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THE Volume LVII, No. 4

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

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Rep. Flowers rips Rauner over f lap with Madigan By Joe Boyle Gov. Bruce Rauner fired off yet another round of complaints about House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd), blaming him for the state budget stalemate that is now in its 10th month. However, one local legislator is tired of hearing the governor targeting Madigan as the main culprit behind the budget impasse. “The governor’s voice is lurking in the newspapers and on TV,” said state Rep. Mary Flowers (D-31st), whose district

includes Oak Lawn. “He complains about the Democrats and the Speaker instead of negotiating. “If the governor keeps moving the goal posts, we can’t get anything done,” Flowers added. “The governor is trying to destroy education. How are we supposed to get along? How are we supposed to work together? This is not a dictatorship.” Legislators went back to work last week, and some bills were initiated. During the recess, Rauner said that Madigan had not contacted him or attempted to offer any proposals to end

STATE BUDGET CRISIS the budget stalemate. Following Rauner’s criticisms of Madigan, Senate Democrats introduced a school funding bill on April 6 that would redistribute funds from wealthier districts to poorer communities. The measure would take place over four years. Rauner has not ruled against the most recent measure that was introduced by state Sen Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). The governor said the state’s cur-

rent funding relies too heavily on local property taxes to fund schools. He said state money should be provided evenly for lower-income districts and rural areas. Manar’s plan is supposed to cost about $600 million. During the first year, $400 million will be provided to make sure that school districts don’t lose money. Manar’s bill would offer $200 million for the state to pay Chicago teacher pensions. The bill is actually an amendment to Senate Bill 231. The language is based on a bipartisan report of two years ago.

While Rauner has not ruled against Manar’s bill, the $3.8 billion funding bill passed by Senate Democrats last month has not persuaded the governor. Republicans also were not in agreement. Democrats used their majority to pass the bill by a 39-18 margin. The vote had already cleared the House. The proposal would allow for about $1.9 billion to colleges and universities that have not received funding since this budget lockdown started. Before See IMPASSE, Page 8

Local Catholic pastors come to terms with lower enrollments, fewer priests By Joe Boyle

LEGO display rolls through town

Photo by Joe Boyle

A youngster smiles as the passenger train is about to race by him at the LEGO Train Display at the Oak Lawn Library. The display was presented by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club. It drew large crowds of children and adults alike on Saturday and Sunday. More coverage on Page 4.

Palos Hills approves Greenest Region initiative By Michael Gilbert The Palos Hills City Council did, in fact, convene on St. Patrick’s Day, but it was the meeting on April 7 that carried a green theme. City officials voted unanimously to pass a resolution endorsing the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact 2, an initiative by the organization to offer the Chicago region’s 273 municipalities a number of cost-effective sustainability measures. The goal of the two-page document is to enhance health and safety through the reduction of energy consumption and fossil fuels, air pollution and hazardous wastes. The Greenest Region Compact 2 also stresses the importance of water conservation.

Palos Hills was one of the first municipalities to adopt the original Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact back in 2007, and Mayor Gerald Bennett said the updated document includes more green measures that have been successfully implemented by the Caucus and its member communities. “We should be very proud,” Bennett told the council. “There are many things listed (in the Greenest Region Compact 2) that we have done over the years.” One green step Palos Hills has already taken is retrofitting the light fixtures in all city-owned buildings with LED lights. The bulbs are not only energy efficient but also save the city money compared to using

Exhibit lets residents enjoy a ‘Historic Trip Down 95th Street’ By Joe Boyle Rick Sorley recalled some special memories as he viewed the opening of the “Hitting The Road: An Historic Trip Down 95th Street” photo exhibit Saturday at the Oak Lawn Library. Sorley looked over the photos at the exhibit on the library’s second floor, accompanied by his son, Rick III. “I grew up in Oak Lawn and there are a lot of memories here,” Sorley said. “I was telling my son about the Branding Iron Restaurant. My dad proposed to my mom there.” The photo exhibit features photos from Oak Lawn’s past along 95th Street dating

back to when the community was called Black Oak. Photos include the original Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1891. Other photos feature the first Oak Lawn Village Hall from 1918; the Harnew Service Station, 5250 W. 95th St., from about 1930; Behrend’s Hardware Store at the northwest corner of 95th and Raymond Avenue in about 1912; Premo’s Ice Cream from 1987; and the Branding Iron, 4200 W. 95th St., from 1960. The Branding Iron, once a popular restaurant in Oak Lawn, closed in 1988. Included in the display is the entrance of Kiddyland at 95th Street and Pulaski See 95TH STREET, Page 8

standard incandescent bulbs, Bennett said. He also noted Palos Hills has long been designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Maintaining “maximum tree coverage” is one of the goals of the Greenest Region Compact as trees combat climate change, provide oxygen, conserve energy and save water. A recent green initiative Palos Hills undertook was retrofitting the street lights of all city-owned side streets with LED bulbs, Bennett said. Grant money from ComEd paid for the project, he noted. Palos Hills is also working with the Southwest Conference of Mayors and a third party See PALOS HILLS, Page 8

Archbishop Blase Cupich has raised concerns among Catholics about the future of local parishes in the Chicago Archdiocese due to lower enrollments and fewer priests. But several southwest suburban pastors said they don’t foresee any church closings. However, some changes are imminent, the pastors said. “We had three meetings (with the archbishop),” said the Rev. Lawrence Malcom, pastor of St. Gerald Parish, 9310 S. 55th Court, Oak Lawn. “By 2030 there will only be 260 priests for the archdiocese. We have 370 parishes in the archdiocese. So, in the future, the archdiocese is talking about closing some schools while merging others.” Malcom does not believe changes will be occurring soon to parishes in Oak Lawn, for instance. He said there is a list of 70 parishes in the archdiocese in which school enrollments are low. Schools with an enrollment of under 200, or under 225 if they offer kindergarten, will be considered for future closings if those numbers do not substantially improve. The St. Gerald pastor is pleased with the numbers at his parish. School enrollment at St. Gerald is currently at 385. “It has been steady,” said Malcom. “What’s going on here now is that we are having more baptisms. We are having more baptisms than funerals. This is the oldest section of Oak Lawn, so I think a lot of families are coming here because homes are more affordable.” The Rev. James Hyland, pastor

of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 9525 S. Lawndale Ave., Evergreen Park, said that he has also spoken to the archbishop. The parish has to address some issues in the future, he said.

“Some churches

will close. But that does not mean there will be sweeping changes at all parishes.”

— Susan Burritt,

Chicago Archdiocese spokesperson

“Do we have financial challenges facing us? Well, yes,” said Hyland. “Enrollment figures are down a bit.” Hyland does not believe any churches in the area are in danger of closing. But Hyland, who has been at Holy Redeemer the past seven years, said that some parishes in the future may share resources. “What you might see is more consolidation of programs,” said Hyland. “You could see an area RICA program, for example. Perhaps a regional St. Vincent de Paul Society office could occur. I think you will see more sharing of resources. The parishes may work together more. Some schools in some areas may consolidate. “But I think the biggest challenge is lower enrollments,” added Hyland. “That is something we have to work on.” See PASTORS, Page 8

Oak Lawn native Rick Sorley and his son, Rick III, look over photos from the “Hitting The Road: An Historic Trip Down 95th Street” exhibit Saturday at the Oak Lawn Library. Photo by Joe Boyle

2 The Reporter

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Hurley measure educates drivers on police interaction advances Legislation introduced by “Our police officers are critistate Rep. Fran Hurley (D- cal to the safety of our area, 35th), to help prepare new and are dedicated members drivers for a traffic of our community. stop passed commitAny time we can tee this week. educate people in “Understanding a way that helps what to expect durresidents and law ing a traffic stop enforcement stay and how to behave safe is a step in appropriately helps the right direction,” keep both drivers Hurley said. and law enforcement “This bill will ensafe,” Hurley said. sure every driver in Hurley “All drivers should Illinois knows what understand what to expect as they their responsibilities interact with the are during interactions with men and women who keep police, and what is appropriate our community safe, and I for both the driver and the law want to thank my colleagues enforcement member.” from both sides of the aisle for Hurley’s bill requires all helping to move this important drivers’ education courses in measure forward.” Illinois to cover what to do durHouse Bill 6131 passed the ing a traffic stop and what is House Transportation Vehicles appropriate in those circum- and Safety Committee with stances for both parties. Most unanimous, bipartisan support. driving schools in Illinois cover The bill now awaits action bethis information. The measure fore the full House. will ensure that all drivers have For more information on any the information they need to state issue, contact Hurley’s navigate interactions with law service office at (773) 445-8128 enforcement safely. or repfranhurley@gmail.com.

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Gun possession Three Chicago men face weapons charges following traffic stop at 10:05 p.m. last Thursday at Harlem Avenue and Southwest Highway. Police said the three were initially stopped because the driver, Jerome T. White, 30, of the 8200 block of South Indiana Avenue, was seen talking on a cellphone. He was sitting on a loaded 9 mm Ruger handgun, and his passengers, Dontel J. Cole, 26, of the 10400 block of South Sangamon Street; and Randy C. Smith, 27, of the 6900 block of South Maplewood, were also found to be carrying handguns, according to reports. All three were charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons, and Smith was charged with defacing the serial number on a firearm. Cole was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for theft. They were all held for felony bond hearings.

