. The percentage of students enrolled in basic level courses has also decreased from 20 percent to 7.5 percent since 2013.

“We’re really seeing students feeling more confident, and challenging themselves. And they are doing well in the higher-level classes,” said Gay. Gay pointed out that grades of D or F have also decreased over the past five years, with Ds dropping from 7.4 percent to 6.65 percent of all grades, and Fs decreased from 2.5 to 1.9 percent.

Research supplements for quality and how they absorb

V

ery often alternative health advisors speak of the benefits of various supplements. However, what seems to have been missed are rules for taking supplements to make them either synergistic or more beneficial.

In reading “Second Opinion’s Complete Healing Library,” it hit me that very few people are aware of how to make their vitamins absorb better, or work more proficiently when combined with other supplements.

The first rule in taking vitamins, minerals, or amino acids is to purchase a quality product. Some vitamins are using older research, when in fact new research indicates there are more absorbable formulas.

As an example, Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) should be taken in the ubiquinol form.

Ubiquinol is far more easily absorbed than the old ubiquinone form. Some less expensive formulas have only a minimal amount of CoQ10, when the body needs more. Most physicians recommend at least 100 mg. Yet, there are products on the market with 30 mg. and sometimes 50 mg.

That does not mean the lesser amounts aren’t helpful, just that the body may need more.

When a patient is taking drugs to reduce cholesterol, CoQ10 is an absolute must, according to alternative physicians. Some new research indicates another coenzyme helps CoQ10 work even more efficiently in protecting the body’s mitochondria. Life Extension Magazine, reported that research as far back as 2012 showed that “the coenzyme pyrroloquinoline quinone (or PQQ) activates genes that induce mitochondrial biogenesis — the spontaneous formation of new mitochondria in aging cells!” PQQ, when taken

along with CoQ10, gives synergy to both coenzymes. Working together, PQQ along with CoQ10, help prevent mitochondrial destruction to help prevent aging.

Also according to the authors of Life Extension Magazine, “PQQ deficiency has a profound effect on your genes — especially those involved in cellular stress, cell signaling, transport of metabolites, and of course, the creation of new mitochondria Specifically, PQQ deficiency negatively affects the expression pattern of 438 genes —but research has found that this effect is reversed after supplementation with PQQ.” Another important vitamin (actually a hormone) is Vitamin D. It seems Vitamin D should be taken with a healthy fat in order to make it more easily absorbed. The sun is the best source for Vitamin D, but the sun isn’t always available in certain climates. For those who are not on blood thinners, it should also be taken along with Vitamin K2 that acts as a traffic cop and directs the Vitamin D to the points where it is most needed.

The Complete Healing Library also explains, “Calcium, magnesium and many other minerals are best absorbed when they are bound to citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or the amino acid chelate.” It is explained that minerals need stomach acid

in order to be absorbed, but the processes listed above, help the body to create the level needed for assimilation.

Other important vitamins are the family of B’s. It is also explained there are coenyzme B vitamins that are more easily absorbed and some in that form are able to be absorbed without going through the liver. This is much better for those people with liver problems. In order to see if your co-enzyme B’s are easy to absorb, look for Pyridoxl-5-phosphate on the label. I just learned this and have decided to begin this form of B vitamins. I am taking Complete B-Complex with enzymatically active B vitamins.

One B vitamin that is very difficult to absorb is B12. Many doctors give injections to assure it is assimilated and utilized. There are B-12 drops on the market that are methylcobalamin and should be placed under the tongue. Aside from the shots, it appears to provide some absorption.

The one thing that is stressed more than anything else is the need for probiotics and digestive enzymes. When taking probiotics, I have found that those with the most strains (mine is 33 strains) are most helpful. Proper digestion is the key to absorbing nutrients of all kinds, and alternative physicians stress that we work on digestion as the basis of good health. As we age, we lose digestive enzymes as well as many other necessary nutrients. As always, any time you are adding any type of vitamin or nutrient, always check with your physician first.

Dee Woods can be reached at deewoods10@cloud.com

Burke sponsors measure to help safeguard life insurance beneficiaries State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) is backing a measure to require life insurance companies to compare old policies to the Social Security death records and pay any benefits owed to survivors.

“Life insurance is often a topic that many people avoid discussing with their friends and family, but it’s so important that loved ones are able to collect what they are owed,” Burke said. “This legislation will require insurers to hold up their end of the bargain, and hopefully help everyone receive the life

insurance they’re entitled too.”

Burke is sponsoring House Bill 302, which requires life insurance companies to compare the Social Security numbers of their policyholders dating back to 1996 to Social Security death records. Her measure builds off a new law signed last year requiring insurance companies to inspect Social Security death records for newly signed policies going forward.

Her legislation requires companies to also look back through their records. Life insurance companies would be required to ensure the

7

beneficiaries of these policies receive any funds owed to them. The Illinois Treasurer’s office has identified $550 million in unpaid death benefits in Illinois since 2011. This legislation would also require insurance companies to request updated contact information for policyholders to keep policies from going unpaid.

“I encourage everyone to spend time going over their policy with a close family member or friend,” Burke said. “This will help prevent unnecessary pain and suffering down the road.”

The newly elected runner-up will also participate in the activities and receive many prizes.

All single girls of Irish heritage, ages 18 to 26 (up to March 4) are invited to enter with a registration fee of $10. The deadline for entry is Friday March 3.

Applications are available online at www.chicagogaelicpark.org or at Gaelic Park’s front office.

More information can be obtained by calling Gaelic Park, (708) 687-9323, or visit the website at www.chicagogaelicpark. org.

South Side Irish Sunday coming to Gaelic Park South Side Irish Sunday will be held March 12 beginning with a Mass at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.

The Mass will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed with an Irish breakfast. Admission is $9. Doors will re-open at 1 p.m. with four stages of continuous entertainment for the entire family.

Admission for the entertainment is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 12 and under.

Entertaining in the Emerald Room is The Larkin & Moran Brothers at 1:30 p.m. The music is a blend of traditional and contemporary Irish songs. Arranmore brings its contemporary folk music with an Irish flair at 5:30 p.m. This group performs Celtic, folk and American music. The Dennehy School of Irish Dance will entertain with step dancing at 7:30 p.m.

The festivities in the Tara Room include 3 Men in Kilts on stage at 1:30 p.m. and Dirty Wellies at 6 p.m. A hot food buffet will also be available starting at 1.30 p.m.

Irish dishes such as Shepherd’s pie, corned beef dinners, fish and chips and various sandwiches will be available for purchase.

In the Carraig Pub, local favorites St. James Gate will perform at 1:30 p.m. and Kieran Byrne at 6 p.m. The Celtic Room hosts children’s entertainment beginning at 1.30 p.m. with the Dublin Deceptions Magic Show. A Bit “o” the Magic follows at 3:30 and the Shamrock Shenanigans Magic Show is at 5 p.m.

More information can be obtained by calling Gaelic Park, (708) 687-9323, or visit the website at www.chiagogaelicpark. org.

DEATH NOTICES John Holubec John A. Holubec, 59, an Oak Lawn resident, died Saturday.

Mr. Holubec was the owner of Hockey’s John Apparel. Mr. Holubec enjoyed playing hockey and guitar.

Survivors include a son, John “J.P.” Holubec; sister, Mary Ann Vitek; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services were Wednesday at Schmaedeke Funeral Home. Interment was at Fairmount Willow Hills.

Josephine Kamper Josephine M. Kamper (nee Ebner), 74, a resident of Evergreen Park, died Friday at Elmhurst Hospital.

Mrs. Kamper was a retired registered nurse.

Survivors include sons, Vincent, Stephen and Daniel; brother, Ernie; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were Wednesday from Curley Funeral Home to Most Holy Redeemer Church. Interment followed at St. Mary Cemetery.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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

11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”

Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family

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

8 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

COMINGS & GOINGS

Mattress Firm opens new store in Orland

M

attress Firm has opened at 15970 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park in a new store where Budget and Avis once stood.

The car and truck rental office closed early last year and was torn down. Avis and Budget then moved down the street to a temporary trailer at 7420 W. 159th St. The new Mattress Firm is kitty-corner from a MatBob tress Firm location in a forSleepy’s mattress store, Bong mer which was acquired by Mattress Firm.

For more information, call (708) 444-4157.

Fifth Third Bank opening in Summit Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank, which closed seven of its Chicago-area locations in January, will hold the grand opening for a new branch in Summit on Friday, March 10.

The grand opening will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at 5640 S. Harlem Ave. in the former Krispy Kreme building, which opened in 1998 at the site of the Candlelight Dinner Theater but sat empty for a number of years after the doughnut store closed.

The bank building has room for a tenant.

CVS will close 11 stores CVS Pharmacy announced it will close 11 stores by the end of March, but all are in the city of Chicago.

The closings are part of a series of closings of underperforming stores across the country. CVS announced in December it would close 70 locations.

None of the affected stores are in the south suburbs. The closest store set to close is at 5360 S. Western Ave. in the Gage Park neighborhood.

Marquette National increases quarterly dividend Marquette National Corp. announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of 42 cents per share, an increase of 12 percent from the previous quarter dividend rate. The dividend will be payable on April 3 to shareholders of record on March 17.

As of Jan. 24, Marquette had 1.1 million shares issued and outstanding.

Marquette National is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of ap-

Photo by Bob Bong

Mattress Firm is holding a grand opening sale at its new store at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park.

proximately $1.584 billion. T Marquette Bank has 21 branches located in Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Romeoville and Summit.

mis said in a release, “Chicago diners know Blaze offers a one of a kind, interactive experience, along with a plethora of ingredient options to create the perfect pie. We look forward to continued growth in the Chicagoland area.”

Blaze Pizza opens in Orland Park

Family Christian closing all of its stores

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza opened its newest Chicagoland location in Orland Park late last year.

The pizzeria in an outlot on LaGrange Road at Orland Square Mall opened Nov. 14.

The Orland location is the latest opened by Levy Family Partnerships, which has a deal to open 15 locations in the Chicago area.

It is only the third Blaze in the south suburbs. Other locations opened in Oak Lawn in 2015 and Tinley Park last summer.

The company was started in 2012 and now operates more than 80 pizzerias in 20 states.

Blaze specializes in custom-built pizzas that cost about $8 and are ready in three minutes.

The pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

For more information, call (708) 873-0606 Blaze Pizza Franchise Partner Adam Cum-

Just two years after Family Christian was forgiven $127 million in debt by its creditors, the chain of Christian-themed merchandise announced last week that it would close all of its stores including locations in Orland Park, Matteson and South Holland.

The chain announced Feb. 23 it would close all 240 stores in 36 states and lay off more than 3,000 workers. No timetable for the closings was announced.

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

Get your mind and body right to avoid getting sick Given the sensitivity of this topic, I must approach this carefully. Many people — far too many — have had their lives touched by cancer, a horrible disease that wreaks havoc on a person, that person’s loved ones and their lives.

Many of you readers out there have undoubtedly lost a loved one to this illness.

But you don’t have to get cancer, or any of the other sicknesses and diseases that are sickening and killing people in this country. This is great news, right? You don’t ever have to get sick. How is that, you say? Cancer does not discriminate, right?

Ah, while that is common rhetoric, there are things you can do to protect your body from this potentially deadly malady. While cancer can at times appear randomly, it is more likely to be caused by environment, diet or lifestyle than to have no explanation.

Dr. Joel Thurman, a physician and surgeon, said during a broadcast on WTTW-TV (Channel 11) that his studies into why people become sick have proven that it is usually because of poor nutrition. So, perhaps it is not cancer and diseases that are the

epidemic, but the poor habits that can make one susceptible to these illnesses.

Today’s culture teaches us we need to scurry around, doing anything and everything we can, regardless of whether he have the time to do it.

People will spend more time agonizing over where to take a date or what to wear than they do to be properly nourished.

They gulp down hamburgers and fries and soda, always on the run. And as they are filling their bodies with potentially illness-causing “food,” they are stressed about their jobs or something else in their lives.

This stress weakens their already malnourished immune systems even further. Between

bad nutrition and stress, it is a wonder anyone is healthy anymore.

So this news from Dr. Thurman was interesting, but I have been writing about the same thing for years, right here in The Reporter.

So, anyway, what is poor nutrition? It is basically eating foods that don’t build cell health, especially blood cells.

The philosophy is very simple: Dead food cannot build live bodies, it cannot feed life. Is the food you eat processed, stripped of its essential nutrients and stuffed in a can, box or package? If so, it is dead, and does not contain the vitamins, minerals and compounds the body so readily requires.

The elements of life are what provide energy and build muscles, blood vessels and brainpower. This life is not found in burgers, fries, pizza, soda, or canned and processed or pasteurized foods. These foods are merely filler that the body burns — inefficiently at that — for minimum energy.

Not only do these imposter foods not provide the body what it needs, they furnish excess amounts of harmful ingredients like salt, sugar and

chemicals the body was never meant to consume. They are often laden with unsaturated fats, which when digested, produce acids that can pollute the body. They are also often hard to digest, sitting and rotting in the gut and creating harmful bacteria.

Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, beans and herbs. Your body needs nutrients that build it up, not foods that fill you up and tear your body down.

Our creator wouldn’t have made human beings without providing them with the food they need to survive to live a healthy life. Why do we often avoid these natural, God-given foods in favor of fat, salty and sweet poisons?

