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THE Volume LVII, No. 52

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Thursday, March 9, 2017

Candidate says Worth mayor’s husband verbally assaulted him By Joe Boyle The former mayor of Worth and current candidate for the position filed a complaint with police claiming he was verbally abused by the husband of current Worth Mayor Mary Werner. Randy Keller, who served as mayor of Worth from 2009 to 2013 before losing to Werner, said he was campaigning door-to-door and passing out literature at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday along 109th

Keller files police complaint claiming Steve Werner shouted obscenities at him

Street and Depot, near Gale Moore Park. It was at this point, according to Keller, that Steve Werner pulled up in his truck and began shouting obscenities at him. Steve Werner, the mayor’s husband and the president of the Worth Park District, was angry about Keller’s campaign literature, stating the material was a “bunch of lies,” according to police. Keller re-

sponded that “the truth hurts” and kept on walking, reports said. According to Keller, Steve Werner continued to follow him but remained in his vehicle. The mayoral candidate said Werner continued to follow him just over a half hour. “I didn’t know what he was going to do,” Keller said. “I was concerned for

my safety.” Keller said that as he approached 108th Street and Depot Avenue, Erich Werner, the son of Steve Werner, drove up in his vehicle and approached him. He advised Keller to leave the area, Keller said. “You better get out of here (because) my dad is going crazy,” Erich Werner said, according to Keller in a statement

See WORTH, Page 10

Storm causes damage in OL

Thankful to be thriving at

100

Power lines, trees take a hit

By Dermot Connolly

The storm that struck the southwest suburbs early Tuesday morning caused some damage in Oak Lawn, mainly along 87th Street between Central and Ridgeland Avenue. Fire Chief George Sheets said that besides some tree branches down, the biggest issues was a traffic signal that came down at the 87th and Ridgeland Avenue, as well as a minor fire on the roof of Grassano’s Pizza, 5751 W. 87th St., that was caused by fallen electrical wires. According to a report on the restaurant fire, firefighters were dispatched at 12:45 a.m. and found smoke coming from the roof, where electrical wires had

By Dermot Connolly

dwin Van Syckle of Palos Hills, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family, credits God for his longevity and good fortune. • “Without God, I couldn’t do anything,” said the centenarian, who never misses Sunday services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Burr Ridge. “I have to be thankful to God. He brought me to where I am. He kept me around longer than I belong,” Van Syckle said, giving one of many wry remarks tossed out during a recent interview in his home, surrounded by party balloons. Van Syckle turned 100 on Feb. 24, and he celebrated with his family and friends on the following Sunday. A native of Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, the retired steel salesman still lives in the Cour Madeline home he bought with his late wife, Winifred, in 1965. They lived in Palos Park before moving to Palos Hills. He recalls watching Moraine Valley Community College, which opened in 1967, getting its start with one Quonset hut. His wife died in 2005. “I miss her very much,” he said. His son, Raymond, lives in Palos Heights, and his daughter, Norma Jean, lives in Columbus, Ohio. She and other family members, including twin greatgranddaughters, came in for the party. His other son, Jeff, who lived in Atlanta, died of leukemia at age 70. Van Syckle is able to live independently

to police. According to police, Erich Werner advised Keller to get into a car and leave. Keller soon got into his friend’s car, which was nearby. Erich Werner then immediately left the area. Keller said he then noticed that Steve Werner drove north on Depot Street to 107th Street, turned around and continued south on Depot. Keller said Steve Werner drove past him and also

fallen. No injuries were reported. The primary power lines behind the building had snapped and were live and arcing, preventing anyone from getting on the roof. ComEd was notified, but in the meantime, a ComEd truck pulled up. The ComEd worker said he was on his way to another location but stopped to assist. He was able to cut off the power to the building, which allowed Burbank firefighters on the scene to extinguish a small fire on the roof. Sheets said Chicago Ridge firefighters were waiting to assist, but were not needed because the fire was put out so quickly. Oak Lawn firefighters then went inside to determine if there was any See OAK LAWN, Page 10

Palos Hills mayor: We will protect our revenues from state By Michael Gilbert

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Edwin Van Syckle, of Palos Hills, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, is all smiles with his aide Peggy Armstrong, and Allison Aidinovich, owner of the Right at Home healthcare agency in Orland Park.

with help from home healthcare aides who spend a few hours with him each day, making meals and taking care of whatever needs he has. “He is a joy and a great person to be around. We have some great conversations and I’ve learned a lot from him,” said Peggy Armstrong, an aide from Right at Home, an agency based in Orland Park

that provides in-home care. She arrives in the evenings to make his dinner and help him around the house, while someone else comes in the mornings. His main goal on Sunday mornings is getting dressed and ready when a volunteer from his church picks him up for services. See 100, Page 10

Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett made it clear last week the city will not sit idly by should Illinois legislators try to slash the funds provided to local municipalities in an effort to help patch the state’s roughly $9 billion budget deficit. “There has been some positioning down (in Springfield) about taking local government revenue and we are all over that,” Bennett told the council on March 2. “We are going to protect our revenues to the last breath.” Bennett said he is “getting very, very concerned” the state is going

into another year “without some type of a budget.” “It’s getting more and more serious,” Bennett said of the state’s budget impasse. “When they don’t solve the problem they look for other revenue sources and for them it seems that when in doubt to go to local government sources.” Bennett said he has heard from state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D18th) and state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) — both of whom represent Palos Hills — as well as other leaders in Springfield that it is not the state’s intention to take See PALOS HILLS, Page 10

Palos Hills girl’s recovery is cause for celebration

7-year-old cuts ribbon for Advocate Children’s Hospital remodeled pediatric emergency room By Kelly White Junnah Hamed is, in many ways, a typical 7-year-old girl. She enjoys school and spending time with her family and friends. But in November of 2016, her life took an unexpected turn. Junnah, of Palos Hills, was admitted to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn with a persistent fever. After arriving, she suffered a heart block and went into cardiac arrest. She spent two weeks in a coma in the pediatric intensive care unit. Doctors diagnosed her with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Junnah’s treating doctor, Dr. Omprakash Sawlani, medical director of the pediatric emergency Department, reports that Junnah has since recovered and is doing well today. In fact, Junnah is doing so well that she joined Sawlani, her mother, Sawsan Abdal-

lah; her father, Ayman Hamed; her 9-yearold sister, Amenah, and a team of medical professionals that included Dr. Brian Sayger, chair of the Department of Medicine, and Mike Farrell, president of Advocate Children’s Hospital, on March 1 to personally cut the ribbon of the hospital’s newly remodeled pediatric emergency room. “They did a wonderful job taking care of Junnah,” her mother said. “They went above and beyond in care and treatment. It was like she wasn’t just a patient; it was almost as if she were the daughter of all of the doctors and nurses on staff. Really an outstanding job.” Junnah, a first-grade student at Sorrick Elementary School in Palos Hills, was the one to cut the ribbon to the new pediatric emergency room, alongside her big sister Amenah, and Sayger and Farrell.

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Farrell reported it was the quick and exceptional response within the emergency room department that saved Junnah’s life. “They did a really good job taking care of my little sister,” Amenah said. “Situations like Junnah’s are exactly what amplifies why we come to work every day,” Sayger said. Sayger was one of the members behind the planning of the new unit. “This emergency room was designed to be only for pediatric medicine and built from the ground up,” he said. “It was all about the patient when we were planning this expansion.” A blessing of the department was held along with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Photo by Kelly White kid-friendly atmosphere officially opened to Junnah Hamed, 7, of Palos Hills, prepares to cut the ribbon for the new patients on Tuesday. pediatric emergency room department recently at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. She is assisted by her sister to her right, Amenah

See RECOVERY, Page 9 Hamed, 9, and Dr. Omprakash Sawlani.

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, March 9, 2017

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Drug possession

Ashes to go

Trina Hardy, 52, of the 7600 block of South King Drive, Chicago, was charged with three felony drug offenses at 7:15 p.m. Saturday in the 7100 block of West 99th Street. Police conducting surveillance of alleged drug activity in the area said Hardy was arrested after being seen exchanging something for cash with another person. They said she was in possession of a .45 caliber handgun, 27 bags of suspected cocaine, and three bags of heroin. She faces charges of unlawful possession of cocaine, and unlawful possession of both cocaine and heroin with intent to deliver, as well as armed violence. She was held for a bond hearing.

Photo by Kelly White

Joan Sullivan, of Oak Lawn, receives ashes to go on her way to work from Peg McClanahan, pastor of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn, at the Oak Lawn Metra Train Station on the morning of March 1, which was Ash Wednesday. Story on Page 7.

Suspended license

Oak Lawn police issue warning to drivers as St. Patrick’s Day nears

The Oak Lawn police are warning residents not to drive while intoxicated after celebrating St. Patrick’s Day activities during the following week. “The Oak Lawn Police Department will be on patrol this St. Patrick’s Day (Friday, March 17), so make sure you obey the law,” said Sgt. Michael Acke, of the Oak Lawn Police Department. “Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends, either. Help us make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois.” In addition to looking for alcohol- and drug-impaired driver, the Oak Lawn Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belts usage rates are lowest. “Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive,” Acke said. “If you choose to drink, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely from the party. If you’re planning on driving, don’t drink. The last thing you want is to ride home with a cop.” Acke said to always designate a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

• Michael Grant, 23, of the 10600 block of South Worth Avenue, Worth, was charged with driving with a suspended license at Harlem Avenue and Southwest Highway at 7:32 p.m. Feb. 28. He was also cited for illegal lane usage. He is due in court on April 5.

The Oak Lawn Police provides suggestions on keeping safe on St. Patrick’s Day. Police reminds someone at a party or bar that they will be held liable if the person they serve is involved in an impaired driving crash. They should also make sure guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers. If someone is holding a party, serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages. Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk. And at St. Patrick’s Day parties, designate a sober driver before the party begins and provide that person with the keys. If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up. The best idea may be to stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk. Acke adds to always buckle up your seat belts. Pedestrians are also at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Acke reminds designated drivers to be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

Retail theft

• Natasha Williams, 28, of the 1500 block of South Wallace Avenue, Chicago Heights, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27. Police said she took miscellaneous merchandise worth $995. She is due in court on Feb. 27. • Tina Sepe, 33, of McGregor, Iowa, was charged with retail theft at 6:08 p.m. Feb. 27 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said she left the store with concealed merchandise worth $205. She is due in court on April 5. • Nathan Slaughter, 32, of McGregor, Iowa, was charged with retail theft at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said he left the store with clothing worth $88 that he had not paid for. He was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for a parole violation issued by the Iowa Department of Corrections. He was held for a bond hearing and is due in court April 5 on the theft charge. • Shalamar Robinson, 35, of the 13400 block of South Wood Street, Blue Island, was charged with retail theft at 12:15 p.m. March 1 at Kohl’s in Chicago Ridge Mall. Police said he took merchandise worth $80. He is due in court on April 1.

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Retail theft

• Tamika McKinnis, 34, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 5:55 p.m. Feb. 27. Police said she was stopped outside after allegedly taking eight packs of cigarettes worth $84.32 from behind a counter, and putting them

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David Wescott, 56, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol at 6:07 p.m. last Thursday in the 3500 block of West 91st Street.

Gun charge

Brandon Guest, 22, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon following a traffic stop at 10:32 p.m. Feb. 27 in the 2500 block of West 95th Street. Police responding to a report of a robbery at Walmart said they pulled over the car he was driving and found a handgun with 10 live rounds inside.

Drugs possession

Brian Bereta, 27, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and received citations for possession of drug paraphernalia and following too closely, at 6:04 p.m. March 1 in the 9700 block of South Western Avenue. Police said he was found in possession of 2.5 grams of heroin, two burned spoons with drug residue, two empty bags with drug residue, and five syringes.

Hickory Hills

Suspended license

Brayton L. Browder, 21, of the 8800 block of South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:44 p.m. Monday in the 9600 block of South Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on April 17.

Oak Lawn DUI charge

Kaher Samad, 46, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 2:10 a.m. Feb. 19 in the 9700 block of South Pulaski Road. Police said he was also cited for driving with an expired license, no insurance, disobeying a traffic control signal, improper lane usage and failure to notify the secretary of state’s office of an address change. He is due in court on March 8.

Assault charge

Tracy R. Glenn, 43, of Oak Lawn, was charged with assault following an altercation at the Oak Lawn Metra station on Museum Drive at 4:14 p.m. Feb. 28. Police said that when they responded to a report of an armed subject, a man to them that Glenn had threatened him with a knife after he asked her to hold the train door for him.

Drug possession

Krisjon Anthony Stallings, 26, of Hammond, Ind., was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 8:52 p.m. Feb. 28 at 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. Police said a cigar blunt containing 3 grams of synthetic cannabinoids was found in the car. He was also cited for driving on a suspended license and improper lane usage. He was held for a bond hearing.

Battery off nse

Joseph G. Blatt, 37, of Oak Lawn, was charged with battery following an incident that occurred at 8:19 p.m. Feb. 26 inside a laundromat in the 9700 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said a woman alleged that Blatt made a lewd remark and tried to touch her breast. He was also charged with disorderly conduct and resisting a police officer after he allegedly lunged at police officers while in handcuffs. He is due in court on March 15.

Suspended license

Latisha M. Brown, 30, of Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 1:55 p.m. Feb. 27 in the 9700 block of South Austin Avenue. She was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. She is due in court on April 12.

Retail theft

• Lance T. Guterz, 57, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Fairplay Foods at 6:10 p.m. Feb. 21. Police said he left the store with eight packages of bacon. He was charged with a second count of retail theft stemming from an incident on Feb. 2. Employees said that incident was caught on surveillance video, which showed him allegedly taking steaks from the store. He is due in court on March 14. • Joe T. Russiaky, 22, of Joliet, and Eric J Truhlar, 23, of Palos Hills, were issued village ordinance violations for retail theft at Mariano’s, 11000 S. Cicero Ave., at 3:57 p.m. Feb. 22. Police said Truhlar took four bottles of infant formula, and Russiaky allegedly took three. They are due at a hearing in Village Hall on March 14.

Palos Hills

Suspended license

• Houseen Mohamed, 20, of Hickory Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at 88th Avenue and 103rd Street. Police said he was also cited for unlawful use of a driver’s license, improper use of registration, unlawful use of a cellphone while driving, driving without insurance, and no seatbelt. He is due in court on March 24.

• Cristhian Ruiz, 41, of Hickory Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6 p.m. March 1 at 111th Street and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for driving with a loud muffler and driving in the wrong lane. He is due in court on March 24. • Harry Kolk, 35, of Palos Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic accident at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, at 103rd Street and Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to report an accident, and failure to notify the secretary of state of a change of address. He is due in court on March 24.

Car crash investigation

Police are investigating a car crash that occurred at 2 a.m. Feb. 28 in Cour Montreal. The vehicle involved in the crash was reported stolen from the 10100 block of South Roberts Road at 2 p.m. the same day.

Car is burglarized

An alcohol detection system was reported stolen out of a car in the 8300 block of West 103rd Street at 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Police said wires connecting the battery had also been cut.

Battery off nse

Abdalhadi Saada, 62, of Hickory Hills, was charged with battery following an incident that reportedly occurred at Bertucci’s restaurant, 10331 S. Roberts Road, at 6:30 p.m. March 1. Police said a co-worker at the restaurant reported being hit by Saada. He is due in court on April 11.

Multiple charges

Chris Libner-Scapardine, 18, of Worth, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor at 10 p.m. Friday in the 10200 block of 78th Avenue. Police said he allegedly aided a juvenile habitual runaway and provided cannabis to the person. He was also charged with obstruction, possession of open alcohol, operating a vehicle with an obstructed windshield, and driving without insurance. He was also issued local ordinance citations for possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of fireworks. He is due in court on April 11.

Aggravated speeding

Ahmad Naklah, 18, of Bridgeview, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 10 p.m. March 1 in the 7400 block of West 103rd Street. Police said he was also cited for improper lane usage, failure to signal and unsafe equipment. He is due in court on March 1.

Jacket is stolen

A Harley-Davidson leather jacket was reported stolen from Sammie’s Café, 8831 W. 95th St., at 8 a.m. Friday.

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in a store bag. She was also cited for obstructing identification for giving police a false name. Cleton Mayhew, 40, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 5:27 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he took food and vodka worth a total of $19.81.

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Ashley A. Daley, 26, of the 7200 block of West 114th Place, Worth, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 3:27 a.m. Feb. 28 in the 11100 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited for improper lane usage, failure to signal when required, no rear registration plate light, and failure to notify the secretary of state of an address change. She is due in court on March 29.

Unlicensed driving

• Gina R. Tovsr, 40, of the 8800 block of South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 9:04 a.m. Feb. 25 in the 11400 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance, only one taillight, and failure to signal when required. She is due in court on March 29. • Guillermo Soto, 50, of the 1800 block of South 57th Avenue, Cicero, was charged with driving without a license at 7:06 a.m. Feb. 24 in the 11600 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance and having an obstructed windshield. He is due in court on March 29.

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

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Reporter

Thanking Tuskegee Airman

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Christine Mitchell, of Oak Lawn, meets retired Lt. Milton Williams, Jr. one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the fi st African American military aviators to serve the U.S. Armed Forces. Williams, 94, is a client at Providence Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Palos Heights. He spoke of his life and military career in World War II and beyond to local students and fellow Providence clients. Mitchell, a home-schooled student, and the other attendees learned of the Tuskegee Airmen’s struggles with discrimination within and outside the Army. The military and large portions of the U.S. were racially segregated when he served.

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Little victories can turn Chicago’s image around e know Chicago has been in the news over the past few months. We can’t escape the fact that there’s been escalating violence within the borders of the city. Most of us have read about it and seen clips on the nightly news. Images of children dying because they just happen to be in the crossfire of feuding gangs are heartbreaking. We can’t avoid hearing about the violence. Our new president seems to tweet about Chicago’s shootings every other day. Of course, Chicago has to come to grips with this endless violence. But it is also important to point out to critics — including the current president — that the majority of these shootings are concentrated in a few neighborhoods on the city’s South Side and West Side. Joe Of course, we know Chicago will be the focus of some jokes. On the Weekend Update Boyle segment on “Saturday Night Live” this past week, Colin Jost mentioned that Chicago has had no snow during the month of January and February. And then he added the zinger: “Because all the snowflakes were shot down before they reached the ground.” But all kidding aside, the city has a lot to offer. Right now, Chicago has nine different TV shows being filmed in and around the downtown area. The stage production of “Hamilton” has made it to Chicago. In sports, the Chicago Blackhawks are red hot and will compete for another Stanley Cup. The Hawks have already won three Stanley Cups during this decade. And unless you have been living under a rock, we all know the Chicago Cubs are World Series champions for the first time in 108 years. The lakefront along the North Shore to the South Shore is a beautiful sight and perhaps a surprise to visitors who first witness it. The downtown area includes Cloudgate, or the “Bean,” along with Buckingham Fountain and the Magnificent Mile. I was thinking about all that when I attended a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday night at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Chicago’s Washington Heights neighborhood. I graduated from the school at 9837 S. Throop St. and lived a couple a blocks away from there. I’ve been attending the event consistently over the past 10 years or so. I will meet one of my brothers and sister and attend Mass before the event. As the service concludes, members of the Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band make their way up the aisles of the old church, playing their bagpipes and drums. We follow them out the door and across the parking lot, entering the nearby gym. Since this is a pre-St. Patrick’s Day bash, there was corned beef, potatoes and, as a surprise, lasagna. The Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band performed again, along with a choir from Marist High School. St. Margaret of Scotland School, like many Chicago-area Catholic schools, has had to endure lower enrollment and budget concerns. A lot has changed since when I went there in the 1960s in the midst of the baby boomer generation. We had 150 kids in our graduating class. The neighborhood in the 1960s was mainly Irish Catholic. Today the parish is almost exclusively African American. But the annual St. Patrick’s Day party is a link to the parish’s past and a major fundraiser. The school has also received assistance from Big Shoulders, Catholic Charities and other organizations. The parish has also started an annual golf outing that draws many graduates and friends of St. Margaret’s. This is another way in which St. Margaret graduates can get together and have some fun while raising money for the school. This appears to be working. Kevin Powers, the current principal at St. Margaret’s, said that a few years ago the school had an enrollment of 150 students. Powers said that currently St. Margaret’s has an enrollment of 223. School officials are confident those enrollment figures will rise even further. Powers and the organizers of events held at the school and for the parish deserve a lot of the credit. But it also got me thinking that with some creativity and hard work, anything is possible. Chicago is a great city, but sometimes we all need help. I thought of the crime and the violence that is too prevalent. What needs to be done is to offer more opportunities for individuals in these neighborhoods. In the case of Trump, instead of tweeting about Chicago’s violence, he could sit down and meet with local public officials and developers to see what can be done. Trump said he wants to pour money into infrastructure to improve U.S. cities. Chicago would be a good start. But it begins with little victories, like the ones seen at St. Margaret’s. That’s how it can begin.