DUI charge Kevin Pero, 26, of the 400 block of Columbia Street, Naperville, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, at Southwest Highway and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he registered .180 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also cited for improper lane usage, driving too fast for conditions, and driving on a flat tire. He is due in court on May 31.

Retail theft Patricia Herman-Wrobel, 53, of the 9500 block of South Kenton Avenue, was charged with retail theft at Kohl’s department store in Chicago Ridge Mall at 4:25 p.m. Friday. Police said she was stopped outside the store after being seen concealing housewares worth $497 in her belongings. She is due in court on May 31.

Marijuana possession Thomas A. Spetz, 34, of the 10300 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with possession of cannabis and several driving offenses following a traffic stop at 2:15 p.m. Friday in the 6400 block of West 101st Street. Police said he was carrying less than 5 grams of marijuana. He was also charged with driving without a license, no insurance and failure to signal, He is due in court on May 13.

Driving charges • Gabriel M. Trojanowski, 18, of the 6700 block of West 180th Avenue, Tinley Park, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 11:50 p.m. Sunday in the 10600 block of South Oak Park Avenue. Police said he ran from the vehicle and through a subdivision, and was apprehended after a chase. He was cited for resisting arrest, driving without insurance, failure

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to signal and disobeying a stop sign. He was due to appear at a bond hearing on Monday • A 17-year-old male juvenile was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and other offenses following a collision at 9:30 p.m. Sunday at 107th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without a license or insurance. He is due in court on May 13. • Ryan M. Smith, 24, of the 15600 block of South Lawndale Avenue, Markham, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10:30 a.m. Friday at 95th Street and Oak Park Avenue. Court information was not available.

Evergreen Park Drug possession • Marisol S. Garay, 23, of Tinley Park, was charged with felony unlawful possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 2:30 p.m. April 2 in the 9500 block of South Hamlin Avenue. Police said a bag containing assorted prescription medication, including amphetamines, pain medication and antidepressants, was in plain sight on the front seat. She was also cited for driving with expired registration. • Jamal A. Aouni, 22, of Chicago, was charged with possession of cannabis following a traffic stop at 2:30 p.m. April 3 in the 8800 block of South Troy. Police said he was carrying 2.8 grams of marijuana after they detected the smell of marijuana coming from a parked car he was in with two other people.

DUI charges • Deontay M. Brown, 33, of Gary, Ind., was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol at 3 a.m. April 3 in the 9600 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said he was also cited for having only one working headlight. • Fernando V. Sanchez, 45, of Hammond, Ind., was charged with DUI at 12:30 a.m. April 3 in the 9500 block of South Central Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving on a suspended license, speeding, and having open alcohol.

Weapon charges • Ricardo Mayorga, 32, of Hammond, Ind., was charged with unlawful use of a weapon following a traffic stop at 6 p.m. April 1 in the 3400 block of West 87th Street. Police said a taser and a set of brass knuckles were found in his car. • Jana M. Walton-Page, 21, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon following a traffic stop at 2:30 a.m. April 4 in the 2700 block of West 87th Street. Police said a pink taser was found in her car. She was also cited for speeding.

Retail theft Ray E. Love, 31, of Evergreen Park, was charged with felony retail theft and fleeing and eluding at 7 p.m. April 4. Police said he fled the store with two blue-tooth cellphone attachments worth $69.98, and was caught after he was chased down. They said the theft charge was raised to a felony because of his past record. • Stephen L. Hammer, 28, of Oak Lawn, was charged with retail theft at 3:20 p.m. April 1 at Meijer, 9200 S. Western Ave. Police said he took two pieces of meat worth $86.98. • Jamila A. King, 32, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Menards, 9100 S. Western Ave., at 2 p.m. April 3. Police said she took items valued at $24.95. • William J. Koncel, 34, of Evergreen Park, was charged with battery following an altercation that occurred about midnight April 2 in an apartment in the 10000 block of South Kedzie Avenue. Police said Koncel punched another man several times.

Hickory Hills License charges • Oterius J. Treadwell, 27, of the 300 block of South East Avenue, Oak Park, was charged with driving on a revoked license and speeding following a traffic stop at 8:03 p.m. Saturday at 87th Street and Steeple Hill Drive. Police said he was driving 53 mph in a 35 mph zone, and was also wanted on an outstanding DuPage County warrant for failure to appear in court on a suspended license charge. • Jonathan J. Pina, 19, of the 2700 block of West 28th Street, Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 6:21 p.m. Saturday at 95th Street and 83rd Court. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on May 3. • Deborah J. Barajas, 52, of the 600 block of Briarcliff Drive, Minooka, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the 8700 block of South 88th Avenue. Police said she was also cited for disobeying a traffic control device. In addition, she was issued a local ordinance violation for possession of marijuana, after police said she left her car and dropped a bag containing 1 gram of marijuana inside the gas station where she had parked. She is due in court on May 19.

Marijuana violation Szymon J. Bukowski, 25, of the 8700 block of South 82nd Avenue, Hickory Hills, was issued a village ordinance citation for possession of marijuana after being found asleep in his car, with marijuana on his lap, at 8:22 p.m. Sunday in the 9000 block of South Roberts Road, according to reports. Police said they responded to a report of an unresponsive person, and woke him up. He told police he was preparing to smoke the .8 gram of marijuana on his lap when he fell asleep. He was issued a summons to appear at a May 2 hearing at City Hall.

Multiple charges Tevin J. Jamison, 25, of the 15900 block of Gauger Avenue, Harvey, was charged with resisting arrest and other offenses following traffic stop at 7:44 p.m. April 6 at Lotus Drive and 88th Avenue. Police said he was apprehended after running from the vehicle. In addition to resisting arrest, Jamison was charged with driving on an expired license, possession of 15 grams of cannabis found in the car, and illegal transportation of alcohol. He was also cited for improper lighting. Jamison is due in court on May 3.

Vandalism report Police are investigating a case of vandalism to a Mitsubishi sedan that occurred between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday while the vehicle was parked behind an apartment building in the 8300 block of West 95th Street. Almost every window on the car was shattered, and a large dent was in one of the doors, police said.

Oak Lawn Drug and driving charges Christopher J. Smith, 24, of the 6600 block of South Marshfield Avenue, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 3:29 p.m. April 5 in the 5400 block of West 95th Street. Police said Smith, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was carrying one Ecstasy tablet. He was held for a bond hearing. The driver, Javon D. Henson, 23, of the 2000 block of West 71st Street, Chicago, was cited for driving without a valid license, expired registration and defective brakes. Heeson is due in court on April 28.

Counterfeit credit cards

the 11800 block of South Hale Avenue, Chicago, faces a felony charge after a package containing 19 counterfeit or altered credit cards were found in his car during a traffic stop at 7:20 p.m. April 3 in the 9500 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said the package was found in the trunk of the car, and the cards in other people’s names were traced back to banks in Japan although they appeared to be issued by U.S. banks. His female passenger first told police it was a package for his grandmother, then Higgins said he was being paid $40 to mail it, without knowing what was inside. In addition to felony possession of altered/counterfeit credit cards, Higgins was charged with driving on a suspended license, no insurance, no front license plate, improper use of registration, and driving without a seatbelt. He was held for a bond hearing.

DUI charges Domenick Jaconetty, 49, of the 8900 block of Sandra Lane, Hickory Hills, was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol after police found him near the scene of a collision at 10:50 p.m. March 31in the 9600 block of South Cicero Avenue. Police said Jaconetty, who was not injured, told them he fell asleep at the wheel, and struck a light pole, heavily damaging his vehicle. He registered .132 blood-alcohol count on a breath test. He was also charged with driving on the sidewalk, driving off the roadway, damage to village property, leaving the scene of a property damage crash. Jaconetty was held for a bond hearing.

License charges • Stephen M. Sanchez-Govensky, 23, of the 16300 block of Parliament Avenue, Tinley Park, was charged with driving on a revoked license following a traffic crash at 10:03 a.m. April 6 at Southwest Highway and Cicero Avenue. Police said he is due in court on April 29. • Salvador A. Ibarra, 52 of the 4000 block of West 87th Street, was charged with driving on a suspended license following a traffic stop at 2 p.m. April 4 in the 9600 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he also was charged with expired registration. He is due in court on May 2.

Palos Hills Weapon charge Peter F. Kwak, 28, of Palos Hills, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after a loaded AK-47 rifle and body armor were found in his car during a traffic stop at 11:55 a.m. April 4 in the 10300 block of South Harlem Avenue.

Drug possession Mohammad R. Jibawi, 21, of Tinley Park, and Nasser Jibawi, 23, of Oak Lawn, face drug charges following a traffic stop at 10:32 p.m. Saturday in the 10300 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said the two men were in a car that was reported as suspicious, and were found rolling a marijuana cigarette. In addition to possession of cannabis, police said they were charged with felony possession of a controlled substance after 20 hydrocodone pills were found in the car.

Credit card fraud A resident of the 8900 block of South Roberts Road reported a case of credit card fraud at 9:27 a.m. April 4. The victim told police someone had used their credit card information to purchase goods totaling about $1,000.