Do yourself a favor and get right by eating right. But first, get your mind right.

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

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

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of February 27) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.160

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.430

0

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.125

4.170

0

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.146

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.411

0

10-year fi ed

3.250

3.303

0

United Trust Bank (as of February 20)

Prospect Federal (as of February 27)

Thursday, March 2, 2017

SXU becomes first university to join CourseNetworking St. Xavier University (SXU) and CourseNetworking, headquartered in Indianapolis, have formed a partnership that allows SXU students an opportunity to showcase their academic strengths and level of expertise in their given area of interest.

SXU is the first University in the U.S. to offer such a learning management system (LMS) that might look like Facebook, but offers SXU students a chance to network and build a professional business image designed to help prepare them for 21st century employment opportunities.

St. Xavier will utilize CourseNetworking on their Chicago and Orland Park campuses in an effort to complement the current LMS, Canvas, by utilizing both the micro certification badges as well as e-Portfolio that support our efforts in a social learning based pedagogy.

Micro certification badges

provide a solid validation of a students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities that will be very visible on the site. The e-Portfolio allows students to showcase a collection of projects and reports on the site that provide evidence of their learning journey over a period of time.

“It’s important we provide SXU students with a tool that allows them to better represent themselves as well as their strengths and talents in preparation for future employers and business opportunities,” said Chris Zakrzewski, Ed.D., assistant provost for Technology and Instructional Innovation. “SXU students will also be exposed to students around the world as the site includes discussion boards in over 20 to 30 countries.”

“We’re very excited to work with one of the oldest liberal arts schools in the country,” said Ali Jafari, CourseNetworking founder and CEO.

Magazine again names Del Galdo as one of Illinois’ best lawyers A national legal magazine is out Berwyn-firm comprised of 20 with its 2017 list of best Illinois attorneys who focus their praclawyers and again named tice on government and Michael Del Galdo as public sector law. More among the state’s best than one million taxstate, local and governpayers are represented ment lawyers.

by Del Galdo through Super Lawyers maghis firm, which repreazine, a subsidiary of sents some of the largThomson Reuters, just est municipalities, school rolled out its 2017 list districts, park districts, of top lawyers —Illinois and other government Del Galdo Super Lawyers — and units in Cook and Duselected Del Galdo from Page counties. among approximately 85,000 liIn addition to his government censed Illinois attorneys. Just five practice, Del Galdo also provides percent of Illinois barristers are election and policy advice as ledesignated as “super lawyers.” It’s gal counsel to numerous political his seventh time being named a campaigns. A DePaul College of Super Lawyer by the magazine. Law graduate, Del Galdo freConcentrating on the fields of quently lectures on municipal municipal law, economic develop- government, economic development, and government relations, ment, and election campaigns.

Del Galdo founded and manages Del Galdo was also named a SuDel Galdo Law Group LLC, a per Lawyer by Chicago magazine.

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 Tamborski Barbara A Tr to Jaraczewski Jeffrey A, 10540 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit #105408, $49,500; Labojewski Janusz to Bedoya Jorge Humberto, 6027 W 103rd St, Unit #5, $68,000; Wells Fargo Bk to Moskala Inc, 5906 W 110th St, $157,000; Doherty Mary to Knapp Grace M, 10725 Lyman Ave, $216,000.

Evergreen Park Standard B&T Co Tr to Hoffman Joan Bentley, 9346 S Millard Ave, $235,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Community Initiatives Inc, 9334 S Utica Ave, $35,000; Meeker Scott A to Duffy Kathleen M, 9811 S Lawndale Ave, $210,000; Burke Kimberly I to Burke Kimberly I Tr, 3156 W 100th St, $202,000; Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co to Sunway Rlty LLC, 2823 W 97th St, $104,000; Iverson David W to Ferro Anthony J, 10156 S Utica Ave, $166,000; Feist Brandon to Remigio Marista, 9253 S Albany Ave, $222,000; M2 Holdings LLC to Swier Kelli A, 3636 W 99th St, $260,000.

Oak Lawn Spence John C to Talamantes Maria Elena, 9715 S Oak Park Ave, $155,000; Stonegate Conso Assn Inc to Karamaniolas Marie Tr, 9540 Mayfield Ave, Unit #108S, $12,000; Gniadek Pamela A Tr to Petrik Michael J, 9612 Tripp Ave, $220,000; Quality Real Estate II LLC to Jeff Kohler Trust 10048, 10048 Crawford Ave, Unit #1J, $24,000; Mack Loc I LLC to Springview II-MB LLC, 10334 S Knox Ave, $222,500; Knight Lawrence to Mcphee Joyce F, 4829 109th St, Unit #8104, $45,000; Auste Eden to Alicea Tracy, 5907 W 90th Pl, $185,000; Murphy Carrie A to Desoto Monica, 10418 S Keating Ave, Unit #3D, $127,500; Molenhouse Richard H to Mager Nicholas A, 5112 107th St, $215,500; Morrissey Margaret J to Vidal Luis, 10425 Austin Ave, Unit B, $79,000; Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co Tr to Costache Ana, 4111 98th St, Unit #73&73G, $55,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Hernandez Martha, 4025 W 99th St, $123,000; Blue Frog Prop LLC to Renu Holdings LLC, 5716 W 95th St, $430,000; Stecich Suzanne to Pettis Jacquline Ross, 4114 W 99th St, Unit #4114B, $103,000; Synski Donald H Ind Adm Est to Feliks Greg, 5345 W 88th St, $178,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Silva Alberto, 9005 51st Ave, $165,000; Styx Thomas E Tr to Spitzer Kyle, 5609 99th Pl, $197,000; Lynch Michael J to Legeckas Mindaugas, 10324 S Komensky Ave, Unit #10324C, $43,500; Fannie Mae to Toefield Kiyoko, 4145 W 97th St, Unit #1E4145, $93,000; Bell Linda Marie to Marquez Leticia, 4500 W 93rd St, Unit #1C, $110,000; Gilardi Angelina A to Carlson Richard James, 10028 S Cicero Ave, $128,000.

Palos Hills

30-year fi ed

RATES 4.125

APR 4.171

POINTS .25

20-year fi ed

3.875

3.938

.25

15-year fi ed

3.375

3.438

.25

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

Deutsche Bank Natl Trust Co to Janicki Roman, 8218 Cobblestone Dr, Unit #41C, $91,500; Marron Richard Matthew Tr to Kaminski Melissa, 13 Cour De La Reine, $156,000; Faulstich Phyllis L Tr to Susnjara Andelko, 8514 Loveland Ln, $230,000; Dow Daniel J to Hostetter Lori A, 37 Cour Deauville, $118,000; JPMorgan Chase Bk to Ihmud Raed A, 7 Cour Michele, $77,500.

Worth Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp to Pinnacle Real Estate Investments Grp LLC, 7004 W 114th Pl, $59,000; Olivia & Assoc LLC to Majewski Andrzej, 6920 W Crandall Ave, Unit #5, $57,000; Gashi Arben to Ashbaugh Constance L, 10602 S Depot St, Unit #10602GB, $31,000; Stelmasiak Dawn Tr to Rose Marie, 7000 S Worth Ave,Unit #7, $65,000.

The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Trafficking

Continued from Page 1

are estimated to be at risk of human trafficking. While the number of U.S. victims may be unknown, it is believed that at least 100,000 U.S. children are commercially exploited every year in the U.S. The number may be as high as 300,000, according to recent statistics on human trafficking.

Ninety-eight percent of human trafficking victims are girls and women. Ninety-five percent of victims experienced physical or sexual violence due to human trafficking, according to statistics.

“Fair trade helps cut down on human trafficking,” Sr. Jeanne said. “Victims are of all backgrounds and are not just minorities or the poor. Runaways ages 13 or 14 could become victims of human trafficking. Don’t go to the streets and be very careful

about social media.”

Predators often find girls of low self-esteem by talking to them at bars, restaurants, malls, rest areas, bus depots and train stations. Traffickers can be individual pimps (men or women), small families or businesses, loose-knit criminal networks, gang members, and national or international organized criminal syndicates.

Sr. Jeanne said that when authorities are able to crack down on human trafficking, some of these predators simply change how they do business. She mentioned these predators use websites to lure girls and women.

Sr. Jeanne said these predators have used the Backpage website to solicit customers.

“Reducing the demand is what we’re working on,” said Sr. Jeanne. “If you think something is suspicious, report it. Call law enforcement. If you are in the mall and see something you don’t like, report it.”

Oak Lawn

Continued from Page 1

increased from 105, when he retired, to 109.

“We did that without raising property taxes. We were able to do it from the increased revenue generated by the new businesses that have come into town,” Vorderer said.

“I’ve increased and participated with other board members in the efforts that have seen a lot of economic development,” he said. “In the past four years, 175 new businesses have opened, bringing 1,500 new jobs, and $2.5 million additional tax dollars.”

Vorderer said he is also proud of his successfully resolving the issues with Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurant on 95th Street, which had been plagued by violent disturbances in recent years. After

Worth

Continued from Page 1

He also suggested to Peltzer that perhaps the residents could take photos of the license plates of the offenders, which could then be reported to the police department.

Police Chief Mark Micetich stated that he had talked with the school’s service officer and there are plans to include a letter to the parents in the school’s

The U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking is a faith-based national network that offers education, supports access to survivor services, and engages in advocacy in an effort to eradicate modern day slavery.

Sr. Jeanne presented a 20-minute film on two victims of human trafficking who have since turned their lives around and now assist victims.

“We just had a 20-year-old woman in our town who has disappeared and could be a victim of human trafficking,” Sr. Jeanne said. “She worked in a strip club. Some of these girls in strip clubs are trying to make more money. But it is not a good situation.”

This is why volunteers need to reach out to these women and men, many of whom have been traumatized by what they have gone through.

“Be a voice and share with others,” Sr. Jeanne said. “Talk to men about showing respect for

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DOING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 2015-14ATT Plaintiff, -v.STANISLAWA MAREK, GREEN OAKS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2015 CH 11510 9986-9998 S 84TH TR UNIT 109 Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 13, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Submitted photo

Sr. Jeanne Christensen, justice advocate on human trafficking for the Sisters of Mercy Hermanas de la Misericordia, speaks to a crowd of over 150 last Thursday at St. Xavier University on how to prevent human trafficking and help the victims of this crime.

women. If we respect women, you won’t treat them like a commodity.”

Anyone who has informa-

tion about a possible victim can call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

being threatened with losing its business license, the company has agreed to close the restaurant before the end of the year.

“I’ve been working on that since I was elected. And we did it without incurring large court costs,” the trustee said. “It is a good company but it didn’t work here,” He also said ending the policy of giving pensions to part-time employees was good for the village. If re-elected, he said he looks forward to working on seeing the $25 million Advocate medical center planned for the Beatty Lumber site coming to fruition, and working on getting the Metra train schedule expanded in Oak Lawn.

Vorderer also said he is looking forward to the long-planned light at 95th and Kilbourn.

Koss, 49, who owns a window and door company, and works for BSNF Railroad, is a graduate of Brother Rice High School

and Southern Illinois University. He and his wife, Laura, have six children.

Koss said he is very involved with scouting and coaching, in addition to belonging to groups such as the Knights of Columbus.

“I’ll have to give up some of the outside activities if I’m elected, but I want to have a voice in village government,” he said.

Pointing to a number of armed robberies and incidents of gunfire that have occurred in recent weeks and months, Koss said Oak Lawn does not feel as safe as when he was growing up.

“We want to raise our children here.

But I would never allow them to go to a park alone like I did.”

Koss said that while the police force has increased in numbers, he would like to see more officers patrolling the streets.

“There are only 10 officers on the street per shift,” he said. “We might not

have to hire more, but just look at how they are deployed.

“I also think it took too long to solve the problem with Chuck E. Cheese’s,” he said Koss said he was unhappy with the decisions made by the current village board to privatize the 911 center. He said hiring an outside company to run the center, which handles calls for surrounding communities as well as Oak Lawn, was not a good idea.

“I am sure they did it as a money-saving measure, but it costs lives,” Koss said.

That assertion, that lives have been lost due to mishandled 911 ambulance calls, has been disputed by village officials.

The candidate said that if elected, he would also work on finding ways to hire more fire department personnel.

He maintains that the fire department is undermanned and expressed concern that the current numbers are inadequate.

newsletter regarding speeding, texting while driving and parking illegally in the school zone.

Peltzer’s second comment was in regard to the violation of feeding rules at the Worth Water Falls area. He said people are feeding the wildlife, which is clearly prohibited.

“Feeding the ducks and geese creates a hazard to their health and also creates a mess on the grassy area. I was there with my family and we couldn’t even walk on the path,” Peltzer said.

Again, Werner agreed with him.

“I was sitting on a bench there last weekend and families were walking by with large bags of bread to feed the geese, right in front of the huge sign prohibiting the feeding. The bread is harmful to the ducks and geese. We are literally killing the wildlife.”

She said an ordinance is needed to enforce the prohibition, but it would have to come from the MWRD, which owns the property.

“We are working with them to establish

an ordinance,” Werner said.

In other business, the board approved two ordinances and a business license pertaining to a retail tobacco store at 10700 S. Harlem, Fattoush Hookah, Inc., owned by Naser Farhan. The ordinances included a special use zoning and a variance to reduce the required number of vehicle parking spaces for the store.