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

Fish and Sports Show fundraiser to benefit Evergreen Park’s FOP The Fish and Sports Show fundraiser for the Fraternal Order of Police, Evergreen Park Lodge 27 will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 10 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th

St., Merrionette Park. Donation is $25 per person. Tickets are available at the front desk of the Evergreen Park Police Station, 9420 S. Kedzie Ave.

CHICAGO RIDGE BOARD MEETING

Starbucks could be part of new commercial strip Mayor says developer’s serious offer for land along Harlem would be a good deal By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge could have its first Starbucks coffeehouse, and a few other businesses, if a developer’s offer to purchase a piece of village-owned land on Harlem is accepted. Mayor Chuck Tokar informed the trustees at the village board meeting on Tuesday that he had received a serious offer from a developer interested in buying the property at 10255 S. Harlem Ave., where a Nicobee’s restaurant once stood. The village purchased the site for $650,000 about two years ago and tore down the restaurant. Tokar said the offer “was for a lot more than we paid for it.” “It’s very exciting news,” he said, urging the board to meet in executive session as soon as possible to discuss the details. The prospective buyer envisions building a commercial strip that would include a Starbucks as well as two or three other storefront businesses. The property at the northwest corner of the village is adjacent to the vacant 75-acre Yellow Freight yard, which was recently rezoned to attract more development. Tokar is hopeful the new proposal will spur interest in the whole area. “I told them from the get-go, I don’t want any mattress stores, or video gaming cafés, or cellphone stores at that location,” he said, because of the proliferation of those types of businesses elsewhere.

A majority of trustees have voted down several new business plans that came before the board over the past year because of the inclusion of video gaming. “The developer wants to move ahead with this as quickly as possible,” said Tokar. Trustee Fran Coglianese noted that if it comes to fruition, this would be the first Starbucks in Chicago Ridge. Currently, anyone seeking a Starbucks on that stretch of Harlem must go north to 80th Street in Burbank, or south to College Drive in Palos Heights. The board also approved a liquor license for Ridge Liquors, to be built at 5936 W. 111th St. The owner of the property razed the former Kasper’s bar on the site and had been awarded a liquor license for the new business last year. But when financing fell through, it was withdrawn. The new business will include package liquors and a small bar with two or three video gaming machines. Also during the meeting, Chicago Ridge Mall general manager Steven Yee informed the board that the Illinois State Crime Commission named Tokar “Municipal Leader of the Year.” He said the mayor and village were honored for working successfully with the mall on its “youth supervision policy” in place since 2015, following a violent brawl. “Everyone knows that the mall is our bread and butter,” said Tokar.

Free Community Health Fair will be held at St. Xavier University Free health screenings, assessments and information are available at the 14th Annual Community Health Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 24 St. Xavier University’s Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago. The fair is a “one-stop shop” of free health services. It includes free screenings and assessments for the following: blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density, hearing and vision, injuries, stress, body mass index and spinal cord. The event includes a wide array of other activities, such as Rainbow Therapy Dogs, free chair

massages and free refreshments. Exercise classes, which are held every 15 minutes, begin at 9 a.m. and are held every 30 minutes. A blood drive will be hosted by Heartland Blood Centers. Residents interested in donating blood can pre-register by calling the Shannon Center, (773) 2983592. Demonstrations about child and adult CPR, first aid, exercise demonstrations and free screenings will be provided. A raffle, scavenger hunt, a children’s activity corner, and face painting will be included. More information can be obtained by calling (773) 298-3592.

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4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Worth American Legion Post welcomes community to first fish fry Members of the Marrs-Meyers American Legion Post 991 held their first in a series of fish frys on Friday at the post, 11001 S. Depot Ave., Worth. The fish frys will be held each Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. through April 14. The food that will be offered includes cod, catfish, shrimp, soup, salad,

baked potato and fries. Visitors also have a choice of a variety of refreshments that include coffee, tea and soft drinks. A large assortment of cake and cookies are available for dessert. A large crowd began to file in at about 5:30 p.m., including post members and families out for dinner.

Residents who stopped by the post said they attend many of the fish frys. They commented that they also love the soup. The post was serving tomato basil soup on Friday. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 12 and under. Children under the age of 3 can

Worth resident Elaine Hicks tries some of the tomato basil soup that was served at the fish fry Friday at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth.

eat for free. The post continues a custom it holds at a variety of its events. The Table of the Fallen Soldier is placed near the entrance. The small table features a plate and information on deceased members of the military, prisoners of war and the missing in action.

The Table of the Fallen Solider is near the entrance of the Marrs-American Legion Post 991 in Worth during the fish frys that will be held on Fridays through April 14 at the post. The table is set up to honor the memory of deceased members of the military, POWs and MIAs.

Guests sit down to sample salads, soup and fish at the annual fish fry on Friday at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth. The fish frys will continue through April 14.

Photos by Joe Boyle A wide assortment of cakes and cookies were available for residents after they enjoyed their fish fry meals Friday at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 in Worth.

Evergreen Park continues process of leveling dilapidated properties By Sharon L. Filkins With its approval of two ordinances to purchase abandoned properties at the Monday night meeting, the Evergreen Park Village Board continued to move forward in its efforts to prevent abandoned properties from becoming eyesores. The board unanimously approved the purchase of property located at 8849-8859 S. California Ave. from Cook County at a cost of $225,000. “We are buying this property and the house next to it in order to maintain it and improve it in preparation for sale to a suitable party,” said Mayor James Sexton. He added that the village plans to demolish the existing buildings on the property. The property at 8841 S. California Ave. was also

purchased from the county for $50,000. Both purchases were made possible through the Cook County Land Bank Authority’s program designed to aid municipalities in purchasing foreclosed, vacant and abandoned properties in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stimulate residential, commercial and industrial development. In another resolution, the village agreed to indemnify the State of Illinois for photo enforcement equipment attached to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) facilities. The village is giving IDOT permission to install photo enforcement equipment in the village and has agreed to be responsible for it. The equipment is scheduled to be placed at the intersections of 87th and Kedzie Avenue (east-

bound) and 95th and Western Avenue (southbound). According to Village Clerk Cathy Aparo, these are two of the most heavily travelled intersections in the village and installation of the equipment is designed to increase the safety of the public. The board also approved a resolution calling for street and highway maintenance in 2017 with an allocation from the state’s motor fuel tax in the amount of $514,000. Other approvals included business certificates for Tru Blue Security LLC, a security company at 3317 W. 95th St., and Kingdom Custom Wheels, at 2657 W 87th St. A request for a business certificate from Lazy Healing Spa at 3830 W. 95th St., Suite 103, was tabled, due to lack of information.

St. Laurence to host annual Final Four Extravaganza

The 17th annual Final Four Extravaganza will be held Saturday, April 1 at St. Laurence High School, 5556 W. 77th St., Burbank. This year’s event for adults features a big Super Raffle with many cash prizes, including a $5,000 grand prize to one lucky winner. Tickets are $60 in advance, or $70 at the door the night of the event. This includes free food and drink

throughout the evening. The “Evening of Baskets and Bucks” offers Las Vegas-style gaming for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The event will also feature a large craft-beer tasting area. Supporters of the school are invited to attend and renew acquaintances with friends, faculty and alumni. Proceeds will directly benefit the students at the Catho-

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lic, college preparatory all-boys school. “As always we truly look forward to welcoming all of those who share the spirit and the enthusiasm of our St. Laurence community,” said Joe Martinez, school president. The Final Four Extravaganza includes areas dedicated to casino games, food and beverage service, a big raffle, craft-beer tasting, and basketball viewing on large television screens. These activities are open to the public from 4 p.m. until midnight. The event is sponsored by St. Laurence High School, in cooperation with the Fathers Club and Mothers Club. Tickets can be purchased for the Final Four Extravaganza by calling (708) 458-6900, ext. 237, or visit www.stlaurence.com and click on to the Alumni page to the link: stlfinalfour2017.eventbrite.com The exact grand prize will be determined by the number of tickets that will be sold.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives Our Lady of Ridge student wins essay contest • 50 years ago

From the March 9, 1967 issue The story: In an essay contest with the theme “Brotherhood,” Debi McGrath, 14, an eighth grade student at Our Lady of the Ridge School in Chicago Ridge, was judged the winner of the contest. The contest, under the direction of Sister M. Stephen, included contributions from all the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students attending the school. The Our Lady of the Ridge Altar and Rosary Society awarded prizes for the youngsters’ efforts. Debi received a $5 cash award.

Daley’s Midway Airport comments upset suburban mayors • 25 years ago

From the March 5, 1992 issue The story: Chicago Mayor Richard Daley created a stir when he informed a neighborhood organization from the city’s Southwest Side that Midway Airport will shut down by 1997. Local mayors said the airport is vital for the southwest suburbs. Daley made his comments after he made his proposal for a Lake Calumet airport on Chicago’s Southeast Side. He was reportedly upset with the organization, the Southwest Parish and Neighborhood Federation, who met with him and requested certain restrictions on aircraft noise at Midway. The quote: “We’re not going to see Lake Calumet in service for a good 20 years because it will take that much time to clean up all that waste and make the area environmentally sound,” said Oak Lawn Mayor Ernie Kolb.

Hickory Hills closer to adding red light cameras to city • 10 years ago

From the March 8, 2007 issue The story: Hickory Hills aldermen adopted an ordinance last month that paves the way for a red light camera system in the city. The city council, at its meeting on Feb. 22, directed city attorney Vince Cainkar to enter contract negotiations with Red Speed Ltd, a road traffic technology company, to install red light traffic enforcement cameras where both 87th and 95th streets intersect with Roberts Road. City council members mentioned that the intersection of 97th Street and Roberts Road has a “no turn on red” sign that often goes ignored by motorists. The quote: “It will take a while because it has to go through IDOT but we’re very supportive of the installation of the red light cameras,” said Al Vodicka, the Hickory Hills police chief.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Reporter

When it comes to high-profile political visitors, Moraine Valley clearly reigns

WHATIZIT?

By Jeff Vorva

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Hills saint. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net. We had several readers who answered last week’s quiz correctly. The readers had a couple of options. The correct answer was Klein Park at 97th and Homan, which is adjacent to the gazebo across the street at the Evergreen Park Community Center. But we also accepted Circle Park, since it is almost shaped in a circle. Evergreen Park resident Rich Rahn knew it was the support columns of the gazebo in Circle Park. Vince Pizza, of Evergreen Park, mentioned it was part of the pergola at Klein, or Circle, Park. Also answering Klein Park or Circle Park were Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum and Mary Ann Zellmann, of Burbank.

SUDOKU

Moraine Valley? On this day it was more like More Rain Valley. On Nov. 4, 1988, Moraine Valley Community College welcomed seated President Ronald Reagan, who came to campaign for the George H.W. Bush/Dan Quayle ticket. But the rally at the Valley almost didn’t happen because it File photo by Bill Zars rained. President Ronald Reagan spoke to a crowd at Moraine Valley Community And rained. College in 1988. And rained. It rained so badly, Republican congressional candidate Joseph lege to have such a varied array of Submitted photo J. McCarthy got soaked enough politicians come to campus over Then-Senator Barack Obama was one of many politicians who spoke at on his arrival to the Palos Hills the past 50 years,” said Moraine Moraine Valley Community College over the years. campus that he was not a part of Valley President Dr. Sylvia Jen“It was the most wonderful biggest deal in town. Everythe Republican group of dignitar- kins. “They came to campus for various reasons, but each gave our thing being here and it was all body was so thrilled to have ies on stage with Reagan. But eventually Reagan’s he- staff and students the chance to very inspiring,” Worth resident him here and he was such a licopter arrived on campus and see democracy in action. It’s im- Victoria Lukasiewcz told The great speaker. People talked the show went on – eight years portant for us to honor our system Reporter. “This was the first about it for years.’’ One of the promises Reagan to the day that Reagan was first of government and contributions time I’ve ever seen a president of our great leaders.” in person and I had a seat right made was to “stir up a storm” elected president. Regan’s appearance was the in the front. I’ll never forget it.’’ to allow presidents to serve more Moraine is celebrating its 50th Another person who won’t than eight years. birthday this year and school biggest. He was in his final months as forget that appearance is Wally “Once I’m out of office and no officials have looked back on some of the political big shots the U.S.’s top boss and he came Fronczek, who was in charge of one can accuse me of doing it for who have come to campus over in with 160 local policemen for logistics of the president’s visit. myself, I’m going to see if I can the years. Then-U.S. Senator protection, in addition to the Se- He had one week to plan for it stir up a storm about changing Barack Obama, Vice Presidents cret Service members surround- and had power meetings with that (amendment),” he said. The former actor showed his Dick Cheney and Walter Mon- ing him. The party in the school’s Secret Service. “He was a very well-liked comedic chops when promoting dale, Governor Jim Edgar, and gym was festive, complete with Senator Paul Simon were a few the Stagg High School band play- sitting president and we were Bush. “Call your brothers and sisters of the many national, state and ing patriotic music and red, white much smaller back then,’’ Fronand blue balloons dropped from czek said. “Our community was — your mother-in-law even!’’ he local politicians to stop by. much smaller. His visit was the cracked. “It’s been an honor for the col- the ceiling.

Moraine Valley Foundation to host inaugural Alumni Weekend

Answers on Page 9

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Moraine Valley Community College, the Foundation will host the first Alumni Weekend April 7 and 8. The celebration kicks off on Friday, April 7 with a Welcome Back Reunion from 7 to 10 p.m. at Trio, a sports bar and restaurant, 11845 Southwest Highway, Palos Heights. “This is the perfect opportunity to get the gang back together and gather with other alums for a fun night of memories and friendship,” said Pat Trebe, assistant director of annual

giving and alumni relations. “Back 2 the Valley” festivities on Saturday, April 8 bring alumni back to campus for a day of activities. A continental breakfast will be offered at 9 a.m. Visitors can be students again in a wide range of mini-courses, including video making, photography, culinary arts, and history of rock and roll. Alumni can have lunch with family and friends, and attend the brick dedication in the college’s Shakespeare Garden. The day’s events will conclude with a 3 p.m.

Kids will have their dash at 10th annual SW Half-Marathon By Dermot Connolly

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Detergent with Oxi Booster 4 DVD precursor 7 Scout, to Tonto 12 “Face the Nation” group 15 “My mom’s gonna kill me!” 17 Uncle relative? 18 Golden Globe, e.g. 19 Nail care target 21 Congressional period 22 Vocal quartet member 23 Use WhatsApp, say 24 Junior nav. officer 25 Long time follower 27 Manipulator 29 Cut 31 Roll of dough 32 Popular weekend destination for many Northern Californians 33 Deceitful 37 Remove 39 Drop (out) 41 Russian lettuce? 42 Fog machine substance 44 Average 46 Ballerina’s hairdo 47 Prohibit 48 Offensive to some, for short 49 Rescue squad initials 50 ___ Fridays 53 Speak harshly 55 “Fine by me” 57 Salon piece 59 Swallowed one’s pride 62 Chinese cooking staple 64 “__ were the days” 65 Not working 66 “Lone Survivor” military group 67 Speak, old-style 68 Not strict 69 One of two in Pompeii

1 “Paradise Lost,” e.g. 2 Marinara brand 3 Singer whose last name is Pig Latin for a slang word for “money” 4 Workshop gadget 5 Derby or boater 6 Huge success 7 Toyota Center team 8 Laudatory verses 9 Tighten, as laces 10 Kept quiet 11 Paradises 13 Really bad 14 Activity for some ex-presidents 16 Good buys 20 Get rid of 23 Appears unexpectedly, and a hint to this puzzle’s circles 25 Knocked out 26 “Tootsie” actress 28 Co-producer of the art rock album “High Life” 30 Little, in Marseille 34 London locale that’s a music industry eponym 35 “America’s Got Talent” judge Heidi 36 Deep desires 38 Lust, e.g. 40 Weigh station unit 43 Praises 45 Pick out of a crowd 50 Spanish appetizers 51 Actress Scacchi 52 Birthplace of the violin 54 Peninsular capital 56 Icy Hot target 58 Supermodel Sastre 59 Longtime teammate of Derek 60 Nobel Peace Center locale 61 From Green Bay to St. Paul 63 Often rolled-over item

Answers on Page 9

A free Kids’ Dash fun run, sponsored by Palos Hospital, will be added to the 10th Annual Southwest Half-Marathon and 10K on Sunday, May 7 on Route 83 in Palos Heights. Registration for all three events is available on the website at www. southwesthalfmarathon.com. For the half-marathon, registration is $65 and $50 for the 10K. The Kids’ Dash event, which will start at 10:30 a.m. when the other races are completed, will include a 50-yard-dash for children up to 4 years old, 100-yard dash for 5- and 6-year-olds, and 200-yard-dash for 7- and 8-yearolds, and a quarter-mile run for 9- and 10-year-olds. The main two events are open to those ages 11 and up. Just like last year, Palos Health, the parent of Palos Hospital, is sponsoring the half-marathon, while CNB Bank & Trust is sponsoring the “Being that it is our 10th anniversary, we wanted to offer something that would attract more families. This should be exciting. It will be making it more of a family experience, a community experience,” said Jeff Prestinario, who co-founded the event with race director Mel Diab. All the participants in the Kids’ Dash will receive medals and ribbons. “Everyone is a winner,” said Diab, who said Friday during a planning meeting that he would like to see 100 children participate in the fun run. The route of the main races remains the same from previous years. Both start and finish at 7600 W. Route 83, beside Palos Heights City Hall. The half-marathon follows Route 83 nearly as far as Archer Avenue, where runners turn around in the parking lot of Camp Sagawau and return to the finish. Participants in the 10K follow the same route as far as the McClaughry Springs Woods in Palos Park, where they will turn around and head back. The starting time for the main races is 7:30 a.m., and Route 83 will be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m., so parking close to the race start might be difficult for people coming later to the 10:30 a.m. Kids’ Dash. Parking will be available at both the Palos Heights and Palos Park Metra commuter lots, said Ed Dombrowski, who oversees parking on the day of the event. The children’s races are expected to be completed in 20 or 30 minutes, and are not expected to

delay the reopening of Route 83. “Things are going along pretty well,” said Jeff Prestinario, regarding race preparations. He and the other organizers are happy with the number of sign-ups for the main races so far, but they would always like to see more. As of last Friday, they said about 900 people had registered online for the two official races, with about two-thirds signing up for the half-marathon and a third for the 10K. Organizers are planning to notify local schools about the free Kids’ Dash. Lori Mazeika, representing Palos Hospital, said that in addition to sponsoring the half-marathon and the kids’ dash, the hospital will continue its tradition of providing physical therapists to lead warm-up exercises prior to the main races.

Th e

tour of the campus. Tickets for the Welcome Back Reunion are $25 a person, which includes hot appetizers and two drink tickets. A cash bar is available. Tickets for Back 2 the Valley are $15, which includes lunch. Alumni interested in attending both events can purchase a special combination ticket for $30. Online registration can be completed at morainevalley.edu/ alumniweekend. For more information, contact Trebe at (708) 974-5551 or trebep@morainevalley.edu.