Vandalism is reported Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a broken car window, which was discovered and reported at 10:20 p.m. April 5 in the 11000 block of Southwest Highway.

Jeffrey B. Higgins, II, 28, of Police report information is 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 court.

Area police departments Chicago Ridge Evergreen Park Hickory Hills Oak Lawn Palos Hills Worth

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

Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Reporter

OAK LAWN

Medicinal marijuana battles stigmas, state bureaucracy

Board reverses its decision on towing contract

hen marijuana was discussed several years ago as a means to alleviate pain for people suffering from a variety of debilitating illnesses, there were a few snickers. The use of marijuana is nothing new, although many of us link it to the 1960s, when many people began to try it. I attended a workshop back in September to inform the residents of Worth about the misconceptions of medicinal marijuana. Obviously, the community was at least interested in hearing from the representatives of Windy City Cannabis, which was going to manage the medicinal marijuana dispensary in the village. Worth Mayor Mary Werner and other officials spent nearly two years to convince residents Joe that the future employees of the Boyle dispensary are going to be good neighbors. Of course, Worth officials also believed that the medicinal marijuana dispensary would eventually be profitable. I believe that is still the case. Some residents thought the facility might result in an increase in crime. The dispensary has been open for just over three months and no problems with the community have occurred. But while Worth has accepted the fact that medicinal marijuana is available to treat ailments, apparently preconceived beliefs are hampering the treatments. Werner touched on this during a Chicago Ridge Worth Chamber of Commerce luncheon in which she expressed concern that the facility will not remain open unless Gov. Bruce Rauner can help loosen the restrictions on what illnesses can be treated. Illinois has some of the strictest regulations on what can be described for medication. Werner even put in a call to Rauner’s office to see what the governor can do. She is still awaiting a return phone call. Werner said 5,000 people have signed up to receive medicinal marijuana. The goal was 10,000 at this point. Steve Weisman, the CEO of Windy City Cannabis, said the figures are below where they should be. However, in a story that appeared in our April 7 edition, Weisman said that in his mind the program is still a success. He mentioned of talking to people who had tears in their eyes because the pain they had been suffering had been alleviated after taking a prescription. Weisman talked about a quadriplegic, who after treatments, could actually move his toes. Weisman points out that medicinal marijuana is not a cure for these ailments. But those testimonials have Weisman confident the program will draw more participants. The problem is that previous Gov. Pat Quinn had a different viewpoint than Gov. Rauner. I can’t specifically say why Rauner seems less than enthusiastic about the program. Perhaps he does not see the project as bringing in lots of money. I also believe it was another way for Rauner to stick it to Quinn, who approved of the program. Illinois law has 39 conditions and diseases that already qualify for medicinal marijuana use with a doctor’s signature. Cancer, glaucoma, HIV, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis qualify. Conditions that have been rejected by Rauner are anorexia nervosa, chronic postoperative pain, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches. I realize some people have their doubts about medicinal marijuana. But I cannot understand why Rauner and his mostly hand-picked board would object to something that can help relieve the throbbing pain of migraine headaches, for instance. The other obstacle facing Weisman and Windy City Cannabis employers is that many doctors are resistant to sign for their patients who request medicinal marijuana. Some of these physicians believe that to do so could be interpreted as reckless by critics of medicinal marijuana. Again, the stigma attached to cannabis is still prevalent. But there is some good news. Illinois medical marijuana shops had their best month yet in February with nearly $1.5 million in sales, bringing total retail sales to more than $4.4 million since the program began on Nov. 9. A program director said registered dispensaries served 3,042 patients during February. Marijuana wholesalers pay a 7 percent tax to the state. The wholesale sales reported indicate growers paid roughly $83,000 in taxes in sales for February. Concentrates and edibles became more widely available, contributing more than $362,000 to total February sales. I think that prescription rates will pick up in Worth as well. The one suggestion I have is that perhaps through their website or by advertising, it should be noted that Windy City Cannabis is located at 11425 S. Harlem Ave. in Worth. More information can be obtained at WindyCityCannabis.com.

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

By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Dermot Connolly

A memorial table set up in memory of Worth resident Elmer Korhorn at a McDonald’s restaurant in Palos Hills. On hand were (from left) his son, George, and daughter and son-in-law, Merilee and Frank Andreasen. The memorial table was set up by Palos Heights resident Kathy Lovitt.

Friends, family members stop by local restaurant to pay respects to veteran By Dermot Connolly

Friends and family of Worth resident Elmer Korhorn, 91, recalled his great sense of humor as they shared stories about him during an informal memorial service for him on Friday morning at McDonald’s, at 11050 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills, where he could be found socializing most mornings. He died on March 28 after a brief battle with lung cancer. Palos Heights resident Kathy Lovitt set up the memorial table in his honor. Elmer was one of four World War II veterans among the dozens of veterans and other regular McDonald’s visitors whom Lovitt befriended and celebrated with in recent years. She often brought cakes and bought breakfast for all of

See OAK LAWN, Page 9

By Dermot Connolly

Trophy catch sets record

Supplied photo

Wally Findysz Sr., of Oak Lawn, caught the 1st-place bass (4.6 pounds, 18 inches) at last Saturday’s fishing day tourney held at Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights. Organizers told him that his catch “broke the all-time record for bass size caught in the lake,” he said. He used a worm with a bobber. His son, Wally Jr., finished in second place in the bluegill division.

realized he won. Three other winning tickets were also purchased. However, only two have claimed he $250,000 prizes so far, according to the Illinois Lottery. Abobakr claimed the ticket over a month ago. The gas station will receive $2,500 for having someone purchase the winning ticket at their location.

Mount Carmel Caravan Drama Club to perform ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ Mount Carmel High School’s Caravan Drama club will perform their spring play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15 in the school’s Student Center, 6410 S. Dante Ave., Chicago.

them, and Friday’s celebration of Elmer’s life was no different. “The greatest generation is right here, and we should listen to them,“ said Steve Targosz, an airline pilot who flew back from Hawaii that morning and came straight to the restaurant. “Everyone here is special but with Elmer, it was a deeper connection. He loved me and I loved him,” said Lovitt, who said Elmer and his friends joked around like 16-yearold boys when she came over to greet him with a kiss. “He was driving up to six weeks ago, but I think he figured if he couldn’t come to McDonald’s anymore, he didn’t want to be around,” said his daughter, Merilee Andreasen, of Worth.

The contract reprieve that Jack’s Towing Co. received from the Oak Lawn Village Board last month did not last long at all. For more than 15 years, Jack’s, which operates from a village-owned site at 4500 Southwest Highway, has been the company used by the police department and the village whenever vehicles need to be removed from local roads. Village Manager Larry Deetjen pointed out at the March 22 meeting that the unusually long 15-year contract awarded to Jack’s Towing in 2000 had run out last October. But his request for board approval to give the next contract to TechniCraft in Justice and Walsh’s Towing, based in Chicago Ridge, was rejected by the board, who voted 3-3, with Mayor Sandra Bury breaking the tie. At that time, Trustee Tim Desmond (1st) joined Alex Olejniczak (2nd) and Bob Streit (3rd) in voting against the change, with Bury siding with them to break the tie. But on Tuesday, Desmond asked that the board reconsider Deetjen’s request, and this time, with his vote to approve the new agreement, it passed, much to the disappointment of Jack’s Towing’s owner and drivers in the audience. Jack’s Towing’s only towing contract was with the village, so it is expected to go out of business. Desmond said he asked for the issue to be put back on the agenda because questions remained after the last meeting. Furthermore, he noted that since that last meeting, Jack’s Towing had changed ownership, when Mike Queenan had sold it to his brother, Ron. He also suggested that the board shouldn’t even have been asked to vote on the matter, since the taxpayer “neither pays nor gets paid for” the towing company used mainly by the police department. Trustees Bud Stalker (5th) and Michael Carberry (6th) agreed with him on that point, saying the decision probably should be left to the village administrator and the police department. Although by all accounts Jack’s Towing had no complaints against it, Desmond questions why the company was given such a long contract in the first place. “Fifteen years ago, the village board voted to allow a private company use of village property to operate a towing and village storage facility. They paid no rent or utilities over this 15-year period,

Three new principals appointed for Dist. 218

Palos Hills man wins $250,000 on a lottery scratch-off ticket A Palos Hills man won $250,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket he purchased in Oak Lawn. According to the Illinois Lottery, Nasir Abobakr purchased the ticket from the Shell Gas Station at 5601 W. 87th St. Abobakr, 52, bought the ticket at the gas station but did not look at it right away. It was not until he came home that he glanced at it and

Tickets are $10for adults and $5 for non-Mount Carmel students. Admission for Mount Carmel students is free. More information can be obtained by contacting Dennis Brumirski, director of Caravan Speech and Drama, at dbrumirski@mchs.org.