Other action included the swearing in of four police officers: Bryan Brooks, Christian Ferchau, Roberto Frias and Gerard Igoe.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

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

HICKORY HILLS Preschool registration Registration for the 2017-18 Hickory Hills Preschool begins for children ages 3 to 5 who are residents on Monday, March 6 at the park district, 8047 W. 91st Place.

Non-resident registration will begin Monday, March 13. Classes begin in September and will run through May 2018. Children must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2016. Fees range from $775 to $1,700.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for registration. A child’s birth certificate and immunization records are required for registration.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 5981233 or visit www.hhparkdistrict.org.

Wide World of Sports A variety of sports programs are being offered for ages 7 to 11 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 7 through April 11, at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills.

Some of the sports programs offered are soccer, dodge ball, basketball and hockey. The registration fee is $28 for residents and $33 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233.

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

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

Registration is required at one of the Oak Lawn Park District facilities or through the online using code 31620201. Snacks and beverages will be provided at this event.

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

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

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

The program will feature female physicians and a lactation consultant who will present topics specific to the health and wellness of female millennials. The first session is “Let’s Talk About Sex and Your Health” by Dr. Karen Johnson, OB/GYNE. The second session is on “Millennial Sexual Revolution – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” by Dr. Denise Furlong, urogynecologist.

9

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

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

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

Off r program on Muslim beliefs and practices A Lenten potluck luncheon will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 5 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

Participants are encouraged to bring a main dish, side dish or dessert to share. Following the lunch, Jeanean Othman will present a program on Muslim beliefs and practices and what local Muslims are experiencing at this time. Othman is director of the food pantry at The Mosque Foundation and is active in several local interfaith efforts including “One Community: One Meal” and an interfaith dialogue group.

The church is handicapped accessible. The public is welcome to bring a covered dish to share (no pork or gelatin) and stay for the program.

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1938 movie “The Adventures of Robin Hood” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, March 11 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of

Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

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

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

St. Gerald Mothers Club to host Spring Craft Show The St. Gerald Mothers Club will hold their annual Spring Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at the school, 9300 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

Admission is free. More information can be obtained by contacting stgcraftshw@stgeral.com.

Oak Lawn Park District to host ‘EGGcellent Open Gym’ The Oak Lawn Park District will hold the “EGGcellent Open Gym” will be held Saturday, April 8 at the Racquet, Fitness and Gymnastics Center, 10444 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

The day will include special Easter activities for children who will have the opportunity to explore the gymnastics gym and work off some of that extra energy by crawling, jumping, climbing and swinging around indoors. Children can meet the Easter Bunny and do an Easter craft. Each child will receive a goodie-bag with healthy snacks in it.

The fee is $10 per child. Time and ages are from 9 to 10 a.m. for ages 1 to 5; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 4 to 8; 1 to 2 p.m. for all ages; or 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. for all ages.

Parents are required to stay with their children during the event. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2215.

PALOS HILLS Stagg High School Music Boosters to hold Art for Season Show The Stagg High School Music Boosters organization is accepting applications from crafters and artists for the Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 Art for the Season Show.

The event will be held near Stagg High School, at the intersection of 111th Street and Roberts Road, Palos Hills. The fee is $85 per 80 square foot booth space for the two-day run of the show. The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 18 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19.

More information can be obtained by calling (708) 974-7520 or (708) 361-8298. Residents can also go to staggbandsorg.

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

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

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

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

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $122,863.61.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C. 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 940-8580 E-Mail: mlgil@mlg-defaultlaw.com Attorney File No. 16-03376 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 2015 CH 11510 TJSC#: 37-1274 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

10 The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Sr. Stephanie Kondik, principal at Our Lady of the Ridge School, thanks parishioners and volunteers who assisted in keeping the school open during a prayer service at the church on Sunday night.

Our Lady

Continued from Page 1

say it takes a village to raise a child.

We are a village. We are the village of Our Lady of the Ridge.”

Svida reminded parents, students and

volunteers that they need to continue to support Our Lady of the Ridge in the future.

“We cannot stop what we are doing,” Svida said. “We can’t stop educating our children. We will continue on with Our Lady of the Ridge School.”

Sr. Stephanie Kondik, OSF, princi-

Photos by Joe Boyle

A prayer vigil was held during the service Sunday night at Our Lady of the Ridge Church giving thanks that the school will remain open.

pal at Our Lady of the Ridge School, praised Svida’s leadership, calling him an “inspiration” during the past month.

At the conclusion of the prayer service, a celebration was held in which a variety of food and a cake were served to students, teachers, parents, volunteers and community leaders.

Marianne Gillfillan, school board president at Our Lady of the Ridge, said she is confident that the school has the support it needs to remain open for many years to come.

“The support has been tremendous from alumni, media, local businesses, elected officials, current and even for-

mer school families,” Gillfillan said.

“Everyone has mobilized together to save our gem of a school. It speaks to the uniquely strong community we have and its impact on people’s lives that this town is so dedicated to keeping the school open.

“Our Lady of the Ridge is here to stay.”

Oak Lawn High chess team completes very strong season The Oak Lawn Community High School varsity chess team finished a successful season and placed third in the SCC Red Division.

The Spartans finished the long campaign with a 9-3 record. The varsity squad was compiled with the best eight competitors ranked from board one to eight. Almost half of the team was comprised of sophomores.

Board one on the team was senior Elizabeth Gonzalez, who was named to the all-conference squad. Board two included senior Zak Mackovitch, who finished in the top 20 in conference. Senior Fatima Akili was on board 3, junior Anthony GomezLedezma was on board 4, and junior Wojciech Zacherek was on board 5. Sophomore Brett Baranowski placed second in the

conference on board 6, while sophomore Kameron Oesterreich placed second on board seven. Sophomore Ian Palacios finished off the varsity lineup on board 8.

Ally Templin, Ricardo Cortes and Emily Stachowichz played occasional roles for the Oak Lawn varsity.

At the state tournament, the team finished with three points overall, yet two players ended with solid individual performances.

Baranowski finished in 48/169 on Board 6 with four wins, and Palacios finished 43/194 on board 7 with four wins and a draw.

The young team looks forward to practicing throughout the remainder of the school year and over the summer to compete for Submitted photo the conference championship next The Oak Lawn Community High School varsity chess team placed third in the SCC Red Division and had several strong individual performances in the state tournament. season.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Hickory Hills native completes basic training U.S. Air Force Airman Delores Booth graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas. Booth is the daughter of Chom and Perry Booth, of Hickory Hills.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

By completing basic training, Booth also earned four Booth credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is a 2002 graduate of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills.

SUDOKU Answers

CROSSWORD Answers

CHICAGO RIDGE Kids make emoji pillows over four sessions Emoji pillows sessions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 14 through April 11 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. Children ages 5 to 12 can come to the library and sew a two-sided emoji pillow.

One side will be a smiley and the other will be heart eyes. All the supplies will be provided to make this a fun session for kids.

The program is limited to 10 participants.

Kids who take part are expected to attend all four sessions. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 4237753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Youths can make bead crafts Children in grades six through 12 can take part in a program where they can make various designs from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Participants can use beads and an iron to create a melted design. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

EVERGREEN PARK Discuss ‘Rise and Fall of Ladies Underwear’

LEGAL NOTICE

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

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

A discussion on “The Rise and Fall of Ladies’ Underwear” will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy.

Women’s fashions are shaped, literally and figuratively, by their underclothes. Throughout history a woman’s frame has not always been entirely her own. This presentation will unveil some myths about women’s unmentionables.

Elizabeth Carlson presents the program.

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

‘GraceNotes’ to play music, sing “The GraceNotes” will perform a variety of music and encourage sing-a-longs at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at the Evergreen Park Library. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.

org or call (708) 422-8522.

Author, photographer to discuss his book, ‘Chicago Monuments’ Author and photographer Larry Broutman will talk about his new book, “Chicago Monumental” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Evergreen Park Library. The book is a photographic tribute to over 250 of the monuments, fountains, memorials, and statues in Chicago’s parks and cemeteries, as well as those on the city’s streets and buildings.

Social Scrabble Tournament The Social Scrabble Tournament will be held Saturday, March 11 at the Evergreen Park Library.

Players of all ability levels are welcome.

Check-in is at 12:45 p.m. The registration fee is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

This includes tournament play, snacks and soft drinks. The first game begins at 1 p.m.

The contests will be three rounds with timed matches and one-on-one game play. Proceeds will benefit the “Evergreen Reads” community reading event. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary. org or call (708) 422-8522

Tooromeen School of Irish Dance to perform at library Students from the Tooromeen School of Irish Dance will entertain with a performance of classic Irish dance at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 at the Evergreen Park Library.

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

Author Sarah Paretsky will discuss new book at library Author Sarah Paretsky’s “Fallout Tour” includes an appearance at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 24 at the Evergreen Park Library.

The award-winning and best-selling writer will discuss a book about legendary investigator V.I Warshawski, who is back on a case that will bring her out of her comfort zone and into deadly territory when she searches for a young film student and a former film star who are on the run in the heart of the Midwest.

Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522. The library is located at 9400 S. Troy, Evergreen Park, IL.

OAK LAWN

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

New hours at Oak Lawn Library New hours have been designated at the Oak Lawn Library beginning Friday, March 3.

Two additional hours have been added to the weekly schedule. The library has added an hour on Fridays and will now close at 6 p.m.

The library will now open an hour earlier on Saturday at noon.

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

Crayons can be recycled The Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Avenue, has teamed up with the Village of Oak Lawn Green Team to create recycled crayons.

Patrons can bring discarded crayons to the Youth Services Department until May 1. Leave the labels on so volunteers can sort them by type and color. Your old crayons will be given new life and become give-a-ways for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Conversation circle for new English speakers A conservation circle for new English speakers will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesdays through May 24 at the Oak Lawn Library.

Participants and trained volunteers will work together in large and small groups.

The winter-spring session will be held in the Quiet Study Room on the second floor.

Beginning, intermediate and advanced English learners are welcome (students must have some English training).

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

PALOS HILLS Close encounters of the chemical kind The Science Alliance is returning with a program for all ages beginning at 6 p.m.

Monday, March 6 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Children of all ages and caregivers are welcome. Kids will learn about the basics of solids, liquids, gasses and chemical reactions. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Cemetery Tour The Chicagoland Cemetery Tour will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at the Green Hills Library. Patrons can take a cemetery tour of sorts with Jim and Paula. Guests will be introduced to old cemeteries, unique headstones, historical events and unusual gravesites around Chicago. This event is for adults only.

Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Eco Club will view video and make crafts Children ages 6 and up can take part in the Eco Club, which meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 at the Green Hills Library.

Miss Emily will meet with children and will watch a video, play a game, and make a craft about a nature topic that was voted on.

Registration is limited to 25. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

SCHOOL NEWS

The Reporter

11

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Oak Lawn resident earns dean’s list honors at Waldorf University A local student has been selected to the dean’s for the 2016 fall semester at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. Earning dean’s list honors was Oak Lawn resident Eric T. Mallo, a 2014 graduate of Richards High School

Local students selected to dean’s list at Illinois Wesleyan University Local students have been selected to the dean’s list for the 201617 fall semester at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.

Selected for dean’s list honors were Joseph Alberts, a Hickory Hills resident, and Oak Lawn residents Julia Nykaza, Jack Quinn and Morgan Stenson.

Local students named to dean’s list at Trinity Christian College Submitted photo

Judge Vincenzo Chimera takes a photo with students from St. Germaine Elementary School in Oak Lawn. The judge visited the school to mark Lincoln’s birthday and read passages to them from a book on the 16th president.

Judge reads book on Lincoln to students at St. Germaine The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classes at St. Germaine Elementary School in Oak Lawn received a visit from a judge who was on hand to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

Circuit Court Judge Vincenzo Chimera

visited the students at St. Germaine. Chimera’s visit was a part of the Illinois Judges Association Reading Project.

He read the story of “Abe Lincoln’s Hat”

by Martha Brenner. The book is an account of the personality and adventures

of the 16th president. The students found Lincoln’s “filing system,” which included leaving important notes in his tall black hat, quite amusing.

After the reading, the judge answered students’ questions about the court system.

Cheers for Worth Junior High School

Local students make dean’s list at University of Wisconsin-Parkside Two local students have been selected to the dean’s list for the 2016-17 fall semester at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Madison, Wis. Local students who earned dean’s list honors were Hickory Hills resident Haleigh Slack, School of Education, and Oak Lawn resident John O’Sullivan, College of Engineering.

Local students named to dean’s list at Iowa State

The Worth Junior High School cheerleaders earned a first division ranking at the South Suburban Junior High School Conference 2017 Cheer Fest. The coaches are Samantha Beebe, Courtney Kats and Morgan Kats. The annual Cheer Fest was held last month at Hille Middle School in Oak Forest. Team members celebrating after placing first were (back row, from left) Haley Master, Reaghan McCarthy, Aly Pizur, Madi Cantore, Hiba Amara, Gianna Vancura, Mercedes Mullenix, Avalyn Krastin, Mira Alifantis, (front row, from left) Elise Werner, Monica Alifantis, Agnesa Gashi, Tiffany Rusnok, Amanda Silzer, Grace Witt and Milda Pupsyte.