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6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, March 9, 2017

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

‘Bravo’ to Oak Lawn high schools getting performing arts centers ak Lawn Community High School and Richards High School in Oak Lawn have both produced outstanding programs in the arts over the years. And administrators at both schools have decided that it is time to reward the program directors and students with excellent facilities. Both Oak Lawn High, 9400 Southwest Highway, and Richards, 10601 S. Central Ave., will be adding performing arts centers to their schools within the year. The Oak Lawn Village Board approved the variations needed last month to build these facilities. The village board acted on the recommendation made by the Oak Lawn Planning and Development Commission, approving the proposal by an 8-0 margin. Oak Lawn Community High School in District 229 sought height, setback and parking variations for its planned performing arts center. Ordinances were approved unanimously at the village board meeting. The the additions at both schools will be connected to their present buildings. Richards High School sought a 20-foot height variance, from 30 to 50 feet, for its planned building. The proposed construction will include a lobby, theater, dressing rooms, dance studio, prop shop and restrooms. The construction of each addition to the schools represents a combined $30 million investment in the village, according to school officials. The performing arts center at Richards High School will be built east of the campus and is expected to reach an elevation of 50 feet. The new Richards auditorium will have seating for 525 to 540 people, architect Matt Stoub said. Oak Lawn High officials have said that its performing arts center will be built where the tennis courts are presently located at the southwest corner of the school and just south of the football field. School officials have said that the three tennis courts will be moved to the other side of the building, next to four existing courts along 93rd Street. Oak Lawn High officials have said they are considering adding another court. Having eight courts would allow the school to host IHSA tennis events. Both projects could break ground in April and might be completed within a year, according to Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deetjen. Both schools have a long history in the performing arts, and many of the students have had successful individual performances over the years. Last year, Oak Lawn Community High School’s Theater Group set a state record by winning its seventh consecutive state title, and 11th overall. Richards also has had a successful run in state tournament action and has had some standout individual performances. Last month, senior Peter Forberg won the IHSA state speech championship in the extemporaneous speaking category. The Oak Lawn Village Board has taken note of the extraordinary effort by Oak Lawn and Richards high schools in the arts. Some current and former officials have said that both schools were deserving of better facilities for their awardwinning programs. We wholeheartedly agree. As long as the expense is not a large burden for taxpayers, we believe that both schools have new facilities for their performing arts. Some questioned if it would be better for both schools to share one facility to cut down on costs. However, the administrators at both schools said that plan would not work because each school would be using the new centers for various programs during the day. Scheduling conflicts would occur. While we are always concerned about costs, we think this is an exciting moment for Oak Lawn. Both schools will have improved and modern facilities that they can be proud of. Another great aspect to the additions to the two Oak Lawn high schools is that they are expected to be available for community use as well. We believe these facilities will not only benefit the schools, but will be something the entire Oak Lawn community can be proud of as well.

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T Lincoln had his critics, too

By Don C. White

This newspaper headline caught my attention: “How Trump affects the presidential rankings.” Well, at this point in time I don’t think he affects any of the rankings. President Lincoln is still number one. I am not going to try to compare the two men. In fact, there is no comparison. I would like to compare some of the difficulties they faced as they took office. Lincoln was a total politician and Trump is a businessman who knows how to get things done. Was either of them qualified to run for the highest office in the nation? I don’t believe so but look what Mr. Lincoln accomplished in a little over four years. And who knows what he would have been able to do had he lived to finish his second term and maybe a third term. Lincoln truly chose a “Team of Rivals” for his cabinet and he made it work. Trump has attempted to pick the best men and women he could find for all of the various positions that needed to be filled. When Lincoln held office the government was not as cumbersome as it is now. Did either of them make the best choices? Probably not. But I think they both deliberated and agonized over the men and, in Trump’s case, women who they picked for each position. We know in Lincoln’s case all those he chose did not live up to the standards of the day and in time he got rid of those who did not do their jobs. Or in the case of Secretary Seward, Lincoln put him in his place early in the game. Within a short time, Seward came to the conclusion that Lincoln was not the man for the job. During the cabinet meetings, Seward felt that the majority had agreed with him to evacuate Fort Sumter in South Carolina. He had been negotiating in secret with Confederate commissioners regarding the evacuation of the fort. When the fort was not evacuated the uncertainty of the situation had him flummoxed and to make matters worse he sent a memo to President Lincoln titled “Some Thoughts for the President’s Consideration.” He concluded with this remark, “I seek neither to evade or assume responsibility.” The author John M. Taylor called this remark “a landmark in disingenuousness.” Seward got what he wanted — the president’s undivided attention. Lincoln’s response remained a secret between the two men until the publication of the Lincoln biography by his two secretaries, Nicolay and Hay. In the end, Lincoln underscored the point that whatever must be done, “I must do it.” And he did. From that time forward he and Seward worked together. Now just a short time into President Trump’s term he is getting the on-thejob-training that all presidents get in their first 100 days and beyond. How is he doing? Well, he sure is getting a lot of ink in the newspapers and periodicals. Even the “New Yorker” magazine had a few pages about Trump. Then just 24 days in office he had to

fire his National Security Advisor for telling porkies to Vice President Pence about talks he had with Russian officials before he took office. There are six columnists at the Chicago Tribune who are just going bonkers with their Trump fodder. They can’t let go and give the man his 100 days without bashing daily. It makes me wonder what they would have to write about if Trump had not been elected. They could have written about the first woman president if she won. She had already been crowned by the media, picked out her cabinet, talked to people about redecorating the “Peoples House” and threw poor Bernie under the bus. Then Election Day came and went, and so did she. I read an article written by the former mayor of a local town who wrote, “Trump’s comments, actions impeachable.” Mr. Mayor, was that a statement, a question or just your opinion? When you first took office did you know everything that had to be done to perform the job? I bet you didn’t and I bet you had a honeymoon period while you got your feet on the ground. Then you did a heck of job for the rest of your time in office. Just remember what goes around, comes around. And it seems to me that President Obama was handed many things on a silver platter in his first 100 days. The only thing about Trump and Lincoln so far is that they are both Republicans. An article that I saw asked the question “Is Trump the new Teddy Roosevelt?” Another Republican president, he used the “Bully Pulpit” to get his message across as Trump uses his “Bully Tweets.” The outspoken liberal bunch has taken any means available to put down President Trump. In newspapers, on radio, television, social media awards events and even sports figures. There is no let-up. Even in Naperville, they are in a tizzy about having Toby Keith perform at their “Ribfest.” The reason given was because he performed at a Trump inauguration event. During his term in office did President Lincoln do everything right? No, he did what he thought was right and he died in the process of keeping this nation together. Has President Trump done everything right? No, he will make mistakes. Meanwhile, in Illinois and Chicago the status quo is ongoing. In Chicago, the killings do not stop. The babies are being gunned down and nothing or no one seems to know what to do. In Illinois, state officials talk and talk but still nothing gets done. I read another article from a local state politician that raked Gov. Rauner over the coals. The governor is only one man; he can’t stop the House and Senate from doing their work. This is a great country where anyone can speak out against politicians and not be imprisoned. You and I can’t change things so just try to make the best of every day we have. Don C. White is a Palos Hills historian who occasionally shares his views on current events.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Oak Lawn Board tries to pull the wool over residents’ eyes in regard to TIF District

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axes in Cook County are forcing me to take a closer look at how I spend my hard-earned money. One thing I am doing is being more aware of opportunities to save money when shopping. Cook County taxpayers have to start thinking like shoppers who clip coupons. It’s a hassle, but it’s part of their everyday lives. It’s the only way to beat unfair taxes. For example, every Sunday morning I drive my son to Synagogue in Indiana. Before, I would drop him off and then drive back later to pick him up. Now, while he’s there, I take advantage of the fact that I am in Indiana and I go grocery shopping down the street at the Jewel-Osco. Taxes in Indiana are only 7 percent, compared to 9.75 percent in Orland Park. I save about $20 to $40 every time I grocery shop in Indiana. Obviously, if I drove there just to shop, I’d have to figure in the cost of gasoline. But, whether I am in Indiana, or in Will County (6.25 percent) or DuPage (7 percent), the gas costs are irrelevant. Last year, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle rammed through a 1-cent-per-ounce hike on soda pop. It takes effect July 1. That’s on top of the sales tax rate. I love Diet Coke and I drink a lot of it, every day. In all honesty, though, it’s not the increase that upsets me. I’m going to go broke paying 16 cents more for each pop I drink. It’s the principle that upsets me and it should upset you. Preckwinkle really hasn’t eliminated any waste in Cook County government since she was elected. She could combine agencies to eliminate redundancies and actually lay people off. She could crack down on excessive pensions, the biggest burden on taxpayers. This is the trend in Cook County politics. Raise taxes instead of providing real leadership. The soda tax was a major mistake on Preckwinkle’s part. Maybe she doesn’t go grocery shopping the way I do. But my desire for soda pop is what gets me to stop at a grocery store to buy groceries. It’s the lead item that fuels my grocery spending. I bet most shoppers who drink soda pop are like me. Preckwinkle’s pop hike is the last straw. Taxpayers need to change their buying habits. It’s easy. Look at your driving and travel habits. Buy food when you are in another county or another state when it’s convenient. Even if you have to drive to another county, what you spend on gas is better than giving the money to Preckwinkle to waste. Each time I buy groceries outside of Cook County, I feel good. The savings is measurable. The choice is simple. Either spend 16 cents more on pop and get angry, or spend 16 cents more on gas and feel better. Illinois clearly has financial problems, but when you look at the causes, they all trace back to Cook County and Chicago, bottomless pits of political and wasteful spending that we really don’t have to tolerate. It’s not just Preckwinkle’s soda tax that bothers me. I live in Orland Park, which has one of the highest sales taxe rates in the state, 9.75 percent. When Mayor Dan McLaughlin imposed the 1-cent sales tax many years ago, he promised to offset it for residents by totally rebating the local property taxes we paid. Of course, as time went on, McLaughlin reneged on the deal. Instead of fully rebating our local property taxes, McLaughlin reduced the rebate. And every four years at election time, we’re reminded that we get our property taxes “rebated.” Well, not “fully rebated.” But it still looks good in the election literature, I guess. It’s little things like that detail that upset me. I like Dan. He’s a nice guy. Orland has grown enormously over the years. But I hate to see promises change, or promises made that should never have been made in the first place. Preckwinkle campaigned against her predecessor, Todd Stroger, vowing not to raise the sales tax. Stroger lost because he proposed raising the Cook County sales tax one cent. Preckwinkle opposed it. Not long after Preckwinkle was elected, she turned around and hiked the sales tax. Stroger’s real problem wasn’t his sales tax hike plan. It was his failure to manage county government efficiently. Yet despite that, at least he was honest.

I attended the special meeting held on Wednesday, Jan. 11 about the Patriot Station TIF District. Here’s why the village is trying to slip in this re-drawing of the TIF District under the radar of Oak Lawn residents. The village’s plan is to re-draw the Patriot Station TIF District (which hasn’t performed as expected) so that the village can build senior housing along the north side of 95th Street at 51st Street (right next to Pilgrim Faith Church and the railroad tracks). This would include townhomes along the 9500 block of Cook Avenue and a parking deck in the parking lot (to the west) behind the VFW Hall and behind (south of ) Deja Brew. The plan is also to put a drive through Dunkin Donuts in the 9500 S. 50th Court building (former Karas building). Really? Because the six conditions imposed by the Planning and Development Board were not met with regard to the construction of the Advocate Medical Group

building on the former Beatty Lumber property and the current Permacor, Inc. site, the village has decided it needs to re-draw the TIF boundaries for that area and stuff another bunch of buildings with lack of parking in an already congested area. The village also redrew the 111th Street TIF area because it hasn’t developed as expected either and a lot of the parcels are still empty or if not, filled with businesses that are NOT the upscale businesses the Village told us would be going in there. (Sub sandwich places, massage clubs and mattress stores are not upscale!). The village’s history of planning and development of TIF districts is notT good. Let’s not let them do it again! I urge all Oak Lawn residents to contact all the Oak Lawn village trustees and tell them you do not support this plan. — Janice Schaller, Oak Lawn

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

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Reporter

Morning commuters are thankful for ‘Ashes to Go’ By Kelly White

Peg McClanahan, the pastor at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ Church, greeted commuters on the morning of March 1 as they prepared to board trains at the Oak Lawn Metra Station. Along with some conversation, McClanahan offered a service that she has providing for five years on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day for Christians to observe 46 days of the Lenten season. “Ashes to Go” were offered to the busy commuters who may not have received ashes in a while or may not have had the time during a busy day. McClanahan offered the ashes at the train station, 9525 S. Tulley Ave., Oak Lawn, from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. before commuters boarded trains on their way to work. “I think this is great,” said Joan Sullivan, of Oak Lawn. “I’m able to receive ashes right as I’m about to get on the train for work. It’s extremely convenient.” Former Chicago Ridge resident Andrew Bruce, now of Tinley Park, agreed. Bruce was visiting his parents in Chicago Ridge that morning before he decided to catch the train at the Oak Lawn station. He was thoroughly pleased with the ashes to go arrangement. ”I have really long days at work and having the ability to get ashes at the train station is very nice,” Bruce, 29, said. “By the time I get home from work,

there aren’t church services so this option suits me well.” Ash Wednesday is one of the most important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. “Many of the commuters are very grateful to be able to receive ashes on their way to work,” said McClanahan, whose church is located in Oak Lawn. “Many of the regulars now actually look for us on Ash Wednesday. Most of the early-morning commuters do not have time to receive them at their own church before they go to work, so they appreciate the chance to receive them as they wait for their train. Our church has always been very involved in the community and we saw this as another way we could reach out and serve a need in the community.” Ashes were distributed to nearly 100 train passengers. The number continues to grow every year, according to McClanahan. “The first year we did this, I was surprised at how overjoyed many of the people were to be able to receive ashes and the prayer of blessing with it,” she said. “Many do seem to experience a blessing from God in receiving them.” Distributing ashes along with McClanahan was church member Ron Stancik, of Oak Lawn. “We see more and more people every year coming to us for ashes, some people even return purposely looking for us each

Hurley backs reforms to assist returning veterans State Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) backed legislation that she said will give veterans better access to health services, treatment for post-traumatic disorder and job training. She said the legislation will help returning service members transition into civilian life and prevent suicides. “Our veterans and their families have made enormous sacrifices to protect the future of this country,” said Hurley. “It is not enough to simply thank veterans for their service, we need to help them transition into their new civilian lives and ensure they have all the resources they need to succeed once they have returned home.” According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 22 veterans commit suicide every day in this country. Hurley is working to address this crisis by sponsoring a package of reforms streamlining access to existing services for veterans and providing new accommodations

for returning service members as they seek civilian jobs and educational opportunities, all in an effort to reduce the number of veteran suicides. The reforms are recommendations of the Illinois Task Force on Veterans’ Suicide, which Hurley voted to create in 2014. The panel of legislators, veterans and their advocates met throughout the state to gather information and craft legislation that will allow the state to more effectively meet the needs of the veteran community. Hurley is sponsoring House Bill 2647, which would require the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) to create several programs to better serve veterans with PTSD and other service-related mental illnesses. Hurley’s bill directs IDVA to work with the federal Department of Defense to proactively identify Illinois veterans whose service exposed them situations found to increase the likelihood of suicidal tendencies.

DEATH NOTICES Florence Chingo Photo by Kelly White

Erin Janiszewski, of Hometown, receives ashes to go at the Oak Lawn Metra Train Station on March 1 on her way to work from Pastor Peggy McClanahan, pastor of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn.

year,” he said. Local residents were happy to be able to take part in the earlymorning distribution of ashes, in-

cluding Kim Olson, of Oak Lawn. “I don’t have time to go to Mass today, so this is nice being able to get them before work,” she said.

Believing that divine hand led to payment of tenant’s fee cheerful giver isn’t exactly what I’d call my husband, Don. I recall when the offering plate began its transfer down the pew at the Apostolic Church of God (ACOG) back in 2002, our first year of marriage. He was comfortable tossing in a couple of Abraham Lincolns, but when I told him we needed to replace that 10 dollars with one-tenth of our income, he gazed at me like I’d lost my marbles. With one eyebrow raised he snarled, “You can give a tenth of your income, but not with mine!” I crinkled my forehead. “But, didn’t you hear Bishop Brazier? We’re supposed to tithe!” “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it,” the late Dr. Arthur M Brazier, former senior pastor of the ACOG, would receit. That was the extent of his petition during offering time. He didn’t plead, or engage in persuasive gimmickry. He would simply share that one passage from Malachi 3:10. As a result of his teaching, I began to give one-tenth of my income on a consistent basis, which is also known as tithing. Since Don couldn’t quite ascertain why tithing was necessary, as the household finance manager, I refrained from giving his portion until he was ready. Somewhere between Bishop Brazier’s weekly reciting of Malachi 3:10, my routine compliance and our CPA making it known that an increase in charitable donations would reduce our bottom line, his position changed. We’ve been faithful givers ever since. Don’t confuse that with us loaning or just giving money to people randomly. We don’t, so please don’t ask! We give tithes and offering to the church, and to those where we feel led by God. Giving has increased our faith. I have a truckload of examples of what keeps us habitually giving, but allow me to share one. It hadn’t been but a spell that new tenants had taken residence in one of our rental properties. I had yet to transfer one of the utilities out of my name, so when the bill would come

to our address, I’d mail it to them — usually the same day. Nevertheless, in this instance, that bill stared at me on a daily basis until the month had nearly escaped me. This was so unlike me; I was usually so prompt. Feeling as Claudia though I’d put the tenants at a disadvantage Parker to pay the bill by its due date, I felt an internal leading to just pay it. It was as if God had distracted me from sending the bill to them because He intended me to pay it for them. Are you buying that? Don wasn’t, at first. I tend to have an open prayer dialog. “God, if you’re leading me to pay their bill, you’ll need to work on Don because I can already hear his resounding, ‘Oh, no we are not,’ ” I prayed. I began to imagine how Don might respond: “How do you figure that was the Lord speaking? What’d his voice sound like? How do you know it wasn’t the devil that caused you not to mail their bill?” Don was at work and I knew it’d be a long conversation so I decided to first deal with our television issue. I had several conversations with the warranty company over a part that was needed to repair the DVD player in our TV/DVD combo unit. Frustrated by the time it was taking for the matter to be resolved, I called yet one more time that morning to check the status. “Sorry for the delay Mrs. Parker. I’ve verified your claim and a check in the amount of $850.43 has been mailed,” said the agent on the line. Baffled, I questioned his accuracy. “Are you sure you’ve accessed the correct account? I’ve been waiting for a part, not a check!” The agent replied. “The TV/DVD combo unit you purchased is now obsolete. You have a full replacement warranty, which obligates us to replace your entire unit if it can’t be fixed. We no longer carry the part, so we’ve

issued you a check for the amount you paid.” I was still confused. “But sir, the TV works fine; it’s only the DVD player that’s broken.” He replied, “You’re free to do with the unit as you please. We aren’t retrieving it, continue using it if you’d like.” “Whaaaat?” I thought, “Sure will keep using it!” Now armed with ammo, I made the call to Don. “Babe, let me tell you what God just did,” I said excitedly. “So, He laid it on my heart to pay the tenant’s water bill. I figured you might not want me to do that so, I prayed, ‘God, please reveal a way for Don to know that this is your idea.’ And Babe, you won’t believe this!” Don was listening, “Hmmm uh. Go on,” he nudged. With full theatrics, I explained how God had miraculously provided the money for us to bless our tenant. Their bill wasn’t but a third of that refund check, which happened to arrive in the mail that day. We paid their bill, kept the TV and just bought a separate DVD unit. We had $400 left to deposit in the bank. Experiences like this are so plentiful in our lives, I could pen another book on how to sow and reap God’s blessings. But, I don’t need to. Just believe what it says in Malachi 3:10. Tithes are funds used to build up the church and further the work of the Lord throughout the world. It’s too overwhelming for me to determine where and to whom to allocate my tithes. God makes it simple: bring your tithes into the storehouse, which is the church. Let them determine where it goes. Don’t get caught up in whether or not they are appropriating the funds according to your preference. Just give cheerfully! God’s got all kinds of ways to prosper his people, even the ones with a spouse that has one eyebrow raised! Claudia Parker is an author, photographer and a reporter. Her columns appear every second and fourth Thursday of each month. She can be reached at AuthorClaudiaParker@yahoo.com.

Florence Chingo (nee Slepikas), 97, a former Palos Hills resident, died Feb. 26 at the Lemont Nursing Home. Mrs. Chingo once worked as a beautician. Survivors include daughters, Denise Werderitsch and Caryn Pisarek; and many nieces and nephews. Services were March 2 from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment took place at St. Casimir Cemetery.

Henry Kamp Henry “Hank” Kamp, 84, a former longtime Evergreen Park resident, died March 2 at the Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Kamp, a U.S. Army veteran, was self-employed as a printer and decorator. Survivors include his wife, Carol L. Kamp; daughter, Cindy Kerlin; sons, Bob Kamp and David Kamp; sister, Jeanette Kwasteniet Hop; brother, Peter Kamp; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today (Thursday, March 9) at Colonial Chapel, 1525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park.