The three District 218 high schools all have new principals as of July 1, but the three newcomers are wellknown in the district, where they are currently associate principals. At its March 21 meeting, the District 218 school board approved without comment the new roles for Greg Walder, Mike Jacobson and Erik Briseno recommended by Superintendent Ty Harting. Briseno, 38, who is completing his first year as associate principal at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, will be the next principal at Eisenhower in Blue Island, replacing the retiring Gary Rauch. Prior to becoming associate principal, Briseno was curriculum director for art, English-language learners and foreign language for District 218, and assistant principal for at-risk students at the Blue Island school. Walder, 45, who is currently the associate principal at Eisenhower, is moving on to become the principal of Shepard. He is succeeding Josh Barron, who will switch to the district’s central office for his new role as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Jacobson

Briseno

During his tenure that began more than 20 years ago as a math teacher and coach at Eisenhower, Walder has already worked at all three high schools. Over the years he has been the dean of students at both Shepard and Richards High School in Oak Lawn, and assistant principal of athletics at Eisenhower. At one time, he also was assistant principal of attendance and discipline at Richards. Jacobson, a Shepard alumnus himself, will be Richards’ new principal, moving up from associate principal. The current principal, John Hallberg, will become District 218’s assistant business manager and director of federal and state grants. Jacobson began his career teaching English for seven years at Shepard before becoming dean of students there. Prior to moving to Richards, he was curriculum director for the district’s English department.

4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, April 14, 2016

LEGO Train Display rides through Oak Lawn Library The LEGO Train Display, presented by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club, drew large crowds of children and adults alike on Saturday and Sunday at the Oak Lawn Library. The display features 4,080 square feet and included several trains riding by kids and adults. The LEGO city included

skyscrapers, gas stations, fire stations, the Kane Court House. Homer Simpson with his customary doughnut, and a Culver’s, Starbucks and a White Castle restaurant. The display also featured a medieval village with a castle along tournament grounds. The Crown Castle took two years

Along with the LEGO Train Display, the Crown Castle is observed by some curious youngsters at the medieval village display. The Crown Castle took two years to complete.

to complete. The Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club was formed in 2002 and currently has 20 members. More information about the Northern Illinois LEGO Club can be obtained at www. niltc.org.

Thomas the Tank Engine rides along the tracks of the LEGO Train Display at the Oak Lawn Library. A variety of structures were featured in the LEGO Train Display at the Oak Lawn Library, including a White Castle restaurant.

Photos by Joe Boyle

Kids look over the building and trains that were built with LEGOS at the train display.

Elim Eagles 5K Run, Walk and Roll to help provide resources for school The sixth annual Elim Eagles’ Wings 5K Run, Walk and Roll will be held on Saturday, May 7 on the Elim campus, 13020 S. Central Ave., Palos Heights. Participants may run or walk beginning at 9 a.m. Participants may choose between the timed 5K course and the untimed short flop course, which is one mile. Registered runners will receive official times for the 5K. The event will benefit the work of the agency for the sixth year in a row, supporting essential resources for children and adults with disabilities. Elim hopes to raise over $80,000 through this family event to fund iPads for both the school and adult programs, sensory items for students with autism, an EasyStand and its accessories, and a SMARTboard. All registered participants will receive a free Tshirt. Music, refreshment sand raffle drawings will

be part of the festivities. Kids will even have the opportunity to partake in a free pre-race obstacle course. In addition, this year’s 5K event has a “Star Wars” theme, and costumes are welcome. Elim’s mission is to equip children and adults with disabilities to achieve their highest God-given potential. Elim pursues this mission by providing educational, vocational, and therapeutic services to over 900 persons with developmental disabilities. More information can be obtained at www.elimcs. org, or call (708) 293-6509. Residents can also contact elimeagleswings5K@elimcs.org with questions. Visit www.crowdrise.com/Elim5K to register online or to help fundraise for the event. While wheelchairs, strollers, and service dogs are welcome, roller blades, bikes and non-service dogs are not permitted for the safety of Elim children and adults and other participants.

Mount Carmel will host 80th Alumni Banquet The 80th annual Mount Carmel High School Alumni Banquet will be held Friday, May 6 in the Cacciatore Athletic Center at the high school, 6410 S. Dante Ave., Chicago. Check-in and arrivals will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Classmates and friends of Mount Carmel will celebrate special anniversaries. The classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2006 will be honored. This year’s gathering will honor James Finn as Mount Carmel “Man of the Year,” and induct six new members of the Mount Carmel Hall of Fame: Jim

Deering, Class of ‘86; Bill Guide, ‘89; Marty Hughes, ‘66; Jack Keane, ‘60; Melvin McCants, ‘85; and Phil O’Reilly, ‘44. In addition, Jon Berry, John Mucha, Ron Spork and Mary Stamler will be recognized as honorary alumni. Tom Dart, ‘80, will receive the Fr. Aquinas Colgan, O. Carm. Humanitarian Award. The reservation fee is $80 and can be made by calling Craig Ferguson, ’87, director of Alumni Relations, (773) 324-1020, ext. 290, or cferguson@ mchs.org. To register and order tickets to the Alumni Banquet and/or to buy an ad in the banquet program book, visit www.mchs.org/alumnibanquet.

Animal Welfare League will hold mobile pet adoption event The Animal Welfare League will hold a local mobile pet adoption event entitled “2016 Tour For Life” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at PetSmart, 4975 Cal Sag Road, Crestwood. The event will be highlighted by adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in partnership with the NAWS Humane Society. The Animal Welfare League is partnering with the North Shore Animal League.

The Animal Welfare League will offer AVID microchips for $10, $99 dog adoption specials, $42.50 feline adoption specials and other giveaways. The Tour of Life will continue through the month of May. The mobile pet adoption units help shelter and rescue groups in 53 cities and towns in 32 states to generate more awareness of their organizations and find homes for the animals in their care.

Our Lady of Loretto Men’s Club to host Italian Night The Our Lady of Loretto Men’s Club is hosting the annual Italian Night and Dance on Friday, April 22 in the parish hall, 8925 S. Kostner Ave., Hometown. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Dancing will occur

after dinner with music provided by Peter Opisko. The cost for adults is $25 per person. Seniors and children under age 16 will cost $20 per person. Reservations are required by Monday, April 18. More information can be obtained by calling John, (708) 424-1287, or Rick, (708) 422-0217.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives Palos Hills receives support from ‘neighbor’ • 50 years ago From the April 14, 1966 issue The story: The Palos Heights City Council agreed at its April 12 meeting to back their “neighbor” Palos Hills in its protest of a refuse dump at 111th Street and Mannheim Road. Palos Heights Mayor Z. Erol Smith said that Palos Hills had already sent formal objections to Cook County. He recommended that a letter of support backing the position of Palos Hills be sent to the County. Smith was among a group of mayors from the southwest suburbs who attended a recent meeting to discuss the site of the dump site.

School District 218 is thrown for a loss • 25 years ago From the April 11, 1991 issue The story: What started out to be a win-win situation for high school Districts 218 and 130 ended up with District 130 the winner and School District 218 tagged with the loss. Lost somewhere in the confusion, School District 218 board members voted to sell the Old Main building to School District 130 for $1. District 218 Supt. Jerry Peterson presented a contract draft to the board that would have allowed District 130 to purchase the Old Main facility for $1. Under the proposed agreement, District 130 would have been required to pay leasing fees that totaled $200,000 over two years. After that lease agreement was met, District 130 would then take title to the property. However, the building was found to have asbestos. District 218 was now liable for any expenses as a result of asbestos. Peterson’s proposal was eventually turned down. The quote: “We could take the option of doing nothing with the asbestos,” said Peterson. “But then we would have to manage and monitor the material according to present EPA rules and this in itself is a costly proposition.”

Brew crew can launch boats on Cal-Sag Channel • 10 years ago From the April 13, 2006 issue The story: Boaters who launch on the Calumet-Sag Channel can buy refreshments including beer at the boat launch off of 115th Street west of the Water’s Edge Golf Course in Worth. The measure includes about $500 in insurance costs to meet dram shop liability laws. Worth Mayor Ed Guzdiol said the village could be selling ice, pop and packaged liquid by mid-summer at the public building at the boat launch. The village will be offering packaged liquor and will not be serving it. The quote: “If the added liability was too expensive, we weren’t even going to attempt it,” said Worth Trustee Mary Rhein. “It’s more for the convenience of the boaters out there.”

Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Reporter

Secretary of State kicks off organ/tissue donation campaign Secretary of State Jesse White kicked off the state’s organ/tissue donor campaign on April 5 as part of a statewide effort to encourage registration and awareness at all 138 driver services facilities. “Since many registrations happen at our facilities, we want to be sure that people are informed when making the decision to give the gift of life,” said White. “There are many myths that make some people fearful about donation and we want to dispel those concerns.” During the campaign, organ/ tissue donor staff will be onsite at a number of facilities to answer questions regarding donation. Countertop displays of local recipients and donor families will be featured at various driver services facilities so that patrons can see how organ/tissue donation impacts their community. In addition, facility personnel will receive additional training on organ/tissue donation in order to discuss registration with patrons. April is National Donate Life Month. White will attend events at facilities, hospitals and other venues throughout Illinois to encourage donation. Organizations

WHATIZIT?