Several local students were selected to the fall 2016 dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Earning dean’s list honors from Chicago Ridge were senior Elias Palamidis, who is majoring in animal science; senior Katie Lynn Alexander, an Evergreen Park resident majoring in advertising; and senior Kevin Korniejczuk, a Palos Hills resident who is majoring in industrial engineering.

Oak Lawn resident earns Academic honors at North Central College A local student at North Central College in Naperville has earned Academic All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin honors.

Oak Lawn resident Megan Pacetti is a junior at North Central. She earned All-Academic honors and was a member of the women’s soccer team. She played in 12 games and registered a goal.

Local students named to Monmouth College dean’s list Three local students have been selected to the 2016 dean’s list at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. Earning dean’s list honors were freshman Natalie Kaminski, a biology major and the daughter of Stella Kaminski, of Oak Lawn, and senior Barbara Pajor, an international business and Spanish major and daughter of Richard and Annette Pajor, also of Oak Lawn.

Senior Allie Vallance, an accounting and business administration major, was also named to the Monmouth dean’s list. She is the daughter of Gary and Lena Vallance, of Palos Hills.

Submitted photo

Dist. 123 6th-graders are honored at Edge graduation District 123 sixth-grade students, nearly 300, graduated from the District 123 EDGE program recently during a ceremony held at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School last month.

EDGE, or Education for Gang Evasion, began in Oak Lawn in 1995 and is a program designed specifically for middle school students, to help them recognize and resist pressure to engage in gang activity. EDGE is meant to compliment the DARE program students completed in fifth grade “These programs have been a significant part of the combined efforts of law enforcement and education in our community to help our children deal with problems,” according to the Village of Oak Lawn.

During the second trimester, students learned many new things about the dangers of gangs. They received safety tips and strategies to use to avoid being targets for gang activity, given factual information about the dangers of gang affiliation.

Students are also exposed to problem solving and decision making skills and that they will be held accountable for their actions should they get involved in illegal activity. They also have the chance to explore concepts relating to violence and conflict

A group of students have been selected to the dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.

Earning dean’s list honors were Allison Koehler, a Chicago Ridge resident; Kelly Price, Hickory Hills; and Oak Lawn residents Cassandra Boyd, Jocelyne Candelas, Nicholas Costa, Tyler Fortier, Mary Huisenga, Jordan Jousma, Maribeth Karnia, Melody Melker and Agnes Zabawa.

Palos Hills residents earning dean’s list honors were Elisabeth Childers, Amanda Garcia, Rebeca Lungu, Richard Rogers, Benjamin Tocila and Veronica Kim. Worth resident Sydnie Tiemens also earned dean’s list honors at Trinity Christian College.

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

Submitted photo

EDGE graduates at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School are joined by members of the Oak Lawn Police Department and Village Clerk Jane Quinlan (right) during a recent ceremony at the school.

resolution in addition to learning meditation techniques as an alternative to physical confrontation.

Oak Lawn police officers taught students they have a voice in the community and can help keep the neighborhood safe. At graduation, multiple students shared their perspective on how the program impacted them and why they choose to lead a drug and gang free lifestyle.

“The more knowledge we have about gangs

and their destructive behavior, the better our chances in keeping our neighborhoods gangfree. Programs such as EDGE promote the education necessary to keep our kids safe and our village prosperous,” according to the Village of Oak Lawn.

The Chicago Crime Commission has targeted gangs as Public Enemy No. 1, citing the ever increasing proliferation of gang activity in not only Chicago, but in suburban Cook County and the collar counties as well.

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

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

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

Worth Junior High School Band excels The Worth Junior High School Band members participated in the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s District Six Solo and Ensemble Contest. Band members include (front row, from left) Ciara Egan, who posted a perfect score; Graciella Ramirez, Andrew Maddox, Priti Patel (back row, from left) Megan Ruger-Smith, Monica Alifantis, Charles Gardner, Jessica Marszalek and Sidra Penciak. All of Worth Junior High’s students earned a Division 1 rating.

Student of merit

Submitted photo

Ray Schellenberger (left), guidance counselor at Evergreen Park Community High School, and Bill Sanderson, principal, congratulate senior Bryan Witte after he advanced to the finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program for 2017.

Submitted photo

Dist. 117 to hold pre-K registration It’s ‘Go Red’ at Oak Lawn High Oak Lawn Community High School participated in National Go Red Day last month. The nurse’s office, led by Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, raised awareness for heart health and funds raised for the campaign.

“By wearing red, we are reminding ourselves to check-in on our heart health and learn what our numbers mean. Knowing our total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose and BMI will empower us to take action and prevent cardiac events through education and lifestyle changes,” Barrera said.

Submitted photo

Pre-kindergarten registration for the 2017-18 school year for the North Palos School District 117 will continue through April 21.

Children must be born between Sept. 2, 2012 and Sept. 14, 2014 to be registered. Pre-kindergarten registration will be held at Dorn School, 7840 W. 92nd St., Hickory Hills, and Sorrick School, 7825 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Registration forms will be available on the District 117 website at www. ndp117.net. Registration forms are also available at Dorn or Sorrick schools.

Parents or guardians are required to bring their child’s birth certificate and proof of residency when returning the registration packet. Registration will be held at Dorn School for children re-

siding north of 95th Street, and registration will be held at Sorrick School for children residing south of 95th Street.

All children will be screened in vocabulary, visual-motor integration, language and speech development, English proficiency, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, cognitive development, vision and hearing. Screenings will be held at Dorn on April 25 and April 28 at Sorrick.

Screening appointments will be available for the children after return of the registration packet, birth certificate and residency documentation. More information can be obtained by calling Dorn School, (708) 2335600, or Sorrick School, (708) 233-8200.

12 The Reporter

Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge and Truth formally invites you to come and join us at one of the

LARGEST PRIVATE ART SALES EVER! Paintings from all over the world

Evergreen Park American Legion Post 854

9701 S. Kedzie Saturday March 18 • 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come early for the best deals!

Painting sizes from 4”x4” - 6ftx8’ All framed paintings $15-$125 All “Sports” Framed Pictures $5-$35 Football • Hockey • Basketball • Baseball

At these prices everything will go fast!

Take an extra 10% off for all armed forces, all police departments and all fire departments

Thursday, March 2, 2017

SCHOOL NEWS Richards senior wins IHSA state championship in speech Richards High school senior Peter Forberg won the IHSA state speech championship this weekend in the category of Extemporaneous Speaking.

Forberg, who was among the most decorated competitors in the long and rich history of speech at Richards, took third in Original Oratory.

With senior Grace Cook taking fifth place in Radio Speaking, the Bulldogs placed eighth as a team overall. It’s the third straight season that the speech team from Richards has placed in the Top 10 at the state finals.

Forberg joined graduates Mike McCarthy (2014) and John Zimmerman (2012) as state speech champion. Both Submitted photo McCarthy and Zimmer- Richards High School senior Peter Forberg reacts man won in Humorous after winning the state speech championship in the category of Extemporaneous Speaking.

Interpretation.

The Richards speech team had a successful regular sea- Speaking and Performance in the son and had a solid run through Arts; and Forberg, Original Orathe Illinois High School Asso- tory.

Placing third for Richards were ciation state series. Other winners for Richards at the regionals Azem and Brian Carpenter, Huwere Abby Hanrahan, Impromptu morous Duet Acting; and CarSpeaking; and Katharine Azem, penter, Prose Reading. Placing Humorous Interpretation. Devin fourth were Sam Algadi, Special Jackson placed second in Dra- Occasion Speaking; Jackson, Oramatic Interpretation. Also placing torical Declamation; and Megan second were Grace Cook, Radio Kozik, Original Comedy.

Les Brothers Restaurant

SIZZLING LUNCH • Catering • Banquets SPECIALS SPECIALS 11am to 3pm Mon. thru Thurs. 6am to 11am • Carry-Outs Starting At Starting At $899 $599 • Gift Cards Complimentary Juice – Monday Night –

Includes Soup & Beverage

– Tuesday Night –

STEAK NIGHT

PASTA SPECIAL

– Wednesday Night –

– Thursday Night –

At Les Brothers

NEW DAILY SENIOR SPECIALS

BBQ NIGHT

FIESTA MENU

– Friday Night –

– Sundays –

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Featuring Roast Leg of Lamb Plus Many More

6AM TO 8PM

FISH FRY

“GREEK DAY SPECIALS”

DINNER SPECIALS

Mon. thru Fri. 4pm to 10pm

8705 S. Ridgeland Ave. • Oak Lawn • 708-599-7990 Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

7730 W. 95th St. • Hickory Hills 708-233-0333 • Open 6am to 4pm www.les-brothers.com

Enjoy Video Poker & Slots in Oak Ridge the comfort of our Private student wins Gaming Parlor in Oak Lawn District 117 New hours for gaming at Les Brothers 8705 S. Ridgeland 7am to 2am

C OMPLIMENTARY (Coffee, R EFRESHMENTS Tea, Pop) F OR O UR P LAYERS !

Lent Fish Fry Every Wednesday & Friday

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE WITH IRISH POTATOES & BABY CARROTS

999

$

Fri., Sat., & Sun., March 17th, 18th & 19th

IRISH LAMB STEW Only on St. Patrick’s Day

• MONDAYS • Chicken & Burger Day w/Fries $3.00 23oz. Domestic Drafts 50¢ Boneless Wings

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R

Lunch • Dinner 11 am to 2 am

WE NOW HAVE VIDEO GAMING 7750 W. 95th St. • Hickory Hills • Catering 708-599-2333 • Fax: 708-599-2343 • Banquets www.primetimerestaurantandbar.com

• Gift Cards

Lent Fish Fry Every Wednesday & Friday

999

$

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE WITH IRISH POTATOES & BABY CARROTS Fri., Sat., & Sun., March 17th, 18th & 19th

IRISH LAMB STEW Only on St. Patrick’s Day

Submitted photo

Grace Russell, a fourth-grade student at Oak Ridge School in Palos Hills, won the recent District 117 Spelling Bee.

• TUESDAYS • Steak & Pasta Day • 50¢ Chicken Wings $5.00 Margaritas • $12.00 Corona Buckets • WEDNESDAYS • Half Price Pizza & Appetizer Menu • $5.00 Martinis $3.00 16oz. Import Drafts • $3.00 House Wines • THURSDAYS • 2 for $20 Menu • $3.00 ‘You-Call-It’ Shots Become the Star After 10pm with Karaoke • FRIDAYS • Twin Lobster Special Perfect 10 Crab Legs & Prime Rib $5.00 Appletinis • $5.00 Margaritas $3.00 ‘You-Call-It’ Shots • Top 40 Music After 10pm • SATURDAYS • ‘Surf & Turf Specials’ Includes 10oz. Filet Mignon and 10oz. Lobster Tail Beef & Chicken Ka-Bob Combo $10.00 Domestic Buckets • SUNDAYS • ‘Greek Day Specials’ Featuring Roast Leg of Lamb Plus Many More $2.00 Domestic Bottles

Entertainment Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nights

Spelling Bee Grace Russell is kind of a celebrity among her contemporaries in the fourth grade at Oak Ridge Elementary School in Palos Hills.

That’s because the 9-year-old Palos Hills’ girl won a recent District 117 Spelling Bee and advanced to the regional competition.

Unfortunately, she didn’t finish in the top three, which would have advanced her to the state spelling bee. Winning that contest would have propelled her to the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. But the rather large trophy she got for winning the district spelling bee brings a huge smile to her face and serves as a conversation starter with friends.

“I’m really happy to have won the district contest and my friends are happy for me,” Grace said.

She said she spent two hours each night practicing her spelling from lists that included words of various origins, including Greek, Japanese, German, Arabic and Latin.

“My grandpa spent a lot of time with me preparing for the spelling bees,” Grace said. “We worked on the words every night.”

She made it through more than a dozen rounds in the initial spelling bee, although midway through she had to think closely on how to spell the word “advertent.”

“I wasn’t sure of the last three letters,” Grace said. “I wasn’t sure if there was an ‘e’ or an ‘a’.”

She said she has been participating in spelling bees since the second grade when she placed first in her class. A year later, however, she bowed out in the first round after spelling GALAXY “g-a-l-i-x-y.”

When she is not practicing her spelling words, Grace is enjoying life like most kids her age: Doing homework, watching television, spending time with friends and taking care of her 10-year-old pit bull named Nestle.

“I’m going to continue to compete in spelling bees,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun.”

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday,March March5,2,2015 2017 Thursday,

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

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

SSC RED GOES DOWN TO THE LAST 1.6 SECONDS

EP stands tall for first league title since ’94 6-foot-10 Drynan scores 27 points in historic win

By Aaron FitzPatrick Correspondent

The first part was done.

Evergreen Park disposed of the host Argo Argonauts 75-49 Friday night in Summit, and the win assured the Mustangs of at least a share of their first conference title since 1994 and only the third in school history. Michael Drynan, a 6-foot-10 senior, came up big with 27 points.

The second part came when Mustangs coach Pat Flannigan took out his phone and scrolled through his text messages.

“Oak Lawn beat Richards,” he said while looking at his phone with a satisfied smile on his face after finding out the Bulldogs were upset 66-64.

Now there was no sharing anything.

The Mustangs were sole possessors of the South Suburban Red conference championship with an 8-5 mark. It was their third boys basketball title in school history. Richards, which won 10 of the last 11 SSC Red titles, was second at 7-6.

“It’s been a special season.”

Flannigan said.