Thomas Novotney Thomas E. Novtotney, 79 died Feb. 23 at his Evergreen Park home. Mr. Novotney was a retired carpenter. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dorothy (nee Maurer); daughters, Beth, Lori Hawkins, Susan Long and Amy; sons, Thomas and James; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services were Monday from Becvar & Son Funeral Home to Most Holy Redeemer Church. Interment took place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME

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Chicago Christian mock trial team places second

Submitted photo

The Chicago Christian High School mock trial team placed second out of 16 teams at the Lake County Invitational on Feb. 25. Seniors Abby Haan, of Palos Heights; Alyssa Rumbuc and junior Niara Foster won the “Outstanding Lawyer” award. Freshman Ella Altena, of Evergreen Park, won the “Outstanding Witness” award. The team members are (from left) Rumbuc, Aletna, Hann, Foster, Coach Jack Haan, Anna Huisenga, Oak Lawn; Liz Bulthuis, Orland Park; Carly Byrnes, Oak Lawn; Abby Voss, Zach Bulthuis and Coach Neil Okuley. The Chicago Christian High School junior varsity team placed first in the junior varsity event.

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8 The Reporter

CONSUMER NEWS

COMINGS & GOINGS

Sharks sighted in Orland Park

South Holland-based restaurant chain that specializes in fish and chicken will soon be opening on 159th Street in Orland Park. Sharks Fish & Chicken is getting ready to open a new location at 7120 W. 159th St. in a former Pizza Hut location. It has several locations across the south suburbs. The eatery serves famBob ily-style fish and chicken including ocean Bong meals perch or catfish with sides such as hush puppies, okra and cole slaw. The chain has party packs of fried fish or chicken wings and offers catering and delivery. A late winter or early spring opening is expected.

A Palos Heights-based bakery chain opened its second store last month in a former RadioShack location in Crestwood. Doughs Guys Bakery opened a storefront bakery at 13545 S. Cicero Ave. in Crestwood on Feb. 22. The bakery also operates four satellite bakeries at the Orland Park, Oak Forest and Palos Park Metra train stations and the Oak Lawn Public Library. Hours at the Crestwood location will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Doughs Guys also offers catering for parties, corporate events, weddings and other events.

Strack & Van Till closing four stores in Illinois

Northwest Indiana-based Strack & Van Til announced last week it would close five stores including one on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The supermarket chain said it would close a longtime Strack store in Merrillville and four of its low-cost Ultra stores in Illinois including a store at the Westport Commons Shopping Center at 3250 W. 87th St. in Chicago. Other Illinois stores to be closed are in Chicago’s Logan

Photo by Bob Bong

Sharks Fish & Chicken is opening soon near 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park.

Square community, Downers Grove and Lombard. The company said the stores were not profitable and their leases were up. The stores are expected to close by April 30. The retailer will continue to operate Ultra stores in Calumet Park, Crestwood, Lansing, Chicago Heights and Forest Park. The company operates under the Strack & Van Til, Ultra and Town & Country brands.

St. Vincent thrift store closes in Beverly

Gourmet popcorn store opens in Flossmoor

New owner for River Oaks Mall

Pop’N By, a gourmet popcorn store, celebrated its grand opening last month in downtown Flossmoor. The store is located at 2550 Central Drive and hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. For information, call (469) 803-9200 or visit its Facebook page at Pop ‘N By.

Chipain’s is closing in Lemont

It’s the final days for Chipain’s Fresh Market in Lemont, which will be closing for good this month. The store at 1100 State St. opened in Lemont in 1988 after being open for 59 years on Chicago’s Northwest Side. “It has been a great run,” the Chipain family wrote on its Facebook page when announcing the planned closure.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 9231 S. Western Ave. closed last month, but will continue to accept donations when a new donation center opens in a nearby parish, the organization announced. The St. Vincent de Paul Society said thrift stores at 7010 W. 159th St. in Orland Park and in Libertyville will remain open for business. The sale of River Oaks Center in Calumet City was finalized last week. Masson Asset Management Inc., in combination with Namdar Realty Group, bought the mall from Washington Prime Group. The mall, which opened in 1966, has two vacant anchor storefronts. Carson Pirie Scott and Sears both closed in 2013. The River Oaks Theatre closed in 2008. 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

It might sound obvious, but don’t take breathing for granted

ne of the most basic bodily functions is something we take for granted because we do it involuntarily. The thing is, while breathing is indeed an involuntary action, there are involuntary steps we can take to improve how our body does it. I’m not going to give you scientific yoga techniques or anything difficult. But I will tell you how to improve your health and well-being by performing breathing exercises and breathing the right kind of air. The main thing is breathing fresh air. Breathe deeply enough so that it hurts, and do this morning and night for five to 10 minutes each time. This will give you pep and energy to start the day, and relax you at the end of the day. Try to do it just before going to bed for the best sleep you’ve ever had. Make sure to breathe in through your nose – this is

Plan for health care costs during retirement of other investments, hen you such as investmentretire, some grade corporate bonds, of you exgovernment securities penses may go down and certificates of – but health care is deposit (CDs), whose no likely to be one of value may be more them. In fact, your stable than that of health care costs durstocks. ing retirement may Scott Another way to well increase, so you help defray the costs may want to plan for Johnson of health care is to these costs well before work part-time a few you leave the work years after you had origiforce. How much can you expect nally planned to retire. This to spend on health care duradded income can help you delay tapping into your IRA ing your retirement years? and 401(k), thus giving these Consider these statistics: accounts a chance to poten• A 65-year-old couple who retired in 2016 will need tially grow further. Plus, you about $288,000 (in today’s may be able to put off taking dollars) during retirement just Social Security, and the lonto pay Medicare Parts B, D ger you wait until you start and supplemental insurance, collecting benefits, the bigger according to HealthView your checks will be, at least Services, a company that until they top out at age 70. provides health care cost proThese suggestions may help you meet many of your jections for financial services typical medical costs during firms. If out-of-pocket costs retirement, but what about such as deductibles, co-pays, hearing, vision and dental are long-term care expenses, such as an extended stay in a included, the lifetime figure nursing home or the need for rises to about $377,000 in home health care assistance? today’s dollars. As mentioned above, these • The national average for costs can be enormous. a private room in a nursFortunately, the financial ing home is more than marketplace does provide $92,000 per year, according some cost-effective solutions to a survey by Genworth, an for long-term care – soluinsurance company. And the services of a home health aide tions that may help you avoid cost more than $45,000 per “self-insuring.” A financial year, according to the same professional can provide you survey. Medicare typically with some recommendations pays very little of these costs. in this area. To cope with these expensIt’s probably unavoidable that your health care costs es, you will want to integrate will rise, and possibly keep them into your overall staterising, when you‘re retired. ment savings and investing But by being aware of these strategies. Knowing the size expenses year in advance, and of a potential health care burden may help motivate you by following a diligent saving and investment strategy – one to put as much as you can that may also include a longafford into your 401(k), IRA and other retirement accounts. term care component – you Even when you’re retired, part can improve your “financial fitness” for dealing with of your portfolio should be health care costs. devoted to growth-oriented investments, such as stocks, Scott Johnson, CFP, is a to help pay for rising health care costs. It’s true that stocks financial advisor with Edwill always fluctuate, and you ward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., don’t want to be forced to Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. sell them when their price is Edward Jones does not prodown. vide legal advice. This article However, you can help was written by Edward Jones yourself avoid this problem for use by your local Edward by also owning a good mix Jones financial advisor.

Doughs Guys opens new store in Crestwood

Thursday, March 9, 2017

absolutely vital yet so often overlooked. Deep breathing is the breath of life. When you breathe you are bringing oxygen to every cell in the body. Your cells will die if they are deprived oxygen for just a short time. A healthy person can live about two weeks without food and a few days without water; but about four minutes without oxygen is enough to render a person permanently brain dead.

Speaking of breathing, mucous can inhibit how well you do it, and thus how much oxygen is getting into your lungs. For a mucous-free diet, eliminate all dairy products, which are mucous-forming foods. They can also be high in fat and cholesterol, especially butter. Instead of butter — and don’t use margarine, one of the worst “foods” you could ever put into your body — use extra virgin olive or coconut oils. These can both be used to cook anything for which you would use butter, and can actually improve your health rather than harm it. Spread them on breads, and to your salad with a healthy dose of olive oil and lemon juice for a real treat. Dairy products are a good source of protein, but you were never intended to drink milk. Milk is meant for baby mammals. That is why it is produced naturally only by

mothers who have given birth. Babies don’t have the ability to make red blood cells and lack the gastric juices needed to digest other types of food, so for them mother’s milk is the perfect food. But cow’s milk is for calves, not human beings, and has 20 times more casein in it than the human body can use. You can get the same amount of protein from soy milk, tofu, beans and lentils as you can from what comes from a cow’s udder. Use these creatively as a good substitute for dairy. 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.

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

Standard B&T Co Tr to Maj Elizabeth, 10640 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit #106402A, $86,000; Connelly Mary Ann Tr to Torrentt Sofia, 10516 Ridge Cove Dr, Unit #18C, $86,000; Schaefer John to Gabrielse David, 6440 W Pamela Ln, Unit #64403, $38,000; U S Bk Trust Natl Assn to Gunther Jeremy, 9831 S Nottingham Ave, Unit #7, $81,500.

Evergreen Park Sliter Glenn to Padilla Jose L, 9522 S Hamlin Ave, $210,000; Hernandez Maria Guadalupe to Woods Pamela, 9724 S Maplewood Ave, $172,000; Chicago Trust Co Tr to Alston Charles C, 8939 S Sacramento Ave, $172,500; Aleksander Jason to Maljan Alana, 9311 S St. Louis Ave, $152,000; Valla Kenneth T Tr to Delgado Lucila, 9610 S Richmond Ave, $170,000; Ranstead Peter to Busse Meaghan, 9135 S Sawyer Ave, $186,000; Griffin John to Bilas Thomas, 9731 S Millard Ave, $262,500.

Hickory Hills Dion Kimberly Marie Tr to Wierzbiak Andrzej, 8722 S 82nd Ct, $181,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Newman Corey, 8400 85th St, $219,000; U S Bk to Albertusiak Agnieszka, 9143 S Roberts Rd, Unit #9, $84,500.

Oak Lawn Creevy Robin A to Hamayel Murad, 9308 Moody Ave, $270,000; Evergreen Wil Dev Inc to Madden Martin R, 4524 99th Pl, $260,000; Doran Tina to Melendez Oscar Hipolito, 10009 Kilbourn Ave, $219,000; Angeleida Leonard P to Garcia Deanna P, 5630 W 103rd St, Unit #5630305, $80,000; Gonzalez David to Orduna Raul, 5705 W 89th St, $240,000; Leahy David J to Laisva Corp, 10308 S Circle Dr, Unit #105, $46,000;

Rueck Joseph E to Quintero Jorge Perez, 10048 Crawford Ave, Unit #3E, $75,000; Russo Laura A to Andrade Arturo, 9630 S Komensky Ave, Unit #110, $125,500; Kraucki Tomasz A to Jackson Paul A, 10117 S Cicero Ave, Unit #10117301, $63,000; Maynard Arlene J Van Houten to Trojak Iwona, 8900 Moody Ave, $250,000; U S Bk Trust to Kwak Krzysztof, 8740 Sproat Ave, $117,000; Vesely Ruth E Tr to Serna Jaime, 10109 Tripp Ave, $140,000; Morgan Doris to England Kristen, 2400 W 95th St, Unit #106, $86,000; Fannie Mae to Roczkowski Stanislaw, 5453 W 108th Pl, $163,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Alatorre Jaime, 10724 Pulaski Rd, $180,000; Genesis Grp Serv Co to Knightly-Adams Maureen, 9800 S Kolmar Ave, $299,000; Piccolo Posto LLC to Loza Omar, 5640 W 89th St, $112,000; Tauge Jolanta to Corral Eliana, 10416 Mansfield Ave, Unit #205, $108,000; Judicial Sales Corp to Costache Florin, 9639 Kedvale Ave, Unit #102, $63,000; Claffey Alan J Extr to Chacon Jose A Gutierrez, 7031 Avon Ave, $138,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Genesis Grp Service Co, 9340 53rd Ct, $151,000; Tarrant James to KPL Holdings LLC 10510 Parkside, 10430 S Keating Ave, Unit #B4, $63,000.

Palos Hills Abrams Justin S to Russo Antonella, 8244 Chestnut Dr, Unit #38D, $150,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Potuszynski Andrzej, 10820 S Kathleen Ct, Unit #10820A, $151,000; Sheared Lela to Kopec Wojciech R, 11355 Moraine Dr, Unit J, $119,000; Prospect Fed Sav Bk to MK Const & Bldr Inc, 9758 S 90th Ave, $155,000.

Worth Brandau Steven A Sr to Smith Diana L, 7410 W 111th St, Unit #307, $50,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Zelensky Thomas A Tr, 7240 W 114th St, $195,000; Marcucci Marina K Extr to Vanderwarren Colleen, 7417 W 114th St, $89,000.

Mercy Circle offers open house tours and downsizing seminar A presentation on Homes Services, has down-sizing will be assisted more than included before open 250 seniors from their house tours take place family homes and into from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. senior living commuSunday, March 19 at nities Mercy Circle, 3659 W. “The single biggest 99th St., Chicago. challenge for seniors Spring “Ready-togoing from a threeShow” workshops will bedroom home to a offered from 11 a.m. to one-or-two-bedroom Roemer 2 p.m. Prospective resiapartment is what to dents and their families do with all the things will have an opportunity to meet they have accumulated over time,” Mercy Circle staff and learn about Roemer said. this newest retirement commuRefreshments will be served nity. and complimentary parking is Ric Roemer will hold work- available by entering the lot shops before the open house tours. from 99th Street. Reservations He assists seniors in eliminating for the free seminar, or to set clutter and enjoys maintenance- up a private appointment, call free living. Roemer, of Creative (773) 253-3600.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of March 6) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.250

APR 4.285

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.500

3.555

30-year fi ed Jumbo

4.250

4.295

United Trust Bank (as of March 6) 30-year fi ed

RATES 4.180

APR 4.201

POINTS 0

15-year fi ed

3.500

3.537

10-year fi ed

3.375

3.428

Prospect Federal (as of March 6) 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.

The Reporter

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Beverly Arts Center headed ‘in right direction’ despite challenges visual art/additional arts have also been selected. Frazee said that the BAC has had its ups and downs over the years but is now headed in the right direction. Frazee “We want to support the community because they have been so loyal,” said Frazee, 58, who has served as the artistic director since March 24, 2014. “But there is so much potential here. The visual arts class is one example. We are very excited.” The Beverly Arts Center was founded in 1968 and the new facility was completed in 2002. Robinson said she was encouraged that new partnerships are being formed to introduce additional classes and concerts. Improvements have been made to the current building, including a new large Beverly Arts Center sign that is visible along 111th Street near Western Avenue. Bill Baffes, owner of nearby Country Fair Foods, paid for the sign. Baffes’ daughter is on the Beverly Arts Center Board, and the family also takes care of landscaping at BAC, according to Robinson. Jonathan Moeller works with students on filmmaking. A stop-action movie he worked on with some students was recently shown at the Beverly Arts Cen-

By Joe Boyle Like many art and theater centers throughout Chicago and the outlying suburbs, the Beverly Arts Center has gone through a transition and is reaching out to people of all ages. The transition continues at the BAC. Case in point is Heather Ireland Robinson, who informed the Beverly Arts Center Board on Friday that she has decided to leave her post as executive director and spend more time at home with her husband and two children. Robinson, 47, has served as the executive director at BAC for three years. Barbara O’Malley, president of the Beverly Arts Center Board, said the board will now go through the process of looking for a replacement for Robinson. The challenge now is to continue what has already been successful at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, and to introduce new programs to further increase interest at the facility. “That is always the focus,” Robinson said last week. “The programs that have been here are not going anywhere, but we also have to make it more viable.” Local businesses have donated portions of their earnings for the Beverly Arts Center. Local Catholic schools have raised money for the center through various fundraisers. State

Photo by Joe Boyle

A sign for the Beverly Arts Center was recently put up outside the facility near 111th Street and Western Avenue in Chicago.

Rep. Fran Hurley (D-35th) was able to get a $100,000 state grant for the Beverly Arts Center. Through grants and the neighborhood businesses, the Beverly Arts Center chipped away at the mortgage debt. Robinson had over 20 years of experience in theater and arts, including management roles at After Schools Matters,

Gallery 37, the Chicago Park District and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. When Robinson was appointed, she began looking for the center’s first artistic director. She selected Shellee Frazee, who had been at the Beverly Arts Center since 2009 after moving to the area from her native Iowa. Four additional coordinators for theater, dance and fitness, music and

Recovery

Junnah Hamed (foreground), 7, is joined by her sister, Amenah Hamed, 9, and her mother, Sawsan Abdallah, at the new pediatric emergency room at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. Junnah, who recovered from a severe illness with the assistance of the medical staff at the hospital, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new unit.

Continued from Page 1

The state-of-the-art department contains an expanded capacity with six additional treatment rooms, Level I pediatric trauma rooms, as well as psychiatric and isolation rooms. In 2016, 37,000 children, including Junnah, were treated in the emergency room. According to hospital staff, the expansion meets a growing community need. Initially, the pediatric emergency area was made up of only five beds within the adult emergency department. Over the years, a designated space was created specifically for pediatric emergency patients. First, it was an area made up with eight beds, then it doubled to 16, and now, the new emergency room will have 22 individual rooms. With the remodel, the physical space has doubled, making room for the 22 exam rooms with beds. There are also two trauma bays, resuscitation rooms and critical care rooms designed specifically for the hospital’s sickest patients. The original department also had only two isolation rooms with anterooms for

Photo by Kelly White

ter. As many as 50 part-time instructors lead classes that range from dance, film, music, theater and visual arts. Summer Arts camps are offered for youths ages 5 to 12, beginning with the first session in June. “The nice thing here is that I have been her for a while so I have an idea of adding changes from the bottom up,” said Frazee, who graduated from the University of Iowa. Robinson added that along with adding new directors, the Beverly Arts Center has a liquor license for evening activities, including concerts. “We have a restaurant feel,” she said. “The programs have drawn a lot of people. One of our visions is to make the Beverly Arts Center a destination to come to.” Frazee said BAC draws most from the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park, and the suburban communities of Blue Island and Evergreen Park. “We are still looking at ways of tweaking the programs,” said Frazee. “It has been a rough ride with the economy, but we look at our programs as more affordable. We have a loyal family and that’s what keeps us going.” More information about the Beverly Arts Center can be obtained by calling (773) 445-3838 or visit www.beverlyartcenter.org.

caregivers to suit up before entering the patient’s room. The new space has eight rooms to accommodate for communicable disease in order to separate really sick patients from the rest of the population. The department also features a fully functioning sugar-free slushy machine for all patients to enjoy. In August 2016, a pediatric annex was added. It essentially functions as a fast track for the lowest acuity patients who can be quickly treated and released from the hospital. This space will continue to exist outside of the pediatric emergency department. Plans for the new design began in 2012 in an effort to grow capacity and provide a better experience for patient, family and caregivers. The space is much more spacious than the previous department and all of the new equipment is the latest and greatest, according to hospital staff. The hospital staff has inspired Junnah’s future career choice as well. “When I grow up, I want to be an eye doctor because I love doctors,” she said with a smile.

St. Xavier receives scholarship funds for student completing FNP studies The CVS Health Foundation has awarded St. Xavier University a $5,000 scholarship to assist students as they complete their studies to become a family nurse practitioner.