Secretary of State Jesse White held a press conference recently to highlight the state’s organ/ tissue donor campaign. Supplied photo

Photo by Joe Boyle

will be working together to promote donor awareness throughout the state. Currently, there are more than 5.9 million people registered to become organ/tissue donors in Illinois. However, more than 5,000 are on the waiting list and about 300 people die each year waiting for an organ transplant. White held a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. In attendance were 7-year-olds Luke and Jake Swanson whose lives were saved because of organ donors. In addi-

tion, Secretary of State employee Fatrice Austin-Geiger a two-time kidney recipient and 14-year-old heart recipient Nicholas Lindblad spoke about how organ donation impacted their lives. “We encourage Illinoisans to join the Secretary of State’s Organ and Tissue Donor Registry,” said White. “It takes less than a minute and one person can improve the quality of life for up to 25 people.” Illinoisans can register with the Secretary of State Organ/Tissue Donor Program at LifeGoesOn.

com, (800) 210-2106 or by visiting their local driver services facility. This month driver services facilities will be distributing organ/ tissue donor materials and hosting donor drives. Health fairs, schools, colleges and hospitals will also be hosting donor drives and featuring displays statewide. In addition, television and radio ads about organ/tissue donation will air in English and Spanish statewide throughout the month. The spot will also be shown in more than 400 theaters across the state.

SUDOKU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVERGREEN PARK

Evergreen Park Women to host spring banquet The Evergreen Park United Methodist Women are hosting their women’s spring banquet entitled “Footprints in the Sand” at 6 p.m. Friday, May 6 at First United Methodist Church, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park. Women of all ages are invited for an evening of food and entertainment with a beach theme. Appetizers, dinner and dessert will be served. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 12, and $8 for kids under 5. Tickets can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 422-8451.

‘Yoga in the Park’ to be held at Yukich Field “Yoga in the Park” will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 17 at Yukich Field, near the Capuano Ice Rink, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park. A donation of $5 per person is suggested for the village pantry. The event will be followed by “Butterfly Gardening” at 11:30 a.m.

Evergreen Park Seniors to host ‘Memories to Go’ The Evergreen Park Senior Citizens’ Council is looking for vendors and crafters for their village-wide “Memories to Go” garage sale to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at Yukich Field, 8900 S, Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park. Items may be sold inside the covered ice rink (a 10x10 foot area) for $50 or an outside space (a 9x17 foot area) for $35. Deadline for application is 5 p.m. Friday, April 29. For more information call Office of Citizens’ Service (708) 422-8776 or fill out an application at the Evergreen Park Senior Citizen building, 3450 W 97th St.

HICKORY HILLS

Hickory Hills Woodworkers seek more members The Hickory Hills Woodworkers are seeking new members and invite residents who are interested to the next meeting from 7 to 9:30 p.m. today (Thursday, April 14) at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Guest speakers, demonstrations, show and tell, raffles and refreshments are part of the festivities. The woodworkers share their knowledge at the meetings, which are held the second Thursday of every month.

OAK LAWN

Trinity Lutheran Church Women host Trivia Night, Mom and Me The Women of the Church Board at Trinity Lutheran Church is sponsoring a Trivia Night beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the church, 9701 S. Brandt Ave., Oak Lawn. Teams will compete on general-knowledge questions for cash prizes. A nominal entry fee will be charged, and pop, beer, wine and snacks will be available for purchase. The Trinity Lutheran Church Women will also host Mom and Me at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5. The event is for kids of all ages and dads. A catered dinner and entertainment featuring storyteller Marie Ringenberg will be included at the event. Tickets are $13 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and children under age 4 can attend free. More information or for tickets, call the church office, (708) 422-0193.

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘Living in Oblivion’ CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s free weekly film discussion group to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1995 indie comedy “Living in Oblivion” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Earth Day Faire to be held at Wolfe Wildlife

Room 219, on campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

The Oak Lawn Park District and the Village of Oak Lawn will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with an Earth Day Faire from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center, 10900 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn. A variety of activities will take place including Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures, Big Run Wolfe Ranch, tree climbing, kids crafts, scavenger hunt, education on green living, gardening and composting, a milkweed plant sale, and more. Admission is free. Raffles and giveaways will take place. A prescription drug drop-off will be available onsite, courtesy of the Oak Lawn police. The scavenger hunt will take place after the Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures show. Participants will have a chance to win a prize. More information can be obtained by calling Dolly Foster, (708) 857-2201.

Palos Hills Rec. Department hosts MLB Pitch, Hit & Run

Pilgrim Faith women’s group will host spring cleaning talk WISH, the women’s group at the Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, will host “Get Organized and Clear the Clutter” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5 in the lounge of the church, 9411 S, 51st St., Oak Lawn. Visitors should enter through the courtyard and 51st Street. Colleen Klimczak, certified professional organizer of Peace Mind Professional Organizing, LLC, will teach guests how to “reorganize and eliminate clutter, then maximize your stuff and your life.” Visitors can bring a dessert to share. More information can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 442-4200.

Johnson Phelps Auxiliary to hold penny social The Johnson Phelps VFW Auxiliary will hold a penny social from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at the Johnson Phelps VFW Hall, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn. The event will assist the auxiliary in raising funds to support the veteran and community programs. Items will be available for purchase from the nickel-dime and quarter tables. A raffle table will be included. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free. Children are welcome. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 423-5220.

Oak Lawn Park District hosts Preschool Open House and Ice Cream Social The Oak Lawn Park District will host a Preschool Open House and Ice Cream Social from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 in the newly remodeled Little White Building, 9514 S. 55th Ave., Oak Lawn. Families of 3- and 4-year-olds who are looking for the right preschool program are encouraged to attend. The open house is free and provides an opportunity for parents and children to meet with preschool program teachers, check out the facility, and to receive detailed information about the 2016 Oak Lawn Park District Preschool program. Ice cream will also be supplied. For more information, contact the Oak View Center at (708) 857-2200.

Spring Into Summer Festival The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce will hold the 10th Annual Spring Into Summer Festival from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11 in Oak Lawn. The Pet Parade begins the proceedings at 99th Street and 54th Avenue and concludes at 95th Street and Cook Avenue. The new car show and vendor fair will both occur at 95th and Cook. A special area will be dedicated to a non-profit pet organization. More information can be obtained by calling the chamber office, (708) 424-8300.

PALOS HILLS

Moraine Valley Board to meet Wednesday The regular monthly meeting of the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20.in the Board Room, Building D,

The weather hasn’t been ideal for baseball and softball in our area for much of this spring, but local teams have been playing. In honor of that, last week’s Whatizit photo focused on a softball field. We accepted baseball or softball field as the right answer. In this instance, the photo was of the left field fence at the softball field for Oak Lawn Community High School, near 93rd and Kilbourn Avenue. The foul pole can be seen rising above the fence. Oak Lawn resident Steve Rosenbaum brought up the argument that the pole could be referred to as the “fair pole” because if a batter hits it, then it is a home run. Since most of us have always been calling it a foul pole, we will stick with that. Steve was one of a couple of readers who had the correct answer. Henrietta Mysliwiec, of Evergreen Park, guessed it was a baseball field. Worth residents Jerry and Carol Janicki thought it was a baseball field in Palos Heights. Hey, that’s close enough. The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo above is: Healthy kids. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net.

The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department is hosting a free Scotts Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for all area youth from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23 at Glacier Park, 101st Street and 78th Avenue, Palos Hills. This event is free to participate but all participants must have their parent or guardian fill out a registration form and bring a copy of their birth certificate prior to participating in the competition. Pitch Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball. This program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball and softball skills. Participants are divided into four age divisions: 7 and 8; 9 and 10; 11 and 12; and 13 and 14. All participants have the chance to advance through four levels of competition including team championships at major league ballparks and the national finals at the 2016 MLB All-Star Game. The individual pitching, hitting and running championships, along with the all-around champion in each division age group at the local competition will be awarded and advance to the sectional level of competition. For questions regarding the Pitch Hit & Run competition, call Ed Jung at (708) 430-4500.

Answers on Page 8

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Palos Hills Rec Department hosts one-day Rules of the Road class The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department is hosting a one-day Rules of the Road Class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 16 at the center, 8455 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. During this class, participants will review traffic laws, signs and safe driving techniques before you take the driver’s license renewal exam. For questions or to reserve a spot in this free class, call (708) 430-4500.

Summer camps for kids The Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be holding a summer camp for children ages 6 to 13. Campers will take part in arts and crafts, games, free time in the gym, field trips and more activities. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The first session of Palos Hills Summer Day Camp begins Monday, June 6. The camp is broken into two week sessions. Parents or guardians can sign children for each session individually or for the entire summer. For those campers who cannot attend full-day camp, the Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department also offered a half-day camp. Half-day camp meets from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Half-day camp participants will still attend field trips with their friends in the full-day camp. Before and after camp is available for fullday campers at an additional cost. For younger campers, To Camp will be provided. Tot Camp is for youngsters ages 3 to 5 and they meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. More information about the day camps can be obtained by calling the Palos Hills Community Center, (708) 430-4500.