Friday night’s game followed the pattern of the 2016-17 season for the Mustangs to this point.

Evergreen Park got off to a slow start before putting everything together.

Despite a 1-24 record coming into the game, the Argonauts gave the Mustangs everything they had in front of a lively Senior Night crowd at Swanson Gymnasium. Argo led Evergreen Park in the first quarter and trailed by less than double digits at halftime before the Mustangs caught fire and pulled away in the second half.

The Mustangs connected on eight 3-pointers, including four from senior swingman Kyree Hannah (16 points). Hannah helped the Mustangs pull away from the pesky Argonauts with three bombs in third quarter.

“I’m happy that we can put something on a banner now,” said Hannah. “We knew at the beginning of the season that the chemistry was clicking. We just knew we were going to have a good season.”

While Hannah was dazzling outside, Drynan was damaging

Photos by Aaron FitzPatrick

Whether it was from the left side or right side, 6-foot-10 Michael Drynan of Evergreen Park made life miserable for Argo in a 27-point performance to help the Mustangs clinch their first conference title since 1994.

Spartans play spoiler role perfectly as they bring down host Bulldogs

By Tim Cronin Correspondent

The winning play didn’t go as planned.

Turnovers almost took them out of the game. The opponent’s parade to the freethrow line was perfect.

Yet, Oak Lawn’s Spartans still beat Richards on the Bulldogs’ home court on Friday night, depriving the hosts of an 11th South Suburban Red title in the last dozen years.

The Spartans’ 66-64 victory came about through the offensive tandem of seniors Rashad Johnson and Adem Osmani — and Adem’s younger brother, freshman Sami — plus a defensive effort that held Richards to one field goal in the final quarter.

To spring the surprise was not only immensely satisfying for Oak Lawn (1017, 6-8), it squelched the chance for a share of the conference crown Richards (12-14, 7-6) had coming in. That went to Evergreen Park (17-9, 8-5) via its 74-49 thrashing of Argo, the first gonfalon for the Mustangs since 1994.

“It’s a dream come true since my freshman year,” said Johnson, who led all hands with 30 points and added six rebounds and a trio of steals. “It feels good. Me and my teammates, we kept our heads in the game the whole day.

“I’ve been working on my attitude. I See MUSTANGS, Page 3 knew it was going to be a close game.

Rashad Johnson, shown in a game earlier in the season, nailed 30 points for Oak Lawn to help deny Richards of their 11th SSC Red title in 12 years.

Adem Ormani came up with a game-winning tip-in for Oak Lawn in a stunning win over Richards.

I knew what I’ve done with my records and stuff. I wasn’t going to let my team down. I promised them we weren’t coming out with a loss.”

That bold pronouncement was both dramatic and accurate.

“It’s always special to beat Richards, and really special to beat them on their home floor,” Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes said. “I kind of feel like we stole

it a little bit. But we made plays.”

The Bulldogs were quick-handed, forcing 15 turnovers, and were perfect from the line, making all 18 free-throws, with 10 from Jaylan Catledge (28 points, six rebounds). But on this night, perfection would not be enough.

“We knew what they had,” Richards coach Chris Passafiume said. “We came back pretty tough. A couple plays didn’t

Photos by Jeff Vorva

bounce our way, just basketball plays.

We tried to contain Johnson as best we could but couldn’t give him an inch.

“No title, but hopefully we can learn from that.”

The game was won on Adem Osmani’s tip rebound of Johnson’s missed shot on a drive to the basket with 1.6 seconds remaining. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way.

“For him to get that last tip was huge,” Rhodes said. “They took away both the first and second options. Off the inbounds, Adam Stallworth was intelligent to get it back to our best player (Johnson). That’s the thing with Rashad. When he attacks, there’s so much attention paid to him, we get a lot of second-chance opportunities.”

Oak Lawn had made up a four-point deficit with 1:18 to play, first on Johnson’s conventional three-point play and a 3-pointer

by Sami Osmani that created a 64-62 lead.

A pair of Catledge free-throws with 12.4 seconds left created the game’s fourth tie.

Oak Lawn had controlled the first 14 minutes, building a 31-21 lead, but Richards’ 11-0 run brought the hosts a 32-31 lead at the intermission. That momentum continued into the third quarter. Richards built an eight-point lead on Nate Stewart jumper with 1:32 left in the third, but Oak Lawn came back, tying the game at 54 via Johnson’s second straight 3-pointer early in the fourth.

CHICAGO FIRE 2017 PREVIEW

Fire wants to change image — and record

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The nice guys finished last.

The Fire had a Major League Soccerworst 7-17-10 record in 2016 and Michael de Leeuw, who joined the team in the middle of the season, said he noticed the team was “too nice” both on and off the field.

“Sometime you need some guys to say something,” de Leeuw said. “With what you saw last year…something needed to be said.

And when we play away, don’t be so nice against teams who are higher than us. Be aggressive. Get what you can get.’’

There is nowhere to go but up, and officials scrambled to mix in what they hope are Photo by Jeff Vorva The Fire and Arturo Alvarez (left) hope to be shoving teams around a quality impact players on the roster for 2017. little more after last year’s team had the worst record in the MSL and The season opens at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the Fire facing Columbus on the road. forward Michael de Leeuw said the team was “too nice.’’

The home opener is at 1 p.m. March 11 against Real Salt Lake at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

At this point, it’s hard to tell if the team will be less nice, but on paper it looks like it has the talent for a drastic improvement.

Some of the new faces to look out for are Nenanja Nikolic, Dax McCarty, Juninho, and goalie Jorge Rodrigo Bava “We have more guys who are champions,” second-year coach Veljko Paunovic said.

“They have more experience. We have guys who know how to deal with difficult situations. Every team goes through the long season facing different situations and challenges.

“You have to have guys on your team who know how to deal with those types of situations.’’

And there are still some quality players

returning, including David Accam, who led the Fire in scoring the past two seasons in MLS games with 10 and nine goals, respectively.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the old faces and the new faces playing together,” Paunovic said. “We’re very happy to start the season with the players we have. I believe we are in a very good spot right now.

We’ll have a lot of challenges — every team in the world has challenges. The preparation that we have made will be very important.

“We obviously have high expectations.

We believe we did a great job in the offseason with the acquisitions we have. It’s going to be a better team. It will be more competitive. It will be a team that will bring us a much better season and enjoyment.’’

Residential Loans Made Easy Financing the home of your dreams should be a pain-free process. We’re here to walk you through every step!

We offer the following programs for residential mortgages:

• Fixed Rate Loans • Adjustable Rate Loans

• Balloon Loans • Interest Only Loans

Contact John Hyland, President; Kenneth Shapiro; or Robert Holik today!

12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 • (708) 728-9900 • Fax (708) 728-9270 • UTBHome.com

See FIRE, Page 2

2

The Regional News - The Reporter

Few knew back in ’13 how far Yates and O’Connor would come

he kids — and young at heart oldsters — have been enjoying a social media project called Throwback Thursday, looking back at days gone by through words and photos.

Since our fine paper comes out on Thursday, I bring you the first — and possibly last — installment of Throwdown Throwback Thursday in honor of a couple of wrestlers from the South Side and the south suburbs.

Let’s set the Wayback Machine to not-so-way-back Dec. 19, 2013. Host Brother Rice was battling St. Rita in a dual wrestling meet.

At 113 pounds, a sophomore from Brother Rice took on a freshman from St. Rita.

At the time, wrestling insiders knew that Rice’s Rudy Yates and Rita’s Austin O’Connor were pretty special athletes. But the rest of the world had not caught on, yet.

So, the two went at it.

After three periods and a lot of grunting and groaning and locking and blocking, Yates had his arm raised after a 4-3 victory.

So this Thursday night Chicago Catholic League battle between a freshman and a sophomore defending Class 3A state champ turned out to be

T

St. Rita’s Austin O’Conner won four state titles.

He’s just the 15th wrestler in IHSA history to accomplish that feat.

JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point the only time these titans battled each other at the Illinois High School Association level.

What they did that night was pretty cool. But what they have done since has been mind-blowing.

Yates finished fourth in the state at 113 that year, transferred to Sandburg and had not lost in his final two seasons. He went 91-0 with the Eagles and finished his career 167-3 with three state titles.

Yates is a freshman at Northern Iowa University. At 133 pounds, he won the Pat “Flash” Flanagan and Grand View open tournaments and finished fifth in the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open.

O’Connor just kept getting bigger and better since his battle with Yates.

The Lockport resident went on to become just the 15th wrestler in IHSA history to win four titles — his latest coming at 152 pounds on Feb. 18 in Champaign.

Photo by Jason Maholy

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Rudy Yates won three state titles and is a freshman at the University of Northern Iowa.

Like Yates, O’Connor finished his junior and senior year without a loss and finished his career with a 181-4 mark.

He is taking his academic and athletic career to the University of North Carolina.

The chances are good that few people were in the Brother Rice gym watching Yates and O’Connor go at it on Dec. 19, 2013. But a lot of people know who they are now.

Speaking of wrestling For the second straight year, no area team from the Regional/Reporter area made it to the state dual meets.

This comes on the heels of a sixyear streak in which either Sandburg or Marist made it to the final eight in Class 3A. This season, two area squads made it to the sectional, but Sandburg was

BOYS STATE SWIMMING

ousted by Marmion, 34-27 in Class 3A at Hinsdale Central, and Brother Rice was knocked off by Lemont, 43-33 in Class 2A at Oak Forest.

There is some returning talent in this area worth watching — especially Domenic Zaccone of Stagg, Hassan Johnson and Myles Ruffin of Brother Rice, Jacob Dado of Marist and Pat Nolan of Sandburg — so perhaps that streak can come to an end in 2018.

FOCUS ON COLLEGE SPORTS

Smiarowski has a sixth (place) sense in 200 IM

SXU scorching in first two rounds of CCAC tourney

By Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier’s women’s basketball team warmed up for a potential NAIA Division II National bid with a couple of convincing wins in the first two rounds of the Chicagoland Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Cougars, ranked third in the nation, stomped on Trinity Christian College, 100-52 on Feb. 22 in the opening round, and added a 104-72 victory over 16th-ranked Purdue-Northwest on Saturday.

SXU (29-2) was scheduled to face No. 1 St. Francis in Joliet on Tuesday and on Wednesday it awaited the NAIA to announce its 32-team national tournament, which takes place in Sioux City, Iowa, March 8-14.

The Cougars scored 34 points in the first quarter against Purdue-Northwest and scored 100 or more points in four of their previous five games. Junior guard Kara Krolicki had 24 points and six assists. Former Stagg star Casey McMahon had 12 points off the bench.

Against Trinity, Krolicki had 20 points and Mikayla Leyden broke the school’s single-season assists record with 172 in the victory.

Men’s basketball: Despite 24 points and seven rebounds from freshman guard/forward Jack Brody, fifth-seeded SXU ended its season Feb. 21 with a 91-77 loss to No. 4 seed Olivet Nazarene University in the first

By Jeff Vorva Sport Editor

Sports Editor

For the second time in three years, senior Stagg swimmer Lucas Smiarowski earned a top-six finish in the Illinois High School Association state meet.

As he did as a sophomore, Smiarowski claimed sixth in the 200 IM with a time of 1 minute 51.29 seconds Saturday at the state meet at New Trier High School. It helped erase a disappointing showing last year in which he was disqualified in the event.

For the first time in his career, the Charger star also earned a top-12 finish in the 100 breast event with an 11th-place finish of :58.39.

The weekend was not without drama for coach Jason Carr and his Chargers.

The 200 free relay team, which was seeded third in the state via sectional times, was one of three teams to DQ in that event. The other two teams disqualified were Waubonsie Valley (seeded 10th) and Oak Park.

Brad Peterson, Rafal Jezierski, Tommy Witek and Mike Kotas qualified for state but did not make it to the second day of action.

The Chargers finished 30th as a team —

Fire

Continued from Page 1 The preseason ended Saturday with an impressive 4-1 victory over defending Eastern Conference champion Toronto,

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Stagg senior Lucas Smiarowski, shown at the Lockport Sectional, finished sixth in the state in the 200 IM for the second time in three years and took 11th in the 100 breast.

the best in the area.

Sandburg, which won the Lockport Sectional, was not far behind at 35th.

Senior Aiden Farley, who is heading to Michigan State in the fall for swimming and academics, closed his impressive high school career finishing ninth in the 500 free (4:32.09) and 11th in the 200 free (1:41.45).

Farley was seeded 14th in the 200 free so he jumped up a few spots over the weekend for the right to earn a second medal.

Sandburg coach Jim Caliendo finished the boys swimming portion of his career with a two-day stay in Winnetka thanks to Farley. Caliendo, who is retiring after 23 seasons with the Eagles, will coach the boys water polo team in the spring before he calls it a career.

Other Eagles who participated in the

and the Fire finished with a perfect 6-0-0 mark. DeLeeuw had two goals in Saturday’s game.

But that’s the preseason.

“Now the real stuff is coming.” Paunovic said.

“I think everyone did very well. What we have to do now

Sandburg senior Airden Farley earned two top12 finishes in the state.

state meet but missed the top-12 cut were Joey Jenkot, Marty Blake, Nick Jackson, Cooper Reiher, Kyle Fox and Carter Thoss.

as a club once we come back is do everything to keep that mood that we are in, the positivity that we have, the expectation and hard work. We have to support the players and give them everything they need to recover and start well

this season.”