LEGAL NOTICE F17010048 FITH IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION Fifth Third Mortgage Company Plaintiff, vs. James R. Sautkus aka James Sautkus; The Lawn View Villas Condominium Association; Fifth Third Mortgage Company; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants. CASE NO. 17 CH 1460 10422 South Pulaski Road, Unit 207C Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Walker Calendar 57 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, James R. Sautkus aka James Sautkus, and UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above entitled cause, that suit has been commenced against you and other defendants in the Circuit Court for the Judicial Circuit by said plaintiff praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: UNIT 207-C IN THE LAWN VIEW VILLAS CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED ON SURVEY OF THE EAST HALF OF LOT 23 (EXCEPT THE WEST 49.50 FEET AND EXCEPT THE EAST 17 FEET IN LONGWOOD ACRES, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER AND THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER AND THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS PARCEL, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT “A” TO DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM MADE BY MARQUETTE NATIONAL BANK AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST NO. 3888 RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS DOCUMENT NO. 20672588 TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED 1.815 PERCENT INTEREST IN SAID PARCEL EXCEPTING FROM SAID PARCEL ALL THE PROPERTY AND SPACE COMPRISING ALL THE UNITS THEREOF AS DEFINED AND SET FORTH IN SAID DECLARATION AND SURVEY IN ALL COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.: 24-15-204-099-1047 Said property is commonly known as 10422 South Pulaski Road, Unit 207C, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, and which said mortgage(s) was/ were made by James R. Sautkus and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Document Number 1234215007 and for other relief; that Summons was duly issued out of the above Court against you as provided by law and that said suit is now pending. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at Cook County on or before APRIL 10, 2017 a default may be taken against you at any time after that date and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint. This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Steven C. Lindberg ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Rd., Ste 120, Naperville, IL 60563-4947 630-453-6960 | 866-402-8661 | 630-428-4620 (fax) Attorney No. Cook 58852, DuPage 293191, Kane 031-26104, Peoria 1794, Winnebago 3802, IL 03126232 foreclosure@ALOLawGroup.com THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR.

The grant is part of the CVS Health Foundation Advance Practice Nurse and Physician Assistant Scholarship program that launched this year. The program is aimed at reducing the nationwide shortage of family nurse practitioners and physician assistants by supporting the academic aspira-

LEGAL NOTICE WEISS MCCLELLAND LLC (Firm ID: 56284) Attorneys 105 W. Adams, Suite 1850 Chicago, Illinois 60603 STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF Cook, ss – IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS D. MELANIPHY, THE FORESTVIEW CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, et. al., Defendants, Case No. 17 CH 310. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: THOMAS D. MELANIPHY, UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS , defendants in the above entitled suit has been commenced in the IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: UNIT NO. 304 AND GARAGE UNIT NO. G-11 IN THE FORESTVIEW CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: THAT PART OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION, AT THE CENTER OF KEAN AVENUE, WHICH IS 53.17 FEET EAST OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID NORTHEAST 1/4; THENCE EAST ON SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION, 230.11 FEET; THENCE SOUTH AT RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION, 246.4 FEET; THENCE WEST PARALLEL TO SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION, 272.37 FEET TO SAID CENTER LINE OF KEAN AVENUE; THENCE NORTHERLY 250.01 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING (EXCEPT THE NORTH 50 FEET TAKEN FOR HIGHWAY, AND EXCEPT THE WESTERLY 33 FEET TAKEN FOR HIGHWAY); WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT “A” TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 87060204, TOGETHER WITH THEIR UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN: 23-22-200-060-1012 and 23-22200-060-1023. Commonly known as: 11111 South Kean Avenue, Unit 304, Palos Hills, IL 60465, and which said Mortgage was made by THOMAS D. MELANIPHY, as Mortgagor(s) to Marquette Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded as document number 1026533015, and the present owner(s) of the property being THOMAS D. MELANIPHY, and for other relief: that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION, Richard J Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, Room 802, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before APRIL 10, 2017 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Last known addresses: Defendant Address: 11111 South Kean Avenue, Unit 304, Palos Hills, IL 60465

tions of the most promising health care professionals of tomorrow. Scholarships are provided to accredited academic institutions across the country and funds are then distributed to students through the institution’s internal scholarship process to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and academic fees. “St. Xavier University is happy

LEGAL NOTICE F17010153 PNC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION Wintrust Mortgage Plaintiff, vs. Angelika Chwalek; Pine Falls Estates Townhome Homeowners’ Association; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants. CASE NO. 17 CH 1862 10108 South Roberts Road, Unit 3S, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 Sullivan Calendar 60 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, Pine Falls Estates Townhome Homeowners’ Association and UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above entitled cause, that suit has been commenced against you and other defendants in the Circuit Court for the Judicial Circuit by said plaintiff praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: PARCEL 1: THE WEST 22.14 FEET OF THE EAST 92.36 FEET OF THE SOUTH 72.19 FEET OF LOT 1 IN FRANKLIN DELUGACH’S 103 STREET MANOR, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS ACROSS THE COMMON AREA DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE EAST 26.50 FEET OF THE NORTH 71.13 FEET, THE SOUTH 34.74 FEET OF THE NORTH 105.60 FEET AND THE EAST 26.35 FEET OF THE SOUTH 72.19 FEET OF LOT 1 AFORESAID.

to receive the CVS Health Foundation grant to support FNP students, especially those who are bilingual and committed to providing needed healthcare services to the underserved in the Chicagoland area,” said Mary S. Haras, associate dean for graduate nursing programs. “This award will make a difference in the lives of the student recipients, lessening the financial burden of graduate education.” “As the need for qualified medical professionals in the

United States grows, we know how important having a strong pipeline of family nurse practitioners and physician assistants is to making high quality, convenient, and affordable healthcare services more accessible,” said Eileen Howard Boone, president of the CVS Health Foundation. “We’re proud to support schools like St. Xavier University who are providing quality education to students pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner.”

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TOWN OF PALOS TOWN PALOS residents of the Town of NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to OF the electors, Palos, Cook County, Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said Town NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the electors, residents of of thethe Town will take place on April 11, 2017,to being the second Tuesday saidof Palos, Cook thatatthe Town Meeting of said South Town month, at theCounty, hour of Illinois, 7:00 P.M., theAnnual Palos Township Hall, 10802 will takeRoad, place Palos on April 11,Illinois, 2017, being thetransaction second Tuesday of the said Roberts Hills, for the of the business of the month,and at the of 7:00having P.M., at the elected Palos Township Hall, South Town, thehour moderator been will proceed to10802 hear for Roberts Road, reports Palos Hills, the business consideration, of theIllinois, officersfor of the saidtransaction Town andof decide on suchof the Town, andasthe moderator having will proceed to hear for measures may, in pursuance ofbeen law, elected come before the meeting. consideration, reports of the officers of said Town and decide on such measuresunder as may, pursuance law, come before theof meeting. GIVEN my in hand at PalosofTownship this 1st day March, 2017. GIVEN under my hand at Palos Township this 1st day of March, 2017. Jane A. Nolan Jane A. Nolan Clerk Clerk of Palos Town

Queen of Martyrs to hold fundraiser at Gaelic Park

Queen of Martyrs Parish will hold its second annual spring fundraiser from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 26 at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Tickets are $35. The event includes a DJ, dinner, beer and wine. Raffles, grand raffles, silent auctions and baskets of items will be available. Reserve tickets by calling the school office, (708) 422-1540.

SUDOKU

TownCounty, of PalosIllinois Cook Cook County, Illinois

Students selected to receive scholarships by their school are in good academic standing and are pursuing an advance practice nursing master’s degree or doctorate as a family nurse practitioner, or a master’s degree as a physician assistant. In addition, scholarship recipients must intern or volunteer with an organization that supports underserved populations. At least 25 percent of the school’s scholarship dollars will be awarded to bilingual students.

Answers LEGAL NOTICE

P.I.N.: 23-11-408-033-0000; Said property is commonly known as 10108 South Roberts Road, Unit 3S, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465, and which said mortgage(s) was/were made by Angelika Chwalek and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Document Number 1331904034 and for other relief; that Summons was duly issued out of the above Court against you as provided by law and that said suit is now pending. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at Cook County on or before APRIL 10,2017 a default may be taken against you at any time after that date and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint. This communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Steven C. Lindberg ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Rd., Ste 120, Naperville, IL 60563-4947 630-453-6960 | 866-402-8661 | 630-428-4620 (fax) Attorney No. Cook 58852, DuPage 293191, Kane 031-26104, Peoria 1794, Winnebago 3802, IL 03126232 foreclosure@ALOLawGroup.com THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR.17

CROSSWORD

Answers

10 The Reporter

Thursday, March 9, 2017

100

Worth

Continued from Page 1

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my lifetime. Much of it good, some bad,” said Van Syckle. “I remember women driving electric cars, before gas-powered cars. They would just pull a lever and off it would go,” he said. Still an avid follower of current affairs, Van Syckle said he likes to watch cable news programs, and made sure he got out to vote in November. “I didn’t get an absentee ballot. My aide took me to the polling place,” he said. He remembers as far back as the presidency of William G. Harding, another Ohio native, who was president from 1921 until his death in 1923. When asked what he thought about Franklin D. Roosevelt, he was quick to respond. “I never voted for him. I was a Republican. I never voted for a Democrat,” said Van Syckle. “One of my favorite memories was watching the Cleveland Indians win the World Series in 1948. I was at a lot of those games. I also saw the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Yankees,” said Van Syckle. “I was sorry to see the Indians lose to the Chicago Cubs last year, but it was good for the Cubs fans,” he said magnanimously. Van Syckle said that as a steel salesman, a job he retired from in 1991, he sold spools of wire to companies such as Mead to make spiral notebooks. “All those manufacturing jobs went to China. But they might be coming back,” he said. His father also worked in the steel industry, and is credited with inventing a tool that allowed pieces of steel to be scraped up from the holds of ships. “Before inventing that, he had to shovel it himself,” he said. Van Syckle has a desktop computer, which he said he used to check the stock market, another field he was involved in during his long career. That is just one indication that he has not let technology pass him by since retiring. Another is the smart phone in his shirt pocket. “I don’t hear well on the phone any more. But I can send texts to my daughter and keep in touch with her that way,” he said. Aside from good genes and God, Van Syckle offered no secret formula for reaching the 100 mark. “I come from a family of long-livers,” he said, noting that his mother lived to 85, and his father to 93. His brother and sister also lived into their 90s. The only health complaint he seems to have, aside from walking slowly, is colorblindness. That prevented him from serving in World War II. “I wanted to go into the Air Force, but I

left the area. After the alleged incident, Keller called police from a friend’s home and filed the report. Police reportedly questioned both Steve and Erich

Oak Lawn

Continued from Page 1

damage, According to the report, they found no fire in the roof or the rear of the building. The only damage to the build-

Palos Hills

Continued from Page 1

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Edwin Van Syckle, of Palos Hills, flashes a big smile as he celebrates his 100th birthday

wasn’t accepted because I couldn’t pass the colorblind test. Then they came looking for me to join after the war was over, but it was too late,” he said. He said his favorite food when he went to restaurants on business trips was “prime rib and shrimp cocktail. I really used to enjoy that.” He has simple tastes these days, things like grilled cheese sandwiches and soup prepared by his aides, complete with ice cream for dessert. Sometimes his aides bring him Nachos Bel Grande from Taco Bell, one of his current favorite foods. Van Syckle is not a drinker, either. “I limit myself to have one drink a year now, a vodka martini, usually around Christmastime. Any more than that, and I would be afraid I couldn’t get from here to there,” he joked, motioning to the couch 10 feet

from his chair. Allison Aidinovich, owner of the Right at Home agency in Orland Park, which provides the weekend aides, stopped in to wish Van Syckle a happy birthday. Her company was the recipient of 2017 Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Best in Home Care awards from Home Care Pulse, a national ratings agency that grades companies using opinions from clients and employees. She said that because most of Van Syckle’s family is out-of-state, they make use of the “Family Room’ online service her company provides. “It is very helpful. Everything we do for the client is recorded, including when we weigh them and take their blood pressure. That way, they can make sure their family member is being cared for and stay in touch with us.”

Employers needed for Moraine Valley Spring Job Fair Employers from all industries with open positions are invited to Moraine Valley Community College’s Spring Job Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in the Business and Conference Center, Building M, on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. The Job Fair is an opportunity for employers

to recruit students, alumni and community members to fulfill employment needs, including hourly or salary jobs as well as paid or nonpaid internships. Commission-only positions and undisclosed third-party recruiting will not be included. The registration fee is $105 for a sixfoot table and lunch for two recruiters.

Space is limited and restrictions apply. Hundreds of diverse job seekers from the campus and community are expected to participate. To register, visit www. morainevalley.edu/jrc. For more information about the fair or other events, contact the Job Resource Center at (708) 974-5737 or jrc@morainevalley.edu.

money from the Local Government Distributive Fund to shore up the budget. However, not all feel that way. “There are some members in the General Assembly who want to go after that (LGDF) money,” Bennett said. This is not the first time Bennett has had to take a stance against the state potentially cutting income tax revenues. In 2015, Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed reducing LGDF dollars in half, and last year there was a period of time the state briefly withheld distributing the money to local governments. Palos Hills receives about $2 million in income taxes from the state, Bennett said. “That [$2 million] goes right into our general fund and it’s out of an operating fund of $8 million so you can see how significant it truly is for us,” he said. “It would be a huge disaster to not only our city but every city to lose that type of money.” Bennett said his decision to discuss the state’s budget impasse at the council meeting last week was more to provide a notice to city officials than a call to action. “It’s not yet the time for residents to write or call their legislators,” Bennett said. “I just wanted to put the council on notice that [the state] has not solved the budget crisis down there, and when those things are not solved they start looking at other avenues again.” The mayor noted the uncertainty surrounding the state’s budget will not prevent the city from moving forward and passing its own budget by May 1. “We are going to go ahead and continue to present the budget with that revenue,” Bennett said. “Even if they were going to

Werner about what reportedly happened. According to police, Steve Werner said he did shout at Keller regarding the campaign literature, but never threatened him. He also told police that he never left his vehicle during his contact with Keller. ing was to the rubber roofing material. The fire department left the scene at approximately 1:50 a.m. Because of the minimal damage to the building, the business was able to reopen on Wednesday. propose [cutting LGDF dollars] we wouldn’t know how much so there is no way I can try to budget on an assumption.” In other news, Bennett said Palos Hills will recognize the 50th anniversary of Moraine Valley Community College by dedicating the fireworks show at this year’s Friendship Fest to the school. The fireworks show typically concludes the four-day festival, which is held annually during the second week of July on the Moraine Valley Triangle. This is the first time in the fest’s nearly 40-year history that its fireworks show has been dedicated to anyone or an organization, Bennett said. “Moraine Valley is a magnificent campus that we can all certainly be proud of,” Bennett said. “We are proud to be the home of Moraine Valley Community College and I congratulate them on their 50th anniversary.” Bennett noted the college was founded by the Oak Lawn Rotary and enrollment was originally projected to be around 6,000 students. This school year has an enrollment of around 34,000 students, he said. “The trickle effect of 34,000 students coming and going each day certainly adds to our economy,” Bennett said. The mayor also praised the college for its “academic excellence.” “The academic excellence provided to students is second to none [for a community college],” Bennett said. “They could write a book on stories of people who decided to go to junior college because they had no other option and went on to have great careers because of what they learned there.” Bennett said the city has also invited MVCC officials to set up a booth at the event to share information about the school to event-goers.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

EVERGREEN PARK Private art sale to be held at Evergreen Park AL Post

A large private art sale that will include paintings from all over the world will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at the Evergreen Park American Legion Post 854, 9701 S. Kedzie Ave. All framed paintings range in price from $15 to $125. A 10 percent discount will be offered for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, police officers and firefighters. All sports framed pictures range from $5 to $35 and include football, hockey, basketball and baseball.

Evergreen Park Seniors to host luncheon program

The Evergreen Park Senior Council will hold a luncheon and program beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. The fee for the luncheon is $7. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, March 13 at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Room 107. Patrick Cunico, from the Evergreen Park Police Department, will speak to the council on scams and other safety issues. After the luncheon of corned beef and cabbage, vocalist T.J. Trimmel will entertain with a variety of music, including some Irish favorites. Guests are encouraged to wear green. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8776. Donations of canned goods for the Evergreen Park Village Pantry are welcome.

HICKORY HILLS Hickory Hills Park District hosts trip to witness Chinese acrobatics

The Hickory Hills Park District has scheduled a trip for the whole family to the theatrical world of Chinese acrobatics on Sunday, March 26 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Transportation departs from Krueger Park, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills, at 1 p.m. The registration fee is $55 for adults and $44 for children under 16 years of age. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233.

‘Just for Kicks’ soccer lessons offered for youngsters

Children will learn the basic skills of soccer in “Just for Kicks” sessions from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Mondays, March 13 through April 17, at the Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave., Hickory Hills. The program is for children ages 21/2 to 4 years of age. The registration fee is $26 for residents and $31 for non-residents. Dribbling, passing, shooting and good sportsmanship will be emphasized. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233.

OAK LAWN Annual blood drive will be held at Johnson-Phelps Post

Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 will be holding their annual blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the post, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn. Appointments are recommended for donating blood. Appointments can be arranged by calling (877) 543-3768 or www.lifesource.org and use code VFWSOR30. All donors, and those who attempt to donate, will receive a free breakfast prepared by the Johnson-Phelps VFW Auxiliary. To prepare for the donation, residents should eat well and stay hydrated. Residents also need to bring an ID if they plan to donate. Residents who donate blood will receive a free LIfeSource T-shirt.

Green and White Skate event to be held 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.

Spring craft and vendor fair will be held at Pilgrim Faith

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 Palos Hills Rec Dept. will be hosting Spring Break Camp

The City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be hosting a Spring Break Camp Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7, at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is for kids 6 to 12 years old. Before and after camp care options are

available. For more information, call the Palos Hills Community Center at (708) 430-4500 The department will be hosting a Health Expo on Saturday, April 22 at the Community Center. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. Local health organizations will be on hand to provide information about their services. Free and low cost screenings will also be available. For more information, call Sandy DeMoor at the Community Center, (708) 430-4500.

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 Worth Park District plans trip to see ‘Charlotte’s Web’

The Worth Park District is planning a trip to see the play “Charlotte’s Web” Sunday, April 2 at the North Central College Performing Arts Centre in Naperville. The bus is scheduled to leave the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., at 1:30 p.m. with a scheduled return at 5:30 p.m. The registration fee is $20 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. The fee includes transportation to and from North Central College and admission. Charlotte’s Web, a play by Joseph Robinette, is based on E.B. White’s story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. For more information on Charlotte’s Web and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org

Little Ballers Basketball will be at Worth Park District

Little Ballers Basketball for boys and girls ages 4 to 6 will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays, March 21 through April 25 at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. The kids will learn basics of basketball in this fundamentals program. Each participant will learn the basics of dribbling, passing, shooting, and offense and defense. An award and a treat at the end of each session will be included. The registration fee is $25 for residents and $35 non-resident. For more information on Little Ballers Basketball and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 448-7080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

‘Lunch with Bunny’ will be held in Worth

“Lunch with Bunny” will be held for kids from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at the Worth Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Young guests can join the Easter Bunny for lunch. Music, inflatables and an opportunity to get a picture with the Bunny will be included. The fee is $8 for youths ages 2 to 12 and $10 for ages 13 and up. The registration deadline is Friday, March 24. For more information on Lunch with Bunny and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 4487080 or visit the park district’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Mom and son can attend ball

The Mother-Son Ball will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Worth Park District Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. This is a night out for moms and their sons. Appetizers will be available, and a DJ will provide the music. A photo will be taken of moms and sons to remember the evening. All ages are welcome. The registration fee is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents couples. The fee is $10 for each additional resident boy and $15 for each additional non-resident boy. For more information on the Mother Son Ball and other Worth Park District programs and services, call (708) 4487080 or visit the Park District’s website at www.worthparkdistrict.org.

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Reporter

Submitted photos

Shepard High School science teacher Meg Brewczynski helps a team of students as they assemble a solar car. Brewczynski won a grant from the District 218 Education Foundation to fund the purchase of solar car kits for her two Ecology classes.

The hands-on nature of the solar car kit project enthused students at Shepard High School. Science teacher Meg Brewczynski won a grant from the District 218 Education Foundation to fund the purchase of solar car kits for her two Ecology classes.

Grant allows Shepard students to build solar-powered cars More than likely, Ecology students at Shepard High School didn’t realize they embodied many ideals of Next Generation Science Standards as they worked on solar car kits. Building the cars, designing adaptations to enhance performance, and of course constructing a vehicle that runs on alternative fuels all fit the model of NGSS. “A large component of the NGSS curriculum involves engineering concepts,”

said teacher Meg Brewczynski, who won a grant from the District 218 Education Foundation to fund the project. The “green” nature of the project related more directly to this particular course. “Our work discussing the need for alternatives to fossil fuels addressed standard HS-ESS3-4, which asks students to evaluate or refine a technical solution to reduce human impact on the natural world,” she said.