WORTH

St. Mark Lutheran Church to host ‘Super Sew Tuesday’ and outdoor market fair “Super Sew Tuesday” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 19 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11000 S. 76th Ave., Worth. The St. Mark quilters make dozens of quilts, which are distributed to the cold and needy around the world. No experience is necessary. For more information, call the church at (708) 448-6555 The first outdoor market fair of the year will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Breakfast and lunch is available in the Kozy Kitchen. Free blood pressure screenings will be offered. Vendor space is still available. More information can be obtained by calling the church above or Vivian, (708) 444-1720.

ACROSS 1 Fall follower? 5 Ophidian menace 8 Brightness stats 11 Arts supporters 14 Frat letter 15 Akhenaten’s son 16 On the level 17 Battle of Khafji conflict 19 “Battle it out” quintet 20 Plasma particle 21 Loafer’s lack 22 Some audiobooks 23 Pro shop supplies 26 Opposite of bids 27 Kool-Aid alternative 28 “__ Eterno”: 2004 sports documentary 29 Boorish 30 Detergent with Oxi Booster 31 Bone: Pref. 32 “Seasons in the Sun” songwriter 33 Dot on an MTA map 34 “Love in the Time of __”: Garcia Marquez work 36 ICU staffer 39 “Can’t argue with that!” 41 Former car-financing org. 42 It may come after you 43 Court attire 45 Rooting sound 46 Hardly bright 47 “Agreed!” 48 Title girl in a 1965 #1 hit 50 Sushi topper 51 Mall draw 52 Sci-fi suffix 53 Signs of dissatisfaction 55 Appears ... and the contents of this puzzle’s circles? 57 “Missed your chance!” 59 Brief facilities? 60 Zing 61 Early Alaskans 62 Memphis-to-Nashville dir. 63 Year abroad 64 Payroll deduction, perhaps

DOWN 1 The Police, most of the time 2 Bit of deception 3 A, in Argentina 4 ISP option 5 Shoptalk 6 Treats as persona non grata 7 D.C. figure 8 Realization often preceded by “Whew!” 9 Charlatans 10 Hardly gloss over 11 Still-life subject 12 Swallowed one’s pride 13 Rodgers and Hart title lyric that precedes “I get no dizzy spells” 18 Roadside warning 20 James Brown memoir 24 Inclusive pronoun 25 Quartet member 29 One way to lighten the mood 32 Word before or after name 35 Key of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”: Abbr. 37 Before 38 They can’t be beaten 40 Get Wired again 43 Fight in the sticks 44 Fred Astaire, by birth 48 President Francois Hollande’s birthplace 49 Whale relative 54 Bulldog fans 56 Facial spot 57 Brother of Jack and Bobby 58 College Football Playoff champion crowned Jan. 12, 201 (c)2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Answers on Page 8

6 The Reporter

COMMENTARY

THE

Thursday, April 14, 2016

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Amy Richards Publisher

Joe Boyle Editor

Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Motorists will again receive mailed notices for emissions tests

O.J. Simpson and the moral bankruptcy of society

he state budget impasse continues to drag on, and with each and every day the deadlock continues, businesses, residents, students and schools are affected. We have written about how the Monetary Awards Program, or MAP grants, have been put on hold. Those grants are intended to aid students from low-income families who need financial assistance to attend colleges and universities. We also have addressed on numerous occasions the standoff between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd) that might extend past the November election. Stories have been written about social agencies that are either suspended or are discontinuing services because of no funding from the state. With all these calamities occurring, we want to pass along any good news that develops. In the April 7 edition of The Reporter, we reported on the elimination of sending out mailed reminders to renew license plate stickers — another casualty of the budget impasse. Unfortunately, the suspension of sending out these reminders will continue. When the budget impasse finally breaks, perhaps the current elimination of sending out license renewal notices can be addressed again. However, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has reversed its decision to eliminate sending out notices reminding residents with mailed notices that their vehicle emissions tests are coming up soon. In the story in our paper last week we mentioned that the EPA had joined the Secretary of State’s office in eliminating sending out the mailed reminders to reduce costs. Well, just after our deadline, the EPA decided it will once again send out the notices for emissions tests, which became effective on April 6. The decision was not made overnight. The agency was receiving complaints from the public. However, it was the threat of several lawsuits that resulted in the EPA deciding it was best to renew the practice of sending out mailed notices. Test notices will be retroactive to the first motorists who did not receive a notice. Drivers who have completed testing requirements will not receive one of the new test notices. The emissions test notices will again be mailed on a postcard-size form. Illinois EPA urges motorists to have their vehicles tested several weeks prior to the license plate expiration to allow sufficient time to test the vehicle, and when necessary, perform repairs. Well, at least that is some good news. The specific difference between sending out license sticker renewal notices and the emissions test reminders is that most motorists are not sure when to have their vehicles tested. Motorists most likely did not have any cards or notices informing them that a test was required soon. Unless they had just recently taken the test, most of us would not know if this was imminent. We are glad the EPA has reversed its decision. No figures have been provided about how much the EPA was saving by not sending out the mailed reminders. The EPA had eliminated sending out mailed reminders in February. The Secretary of State’s office will most likely not change its decision on license plate stickers while the budget impasse continues. The office had been sending out nearly 800,000 notices each month. Residents can receive more information about stickers at cyberdriveillinois.com. Residents will be fined $20 if they have not renewed their license plate stickers. The reason White’s office will not turn back on their decision to send out mailed reminders is that they are saving $450,000 a month in postage costs. However, things can change. White’s office reported that 413,709 drivers renewed their registration in November. Compare that to the renewal rate of November 2014 when 512,760 drivers renewed their stickers. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 301,965 renewals took place last month. But in March 2014, the renewals were at 475,314. While the Secretary of State’s office may not change its decision, the EPA’s reversal on emissions test mailed notices will give other agencies reason to hit the pause button. Of course, the best thing for all of us would be an end to the budget impasse.

No budget yet, no budget soon We are not sure if and when a budget will be passed in Springfield. Gov. Bruce Rauner holds news conferences blasting House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd) for not discussing a budget. Madigan either does not respond or points out that the governor does not want to compromise on his “turnaround agenda.” And so it goes. Madigan is alluding to Rauner’s edict in which he calls for restrictions on collective bargaining and union representation. Most of the local Democrats we have spoken to have said that preventing collective bargaining cannot be negotiated. Trying to prevent workers from negotiating a fair wage is only right, in our opinion. Preventing workers from receiving raises and a fair wage will eventually push more people out of the state. How is that going to help the economy? Diminishing the influence of unions and paying less in salaries is not the answer. This is where some negotiating needs to take place among the Democrats and Republicans. We don’t see Rauner and Madigan sitting down to discuss the details soon. In conversations we have had with local officials, there is no end in sight to this budget lockdown. Many believe that nothing will occur until after the November election, when some of our political leaders might be more inclined to make a move. But right now, we don’t see much happening. Local colleges and universities are still making adjustments without Monetary Awards Program, or MAP grants, which help to provide financial aid for students from low-income families. Rauner has vetoed two bills that would have provided funding for MAP grants. The governor has said that no funding is provided in any of these bills. In the meantime, students are left in limbo. The Senate Democrats passed a $3.8 billion funding bill last month. The Republicans objected to this bill. The proposal would provide about $1.9 billion to colleges and universities that have not received any funding. But we believe the governor will veto this bill as well. The only idea being discussed in Springfield right now is a proposal by state Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). Manar introduced a bill that would restructure the way Illinois provides money for education. Funds would go to districts that do no raise enough revenue through taxes to help poorer students. State Senate President John Cullerton (D-6th) has been a supporter in the past of such an initiative. Of course, this is not addressing the budget, but at least there is some movement. Rauner most likely is not on board with this plan as well. And so it goes.

W Lincoln’s dash through life unequaled By Don C. White The dash that I want to talk about is the dash between those years from 1809-1865. That dash represents the 56 years, two months and six days of Abraham Lincoln’s life. He was born in the wilderness of Kentucky on a cold February day to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. The family moved to Indiana when he was 7. His mother, Nancy, died in 1818. His father remarried in 1819 and Sarah, his stepmother, was a guiding force in his younger years. In 1830, the family moved to Illinois, and in 1831, Lincoln struck off on his own to the settlement of New Salem. Then on April 15, 1837 (according to Carl Sandburg) he moved to Springfield, Ill. By the age of 28, he had been elected to a second term in the Illinois State legislature. He had been issued a license to practice law in the state of Illinois. In March 1837, he was granted a certificate for admission to the bar. These were outstanding accomplishments for a young man with only one year of frontier schooling. Of course, unknown to Lincoln in April 1837 was the fact that he had already lived half of his life. The next 28 years were to bring fame beyond his wildest dreams. He would be elected to the highest office in the nation. His fame did not come without many hardships. There was hard work and heartache that at times must have been unbearable to endure. Only his keen sense of humor would carry him through the trials and turmoil that he was yet to face. Lincoln was elected to four consecutive terms in the state legislature. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to a fifth term in the state legislature but did not serve because he wanted to run for the senate seat in 1855. Lincoln lost his bid for the senate seat in 1855. Then after the Lincoln-Douglas debates, he lost again, though not by the vote of the people. Some authors over the last 150 years have painted a picture of Lincoln as a very unhappy man, trapped in a marriage that was the cause of his sadness. William Herndon, Lincoln’s last law partner, was the first to take this stance in his three volumes of Lincoln. Herndon did not like Mary Lincoln and she could not stand him. Thus, the stage was set for Herndon to do his best to paint Mary as a villain. Throughout the rest of his dash, in his business affairs, his political career and his domestic tranquility or turmoil, he made the best of what he had. Remember, the Lincolns had four wonderful children that they both loved with all their hearts. As Lincoln became more successful as a lawyer, the family grew more comfortable in their life in Springfield. Lincoln had major disappointments in his political career. After each episode, he was sure that that was the end of his career. Something always seemed to happen that drew him back into the fray. He knew that