DeLeeuw, who said a playoff bid is a realistic goal for the team, enjoyed the winning in February and hopes it continues.

“It’s good for our confidence, but at the end, every team is starting at zero,” he said.

Get The BEST GUN PRICES In Illinois!

Don’t Pay “Crook” County Taxes of $25 per gun and 5¢ per bullet?

round of the CCAC tournament in Bourbonnais. The team finished 16-15.

Baseball: The Cougars swept Brescia University (Kentucky) 9-5 and 13-10 in a doubleheader in Owensboro, Ky. Freshman Ben Zordani had five hits in the twinbill for the Cougars (2-4) and drove in five runs.

Football: The Cougars signed four players, including Brother Rice defensive lineman Luke Malopsy, an Oak Lawn resident.

“Luke lives right down the street from Saint Xavier and it is always nice to get a local player,” said SXU coach Mike Feminis. “He has played both sides of the ball, so we will see how spring ball and recruiting shakes out then plug him in where we need him the most.”

The team also signed Carmel offensive linemen Joey Ptasienski, Phillips defensive lineman Xavier Nash and Lincoln-Way Central defensive lineman Jack Grove.

Trinity Christian College

Men’s volleyball: TCC snapped a four-match losing streak with a five-set win over Adrian (Mich.). Mike Karl led the Trolls (7-5) with 16 kills, 12 digs and three blocks.

Baseball: The Trolls went 1-3 in two doubleheaders against Harris Stowe over the weekend in St. Louis to even their record at 7-7. Zack Jones and Luke Weston homered in the team’s only victory — a 14-9 triumph.

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SPORTS

St. Alexander volleyball team wins Marist tourney

S H OP

o AlmostWholesaleGuns.com WE NOW OFFER GUNSMITHING!

Install Sights • Gun Repair • Cleaning Cerakote Coatings any color you want Fast 1 Week or Less Turnaround • Done On Site

NEED CASH? We Buy, Sell, Trade & Transfer Guns

AR-15 s IN STOCK! 7545 S. Madison St., Burr Ridge, IL 60527

Enter through front main entrance Just a few minutes from I-294 & I-55 or Rt. 53 & I-55

The St. Alexander girls seventh-grade A volleyball team won the Marist Tournament on Feb. 20 in Chicago. Close to 140 teams participated in the 17th running of the tournament in five grade divisions.

Members of the championship team are Lily Ceretto, Grace White, Mary Englehart, Kate Boyle, Tess Enright, Lauren Ziel and Erin Helsdingen. The team is coached by Katy Helsdingen and Terri Englehart.

Smart athletes Glock G17

The Illinois High School Association named its all-state academic team and no one from the area was selected. However,

three athletes were honorable mentions — Stagg’s Cara Mahoney, Shepard’s Caleb Washington and Mother McAuley’s Michaela Dwyer.

Shooters host tryouts The South Side Shooters girls third through 11th grade tryouts are March 7 and March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, Building G. Players need to attend just one night.

For more information, contact Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150 or visit www.shootersbball.com.

— We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com

Springfield X

Ruger LC380

630-863-1379

sales@almostwholesaleguns.com

Hours: Mon. 9-6; Tues. 9-8; Wed. Closed; Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-6; Sat. & Sun. 9-2

Supplied photo

St. Alexander’s seventh-grade volleyball team took first at Marist.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017 Section 2

BOYS REGIONAL BASKETBALL

AREA HOOPS AT A GLANCE BOYS Brother Rice Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Oak Lawn Richards St. Laurence Sandburg Shepard Stagg

W-L

23-5 20-8 18-9 25-3 11-17 13-14 13-15 13-13 13-14 18-8

3

STREAK

W1 L1 W5 W4 W3 W1 W3 L4 W2 W3

NEXT

IHSA 4A Regionals Season completed IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 3A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals IHSA 4A Regionals

* Records through Monday, Feb. 27; compiled by Jeff Vorva.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

After knocking off Homewood-Flossmoor twice this season, including Thursday, Stagg coach John Daniels, his play board and team all hope to make a deep run into the playoffs.

GIRLS Chicago Christian Evergreen Park Marist Mother McAuley Oak Lawn Queen of Peace Richards Sandburg Shepard Stagg

W-L STREAK

19-9 21-8 28-5 22-9 17-14 28-4 13-14 11-18 10-22 11-17

L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1

NEXT

Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season Season

completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed completed

* Compiled by Jeff Vorva.

STATE BASKETBALL POSTSEASON

Tough Thursday for Marist’s girls, a frustrating Friday for CC boys High five! Quintet Despite sectional defeat to H-F,

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Shepard’s Joe Newhall drives for a layup in the Astros’ regional victory over Eisenhower Monday in Blue Island. Shepard was one of five area teams to play in the quarterfinals and all five teams won.

RedHawks enjoy senior moments

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

With 2:19 to play and her team trailing Homewood-Flossmoor by 22 in the Class 4A Shepard Sectional title game, Claire Austin, who’d gone to the bench with her fourth foul two minutes earlier, was among the players summoned back to the court by coach Mary Pat Connolly.

With 59.5 seconds left in what would become a 63-45, seasonending loss, Austin, Caily Landers, Julia Ruzevich, Maggie Robertson and Kate Ruzevich were pulled from the game en masse.

Marist’s cheering section began a hearty chant: “Thank you, seniors!”

In the aftermath of the RedHawks’ second straight Illinois High School Association sectional title game loss to the Vikings, Connolly echoed the sentiment.

“I just wanted them to all go out together,” Connolly, Marist’s girls coach since the school went co-ed in 2002, said. “They’re a great group of seniors — the best group of seniors I’ve ever coached, by far.

“Their work ethic every single day in practice, their character. They were great leaders on and off the court for Marist High School. They were fun.”

Dabbing at tears as she went to the bench, red-eyed discussing it later, East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year Julia Ruzevich recounted

the moment.

“Maggie looked at me and said, ‘We started together, we’re finishing together,’ ” Ruzevich said. “It was sad, because we were down. But it was a great feeling to end it with my sisters.

We’re a family.

“This is a team I’m never going to forget. It’s pretty tough walking away from this.”

H-F (23-2 heading into supersectional play), ranked No. 4 in the state in 4A by the Associated Press, makes it tough on everybody. Seventh-ranked Marist (28-5), despite a quick start, was no exception.

The RedHawks, with Austin scoring all their points as they jumped out to a 7-4 lead, grabbed their last lead at 17-15 with 6:24 to play in the second quarter. From there, H-F went on a 14-2 run and the RedHawks never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Photo by Jeff Vorva Austin led all scorers with Things were not easy for Marist’s Claire Austin or her teammates in Marist’s 19 points, while Julia Ruzevich sectional final loss to Homewood-Flossmoor on Thursday. added 12 and Abigail Callahan seven points and a team-high Marist turned the ball over of a sudden, we stopped fastseven rebounds. H-F was led by seven times in the final three breaking — and H-F turned Missouri-bound Nadia Chanel minutes of the first quarter. Off their pressure up a little bit.

Green with 18 points, Karli Seay of pressure or in the half-court, They were a better team than us added 12 and 6-foot-5 Arizona H-F had little trouble getting tonight.”

State-bound Eva Rubin had 10.

But the RedHawks, who won to the basket, making 23-of-44 “They’re just really tall and field-goal attempts mostly from their first ESCC title since 2012, have great ball-handling skills,” close range. captured a regional and matched Austin said.

“We played zone all year,” the third-highest win total in “Their pressure was really Connolly said. “That wasn’t program history, were special in good,” Julia Ruzevich said. “We working, so we went man and their own right. wanted to go in there handling they were beating us off the drib“A lot of teams have (chemisthe pressure, staying composed, ble. H-F was too quick for us. try) on the court,” Austin said. but we really couldn’t do that.”

“Their pressure got to us. All “We had it on and off the court.”

Watseka stunningly closes out Knights Sports Editor

Mustangs

Continued from Page 1 inside.

“We told him, ‘You’re special,’ ’’ Flannigan said. “We said, ‘Start believing and start being special.’ And tonight he was special.”

Drynan wasn’t just special, he was almost

By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

By the time Friday’s games are over, there may not be very many area teams alive in Class 3A or 4A regional action.

But Monday night? That was a perfect night for the area.

Five area teams — including four from the South Suburban Red Conference — played first-round games, and all five advanced to the semifinals.

Oak Lawn had to do the most sweating.

The team that knocked off Richards on Friday to prevent the Bulldogs from winning the SSC Red, had a wild battle with Reavis before finally coming up with a 67-60 double-overtime victory at the Class 4A Homewood-Floosmoor Regional. Rashad Johnson led the Spartans with 20 points and Adem Osmani added 17. The Spartans were scheduled to challenge Brother Rice in Tuesday’s regional semifinals.

The other four games on Monday night were not as tough.

Shepard’s Marquel Porter scored eight of his team’s first 12 points as the Astros took a 12-2 lead and never looked

back in beating Eisenhower, 61-46, at the Eisenhower Class 4A Regional. Porter finished with 21 points and Chris Harrison dropped in 14. The Astros were scheduled to face national power Simeon on Tuesday.

Richards shook off its disappointing loss to Oak Lawn and smashed Kennedy, 94-56, at its own Class 4A Regional and was scheduled to take on Thornton on Tuesday night.

Evergreen Park, which is enjoying one of its best seasons in school history, beat Chicago Noble/Johnson 69-47 at its own Class 3A regional and was scheduled to face national power Morgan Park on Wednesday night.

Finally, St. Laurence used 15 players and all 15 scored in an 87-30 win at its own Class 3A Regional. Zion Fortune had 10 points in the first quarter to help spark the Vikings, who were scheduled to play Urban Prep Englewood on Wednesday.

Possible matchups Friday night include Brother Rice against Homewood-Flossmoor at H-F, Marist against Thornton Fractional North at Thornton Fractional South, and Stagg against Simeon at Eisenhower.

Senior Josh Decker buries his head after Chicago Christian was stunned by Watseka on Friday night in regional title action.

By Jeff Vorva Everything was lining up Chicago Christian’s way for a second straight Class 2A regional boys basketball title.

The Knights came into the Momence Regional title game with a 10-game winning streak. They didn’t have to worry about a home-court disadvantage because Watseka knocked off Momence, 73-72, in the semifinals. Also, Watseka came into the tournament with a three-game losing streak.

On paper, Chicago Christian was a heavy favorite.

Ball that paper up with your hands and throw it in a nearby trash can.

Watseka came out red hot and held off several Chicago Christian comeback attempts in a 74-63 victory played at the Momence Junior High gymnasium because… well…it’s bigger than the Momence High School gymnasium.

“We weren’t ready at all for this (losing in the regional final),” a stunned coach Kevin Pittman said. “I’ll tip my hat to that team (Watseka). We’ve seen them play in person. We’ve seen them play on film.

They played the best game that I’ve seen them play. They saved it for us. Sometimes that happens. Everybody comes in here on equal footing.’’

The Knights (20-8) had their most mo-

of area teams win Monday matchups

Photo by Jeff Vorva

708-422-8000

9204 S. Western • Evergreen Park thecrazycrabchicago.com

mentum in the closing four minutes as they shaved a double-digit deficit to 6057 with 3 minutes, 49 seconds left in the game. But Blake Castonguay, who is listed at 5-foot-6, buried a huge 3-pointer to give Watseka some breathing room.

A second-quarter banked buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Watseka’s Brendan Fletcher to put his squad up 37-26 showed what type of night it was going to be for the Knights.

Jack Ellison led the Knights with 20 points while Malik Parker had 16 and Isayas Arias chipped in with 12.

What hurts the Knights is that this was a tournament-tested team with eight seniors on the roster. Ellison, Arias, Aidan Crotty and freshman Micah Schnyders are the only underclassmen on the roster so next year Pittman will be filling some vital roles with newcomers.

perfect. He made his first eight shots en route to a 27-point performance on 12-of-14 shooting.

“It feels pretty good,” Drynan said after the game about winning a conference title in his senior year.

As for the rest of the season, the Mustangs still feel there’s more to accomplish.

The Mustangs (17-9 overall) opened play Monday in their own Class 3A Regional and

picked up the 13th seed. Seeding-wise, they were in line to play No. 1 Morgan Park on Wednesday.

“It’s been a great group of kids to work with and we don’t think we’re done,” said Flannigan. “We’ve got a tough seed.

We’re in an all-city sectional and we don’t get a lot of respect so we’ve got to earn it. If we can knock out Morgan Park it gets easier.”

Traditional Cajun Seafood Boil Crab • Lobster Shrimp • Crawfish

Variety of Original Appetizers and More!

• CRAFTED WITH LOVE • FAMILY OWNED • OVER 10,000 CUSTOMERS SERVED!

OPEN DAILY 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WE’RE HIRING!

10% Off ANY SIZE ORDER MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

4

Section 2 Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from a crazy week of postseason action

All eyes were on Marist’s Claire Austin’s (No. 15) shot against Marian Catholic in the Shepard Sectional semifinals on Feb. 21.

Chicago Christian players watch as Watseka players go crazy after winning the Momence Class 2A Regional Friday night. Last year, it was the Knights who celebrated after winning a regional title at Illiana Christian.

Mother McAuley’s Grace Hynes is closely guarded by Homewood-Flossmoor’s Aireal Dickson in a Feb. 21 sectional semifinal in Palos Heights.