Projects that allow students to use their hands hold extra appeal for teachers. They know that “doing” science enhances understanding. “Hands-on work motivates students in a way that paper and pencil work can’t. They really take ownership of what they physically create,” Brewczynski said. Credit goes to the ability to experience the subject, compared to reading a book or listening to lecture. “The content becomes real to them;

it’s no longer just something that they read in a book. Modifying their cars gave them an opportunity to analyze the design of the car and to apply the knowledge they learned in class. It is my hope that this will help them to better recall information and skills when taking an assessment,” she added. Students responded to the opportunity. “They said that they liked building things a lot better than notes or reading from a book,” Brewczynski said.

Nervous at first, the students grew confident and ambitious with time. “While the cars were being tested, the kids started off timid, afraid that their cars wouldn’t work. Once the first group’s car worked, the groups couldn’t wait to test their cars. They were very excited when their cars managed a fast run and so let down when they were slow. Every group wanted to tweak their design to improve it-and they all did so,” Brewczynski said.

Jumping for healthy hearts Students at Worthwoods School in Worth participated in the 16th annual “Jump Rope for Hearts” last month. Jump Rope for Heart teaches students how to take care of their hearts while they experience the joy of giving back to others. Students collected donations and raised $5,000 for the American Heart Association. Submitted photo

Packed with hope

Submitted photo

Students from Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn traveled to the Elim Adult Services location in Orland Park to assist Elim adults assemble “Elim Hope Packs.” The packs are school supplies that are assembled and delivered to disadvantaged children around the world. The Hope Packs also provide meaningful work for adults with developmental disabilities. Taking part in the project is Southwest Chicago Christian School eighth-grade student Dailyn Burks (right), assembling a Hope Pack with Elim adults.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE Kids make emoji pillows

Emoji pillows sessions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 14 through April 11 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford. Children ages 5 to 12 can come to the library and sew a two-sided emoji pillow. One side will be a smiley and the other will be heart eyes. All the supplies will be provided to make this a fun session for kids. The program is limited to 10 participants. Kids who take part are expected to attend all four sessions. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Human tic-tac-toe

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

Youths can make bead crafts

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

EVERGREEN PARK Discuss ‘Rise and Fall of Ladies Underwear’

A discussion on “The Rise and Fall of Ladies’ Underwear” will be held at

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. Women’s fashions are shaped, literally and figuratively, by their underclothes. Throughout history a woman’s frame has not always been entirely her own. This presentation will unveil some myths about women’s unmentionables. Elizabeth Carlson presents the program. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary. org or call (708) 422-8522.

‘GraceNotes’ to play music, sing

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

Making old-fashioned pies

Patrons can learn how to make oldfashioned pies at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. Chef Keith will be on hand to instruct guests in how to make pies. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

Social Scrabble Tournament

The Social Scrabble Tournament will be held Saturday, March 11 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. 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, 9400 S. Troy. Registration is requested from the library website at evergreenparklibrary. org or call (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN Roots of Americana will include a variety of music

Musician Steve Justman will entertain guests with favorites from a variety of genres at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. “The Roots of Americana” will trace the connections and intersections of American music such as folk, pop, rockabilly, country and blues. For more information about this and other programs call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Cineversary marks 90th anniversary of ‘Metropolis”

The Cineversary film discussion series will continue with the screening of the 1927 film “Metropolis” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at the Oak Lawn Library. After the film is screened, a group conversation led by Erik J. Martin, creator and moderator of CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group, will take place. “Metropolis” is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

“Metropolis” is a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners. The son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences. The film stars Alfred Abel and Brigitte Helm. The film is not rated and runs 153 minutes. For more information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org. More information about CineVerse can be obtained at cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

PALOS HILLS Pom Pom Bookmarks available for youths

will receive gift cards and other prizes. Registration is limited to 60. Register online at greenhillslibrary.og.

Cookie decorating class for kids

A cookie decorating session will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at the Green Hills Library. The program is for kids ages 10 to 17. Participants can come to the library and make spring cookies. Everyone who participates will leave with a few goodies of their own, recipe cards, baking and decorating tips. They will also leave with a new set of skills to impress family and friends. Registration is limited to 20. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Science lab to be Youths ages 10 to 17 can make pom held at library

pom bookmarks during a session scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. today (Thursday, March 9) at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. A limit of two bookmarks will be made available for each person. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Lunch and ‘Wicked, Wild and Wonderful Women of the Windy City’

Patrons can learn about “Lunch and Learning: The Wicked, Wild and Wonderful Women of the Windy City” at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 10 at the Green Hills Library. The library will provide lunch at this session as told by Clarence Goodman. Registration is limited to 45. The event is for adults only. Register online at greenhillslibrary.og.

Bingo Night to be held at library

Bingo Night for adults only will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 at the Green Hills Library. Winners

A science lab for children will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at the Green Hills Library. Miss Emily will lead the group in science experiments. Registration is limited to 25. Children of all ages are welcome, but under age 6 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

WORTH ‘Art Heists in History’ to be examined at Worth Library

A slide show and lecture about “Art Heists in History” will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11 in the meeting room at the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St. Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur will discuss a selection of history’s most notorious heists. Some have been solved while others still remain open. The discussion features The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and more. Paluch-Mishur is the co-owner of Art Excursions.

12 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, March 9, 2017 Far left photo: Shepard High School students signed a banner pledging to treat special needs peers with respect. Shepard organized Respect Week with the theme of “Respect is my Superpower.” Near left photo: Shepard students signed an online petition at www.r-word. org promising to eradicate the ‘R-word’ from their vocabulary. This was one of several activities sponsored at Shepard for Respect Week. Submitted photos

Shepard High students sign up and pledge respect

Pressed three deep, Shepard High School students lined up to sign banners and online petitions to eradicate ‘the R-word’ from their vocabulary. With the cafeteria full of students, noise, and the typical activity of a high school lunch period, the operation nevertheless flowed smoothly. And that’s because Shepard had done this before.

Part of its long-term investment in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for special needs students, “Respect Week” has become familiar for all Shepard students. “We’re asking our students at Shepard to recognize that your choices of language affect your attitude toward others,” said teacher Lauren Sheehan.

“Basically, we’re emphasizing that we should all be respectful to one another.” This year’s theme was “Respect is my Superpower.” Many Shepard students wore T-shirts bearing the phrase. “Our POWER PE program has been tremendous at spreading our inclusion model. Our administra-

tors have been fantastic by giving all students a chance to participate. Clubs, after school programs, Special Olympics, movie nights, pizza nights. It’s really been wonderful here,” Sheehan said. On March 11, teachers and students from POWER PE will take the Polar Plunge to raise money for Illinois Special Olympics at Leisure Lake in Joliet.

State Rep. Burke serves as ‘Mystery Reader’

Worthwoods students celebrate reading

Submitted photo

Police officers took turns reading Dr. Seuss books to the kindergarten class at Worthwoods School in Worth. The officers were reading to celebrate “Read Across America.”

State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) recently served as “Mystery Reader” for a group of third grade students at Southwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park. “As we celebrate Read Across America Day this week, I was honored to join Mrs. Alison O’Connor’s third grade class as their mystery guest reader,” Burke said. “It’s important to encourage children to read, so they can learn and explore more of the world around them.” Burke also recently visited with students at Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park and Oak LawnHometown Middle School. Teachers and principals interested in having Burke visit their Submitted photo school can contact her State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36threads to Alison O’Connor’s third-grade class at Southwest office at (708) 425-0571. Elementary School in Evergreen Park.

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

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

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

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STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Lewis University honors local students on dean’s list

A group of local students have been selected to the dean’slist for the 2016 fall semester at Lewis University in Romeoville. Chicago Ridge students earning dean’s list honors at Lewis were Laura Labeau, biology; Nicole Pratl, social work; and Gabrielle Vasilevskis, psychology. Evergreen Park residents earning dean’s list honors t Lewis were Essam Nassar, aviation flight; Alex Siemiawski, computer science; and Nicholas Siemiawski, computer science. Hickory Hills residents earning dean’s list honors were Nikolas Brigando, air traffic control management; Bridget Ivancic, elementary education; Jessica Kulach, nursing; and Ryan Oles, criminal social justice. Oak Lawn residents on the dean’s list were Rami Arabi, aviation administration; Steven Boetscher, biochemistry; Matthew Bunda, physics; Richard Castro, aviation flight management; Guoda Cicenaite, nursing; Claire Ewers, elementary education; Jamie Fionda, criminal social justice; Erica Horn, nursing; Mary Nelson, early childhood special education; Hugo Pacheco, criminal social justice; Orlando Perez, business administration; Anakaren Rodriguez, special elementary education; Kaitlyn Seldal, forensics criminal investigation; and John Sutko, criminal social justice. Palos Hills residents who were named to the dean’s list at Lewis were Eslam Abu-Rezeq, biology; Tassneem Abu-Rezeq, nursing; Joseph Brzoska, computer science; Thomas Hoffman, accounting; John Janas, accounting; Michael Janas, information system; Wojiciech Kowlalczyk, accounting; Natalia Stanek, accounting; Michael Wasik, criminal social justice; and Katherine Wojcik, finance. Worth resident Brandon Wagemann, social work, is also on the dean’s list.

Local students earn degrees at Western Illinois University

Local students earned academic degrees for the fall 2016 term at Western Illinois University in Macomb. Earning dean’s list honors were Chicago Ridge resident Rebecca Ann Dunteman, cum laude, bachelor of science in psychology; and Evergreen Park resident Nicholas Kudrys, bachelor of music, music business. Earning dean’s list honors at WIU from Oak Lawn were Camale Brown, bachelor of arts, communications,and Leonard Shelton, bachelor of arts, general studies.

Local students are selected to dean’s list at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Several local students were named to the 2016 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in St. Paul. Evergreen Park residents earning dean’s list honors were sophomore Jonathan Alexander, college of liberal arts, and junior John Zofkie, college of science and engineering. Sophomore Thomas DeMoss, an Oak Lawn resident, college of science and engineering, also made the dean’s list.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

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

Thursday,March March5,9,2015 2017 Thursday,

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

St. Xavier faces the nation

Willging is able: Junior wins national crown in 5K race By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of St. Xavier University

The bench erupts after St. Xavier University’s basketball team shocked the No. 1 team in the nation, the University of St. Francis, Feb. 28 in Joliet.

National basketball championship would be music to Cougars’ ears

“A

ruba, Jamaica, ooh I want to take ya…’’ Thanks a lot, WXAV. Thanks a lot. While I was driving in between assignments on March 1, the St. Xavier University radio station announcers were breaking the news that the Cougars’ national power women’s basketball team was set to open play in the national tournament against Indiana University — Kokomo. So the DJs went on to spin the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” and that song has been spinning in my head ever since. I also found out Kokomo’s record is 21-12, which makes me think of an old and long Rush song. So those two songs are alternating in my cranium and Rush lead singer’s Geddy Lee’s screech is giving me a headache. But I digress… The Cougars (30-2) are ready to give some teams headaches as well in the next couple of days as they aim for an NAIA Division II National Cham-

pionship at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The 32-team, single-elimination tournament was scheduled to start Wednesday night, but the Cougars and Kokomo battle it out in the first round at 5:15 p.m. today, Thursday. The Couearned one of the four No. JEFF VORVA gars 1 seeds in the tournament. Making the For those who can’t make the Extra Point more-than-7-hour trip, WXAV (FM 89.3) will call the action of all the games in Sioux City. I can’t promise they won’t play “Kokomo” or “2112” or even “Sioux City Sue” during the broadcast, but with college radio, you never know… And with the national championship on the line, you never know what will happen either.

NAIA DIVISION II WOMEN’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP St. Xavier University’s path to the championship in the 32-team, single-elimination tournament: Thursday: St. Xavier vs. Indiana-Kokomo, 5:15 p.m. Friday: Second round, 7 p.m. Saturday: Quarterfinals, 8 p.m. Monday: Semifinals, 8 p.m. Tuesday: Championship, 7 p.m.

But if there is one team in the country that has been playing great basketball heading onto the national stage, it’s SXU. The Cougars scored triple figures against Trinity Christian College and Purdue Northwest in See VORVA, Page 3

This could be a good omen. Six days before the St. Xavier University women’s basketball team was scheduled to tip off in the NAIA Division II National Championship tournament, Cougars junior Ellie Willging became the first track athlete in school history to claim a national championship. The Freeport native won the national title in the 5K race Saturday the 2017 NAIA Indoor Track and Field National C h a m pio n s h ip s in Johnson City, Tenn. Willging finished 13 seconds ahead of the next fastest competiPhoto courtesy of SXU tor to claim the national title with St. Xavier University’s Ellie Willa school-record ging became the first athlete time of 17 min- in school history to win a track utes, 01.94 sec- national championship. onds. Her previous record was 17:24.48, set earlier this season. The previous best individual finish by a Cougars track and field athlete at either the indoor or outdoor national meet was third place, set by former standouts Rachael Dean (3K in 2011) and Ashley Shares (marathon in 2014). Willging also claimed NAIA All-American recognition for her finsh. “Ellie ran an amazing race and I could not be happier for her and her family,” SXU women’s track and field coach Lisa Ebel said. “She knew that she was capable of this type of performance, but to go out and execute it flawlessly on a national stage just speaks volumes to the elite type of athlete she is.’’ Sophomore Alex Lambros, an Oak Forest native, finished 18th in the triple jump with a distance of 11 meters. In Friday’s 1,000-meter semifinal, senior Nicole Watkins finished in 12th place with a time of 3:01.30. Junior Sierra Downey, a Morton West graduate, placed 23rd overall in the 5K in Thursday’s semifinals with a time of 18:36.98.

CLASS 4A THORNWOOD SECTIONAL: SIMEON 56, MARIST 36

‘Best team to come through Marist’ falls By Phil Arvia Correspondent

Photo by Jeff Vorva

This guy will tell you about Dipsy Divers and body baits Meet Jim Kirby, a longtime outdoors writer from Palos Park who is known for his trademark hat and pipe. He has joined our gang of sports writers. He makes his Regional-Reporter debut on Page 2 and will appear the first Thursday of each month thereafter. As he says in his introduction, he will be covering everything from fishing to mushroom picking. He also provides a calendar of what’s happening in the Midwest world of outdoors. So enjoy Kirby’s vast wealth of experience and wisdom, beginning today!

With 39.6 seconds left in what would be a 56-36 loss to Simeon in Tuesday night’s Class 4A Thornwood Sectional semifinals, Marist seniors Justin Brown and Bobby Hawkinson were pulled from a game for the last time by coach Gene Nolan. Both players made their way toward the end of the bench, shaking hands and issuing hugs along the way, until finally embracing each other before sitting. “I was thinking just how grateful I was for the season,” Hawkinson said. “It was hard, obviously,” Brown added. “Our high school careers are over with. “But I have so much love for these guys. I feel like we were definitely the best team that ever came through (Marist). … I’m going to miss it.” The RedHawks finished with a school-record 27 wins against four losses. They won their first outright East Suburban Catholic title ever, their first Centralia tournament since 1991 and a regional crown for first time since 2012. “When you see kids crying, it means they really won because they know they can’t come back tomorrow and be with each other,” Nolan said. “I’m really lucky to have been their coach.” The RedHawks showed their resilience against Simeon (27-3), the state’s top-ranked team. Trailing 30-9 halfway through the second quarter,

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Maurice Commander (right) and Simeon’s Evan Gilyard collide Tuesday night in the Wolverines’ 56-36 win over the RedHawks in the Class 4A Thornwood Sectional.

Marist got within 11 twice in the third. “When we got it to 11, everyone was like, ‘We

can do this,’” Maurice Commander said. “But they matched our runs. Give them credit.” Commander and sophomore Chase Robinson shared team-high scoring honors for Marist with nine points each. Brown, who now moves on to analyzing college offers from Chicago State, Lindenwood, Northern Michigan, Quincy and Lewis was held to four points and six boards. Simeon, attempting to emerge from the sectional for the third straight season and seventh in the last eight, was led by Evan Gilyard’s 13 points. The Wolverines, winners of six state titles since 2006 and third-place finishers last year, will meet the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Brother Rice (25-5) and Thornton (22-5) on Friday, with the winner advancing to the March 14 Illinois State Supersectional. For the RedHawks, it’s wait ’til next year — which looks promising, given they’ll return Commander, the East Suburban Catholic Player of the Year, along with second-leading scorer Morgan Taylor. Also back will be David Daniels, who, at 6-4, will be the tallest returning starter, and Robinson, who got quality minutes all year and stepped into the starting lineup when Taylor missed four weeks with a broken wrist. “We lose two big pieces of our team,” Commander said. “But we’ll still have tough guards with me, Morgan and Chase. I feel good about next year.”

Section 2 Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

CHICAGO FIRE ANALYSIS

Fire makes a point before Toyota Park opener By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Sure, the Fire wheeled and dealed during the offseason to bring some offensive firepower to a team that has struggled in recent years to score goals. Nemanja Nikolic, Juninho and Dax McCarty are expected to bring some scoring savvy to a team that averaged 1.1 goals per game in Major League Soccer matches the past two years. But on Saturday, it was good ol’ David Accam who was the lone Fire player to score and to avoid bringing the team home pointless. Instead, his goal at the 73-minute mark gave Chicago a 1-1 tie against Columbus in the season opener at MAPFRE Stadium. The Fire picked up a point with the tie and its aggressive play in the second half gives the team some steam as it hosts Real Salt Lake at 1 p.m. Saturday at Toyota Park. Accam led the Fire with 10 goals in 2015 and nine in 2016, which isn’t a lot in the MSL for

a team leader. The top five goal scorers had 16 or more in 2016, with Bradley Wright-Phillips of the New York Red Bulls leading the league with 24. Accam, who has had injury problems the past two seasons, could become a huge scorer if he stays healthy. Saturday’s game was a good start. “It feels great,” Accam said of his goal. “For me, my confidence is going higher and higher. I am happy to get on the score sheet in the first match of the season.” Fire coach Veljko Paunovic didn’t see a lot of spark from his team early as the Fire was down 1-0 after Ethan Finlay’s goal at the 17-minute mark. So the second-year coach called an audible from the sideline. “Thirty minutes into the first half we switched to 4-3-3 and that helped us to spread a little bit more in the midfield line, so David Accam could be closer to Brandon Vincent and help him to cover Harrison Afful, because he was obviously very dangerous in the first half,’’ the

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Fire coach Veljko Paunovic waves goodbye to the Toyota Park crowd on Oct. 16, but he and his team will be back on Saturday to wave hello and open the 2017 MLS home season against Real Salt Lake.

coach said. “And then we also dropped Dax McCarty to help out in the defense and cover Federico Higuain better. And then (we received) a huge, huge

REAL SALT LAKE AT FIRE

2017 FIRE ROSTER

WHEN: 1 p.m., Saturday WHERE: Toyota Park, Bridgeview FIRE RECORD: 0-0-1 REAL SALT LAKE RECORD: 0-0-1 NOTEWORTHY: Salt Lake, which was 12-12-10 last year, tied defending Eastern Conference champion Toronto, 0-0 on Saturday in a game that featured seven yellow cards including three on RSL.

Fire players (with their numbers in parenthesis): Goalkeepers: Jorge Bava (1), Stefan Cleveland (30), Matt Lampson (28) Defenders: Jonathan Campbell (16), Matej Dekovic (33), Patrick Doody (22), Michael Harrington (31), Johan Kappelhof (4), Joao Meira (66), Brandon Vincent (3) Midfielders: David Accam (11), Arturo Alvarez (12), Brandt Bronico (13), Drew Conner (18), Collin Fernandez (17), John Goossens (7), Daniel Johnson (20), Juninho (19), Dax McCarty (6), Djordje Mihailovic (14), Matt Polster (2) Forwards: David Arshakyan (10), Joey Calistri (15), Michael de Leeuw (8), Nemanja Nikolic (23), Luis Solignac (9)

commitment from the guys. It’s all up to them. “Whatever we, the coaches, imagined or whatever we want to do, whatever is the plan, it’s about the player so I think (it was a) fantastic reaction. I’m proud of our players and our comeback was great.” The home crowd could see a new goalie in the net as 35-yearold Jorge Bova will likely get the nod over Matt Lampson. Sean Johnson and Lampson were the goalies last year and Johnson was traded during the offseason in a three-team deal after spending seven years with

From fishing to mushroom picking — read it here

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

Cyclones one hurdle away from nationals By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

The dream is still alive. The punishment didn’t change things one bit. Moraine Valley Community College’s women’s basketball team has been dreaming of making it to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament since the season opened and had been winning game after game during the regular season to try to get a high seed in the Region IV Tournament to help fulfill that dream. But in late February, the NJCAA took away 14 victories from the Cyclone for using ineligible players — a charge that MVCC officials said came from a lack of paperwork — and the Cyclones were seeded sixth in the eight-team Region IV Tournament. But the Cyclones (16-16 officially but 30-2 minus the penalty) got to where they needed to be — in the Regional IV championship. They challenge top-seeded Illinois Valley (21-9) at 2:30 p.m. at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove. The winner goes to the national tournament in Harrison, Ark., March 21-25. The Cyclones reached the Region IV title game by whipping second-seeded Morton, 87-64, in the semifinals Saturday at Waubonsee. Michelle Borgren, who last week was named Region IV Player of the Year, scored 28 points. For the past two seasons Borgren and Ever-

green Park native and Mother McAuley graduate Erin Drynan have been tag-teaming to power past opponents. As the competition gets stronger, the Cyclones might need a third scorer and sophomore Krista Brill has scored 30 points in two postseason games for the Cyclones. Illinois Valley opened the playoffs with an impressive 12239 victory over Olive Harvey but barely beat sub-.500 South Suburban, 78-75, in the semis. Men’s basketball: The Cyclones ended their season on a heartbreaking note, losing to South Suburban, 63-61, Sunday in the Region IV semifinals at Waubonsee Community College. Joe Ruzevich and Nick Sims each had 15 points for Moraine. The Cyclones finished 1715 in coach Anthony Amarino’s first season.