was where he belonged and I believe Mary wanted his success even more than he did. I also believe that without Mary, Abraham Lincoln would not have become our 16th president. She polished that raw-boned country boy as much as he would let himself be polished. Did she always do it in a constructive manner? No. But he learned some manners, all the while honing his political skills. After the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Lincoln again felt that this was the end of his political career. Lincoln, running for the first time as a Republican candidate, had beaten the “Little Giant” by over 4,000 votes only to have the Democratic-controlled legislature vote for Douglas. On Jan. 5, 1859, the legislature voted 54 for Douglas to 46 for Lincoln. That’s the way it worked in those days. Again, Lincoln went down for the count. But soon people in Illinois and in some Eastern states began asking who is this man from Illinois? All at once, Lincoln became the foremost Republican figure in the West. Calls for Lincoln for president began to be heard and before long Lincoln let it be known that, yes, he would like to become president. He soon began traveling to other states to speak. I believe his speech at the Cooper Union on Feb. 27, 1860 in New York City was one of the key events that got him the Republican nomination for the 1860 presidential election. Another occurred at the Republican Convention in Decatur, Ill. when Lincoln was chosen the “Rail Candidate” from Illinois. Equally important was the fact that the State Republican Party was able to get the Republican Convention to be held in Chicago. After Lincoln’s nomination, the Democratic Party split into a Northern and Southern faction. Then to assure Lincoln’s election, a third party — the Constitutional Union Party — was formed. So even though Lincoln got only 40 percent of the vote, he carried 17 Free states and his Electoral College total was 180, to Breckinridge’s 72, Bell’s 39, and Douglas’s 12. Soon after his reelection, President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on Good Friday, April 14, 1865. He died at 7:22 the next morning. This was just 28 years after his move to Springfield, the move that had put him firmly on the road to the White House in 1861. Lincoln’s 56-year dash was truly amazing. What he did with his life should be an example to all mankind and especially to those men and women who aspire to hold public office at any level. April is a sad month for me as I remember and honor my hero, Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. As our nation moves through another presidential election year, it is imperative we remember how important it is to make the best choice possible. As I have said many times before, I am still looking for another Lincoln and I just can’t seem to find him or her. Don C. White is a Palos Hills historian who occasionally shares his views on current events.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Commissioner wonders where money will come from for youth employment fund A Cook County ordinance has been proposed to create a “Youth Employment Special Fund.” The sponsors of this proposal intend to fund this program by taking from property owners a five percent reduction in an economic tax incentive benefit; incentives that provide economic stimulus. The county board has been asked to approve an extremely vague two paragraph proposal which provides no specific details on funding accountability or program implementation. The most fundamental questions have not been addressed: What is the structural framework of this program and how will it be implemented? Who would have oversight of these funds? Has a specific cost been identified for this program? Cook County could potentially spend millions of tax dollars on a youth employment program that does not yet exist on paper. A “trust us, we’ll figure it out later” strategy is irresponsible.

With no specific details to be considered, this proposal has the potential to appear as a slush fund. And after watching Gov. Pat Quinn’s NRI program (similar in nature) come under federal investigation in 2014, I cannot support legislation that does not outline its fiscal policies and oversight measures in a very transparent and detailed manner. Though well intended, vague generalities do not always serve the best purpose nor does it instill confidence in our constituents, the taxpayers. At a time when Cook County is faced with serious fiscal issues, we must be prudent in our allocation of tax dollars and that is why I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to create the appropriate fiscal policies and oversight measures for the betterment of Cook County government. — Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison (R-17th)

We want to hear from you Letters should be 350 words or less. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Writers must also include their address and phone number for verification, but that information will not be published and will remain otherwise confidential. Mail letters to the editor: The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net

hen I was young, the world was a scary place. The Soviet Sputnik was flying over our heads menacingly as we hid under varnished wood school desks. Drifter Richard Speck tortured, raped and murdered eight student nurses down the street from where I lived on Chicago’s Southeast Side. Racial tensions pushed a car filled with black teens to beat me up one morning when I was hitchhiking to get to Rainbow Beach. It was the same racial tensions that pushed a white commander in the Evergreen Park police department who screamed as he dragged me two blocks to the bus stop that he “didn’t move into this neighborhood just so some (n-word)” could ruin it. I never knew there were so many synonyms for the n-word as he held me at the corner of Utica and 95th Street until the bus heading east arrived. He ordered the driver to take me back to my “jungle.” But I lived west, in Burbank, the “suburb” where we moved to get away from it all. Television was a place where you could go to hide from the horrors of the world. These days, TV scares the living heck outta me. TV has taken all the fear from the criminal reality and ugliness of our society and brings it into our homes in a constant barrage of murder, mayhem and moral bankruptcy. News is driven by horror stories. “If it bleeds, it leads.” Six people in one Gage Park family brutally butchered a few weeks back. And that wasn’t even the worst of it. Gangbangers, drug dealers and knife-wielding degenerates walk our streets, gunned down by angry Chicago police officers. Do you notice how excited TV anchors become when they break the big, gory story? They can’t suppress the excitement. On top of it all, I have to listen to all the presidential candidates call each other names, because name-calling apparently is the only way that people running for president can get votes in this country. Don’t just blame Donald Trump. No wonder we have problems with bullying in our schools! I’ve managed to put a lot of this aside over the years as I battle the challenges and discrimination society places on baby boomers and seniors. But it all came back as I watched the FX TV series about how O.J. Simpson, a black athlete who was as far away from the black community as anyone could be, became the symbol of anti-white racism. He was given a pass for murdering his white wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her white friend, Ronald Goldman. “The People V. O.J. Simpson” was far worse than the actual crime because it exposed the moral bankruptcy of the system that we didn’t see, making Simpson’s attorney Johnnie Cochran so much worse than he was even portrayed. How easily Cochran manipulated a racist jury to side with the killer. One black juror gave Simpson the black power clenched fist salute after finding him not guilty. It made me sick. Of course, if things weren’t bad enough, TV is occupied by the big bad corporate conglomerate, Comcast-Xfinity, which pumps us with a steady stream of mass murder, mayhem and moral bankruptcy. I pay for it, of course. I write a check for it every month. The cost of cable is my biggest utility, next only to the cellphone. Yet it doesn’t stop there. My new fear is just as the Chicago Cubs clinch the World Series, they’ll be taken hostage by terrorists. “Oh, the humanity,” a reporter once cried as the Hindenburg sank in a ball of flames. That and everything else. Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and columnist. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Reporter

Learning life lessons and the value of dollars and ‘sense’ I ’ve been working on teaching my 8-year-old daughter, Donae, fiscal responsibility. She’s developed a liking to saving money, which had just about filled her baby-bottle shaped bank. I felt it was time we take a field trip over to the ol’ brickand-mortar bank so she could make her first savings deposit. Together, Donae and I tallied every penny, nickel, dime and quarter and packaged them into the appropriate coin wrapper. “Wow, I’m rich,” she said. “If you need to borrow money for the taxes, I can help.” This statement came as a result of her eavesdropping on me telling my husband, Don, that it’s almost becoming too expensive for us to continue living in Illinois. “Mommy doesn’t need your money. That’s for you,” I explained. “C’mon, I’m taking you to the bank so your money will be more secure.” I grinned elatedly. I pulled the deposit slip from its slot in the bank lobby. It was one of those “Mommy moments.” I felt I was doing well. “Write your name here,” I instructed. “Once you’re done, you’ll need to fill in your account number and deposit amount.” She filled out the form as request-

ed and we stood in line. A smiling bank teller requested we step forward and Donae hoisted her loot onto the counter, pushing the deposit slip behind it. I stroked her long pigtails as the teller counted the loose change, rolled coin and paper money totaling $74.36. “And here you go,” said the teller, as she handed Donae her deposit receipt. Donae’s reaction caught me by surprise. Stiff as a statue she stood, with not a peep. I was a bit embarrassed that she wasn’t reciprocating the teller’s expression, which beamed, just as I, knowing this was her first-ever bank transaction. “Well? What do you think about your first ‘real’ banking experience?” I asked, completely puzzled. She bit her bottom lip and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know how to feel?” she questioned. She handed the deposit receipt to me as if she’d just been duped. “I gave her ALL my money and all she gave me is this piece of paper?” When I was growing up, what I understood about finances was that my mom’s money stack was much shorter than the stack of bills. “Overdue” was stamped across most, while others read: “Collections De-

partment.” Just when I’d think our situation couldn’t become more severe, we’d slump into a further state of destitute. I was a little like Donae. I looked at what I saw and felt like I was being duped. Ours was a life of day-to-day struggle. My mom couldn’t provide the bare necessities, let alone luxuries like new clothes and school supplies on the first day of school. I was disappointed and often judged her unfairly for the life she couldn’t provide. My self-righteous judgment began to shift as I matured. I came to real-

ize later in life that my mom gave me something far more valuable than money when she taught me how to have faith. “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” As told in my memoir, “Becoming a Mother While Losing My Own,” I recall one evening near dinnertime my mom having nothing to feed me and my three siblings. Yet, mom said, “Claudia, go set the table.” I was thinking, “For what? The fridge is clearly empty.” But since I had the type of mother you didn’t talk back to, if you wanted to keep your head on straight, I complied. But this was no joke. Within an hour a woman from our church came walking up to our door with bags filled with groceries. “Sorry for dropping by unexpectedly, but the Lord laid it on my heart to bring these items to your family,” she said. That blew my mind. That was the first of several miraculous experiences I witnessed firsthand as a result of my mother having the audacity to believe her circumstance would change. Is Donae’s logic really that uncommon? Don’t most of us believe more in what we can see than that of