Brother Rice’s Hassan Johnson puts the finishing touches on a pin against Lemont on Feb. 21.

Queen of Peace’s Jovanna Martinucci is triple teamed in a loss to Simeon on Feb. 20 at the De La Salle Class 3A Sectional. It was Peace’s last game as the school will close after this school year.

Photos by Jeff Vorva (unless otherwise indicated)

Brother Rice wrestling coaches stand and sit during a heavyweight bout against Lemont on Feb. 21 during the dual sectionals.

Although there were plenty of tears after Thursday’s loss to Homewood-Flossmoor at the Class 4A Shepard Sectional, Ally Corcoran (10) and Stefanie Schied (13) shared a light moment seconds after the game ended.

Supplied photo

Marist’s Stephanie Scheid (left) and Mother McAuley’s Tara O’Malley receive congratulations from Shepard Athletic Director Curry Gallagher on Thursday after they took first and second, respectively, in the 3-point shootout. Scheid was the sectional champ with nine baskets and O’Malley had eight.

Junior guard Tomei Ball, right, poses with Oak Lawn’s Tara Hill after SXU beat Trinity Christian on Feb. 22 in an opening round CCAC Tournament game that was also Hoops for Hope night. Bell organized the event and proceeds are helping Hill, an SXU student who has a rare bone and soft tissue cancer, and her family.

Trinity Christian College’s Kara Cunningham tries to get by a couple of St. Xavier University defenders during the first round of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament on Feb. 22 at the Shannon Center.

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W4 Plaintiff, -v.NANCY DIAZ, PONCIANO ALVARADO, ARGENT MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 05896 9135 S. 87TH AVE Hickory Hills, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 21, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9135 S. 87TH AVE, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-312-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $345,061.30. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C14-12785. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C14-12785 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 15 CH 05896 TJSC#: 37-1601 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I715428

Thursday, March 2, 2017 Section 2

POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR! TUCKED AWAY IN “OLD� ORLAND WITH ITS California style ranch on wooded hills & tallacross trees,from yet close to everything, .8+ acre Forest this inviting, immaculate split level offers Preserves awaits your talents!

4 recently 1stwalkout fl addition w/kitchen & bdrms, 3built baths, 35x25 spectacular fam. rm. adjoining bsmt w/office.

Being sold “As Is�orig. living areas.

Orig. lower level fam. rm. & 4th $319,900 bdrm/office too. $313,700

5

448-4000

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? PLACE AN AD!

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

For Sale

Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

34

A Palos resident since 1963

Your Palos Realtor

708-369-9327

“Follows Me Everywhere!� Ž

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP 2002-HE2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-HE2; Plaintiff, vs.

PILARITA G. ESPINOSA; VICTOR F. ESPINOSA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PILARITA G. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VICTOR F. ESPINOSA, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 6599 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-14-115-024-0000.

Commonly known as 8530 West Broadmoor Drive, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA16-0071.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I714741

“10 in the Park�

NEW as of 7/7/11

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

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

Advertise your business in the service directory!

Call today 448-4000

Up to 40% of businesses never recover after experiencing a major disaster. Do you have a plan to keep your business running if disaster strikes? For a free online tool that helps you develop an emergency plan, visit Ready.gov/business.

DumpsterNP_11_5x7.indd 1

5/6/11 2:30 PM

ngs� x 7�

12

6

Section 2 Thursday, March 2, 2017

448-6161

The Regional News - The Reporter

448-6161

448-4000

Advertise in the classifieds!

Wanted

Help Wanted

SNOWBLOWERS,

small engines, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Call today 448-4000

Reasonably priced or free.

Call (815) 450-0004

Asphalt Paving

Construction

C&C

LUSKEY CONSTRUCTION

Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1982

27 Years Experience Licensed and Bonded

(312) 437-3969

Complete Residential & Commercial Service Your Complete Paving Contractor

Landscaping

425-0410

MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

CHOOSE CAR SEAT:

BY AGE & SIZE

Plumbing & Sewer

GEORGE’S GEORGE’S

PLUMBING & SEWER

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs • • • • • •

Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices 40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

708.952.1833

Depend on an accredited company with the qualifications, resources, and professional management that has been getting the job done right for nearly 30 years

WHO ACTUALLY DO.

Commercial & Residential Maintenance Experts Prompt and Reliable Customer Service

Clean-out Services

Snowblower Repair

Stan’s Hauling

Snow Blowers Lawn Mowers Repair/Tune-Up

Will fix at your house

Reasonable Rates

Call: (815) 450-0004

No Hidden Costs or Fees

Removal of all unwanted items.

From homes, offices, storage areas, garages, apartments, condos, etc.

7 days 773-206-9309 www.stanscleanout.com

THEY HAVE THEIR CHILD IN THE RIGHT SEAT.

(708)-687-8091

THE ONES

WHO THINK

www.threebrotherslandscaping.net

Cleaning Services

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE

448-4000

Garages • Decks Additions • Oak Floors

Asphalt Paving Inc.

(708)

Certified • Fully Insured Licensed • Bonded

Plumbing & Sewer

Tree Service

KNOW FOR SURE

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT. VISIT SAFERCAR.GOV/THERIGHTSEAT

count!

Reasonable Dis Town Lowest Prices in

BROTHERS TREE SERVICE Stump Removal - Tree Removal Licensed and Bond 773-239-3570 Senior Citizen Discount 708-913-8968 Remodeling

FATHER & DAUGHTERS REMODELING Not affiliated with Ron Kafka & Father & Sons

WINTER Special 1/3 OFF • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Rec Rooms • Attics • Flooring

• General Repairs • Garage Repairs • Decks • Windows • Doors

• Porches • Dormers • Roofs • Concrete • Tuckpointing

• Siding • Soffit Fascia • Gutters • Electrical • Plumbing

FREE Architectural Drawings and Permit with Room Addition Purchase Free Estimates Guaranteed Work Full Insured

AGX-2A002E 5.6875x7 BWNP.indd Version Paper Proof# Line Screen Edit Round Print/Export Printed at: Galley: PDF Sent To:

FPO until convert Newsprint 0 85 8 5-2-2012 11:58 AM 0.6% 1

Initials

Studio Manager Proofreader Art Director Copywriter Creative Director Production Manager Account Executive Client

S. Gordon Henry N. Chambers S. Lundberg None J. Adler-Kerekes S. Pollitt Ad Council

Date

708-795-6940

Senior Discount Veteran Discount Licensed & Bonded

This Advertisement Created by

Fonts: None Placed Images: AGX-2A002E stacking rings 5.6875x7_BW_Ć’.ai (Up to Date; 100.05%)

Notes: None

STARTING A BUSINESS?

NEED ADVERTISING THAT WILL STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR? LET US HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Newspaper advertising works! Your business picks up when our readers pick up our newspaper.

Call our Advertising Department Today!

The Regional News The Reporter 708-448-4000 Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

additional programs on the March schedule can also be obtained at that number.

Early March programs announced at The Center

• “Log Cabin Art for Kids” will be held for six Saturday mornings beginning March 4, The times are 10 to 11:30 a.m. for children in kindergarten through second grade and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids in third through eighth grade. Instructor Ruth Augspurger will demonstrate a world of art and nature for kids. Classes are held at the Log Cabin Center for the Arts studios and outdoors. In each session students will work on a variety of art projects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery and more. The sessions end with an art show. Class fee is $85, which includes all supplies.

• “Communion Sunday” is offered March 5 at the Wayside Chapel services at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to set up Communion as well as help distribute it. Those interested may contact Chris Hopkins at (708) 361-3650. All are welcome.

The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic cup and gluten-free bread. Communion Sunday is held the first Sunday of each month, except December.

• Tai Chi instruction will be offered from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 5. Tai Chi is a moving meditation intended to create energy, balance and serenity.

Instructor Trudy Erickson has been studying and practicing Tai Chi for more than ten years. The class will run for six weeks. Reservations are required.

Each class is $7, payable upon attendance.

• Silver jewelry classes will run for six consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Instructor Wendy Martin will teach participants to create beautiful pieces of sterling silver jewelry such as pendants, earrings, pins, bracelets and more. Beginning students learn to saw, file, solder and polish in their first introductory projects.

Martin will help experienced students learn advanced techniques as they design their own jewelry projects. Previous lapidary students may bring polished stones and learn to set them into silver. Class fee is $100. Students can expect to pay $40 to $50 in silver costs, to be paid directly to the instructor in class. Advance registration is required.

The Center is located at 12700 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Park. Reservations that are required for the activities above can be obtained by calling The Center at (708) 361-3650. Information on many

Diverse lineup of activities at Bridge Teen Center

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park, is offering the following programs.

• “Jeopardy Night with Rock Bottom” will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 3. Students are invited to come with their friends and play live Jeopardy.

Free food samples will be provided by Rock Bottom.

• Hydroponics gardening with Trinity Christian College is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. March 7. Students will learn how hydroponic gardening works.

• Cooking the classic Southern dish of chicken and waffles with Chef John from the Harvest Room restaurant in Palos Heights will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 7. This activity is open only to high school students.

• “Soul Café: International Women’s Day with Mrs. Illinois International” will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 8. Mrs. Illinois International will spend the afternoon with students and share her story as a young lady who overcame bullying. This event is open only to girls.

• “Fashion Design with Pink Slip Boutique” is scheduled from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 8. Students will learn the artistic concepts behind unifying colors and patterns, and what makes the perfect look.

• “Project Serve: Thrift Store” will have students spending the afternoon sorting, cleaning, and shelving donated items at The Bridge Thrift Store next door. The activity runs from 4 to 6 p.m. March 9.

• “Advanced Writing: Overcoming Writer’s Block” is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. March 9. Students will connect with an experienced writer about writer’s block and how to overcome it.

• “Bring a Friend Night with The Connor Brown Band and Costco” will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 10, Students are invited to come and play multiple partner-themed games and enjoy live music performed by The Connor Brown Band. Free food samples will be provided by Costco.

The events are free for teens in 7th through 12th grade. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 532-0500 or visiting www.thebridgeteen center.org.

With ‘Lego Batman,’ IMAX makes big commitment to family movies

By Brent Lang Producer Dan Lin got the idea to make a movie involving Legos after watching his son construct elaborate fantasy worlds. “He was talking to his Legos as he played with them,” says Lin. “There was such a grand adventure taking place in his mind.”

Last weekend, Warner Bros.’

“The Lego Batman Movie,” the latest installment in the family film franchise, opened in theaters, doing a smashing $55.6 million at the box office. Unlike 2014’s “The Lego Movie,” this spinoff will unfold in the widest screens of all — Imax.

“We’re trying to capture kids’ imaginations,” says Lin. “We want these worlds to be immersive, and showing these films in Imax helps with that.”

Getting to this point required a course correction. Imax turned down the first Lego movie and has declined to show other animated and family-skewing titles, believing them too far removed from its core fanboy audience.

While becoming the de facto choice for “Star Wars” adventures and live- action comic-book adaptations, Imax has more or less ignored movies plugged at young children.

“Over the last couple of years we have missed some titles that we regret,” says Greg Foster, CEO of Imax Entertainment. “We made a line-in-the-sand decision not to do family-oriented titles, and that has been a mistake.”

No longer. This year, Imax has committed to showing another spinoff, “The Lego Ninjago Movie” with Jackie Chan, and Disney’s live-action version of “Beauty and

Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS

Batman voiced by Will Arnett in a scene from the animated movie “The LEGO Batman Movie” directed

by Chris McKay.

the Beast.” At least two other family titles will be offered, Imax says, declining to release names.

The pivot comes as studios are investing heavily in cartoon and CGI properties.

NBCUniversal, for instance, shelled out nearly $4 billion last year to buy DreamWorks Animation, and Sony, Paramount, and Warner have spent millions ratcheting up their animation divisions.

Audiences like what they’re selling: Five of the 11 top-grossing domestic releases in 2016 were animated — a group that includes “Zootopia,” “Sing,” and “Finding Dory.”

“We’re ultimately responding to the marketplace,” says Foster. “We need to play these blockbusters.

It’s a business we need to be a part of.”

But Jeff Bock, an analyst with Exhibitor Relations, questions whether families will shell out extra to see films in Imax. The company typically charges $5 to $6 more than the average ticket price; 3D films cost an additional

$2 or so. Other so-called premium formats have not done well among moviegoers with kids, because of both the higher price and youngsters’ discomfort with wearing 3D glasses.

“You’re talking about four tickets costing you $80,” Bock notes.

“If you have a lot of discretionary cash, all right. But it’s like buying the biggest car — does it give you more mileage?”

Imax does seem to be making concessions to audiences’ desire to economize. Domestically, Imax showings will be almost exclusively in 2D. While Imax touts its shift to family fare, Warner Bros. argues that “The Lego Batman Movie” is for more than just kids. “It’s not only for 8-year-olds; we’re going to get 18-year-olds, 38-year-olds, and probably 88-year-olds,” says Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution. “There’s enough hip and cool stuff and humor for older audiences.”

In the past, Imax has sometimes swapped in family films in their second or third weeks of release for superhero or sci-fi titles that have faltered. Going forward, the company wants to be part of movies earlier in the process, allowing the studios to highlight Imax in posters and television spots.