St. Xavier University Football: The schedule for the 2017 season was released and the planned matchup with Western Illinois University fell through. The Cougars replaced the Leathernecks with an Aug. 31 season opener against 2015 NAIA National Champion Marian University at Deaton Field. “We were all very disappointed when the game against Western Illinois University fell through a couple of weeks ago, but I immediately called Marian University because I was pretty sure they were still open in week one,” said coach Mike Feminis. “With Saint Xavier celebrating its 25th year of the

owdy! By way of introduction, I’m an outdoors writer and have been for the past 32 years, writing for several publications. The subjects covered range from fishing, hunting boating, camping, bird watching, mushroom picking… you get the idea! I’m a longtime resident OUTDOORS of Palos Park and subscriber to The Regional WITH News. From time to time, my outdoors column will appear in this publication. Let’s get rolling:

JIM KIRBY

Outdoor Calendar Photo by Jeff Vorva

Moraine Valley guard Diamond Dortch and her teammates take on Illinois Valley on Saturday in Sugar Grove for a bid to the NJCAA national tournament.

football program, things could not have worked out any better. We now have six home games and the last two NAIA national champions (Marian and Saint Francis-Ind.) on our 2017 schedule.’’ Softball: Senior Callie Brown pitched a perfect game in a 9-0 five-inning victory over Fisher College Sunday at the PFX Spring Games in Clermont, Fla. She had 10 strikeouts in the game to help the Cougars, ranked second in the country, even their record at 3-3. Men’s bowling: The team signed five bowlers, including Stagg’s Sean Murray and Brother Rice’s Jacob Davies. Murray is the first bowler from Stagg to advance to state competition when he qualified in 2016, as he finished 40th in the Illinois High School Association state tournament. Davies, from Oak Lawn, rolled a 300 game as a sopho-

more, a 297 in regional play as a junior and averaged 191 his senior season. John Studer and Ryan Koesema (Minooka High School) and Josh Boger (an Oak Forest senior who finished third in the state this season) also signed.

Trinity Christian College Women’s track: Ashley Jourdan finished sixth in the 1000-meter run at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Johnson City, Tenn. She posted a personal-best time of 2 minutes, 58.10 seconds. Women’s basketball: The Trolls dropped a 64-42 decision to Greenville College in the National Christian College Athletic Association North Central Region Tournament to finish their season at 16-16 in Bill DeRuiter’s first season, one year after posting a rough 3-26 mark. Lauren Stokes had 13 points and eight steals in the setback.

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SPORTS

Area sixth-grade volleyball teams are red hot The St. Michael sixth-grade girls volleyball teams won the Marist High School 2017 Valentine’s Volleyball Tournament on Feb. 19. More than 20 sixth-grade teams participated in the tournament. Elise Ward, Katy Cupp, Emilia Batus, Megan Flynn, Sophia Davidson, Angie Domagala and Maeve Parker are members of the team. The Our Lady of the Ridge sixth-grade team won the St. Alexander Volleyball Double-A League at Palos Courts. Members of the team are Nora Aldworth, Alexis Espinoza, Viviana Garcia, Mairead Greene, Abby Hickman, Summer Oakes, Kyra Olejniczak, Madeline Zenner and Cory Zamlynski. Doreen Hickman is the head coach and Wrayanne Kolarik is the assistant coach.

Sandburg creates Athletic Hall of Fame Carl Sandburg High School created an Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize and honor Eagle athletes, coaches, and supporters who have excelled in their respective sports or coaching and supporting roles. School officials invite members of the community to nominate former athletes, coaches, and supporters who should be considered. Nomination forms can be found on the Carl Sandburg High School website, http://sandburg.d230.org, under the Athletics tab. All nominations should be submitted electronically and must be submitted no later than May 1. A selection committee made up of nine individuals will meet to vote on each nominee at the end of May and the first class of inductees will be notified in June. The inaugural class of inductees will be recognized at a ceremony at the school on

the Fire. Bova made three saves in the Columbus game. McCarty and Nikolic didn’t score and Juninho was suspended for a game for receiving a red card on Nov 26 with Club Tijuana. “We only learned of this

situation midweek,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “We petitioned the Mexican Federation through U.S. Soccer, but we were denied. While disappointing, we remain confident in our roster and look forward to Juninho’s debut at Toyota Park.” McCarty is happy with his team’s ability to score a point on the road before heading home. “There is a lot of potential on this team,’’ he said. “I still think we have a long way to go, for sure. We’re a project. Obviously we were missing a very important player in Juninho. I thought John Goossens stepped in the middle of the field and played really well, had a couple of good chances, probably could’ve scored a goal. I thought for the most part we grew into the game. It was a tough first half but the second half we showed more of our potential. We were dangerous. “We have to get Toyota Park back to being a fortress. We have to make sure teams are scared to come play us there.’’

Currently through April 30: Smelt season opens. Thursday: Spring turkey permits, fourth lottery are available. Sunday: Daylight Savings Time begins. Wednesday: Last day to call wild turkey while in the field until the day before turkey season, south zone and LaSalle cooling lake opens to fishing. March 18: Spring trout fly fishing opens (catch-and-release only).

Fishing Report The south end of Lake Michigan is shallow and warms up early, generally bringing in a run of spring Coho salmon. We had a break in the weather last week with southwest winds and waves one foot or less, so Al Sorenson of Palos Park and I teamed up with Jon Mineiko of Homer Glen to try for salmon. We launched out of Hammond on Mineiko’s 19-foot Lund boat. As soon as we cleared the harbor we set the lines on down-riggers, Dipsey Divers, flat lines and yellow birds, with a smorgasbord of dodgers and flies, spoons, rattle-traps and other body baits. It was a great day to be on the water, but after six hours trolling the Inland shipping canal and the Inland wall we landed only two salmon. The reason was because the water temperature was only 38 degrees. The expected big run did not occur because we need the water temp to be near 40 degrees. Maybe next week… Crappies are hitting on most of the Cook County Forest Preserve Lakes, particularly, Maple, Tampier and Saganashkee. Light tackle is needed in the shallows around brush piles and stumps.

Harvest numbers down Hunters in Illinois harvested 144,150 deer during the 2016-17 season. The total deer harvest for all season compares with a total harvest of all seasons of 155,229 deer in 2015-16. During this year’s deer season, hunters took 44 percent does and 56 percent males.

Beware of starry stonewort An aquatic weed is creeping across the Great Lakes region that grows really fast and is very hard to kill. Starry stonewort, which forms dense surface mats in lakes, first turned up in North America in 1978 in the St. Lawrence River in New York. Researchers think it probably arrived in ballast water from ships entering the Great Lakes. It wasn’t a big concern for about 30 years, but then it took off. Now it’s widespread on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, where it has infected more than 200 inland lakes. It was found in Wisconsin, Minnesota and has also reached some lakes in Indiana. It’s difficult to kill with herbicides because it doesn’t have a vascular system that could carry the poison to the entire plant, according to the Great Lakes Basin Report.

Scouts sharp about knife safety St. Michael’s sixth-grade volleyball team won a tournament at Marist.

Supplied photos

Nov. 3.

ALL IN hosts tryouts. ALL IN Southwest will host tryouts for its spring travel season. The first tryout is Sunday March 12 at the Swanson Center, 6652 S. 78th Ave. in Bedford Park. Sixth-through-eighth graders tryout t from noon to 1 p.m., ninth and 10th graders try out from 1 to 2 p.m. and 11th and 12th graders from 2-3 p.m. The second date is Monday at the Frontier Field House, 9807 Sayre Ave. in Chicago Ridge. Sixth-through eighth graders try out from 6 to 7 p.m., ninth and 10th graders from 7 to 8 p.m. and 11th and 12th graders from 8 to 9 p.m. For more information visit wwwaiathletics.com

Shooters host tryouts The South Side Shooters girls third-

I had the pleasure of talking to St. Alexander Cub Scout Den No. 5 and parents about knives, including history of knives, safety, a few personal incidents, sharpening and the many types and uses. At the completion of my talk, the scouts did some soap carvings using knives with their names engraved on the blades, given to each member of the den by Scoutmaster George Maderas. It was a nice touch, George.

Spring trout fishing opens April 1

Our Lady of the Ridge’s sixth-grade volleyball team won the St. Alexander League.

through 11th-grade tryouts are March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, Building G. For more information, contact Gary Ferguson at 630-935-1150 or visit www.shootersbball.com. — We welcome community news at sports@regionalpublishing.com

The 2017 Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season opens on April 1 at 52 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state. A new location for spring trout fishing this year is Horsetail Lake in Palos Park, a part of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season, and an additional 80,000 trout for the fall trout season. All anglers must have a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or if they are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the armed forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout.

Think about it

It’s a crime to catch fish in some lakes and a miracle in some others. Jim Kirby’s future columns will appear the first Thursday of each month. E-mail him at kirbyoutdoors@sbcglobal.net.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, March 9, 2017 Section 2

4A forces: Two area teams reign in regionals Marist in Command most of this game

By Phil Arvia Correspondent

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Brother Rice senior Josh Niego gets a taste of the net after his team won its first regional title since 2009.

Brother Rice gets a taste of title at H-F By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

After Brother Rice won its first regional title since 2008, senior Josh Niego climbed the ladder under the west basket in the Homewood-Flossmoor gym and was the first to cut the net down. After snipping some of the twine, he put it in his mouth. So, what did it taste like? Chicken? Rice? “It tasted delicious — it tasted like victory,” he said. Niego probably deserved steak or lobster after he and his second-seeded Crusader teammates beat seventh-seeded Homewood-Flossmoor, 57-50, Friday night in the H-F Class 4A Regional title game. Brother Rice (25-5) was scheduled to face third-seeded Thornton (225) in the Thornwood Sectional semifinal on Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 senior Niego, who is still in the process of deciding a college to attend next season, scored 15 points in the final quarter Friday to help the Crusaders advance. He finished with 27 points, and while some of them were tough, driving baskets, a few of them were a little lucky. His first 3-pointer of the game was a bank shot and it gave him a school-record 44th straight game with a trey. After the Crusaders and Vikings were knotted at 39 after three quarters, Niego took a shot inside early in the fourth while being fouled. The ball rolled into the basket, and he was awarded a free throw — which prompted him to scream to the crowd with joy. “The ball just slipped off my hand and spun in and it went straight in,” he said. “Sometimes you get lucky.’’ Even though a second seed beating a seventh seed on pa-

Crusaders players show off their regional title hardware to the crowd after beating Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday night.

CRUSADER REGIONAL TITLES Year 1994 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2008 2017

Coach Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Pat Richardson Bobby Frasor

per doesn’t sound like much, this was a dangerous game for the Crusaders. H-F (18-12) was one of the top teams in the state early in the season before injuries and losses mounted. The Vikings were getting healthier and, combined with the homecourt advantage, there were some who speculated an upset was in order. But Niego had other plans.

“I wasn’t going to lose this game,” he said. “I wanted the ball. We heard people saying they could beat us and we didn’t want that to happen.’’ Mike Shepski added 13 points for Brother Rice. Second-year coach Bobby Frasor, a former star player for the Crusaders, said that regional titles were commonplace years ago and he wasn’t used to long gaps without them. “It’s been eight years between titles,” he said. “I have to credit the seniors — Mike and Josh — for this. They have been through a lot. They came to Brother Rice thinking they were going to play for coach (Pat) Richardson and went through a couple of different coaches. They have seen the history and tradition of the program and they wanted to be a part of it. “It means so much to them. They etched their names in the record books and they will stay there for years and years to come. They are unbelievable senior leaders and they are just a joy to coach.’’

At times, Marist’s dissection of T.F. North’s full-court defensive pressure in an 89-66, T.F. South Regional championship win Friday looked easy. It looked easy as Maurice Commander hit his first nine field-goal attempts on the way to a game-high 32 points. It looked easy as Justin Brown made his last nine — nearly all of them dunks — on his way to 18. It looked really easy when the RedHawks were pushing the pace of play and slashing in for layups as their lead ballooned to 33 points in the late going. “It wasn’t easy,” Commander said. “But it felt like it was.” It felt like it because Marist’s starting five ran full-court scrimmages in practice last Photos by Jeff Vorva week against a team of eight Marist’s Maurice Commander had a career-high 32 points against T.F. North reserves. Friday night to help the RedHawks win the Class 4A T.F. South Regional. “When we came out five-onfive, it was like second nature,” Commander said. Marist coach Gene Nolan has used the tactic before in his 17 seasons at the helm, but not this year. “We had to do it,” he said. “There’s no way we can simulate what T.F. North does fiveon-five. Five-on-eight was the closest we could come.” The results were Marist’s first regional title since 2012 and a balanced effort, despite Commander’s gaudy numbers. His career high came on just 16 field-goal attempts — he made 12 — while the RedHawks shot 60 percent (33-of-55) as a team. Brown’s 18 came on 9-of-12 Marist’s Morgan Taylor goes up for a shot against T.F. North on Friday. shooting, and he added eight rebounds. “Just a heat check,” Com“It’s that extra pass thing,” REDHAWK mander said. “I felt pretty good Brown said. “One of our core REGIONAL TITLES taking it, but I was probably a values is unselfishness. Maulittle far out.” rice is a pass-first point guard Year Coach Commander’s teammates — this was his first 30. Ed Molitor required no such “heat check.” “I’m not shocked by it. I 1971 Ed Molitor They came out fired up. know he’s capable of scoring 1976 1981 Paul Swanson “Everyone was together like that. Together, I feel like Ken Styler from jump,” Commander said. we can play with anybody in 1996 1997 Ken Styler “That’s what I’m proud of.” the state.” Gene Nolan The fifth-seeded RedHawks 2004 Morgan Taylor (14 points), Gene Nolan (27-3) advanced to Tuesday’s 2005 David Daniels (13) and, off Thornwood Sectional op- 2007 Gene Nolan the bench, Robinson (10) also posite No. 1 Simeon (26-3), 2012 Gene Nolan reached double figures for a 56-43 winner over Marian 2017 Gene Nolan Marist. Catholic in the Eisenhower “We always make the extra Regional title game. The because of him. He was every- pass,” Daniels said. “The sky’s fourth-seeded Meteors, led by thing we needed him to be to- the limit when we play togethTerrell Porter’s 15 points, fin- night.” er.” ished 23-4. Commander added Marist’s The idea was to play fast — North last led at 16-15 with first bucket of the third quarter on offense. just under a minute to play in and stole the ensuing inbounds “When we could run, we the first quarter. Marist was up pass for another quick deuce wanted to do that,” Nolan said. 19-16 at the end of the period on before finally, at the 6:27 mark “More importantly, we were a pair of Chase Robinson free of the period, missing a field- able to create patience defenthrows and a Commander put- goal attempt. Incredibly, the sively. back. junior point guard fired up an “Getting them to have long Commander had 17 points on air ball on a deep 3-point at- possessions, that was the key to 7-of-7 shooting in the first half tempt. the game for us.” as the RedHawks got out to a 40-29 lead. “He’s had a lot of great games for us,” Nolan said of the East Suburban Catholic Player of the Year, “but this was the best game of his career. “The pace of the game offensively was the way it was

IHSA 3-POINT SHOOTOUTS

O’Malley, Schied miss final-four cutoff By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor

Mother McAuley’s Tara O’Malley and Marist’s Stefanie Schied had strong performances in the Illinois High School Association’s 3-point Queen of the Hill showdown, but the two local junior long-range bombers were not able to make it to the final four in Class 4A. O’Malley hit eight baskets in 15 attempts and missed the cutoff for

the final spot by one Thursday at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. Schied scored seven baskets. Kelsey Nallon of Rolling Meadows and Jordyn Hughes of Warren each had 11, Olivia Jenkins of Plainfield East added 10 and Hampshire’s Rachel Dumoulin had to win a shootout to secure the fourth spot. The next night, Dumoulin was the 4A champion with 11 baskets. Class 3A champion Maggie

AREA BOYS HOOPS AT A GLANCE

W-L Streak Next

Brother Rice Chi. Christian Evergreen Pk Marist Oak Lawn Richards St. Laurence Sandburg Shepard Stagg

25-5 20-8 18-10 27-4 11-18 13-15 13-16 13-14 13-15 18-9

W3 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L5 L1 L1

4A Sectionals* Season over Season over Season over Season over Season over Season over Season over Season over Season over

* Records through Tuesday, March 7; Brother Rice was scheduled to play Thornton on Wendesday in the Thornwood Sectional semifinal. — Compiled by Jeff Vorva

Bair of Glenbard South won the overall Queen of the Hill championhip as she popped in 10 baskets on Saturday. Class 1A champ Kassity Walters was second with seven, Dumoulin had six and Classs 2A champ Madisyn Fischer had five. No one from the area qualified for Class 3A but in Class 2A on Feb. 23, Cheyenne Slager scored seven in the preliminary round and missed the final four cutoff by two.

Vorva

Continued from Page 1 the first two rounds of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament before drilling the previous top-ranked team in the nation, the University of St. Francis, 88-64, Feb. 28 in Joliet in the tournament championship. The Saints were 31-0 and had beaten SXU 80-70 on Jan. 7 at the Shannon Center in Chicago, so this was a huge swing. The Cougars scored 50 points against the Saints in the second half and shot 61 percent in the final 20 minutes. Junior Kara Krolicki scored 22 points and junior Brittany Collins added 20 points and 12 rebounds. It was a great week all

around for the program. Krolicki was named the CCAC Player of the Year. Krolicki also was named to the five-player all-conference team, along with senior Mikayla Leyden. Collins made the second team. Maddie Welter was named the Freshman of the Year. I’m excited about the Cougars’ chances of winning the national championship, but you never know. There might be a team in the 32team field that may not have a spectacular record or seed but played a killer schedule. There might be a team out there that had some players hurt during the season and picked up some losses but is at full strength now. There might a team out there that just plain and simple gets

Five area boys shooters are alive after regional play for the King of the Hill competition. St. Laurence’s Tom Falvey and Jayden Robinson advanced to sectionals in Class 3A along with Evergreen Park’s Declan Smith, who threw in 13 baskets in 15 attempts on Friday. In Class 4A, Shepard’s Jack Cody and Marist’s Malik Onyeali were survivors in regional play. No one from the area qualified for state in Class 2A. red hot at the right time and plays above its head for five games. And, oh, gosh, there just might be a team like Goshen, which got hot in the second round against the No. 2-ranked Cougars last year and won 84-66 even though SXU beat that team, 82-69, at the SXU Christmas Classic the previous December. Maybe St. Francis and SXU will meet a third time… So who knows how this is all going to play out. That’s the fun of sports. Let’s just enjoy the games and hope for the best. And let’s hope I can get that Beach Boys song out of my head and replace it with… perhaps a Queen song that has something to do with champions.

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Section 2 Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Regional News - The Reporter

Images from a hot week of regional basketball

Brother Rice’s Brendan Coghlan (left photo) lost his left shoe in the middle of the fourth quarter of his team’s regional win over Homewood-Flossmoor. He had to participate in a few plays without it (above).

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Not all regional games are created equal. The above photo shows a large section of unused bleachers for a Monday night (Feb. 27) at the beginning of a preliminary game between Shepard and host Eisenhower. The photo at right shows a small section of a packed house at Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday night for the regional title as Brother Rice students celebrate during the fourth quarter.