Lin, too, sees an advantage in partnering with Imax on the ground floor of future Lego movies. He hopes to one day use Imax cameras to shoot sequences, just as Christopher Nolan and J.J. Abrams did on “The Dark Knight” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” respectively.

“That’s the dream,” Lin says.

“But first we have to convince the studio to let us.”

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:

“MOONLIGHT”: Up for eight Oscars including best picture, director-screenwriter Barry Jenkins’ gritty, widely acclaimed drama traces the life of a young black man at different stages in his struggles, which owe in large part to his troubled relationship

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

with his crack-addict mother (Naomie Harris, in a stunning performance light years removed from her work opposite Daniel Craig’s James Bond). An empathetic drug dealer (Mahershala Ali, also superb) becomes the youth’s rather surprising counsel, with Janelle Monae a standout as well as the pusher’s girlfriend. Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes share the central role. **** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “DOCTOR STRANGE”: A skilled but self-involved surgeon, played ideally by Benedict Cumberbatch, has to chart a new course for himself after a car ac-

cident robs him of the use of his hands in this compelling Marvel adventure fortified considerably by mind-bending special effects.

He gets inspiration from Far East mystics (Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor), but also picks up an enemy who trails him back to New York with havoc in mind. Director Scott Derrickson’s cast also includes Rachel McAdams as Dr. Stephen Strange’s ex-girlfriend. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “ALLIED”: Brad Pitt and “La Vie en Rose” Oscar winner Marion Cotillard generate their own take Continued on page 8

Once the chips have cooled off, arrange them in a shallow bowl for each guest.

Dreamstime.com

A snack for a special occasion

By Wolfgang Puck Chips and dips are a favorite treat for any occasion. But most people put no more effort into them than a quick trip to the convenience store, followed by opening a bag and removing the lid from a jar. So, why should you go to the trouble of making them yourself?

First of all, it isn’t that much trouble. If you own an inexpensive electric countertop deep fryer, or just a heavy pot and a clip-on deep-frying thermometer to help you regulate the temperature, you have all the specialized equipment you need. (Although a mandoline, a very reasonably priced manually operated slicing tool or a food processor will make it easier to slice the potatoes easily and uniformly for even cooking.)

But the main reason to do it yourself is the result you get. The beautiful chips have incomparable golden crispness and deep potato flavor; and the dip tastes rich, creamy and tangy like nothing that comes from a jar.

Please give the recipe a try for any special occasion.

HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS WITH WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP Serves 4 to 6 WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP: • 2 1/4 cups (610 mL) whole milk • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4 tablespoons all-purpose

flour • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Pinch cayenne pepper, optional • 8 ounces (250 g) organic blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Maytag blue, crumbled POTATO CHIPS: • 1 1/2 pounds (750 g) baking (Idaho) potatoes, peeled • Peanut oil, for deep frying • Kosher salt • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish First, make the warm blue cheese dip: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk almost to a boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

Stirring with a wire whisk, gradually sprinkle in the flour, whisking until smooth. Cook, while whisking steadily, for 5 minutes, until the mixture forms a thick but still pale paste, a roux.

To prepare a bechamel sauce, while whisking the roux continuously, slow pour in 2 cups of the hot milk. Raise the heat slightly and, still stirring, bring to a boil.

Adjust the heat to maintain a bare simmer. Season with salt and pepper — and, if desired, a hint of cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until creamy, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes: Using a mandoline resting securely over a bowl of cold water, cut the potatoes into wafer-thin slices no more than 1/16-inch

thick; or use the thin slicing disc on your food processor, or very carefully slice the potatoes with a sharp knife, putting the slices in the water. Let the potatoes soak for a few minutes.

While the potatoes soak, fill an electric deep fryer or a large, heavy pot with at least 4 inches (10 cm) of the oil. Heat the oil to 360 F (180 C) on the deep-fryer’s thermostat or on a deep-frying thermometer.

While the oil heats, drain the sliced potatoes in a colander. Using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, pat the slices until all of them are completely dry on both sides.

When the oil is hot, cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding — separating the slices with your fingers as you add them potatoes carefully to the oil — until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. With the deep-fryer basket or a long-handled skimmer, transfer the potato chips to paper towels to drain. Immediately season with salt.

Whisk the remaining hot milk into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add 6 ounces (185 g) of the cheese, stirring until it melts. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

Arrange the chips in shallow bowls. Drizzle some of the sauce over them, transferring the remainder to a separate bowl or sauceboat to serve separately for dipping. Garnish the chips with the remaining crumbled cheese and the chives. Serve immediately.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): When someone tries to rattle your cage you may be tempted to rattle back. You’ll get the most satisfaction from visiting new places and meeting people in the upcoming week, but may be reckless about risks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Direct your energy. An organized plan of action can lead to accomplishment in the week ahead. You may be wiser than usual when dealing with financial matters and more skillful in complicated negotiations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The best things in life always take time. Tame your impatience in the week to come. The object of your affection can serve as a calming influence. An informal chat with a colleague could dissolve misunderstandings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Two’s company, three’s a crowd.

It may be difficult to spend quality time alone with someone you love in the week ahead because there are too many others begging for attention. Remain devoted to a relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do your own thing. Your friendly outgoing manner could attract new people and friends. You might be able to slip out from behind the bars that block your freedom and act independently in the week to come.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s time to clear the air. There is a tendency to appear too serious when playfulness is in order and vice versa. Someone who seems to want sympathy might not appreciate your helpfulness

in the week ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be surrounded by energetic go-getters. You can feed off their positive energy without engaging in unnecessary risks. Don’t expect too much, too soon, from a potential romantic hookup this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take your time. Avoid becoming involved in trivialities and keep focused on your most important goals in the week ahead. You may incur unnecessary expenses in the upcoming week that you regret later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A spoonful of sugar can be addictive. Be sweet and charming to please a special someone or use your people skills to smooth out a business transaction. You may receive public notice in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid sending mixed signals.

In group settings you may overreach the limits of your authority and may end up as the odd man out in the week ahead. Mind your own business, not other people’s business.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Concentrate on building a solid framework for a lasting relationship in the week ahead.

No matter what your objective or whether you are a workaholic or a homebody, two heads will be better than one.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): There is a New Moon in your sign today. This may offer a subtle change of direction as the week unfolds. Your social skills are in tiptop condition so you’ll have no trouble developing new contacts and connections.

28th Annual

Spring Craft Show Sat., March 11th 9am-4pm & Sun., March 12th 10am-3pm ed

present by

135+ Crafter & Vendor booths plus raffles!

Present this ad for

$1.00 OFF ANY BAKE SALE PURCHASE of $3.00 or more

ADMISSION $300 Kids 12 & under free

Ample Parking On Campus CARL SANDBURG HIGH SCHOOL 13300 S LaGrange Rd, Orland Park

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN Continued from page 7 on many “Casablanca” themes in this elegantly filmed (by cinematographer Don Burgess), reasonably effective romantic adventure from director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”). The stars play spies who have definite trust issues while teamed on a top-secret World War II mission, but they ultimately surpass their assigned charade by falling in love and marrying. That doesn’t stop the suspicions, though, and professional duty may end up surpassing personal considerations for them.

Also featured are Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex”), Jared Harris and Matthew Goode (“Downton Abbey”). *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “RULES DON’T APPLY”: In his return to the screen — after many years — as director, screenwriter and star, Warren Beatty plays legendary billionaire Howard Hughes, an influential figure in general ... but, in the case of this story, more specifically where an aspiring actress and her chauffeur (Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich) are concerned in the Hollywood of the late 1950s. A relationship between the young couple is forbidden by Hughes’ edict, but that doesn’t stop their mutual attraction from taking root. The impressive cast also includes Annette Bening (the real-life Mrs. Beatty, of course), Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Candice Bergen, Ed Harris, Martin Sheen and Oliver Platt. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; music video; photo gallery. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “SHUT IN”: A recently widowed psychologist (Naomi Watts) and her stepson (Charlie Heaton) find themselves terrorized at their New England home in this thriller.

The young man has been left paralyzed by the accident that claimed the life of his father, and as if being on their own during a fierce winter storm isn’t scary enough, they come to believe someone intends to do them harm ... and

has gotten inside the house with them. Jacob Tremblay, a veteran of mother-and-child-in-peril tales thanks to “Room,” and “Chicago Med’s” Oliver Platt (playing a doctor here as well) also appear. *** (PG-13: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “CHRONIC”: Tim Roth never takes the easy way out with his roles, and writer-director Michel Franco’s drama — which earned a Cannes Film Festival Award for its script - stands as yet another testament to that fact. The actor plays a depression-battling private nurse whose dedication to his patients is all-encompassing, to the degree that he gets as much from them as they do from him ... and perhaps more. The cast also includes Bitsie Tulloch (“Grimm”) and actor-playwright Michael Cristofer (“The Shadow Box”), as well as the late Joe Santos (“The Rockford Files”) in his final screen role, but there’s little if any doubt that this project belongs to the compelling Roth. *** (R: AS, N, P)

rell); Jeffrey Dean Morgan also stars. (R: AS, N, P, V) “MASTER OF NONE: THE

FUN at FOX’S ~ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend S E R V I N G O A K L AW N & S O U T H W E S T S I D E F O R

We Can Give You:

BETTER Products and BETTER SERVICE AND Beat The Big Box Prices YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO SHOP & COMPARE

Come See What Everyone Is Talking About!

Plywood Construction - STANDARD Dovetail Drawer - STANDARD Full Extension Glides - STANDARD Glaze Finish - STANDARD

SAVE 60% UP TO

Maple • Cherry • Oak Hickory • White Thermolfoil

OVER

Cabinets, Windows, Professional Installation Available Through Doors and more JR RENOVATIONS

(Burbank)

87th St. (Oak Lawn)

Kitchen, Bath & Building Products Serving Oak Lawn and the Southwest Side for Over 50 Years

Car Wash

Bartz Dental

BISON OUTLET

Joe & Frank’s

e

at

St

d.

R

State Road Plaza

(708) 430-3010

(Bison Center - S.W. Corner of 87th & Ridgeland)

SERVING OAK LAWN & SOUTHWEST SIDE FOR OVER 60 YEARS

60 YEARS

With many years of industry experience, we offer the best in construction services.

Ridgeland

SERVING OAK LAWN & SOUTHWEST SIDE FOR OVER 60 YEARS

KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

“THE EYES OF MY MOTHER” (March 7): An ex-surgeon (Diana Agostini) lives an isolated life with her daughter (Olivia Bond) until a visitor arrives. (R: AS, N, P, V) “INCARNATE” (March 7): A self-styled exorcist (Aaron Eckhart) mind-melds with victims of possession in trying to save them.

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “JACKIE” (March 7): Oscar nominee Natalie Portman plays Jacqueline Kennedy in the immediate aftermath of her president husband’s assassination. (R: AS, P, V) “MOANA” (March 7): The animated, Oscar-nominated Disney feature finds the daughter of a Polynesian island’s ruler (voice of Auli’l Cravalho) trying to reverse a curse. (PG: AS) “SOLACE” (March 14): A psychically skilled FBI consultant (Anthony Hopkins) goes up against a serial killer (Colin Far-

Kitchen, Bath & Building Products

8716 S. Ridgeland

in the saga of a New York-based actor. (Not rated: AS, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE

COMING SOON:

SERVING OAK LAWN & SOUTHWEST SIDE FOR OVER 60 YEARS

Hours: Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 9-6; Wed. 9-7; Fri. & Sat. 9-5; Closed Sun. www.bisonoutlet.com

COMPLETE FIRST SEASON” (March 21): The Netflix comedy series casts co-creator Aziz Ansari

and All of March!

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT Sat. March 11 , Sun. March 12 th

th,

Fri. March 17th & Sat. March 18th

SEE OUR SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT ON FACEBOOK Fox’s Oak Lawn: Facebook.com/FoxsPubOakLawn Fox’s Beverly: Facebook.com/foxsbeverly

Corned Beef & Cabbage starting at

Let FOX’S Do The Cooking!

7

$

99per person

for your house party.

Fox’s Famous Corned Beef Sandwich on Marble Rye Bread with Pickle

only

6

$ 99

minimum order 10 persons • with this coupon Carryout & Delivery ONLY! NO Dine In! not valid with any other coupons or discounts no substitutions

FOX’S RESTAURANT & PUB

Valid at Oak Lawn & Beverly locations only. Expires 4/17/17

$

3

PIZZA DEAL 00

Off

Any Pizza

FOX’S RESTAURANT & PUB Valid at Oak Lawn & Beverly locations only. Carryout & Delivery ONLY! NO Dine In! Not valid with other offers.

Offer expires 4/17/17

Fox’s St. Paddy’s Catering Special Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with Baby Carrots & Red Potatoes

7

$ 99

per person

minimum order 10 persons • with this coupon • Carryout & Delivery ONLY! NO Dine In! • not valid with any other coupons or discounts no substitutions

FOX’S RESTAURANT & PUB

Valid at Oak Lawn & Beverly locations only. Expires 4/17/17

PIZZA DEAL $ 99

Only

19

14” Medium Cheese Pizza & 10 Wings

FOX’S RESTAURANT & PUB Valid at Oak Lawn & Beverly locations only. Carryout & Delivery ONLY! NO Dine In! Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 4/17/17

9240 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn • 708-499-2233 9956 S. Western, Beverly • 773-239-3212 www.foxsrestaurant.com