Shepard’s Marquel Porter hits a 3-pointer in a first-round Dan Smith of Evergreen Park tries to race around Morgan Park’s Ayo Dosunmu in EP’s regional semifinal victory over Eisenhower on Feb. 27. He scored eight of loss in Class 3A on March 1. the Astros’ first 12 points in the win.

Marist’s Morgan Taylor is in danger of injuring his neck as he and Thornton Fractional North players watch to see if his shot drops in Marist’s Class 4A regional championship victory on Friday night.

Freshman Ahron Ulis, the brother of NBA player Tyler Ulis, listens as Marian coach Mike Taylor addresses his team during a game against Stagg on March 1.

Stagg’s Josh Blim (left) is being followed step-by-step by Marian Catholic’s Sean Taylor in Marian’s win over the Chargers on March 1 in the Class 4A semifinals.

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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 \â&#x20AC;?AS IS\â&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I715428

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Thursday, March 9, 2017 Section 2

Section 2 Thursday, March 9, 2017

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Thursday, March 9, 2017

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN

O&A MOVIE REVIEW

Jackman’s finale as Wolverine/Logan is fitting end to ‘X-Men’ film saga

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Use a combination of eggs and egg whites to make a healthy omelet.

Prepare a Spanish-style omelet anytime for a satisfying meal By Wolfgang Puck I’ve recognized an interesting pattern from the questions and recipe requests I’m always getting. With all the different food options and occasions for eating that each week brings, most people are concerned about cooking for two main types of meals: weekend brunches and weeknight suppers. As you might guess, the styles of recipes they want for those two occasions tend to be very different. On a weekend morning, most home cooks want to prepare something that feels generous, even a little bit indulgent; a recipe that will impress everyone gathered around the table, helping to make brunch a special yet relaxed occasion. Weeknight meals, on the other hand, are almost always more about convenience, answering one main challenge: How do you satisfy yourself and your family quickly and easily while providing a main course that tastes fresh and delicious? I know of one great recipe that fulfills the requirements of both: my interpretation of a Spanish omelet. Brunch guests happily greet a thick, pancake-style flat omelet, served cut into wedges, which makes a great impression whether you offer it hot from the oven or even lukewarm or cold on a buffet. And egg dishes are becoming more and more popular on weeknights, a time when the concept of serving breakfast for supper is not only convenient but also wonderfully comforting. My recipe also offers the added benefit of being healthy. I pack the omelet with lots of fresh vegetables, cut into uniform 1/4-inch (12-mm) dice; feel free to substitute some of your own favorites, briefly sauteing them as I do in the recipe. I make the omelet with mostly egg whites, adding just a couple

of yolks for a touch of richness and golden color. (You can save leftover yolks for another recipe for two or three days in a sealable container in the refrigerator, covered with a little water to prevent them from drying out.) Because many people love cured pork with such egg dishes, I also finish off the omelet with some strips of lean ham; but, of course, you could also make a vegetarian version by substituting some sliced or crumbled chorizostyle vegetarian sausage that can be found in most well-stocked supermarkets. You might wonder how healthful such a generous-looking, richtasting main dish can be. So it might surprise you to learn that each serving totals just about 150 calories, with a little bit more than a quarter of those coming from fat. So, if you add some good whole-grain bread and a salad or fresh fruit, you’ll have a wellbalanced, satisfying and delicious meal ready with incredible ease. And what home cook doesn’t want that, whatever the time, day or occasion? HEALTHY SPANISHSTYLE OMELET WITH BELL PEPPERS AND HAM Serves 4 • Olive oil-flavored nonstick cooking spray • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced red bell pepper • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced yellow bell pepper • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced green bell pepper • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 1/2 jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded, deveined and finely chopped (optional) • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) seeded and diced tomato • 2 large cage-free eggs • 12 large cage-free egg whites • 1/4 cup (60 mL) pitted Kalamata olives, sliced • 3 ounces (185 g) thinly sliced lean cured ham, cut into thin ribbons • 6 basil leaves, cut into fine strips Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Heat an 8-inch (20-cm) ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with the nonstick cooking spray. Add the peppers and saute, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and their edges begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno, if using, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes longer. Put the eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper and whisk until thoroughly blended. Add the egg mixture to the skillet with the vegetables and stir constantly over medium heat until curds start to form. Continue cooking until the mixture has begun to set but is still fairly moist. Remove the skillet from the heat and scatter the olives and ham evenly over the top. Put the skillet in the oven and bake until the omelet is completely set but still slightly moist, about 5 minutes. If the eggs on top still look a little underdone for your liking, switch the oven to the broil setting, or preheat a separate broiler, and pop the pan under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until they are set and light golden. Set the skillet aside to let the omelet settle for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil. Cut it into wedges and serve hot, lukewarm or even cold.

OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Ride out the storm. Some brief disruptions may have you ready to throw in the towel but a little patience is all that’s required to achieve success. You may be in a position to take advantage of a situation in the week to come. TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Listen to your heart. Strengthen an existing relationship with a loved one by letting them know how you really feel. Singles who are still seeking their significant other may reap romantic rewards by meeting new people. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t jump to conclusions. Wait until all the facts come to light before reaching a decision as the true nature of a situation may be cloudy this week. Talking things over with a trusted friend or confidant may set your mind at ease. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do what you want to do. Think about things that make you happy and then take action to make them happen this week. Steer clear of disputes and bad-tempered people. Negative influences could rain on

your parade. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get going while the going is good. There’s no obstacle that you can’t conquer or problem you can’t solve as your energy and enthusiasm will be in high gear this week. Offering help to a friend in need will be effortless. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep it simple. If you take too much time thinking things over you may get stuck in neutral but if you follow your instincts you’ll make quick progress. Set aside some quality time to spend with loved ones this week. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): All work and no play makes for a dull week. Leave some room in the schedule for recreation and hobbies that will help to clear your mind. Romantic activities are likely to meet with better than average results. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Remember that not everyone plays fair. Remain alert with matters involving money as someone may try to pull a fast one when you aren’t paying attention. Take the time to find value in something you may have at first thought worthless.

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Patience is a virtue. If you find someone is irritating you, count to ten or just walk away before you lose your cool. Now is the time for listening and understanding rather than engaging in petty squabbles or spats. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Logic may fail you. A practical approach won’t be much help when a problem stems from a completely irrational situation. You may need to put your creative juices into overdrive to find a solution or just avoid the matter altogether. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Smiles can be contagious. A positive and upbeat attitude will light up your surroundings and make you a pleasure to be around this week. Competitions will be about enjoying the game rather than who wins or loses. PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Put the past behind you and set sights on the future. You may have made some mistakes before but wipe the slate clean. Resolve to get off to a fresh start this week. Find your comfort zone among family and close friends.

Consider this: Over the course of 17 years, Hugh Jackman has played the role of Wolverine/Logan in the “X-Men” franchise longer than any actor has played James Bond, Batman, Spider-Man or Superman. If ever there was an actor synonymous with a comic book character, Jackman is at the top of the list. He sunk his claws into the role all the way back in 2000 and gave the X-Men films their most reliably interesting and complex character. But all good things must come to an end, and Logan — as touted by Jackman — is in his farewell to the character. And, luckily for audiences, he’s given this last outing every ounce of effort he has left. The film takes place in the near future. With the exception of Logan and his aging psychic mentor Professor X (Patrick Stewart), all of the X-Men — and the vast majority of mutants — have been wiped out. But, Professor X’s faith in the future is restored when they stumble upon a young mutant girl named Laura (Dafne Keen); she is on the run from a sinister organization looking to eradicate her. Logan, facing sickness and depression, becomes an unwilling protector of the girl. The brilliant trick of this movie — co-written and directed by James Mangold — is that it is structured like a neo-Western and not a comic book movie. The DNA that makes up the plot and characters of Logan has more in common with that of Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film “Unforgiven” than that of “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” or the other X-Men pictures. The titular character is a loner who is tired of killing, but forced to do it again and again. It is worth mentioning that Mangold and 20th Century Fox have opted to go with an R rating for this movie as opposed to the usual PG-13.

BRIAN LAUGHRAN For readers who are unaware, Logan’s main superpower is the ability to summon large knife-like claws from his hands at will. In the past, filmmakers restrained from showing his enemies’ bloodshed. This time, no such restraint is found. The film takes advantage of its adult rating. It is gruesome throughout and contains hard language as well as fleeting nudity. I am not judging parents who understand this and decide to take their kids to see this film. I mention these facts because, with the exception of last year’s “Deadpool,” all of the previous X-Men movies have been rated PG-13, and the change in tone may be unknown to casual moviegoers. I enjoyed the harder, edgier take on the character and my fellow audience members seemed to enjoy it as well. The picture is not without its faults, however. The plot falls into a pattern of the heroes hiding in various locations only to have the villains find and fight them. The repetition is wearing, but thankfully broken early enough to prevent disinterest in the film’s second half. Still, considering Jackman’s strong performance and Mangold’s interesting take on this otherwise familiar material, Logan is definitely worth seeing. RATING: ABrian Laughran’s movie reviews will appear the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

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:

“JACKIE’’: With as many actresses as have played Jacqueline Kennedy, Natalie Portman makes the role her own — having earned an Oscar nomination for it — in director Pablo Lorrain’s drama about the former first lady’s life and times in the immediate aftermath of her president husband’s assassination. Few expected her to be a sort of steel magnolia, but she cemented her own legacy with the manner in which she comported herself, at least in public. Billy Crudup plays a journalist (clearly modeled on the real Theodore H. White) who interviews her, with Peter Sarsgaard as Robert F. Kennedy and John Carroll Lynch as Lyndon Johnson, but the film very obviously belongs to Portman. The script is by Noah Oppenheim, who also oversees production of NBC’s “Today.’’ DVD extras: “making-of’’ documentary; audio commentary by Portman and Lorrain; photo gallery. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “MOANA’’: Making its homevideo debut on top of its Oscar nomination for best animated feature, this Disney attraction offers as its title character the daughter of a Polynesian island’s ruler (voice of Auli’l Cravalho) trying to reverse a curse that could seal the fate of her homeland. She sets sail on a mission to find the apparent solution, a very special stone, but the demigod who possesses it (voice of Dwayne Johnson) fears handing it over because of the potential trouble it could inspire. Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger and Alan Tudyk (“Powerless’’) also are in the voice cast, and “Hamilton’’ mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda is among the creators of the film’s music. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “INCARNATE’’: Screen stories of exorcisms are nothing new, but Aaron Eckhart’s presence does much to elevate this one. The actor stars as a self-styled savior of victims of possession, the latest being a youngster portrayed by “Gotham’’ co-star David Mazouz ... and in mind-melding with the boy, the scientist played by Eckhart realizes he has a past with the demon in question. A notable, well-handled undercurrent of the story sees Eckhart’s alter ego able to reinvent himself in the psyches of others. Catalina

Sandino Moreno (“The Affair’’) and Keir O’Donnell also add to the performance caliber here. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) “THE AMERICANS: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON’’: Family strife impacts Elizabeth and Philip’s (Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys) covert missions as the much-acclaimed FX drama series continues. A major concern for the couple is their daughter Paige (Holly Taylor), who lets the true nature of their work be known to her pastor (Tim AuCoin) ...and the information then goes elsewhere. Bioweapons cause additional concerns for the spies, particularly when the inherent dangers start having direct effects on them. Noah Emmerich, Dylan Baker and Richard Thomas also star, and Margo Martindale (who has two Emmys for her work on the show) and Frank Langella re-

prise their roles. *** (Not rated: A, P, V) “STAR TREK: VOYAGER — THE COMPLETE SERIES’’: The fourth live-action series in the sci-fi franchise broke some barriers on its own, one of the most notable being in its casting of Kate Mulgrew as a starship captain. Kathryn Janeway proves as commanding — in more ways than one — as any of her male counterparts in the other shows, with a “crew’’ consisting in part of Robert Beltran, Tim Russ, Robert Picardo, Jeri Ryan (as the exotic Seven of Nine) and two cast members who would become frequent directors of series television, Robert Duncan McNeill and Roxann Dawson. Basically spun off from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,’’ the show boasts guest stars including Continued on page 8

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Southwest • Section 2, Page 8

LIZ SMITH

Oscars 2017 — Ill met by Moonlight in La La Land By Liz Smith “EVERYTHING is funny, as long as it’s happening to somebody else,” said Will Rogers. Who could have foreseen that this would be the theme, the memory, for years to come, of Sunday night’s Oscar telecast? Before we talk The Mistake (briefly, because the postmortem has come and gone in our fastmoving media world), a few words about the show itself. I’m sure Jimmy Kimmel is a nice guy. I mean, not sure, but I know he does excellent charity work, people I admire, admire him, and generally I try to assume most people are nice. But I don’t find him funny. And four hours of his particular brand of humor got on my nerves. (In a quick read of his reviews, I might be in the minority on that.) His “irreverent” remarks after some particularly moving or emotional acceptance speech were irritating. I was not charmed by bringing the tourists in — frankly it seemed condescending. His ongoing dissing of Matt Damon — while I know it’s a joke that both men participate in — began to move toward the mean-spirited. (I think even Matt thought so, after Kimmel’s “critique” of Damon’s acting in “We Bought a Zoo.” Onstage, later, Matt said, “Oh, I actually liked that performance.”) It’s a matter of style, and Kimmel’s is not one that I cotton to, which means ... nothing. Many others find him a riot. I was also disappointed that he was the only person who mentioned the name of the current president of the United States, and went obvious in some of his other jokes that were clearly about the commander in chief. There were, all night, pointed allusions, powerful references to inclusion, bigotry, what the world needs now is love, sweet, love, etc. But everybody else stayed clear of giving the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, the satisfaction of being called out by name. I wonder, every year, why a single host is even needed? Must we have a “topical” monologue? A revolving selection of stars — such as they are today — could certainly be employed to introduce musical numbers, presenters, etc. There would be more visual variety, for one thing. But — that’s not gonna happen. Speaking of the visuals, I found the show depressing to look at; the deep burgundy red that seemed to dominate, color wise, was rather drab and somehow made the Dolby Theater appear much smaller. It didn’t even look like an Academy Awards show until nearly the end, when the “big” awards were nigh, and those glittery beaded curtains, in the shape of Oscar, appeared. Look, the truth is, the Oscars have always been boring and too long. Some of us, of a certain age, are suffused with nostalgia for “our stars” and remember the Academy Awards as far more

AMPAS/ZUMA24.com

‘La La Land’ producer Jordan Horowitz holds up the winner card for best picture during The 89th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. His film ‘La La Land’ had been read as the winner, but the actual winner was ‘Moonlight.’

glamorous and interesting than they were. Hindsight is 20/20 and uses a soft-focus lens. AS to the awards themselves, I was thrilled for Viola Davis, impressed by Casey Affleck’s genuinely humble and surprised manner (still on fence about his acting, but what he did was perfect for “Manchester by the Sea”), Mahershala Ali so deserving for “Moonlight,” Emma Stone — I went back to see “La La Land” and hers is a worthy win. I also came away more appreciative of the movie itself. It needs distance from the hype. I’m also glad that Mel Gibson’s gripping “Hacksaw Ridge” took a couple of awards. Not being a film editor, makeup person, composer, scenic designer, sound engineer, etc., I accept these awards at face value. This is the life’s work of the talented people involved, and they should have their reward. But let’s face it, most people watching don’t care. In fact, if the Academy pared the telecast down to 90 minutes, and concentrated only on the four acting awards, best picture, director and screenplay, I think TV viewers would be just fine, as long as there are hours of red-carpet coverage where they can watch commentators, anchors and fashion “experts” ask the stars ridiculous questions. Oh, and ONE musical number. Why couldn’t Justin Timberlake, who began the show in dazzling style, just have done a hot medley of all five nominated songs, and — as Irving Berlin lyricized — get thee behind me, Satan?

VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN Continued from page 7 Jason Alexander, Dwayne Johnson, Joel Grey, Michael McKean and Sarah Silverman. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) “THE EYES OF MY MOTHER’’: Parent-and-child relations definitely aren’t the norm in writerdirector Nicolas Pesce’s controversial thriller, a 2016 Sundance Film Festival entry casting Diana Agostini as the mom of the tale, an ex-surgeon who teaches certain techniques to her daughter (played in younger years by Olivia Bond). That translates into bad things for a traveling salesman (Will Brill), carrying into the young woman’s later life when she makes some new friends (Clara Wong, Flora Diaz) whose life expectancy also is given reason to be questioned. ** (R: AS, N, P, V)

COMING SOON:

“SOLACE’’ (March 14): A psychically skilled FBI consultant (Anthony Hopkins) goes up against a serial killer (Colin Farrell); Jeffrey Dean Morgan also stars. (R: AS, N, P, V) “ELLE’’ (March 14): Recent

Oscar nominee Isabelle Huppert stars in director Paul Verhoeven’s controversial drama about a vengeful assault victim. (R: AS, N, P, V) “A KIND OF MURDER’’ (March 21): An architect’s (Patrick Wilson) interest in an unsolved homicide leads him into danger; Jessica Biel also stars. (R: AS, P, V) “LION’’ (March 21): Years after being adopted by an Australian couple, a man seeks his biological family; Dev Patel and Oscar nominee Nicole Kidman star. (PG-13: AS) “MASTER OF NONE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON’’ (March 21): The Netflix comedy series casts co-creator Aziz Ansari in the saga of a New York-based actor. (Not rated: AS, P) “MISS SLOANE’’ (March 21): Jessica Chastain plays a lobbyist whose own past could influence her approach to a controversial issue. (R: AS, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

BEST PICTURE. I truly think The Golden Globes — for all the criticism of that award — does it right, in separating comedy and musical from drama. (Although sometimes they get that, absurdly wrong.) How do you competitively compare “La La Land” for all its expert charm to “Manchester by the Sea” or “Moonlight”? For that matter, how does one truly “compare” comedy performances from drama, or a performance based on classic literature to a modern screenplay? It’s just a big publicity gimmick, really. But, it’s show biz; human beings and corporate entities are competitive. Most cultures function on aspects of winning/losing. I thought “La La Land” was charming, beautifully realized. But I also found the musical, in the wake of its epic reviews, somewhat overrated. After taking it in a second time, and briefly meeting the adorable director Damien Chazelle here in New York, I was less resistant to “La La’s” appeal. I

think “Moonlight” is exquisite and powerful. (Of the nine nominated films, the only one I would have struck from the list was “Arrival,” which I found to be an epic bore. I understood, to a certain extent, the raves for “La La Land” — an unusual, intimate musical, colorful, joyful and poignant. But I was flabbergasted when the lights came up on “Arrival” — the positive notices for that one must have been written by the aliens.) AS to The Big Mistake which closed the Oscar telecast so spectacularly, I can only say the fault lies in our stars. Even as I saw Miss Dunaway and Mr. Beatty from a distance, gingerly approaching the podium, I had a sinking feeling. Alarm bells were ringing. I suppose the shock of realizing he had the wrong card was, well, a shock. But rather than making it seem as if he was deliberately trying to extend the drama, then handing it off to Miss Dunaway

— who was not amused by what she perceived as his attempt at humor — I wish Warren had just stopped, and said, “This says ‘Emma Stone.’ I don’t think Emma Stone is a best picture.” So, it would have been a little drama, a little embarrassment, no great harm done. Now, in the end, and in the scope of, well, real life, no great harm was done. “Moonlight” won, and the casts of both films behaved wonderfully — congratulating one another, handing over the Oscars, getting swiftly off or onstage, respectively. But the emotional turmoil must have been considerable, the dashed ecstasy of the “La La Land” group; the delayed, diffused, confused joy of the “Moonlight” crowd. Not to mention the agonies suffered by whoever handed Beatty the wrong card, and Faye and Warren’s distress. They were hoping to remind the current movie industry of their glorious careers

and the ground that was broken with “Bonnie and Clyde.” Now they are tropes and memes and hashtags of the cruel, unfettered social media. And while I commend “La La” producer Jordan Horowitz for instantly jumping into the onstage confusion, commandingly announcing, “This is no joke, ‘Moonlight’ is the winner, come up here!” he could have been gentler taking the correct envelope from a stunned Warren Beatty’s hand. Mr. Beatty is likely still nursing a bloody paper cut! The moral? As Joe. E. Brown said at the classic conclusion of “Some Like It Hot” — “Well, nobody’s perfect.” E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@ aol.com.

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