Second season begins for Cal-Sag Trail By Jack Murray Opening day for the Cal-Sag Trail’s second season this Saturday will feature a birdwatching and geocaching event at Freedom Park in Alsip, the eastern trailhead of the completed portion of the bike path, at 131st and Cicero Avenue. The early bird gets to the bird-watching event’s start at 8 a.m., followed by the geocaching program at 9:15. Geocaching is treasure hunting for trinkets that people hide and post their GPS coordinates. “There’s always some kind of adventure involved,” said Steve Buchtel, executive director of Trails for Illinois, explaining the appeal. Buchtel gave an update on the Cal-Sag Trail, now completed from Alsip west to Lemont, to the League of Women Voters of the Palos-Orland at its meeting Saturday morning at the Palos Heights Public Library. “How many of you have used the Cal-Sag Trail?” whether to bike, hike, jog or walk the dog, Buchtel asked the attendees. Most raised their hands in reply. Several members of the Palos Park Pedalers bicycle club were drawn to the forum because of their interest in the topic. The Pedalers help people get on a bike and get going. They meet the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Palos Park Recreation Center and plan seven rides starting in June. Gayle Greenwald, of Palos Heights, a League member who also serves on the board of the Friends of the Cal-Sag Trail, arranged for Buchtel’s presentation and introduced him to the crowd gathered in the library’s large meeting room. The Friends group is an advocate for the trail’s creation, bicycling and related “events in our community,” Greenwald explained. She called Buchtel “the lynchpin who put everything together” in his capacity as executive director of Trails of Illinois. The fit Buchtel sprang to his feet with his usual energy and enthusiasm, a youthful boy man who appears to spend more hours going places on his bike rather than by car. “The Cal-Sag Trail got its start because people like Gayle Greenwald and Bill Poore (also of Palos Heights) never stopped bugging Palos Heights Recreation Director Mike Leonard, asking ‘When are you going to build

which we cannot? In time, she will learn that keeping her money in the bank isn’t only a better option because it’s more secure, it also will accrue interest, thus putting her at a financial advantage. A simple lesson, but sometime I suppose it can be difficult to understand the benefit that comes with trusting another source. Are you giving life everything you’ve got and finding the reality you hold in your hands to be less than a fair exchange? What would happen if you dared to believe more in what you hoped for rather than what you were experiencing? I wonder who might come strolling up to your doorstep, “figuratively or literally,” to share what the Lord laid on their hearts to do for you? If you’ve experienced a faith manifestation, I’d love to hear about it. Connect with me at www.ClaudiaParker.net and click “Contact the Author” tab. Claudia Parker is an Evergreen Park mother, author and runner whose columns appear in The Reporter the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

DEATH NOTICES Nevalee Olson Nevalee Olson (nee Crabb), 84, a resident of Chicago Ridge for nearly 60 years, died Saturday at Palos Community Hospital. Mrs. Olson was once a bookkeeper for a real estate company. Survivors include a godson, Douglas J. Nault; nieces, Glenda Peebles, Vicki Drogemuller, Eva Moore and Kay Duffie; nephews, Larry Crabb, Allen Crabb and Ronald Crabb; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Services were Tuesday at Beverly Ridge Funeral Home. Interment was at Chapel Hills Gardens South Cemetery.

Eileen Russell

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Palos Park Pedalers bike club members and other bicycle riders are hitting the Cal-Sag Trail in larger numbers as April’s cold start turns more mild as early spring unfolds.

a bike trail to the train station?’” Buchtel recalled. “Yeah, but you can also build a trail along the whole dang thing,” he said, referring to the Calumet-Sag Channel. “Mike Leonard is a superstar in (the field of) parks and recreation. He has national ‘cred’ now,” because of his commitment to and work on behalf of developing the CalSag Trail from its inception,” Buchtel said. Buchtel recalled that last June the ribboncutting grand opening of the western portion of the trail was held in Palos Heights, where the trail nears the Lake Katherine Nature Center. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski attended. Among the slides of photos Buchtel showed were the congressman and his wife in jogging gear running on the trail that day. The Cal-Sag trail from Palos now links to the I&M Canal and Centennial trails. “You can go to Joliet and all the way to the Mississippi River,” he said. “Most bike, some walk,” Buchtel said of uses of the trail. “Two winters ago when the trail was still under construction, we saw a man mushing his dog team on it.” Optical trail counters in Palos Heights late

last fall showed up to 10,000 trips per month on the Cal-Sag Trail. Buchtel expects that will rise to 250,000 trips per year. The trail is unfinished from Alsip to Indiana. Buchtel says bids will be sought this fall for the Alsip section to Blue Island. A celebration is planned Aug. 27 for the Chatham Street bridge to be rehabbed for bike and foot traffic only, he added. Spring 2018 is the goal for a contiguous trail to be completed. The remaining cost is $21 million, with the local share of $1.4 million, he said. For the Palos section of the trail, Buchtel says funds are needed for more benches and water fountains that he says are sparse along the trail. He suggets memorial and sponsorship opportunities to raise funds for benches that cost from $750 to $1,250 each. Local police do patrol the trail, but Buchtel and Greenwald advise women not to ride very far alone on it, they said in answer to a question. For more about the trail season opening day event on Saturday, visit the Friends website at Calsagtrail.org. To contact Palos Park Pedalers, email President Donald Finan at dkfinan@yahoo.com.

Eileen Ann Russell (nee Noonan), 83, died Friday at Meadowbrook Manor in Bolingbrook. Mrs. Russell, a former resident of Oak Lawn and Palos Hills, was once employed in the food manufacturing industry. Survivors include daughters, Diane Braun and Deborah Lipien; sons, Robert and Christopher; sister, Mary Eberhardt; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services were Wednesday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Glenn Wyma Glenn R. Wyma Sr., 80, died April 6 at his Palos Hills home. Mr. Wyma, who was born in Evergreen Park, was once employed in the transportation industry. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann (nee Murray); daughter, Joan Sawinski; sons, Patrick, Tom Sr., Matthew, Shawn and Timothy; sister, Muriel; brother, Harry Wyma Jr.; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mt. Vernon Memorial Estates.

Funeral Worth Township Board honors Vietnam Navy vet Directory Palos-Gaidas During the Worth Township Town Board meeting on March 31, Kenneth Schumann, a Vietnam veteran, was recognized for his service between the years of 1964 and 1969 as a U.S. Navy Petty Officer. Schumann joined the Navy Reserve in 1964 and was an instructor for the next three years. He went on active duty in 1968, and was stationed in San Francisco and San Diego. He completed weapons and survival training with the Marines before he was assigned to Vietnam. While protecting the base against enemy attacks, Schumann survived two close calls after being rocketed and mortared quite heavily. Through Facebook, Schumann was able to locate a friend that he served with after 46 years. Residents who know of a veteran who would like to be recognized for his or her service, visit www.worthtownship.com and go to Veterans Honor Roll to download a nomination form. The nominated veteran must be a resident of Worth Township. For more information, call the Township at (708) 371-2900, ext. 15, or email ryanm@worthtownship.com.

FUNERAL HOME

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11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465

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Supplied photo

The Worth Township Board recently honored U.S. Navy veteran Kenneth Schumann, who served in the Vietnam War. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Trustee Theresa Roche, Highway Commissioner Edward Moody, Trustee Richard Lewandowski, Supervisor Kevin Hughes, Schumann, Trustee Michael Mahoney and Clerk Kathie Elwood.

Palos Hills native is serving with U.S. Navy in Virginia Beach U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Murtaugh, a native of Palos Hills, is serving in the U.S. Navy with Naval Beach Group NBG 2 out of Virginia Beach, Va. Murtaugh, a graduate of Staff High School, is a Navy machinist’s mate responsible for maintaining and repairing hydraulic and air conditioning equipment. “I like the repair side of my job,” said Murtaugh. “Growing up, I did not get to have my hands on tools like I have in the Navy.” Commissioned in 1948, NBG 2 is designed to organize, man, train and equip forces to

execute, combat support, and combat service support missions. Murtaugh serves with ACU 4 who operate the Landing Craft Air Cushion and provide combat ready craft that fully meet operational tasking worldwide, on time, every time. “I like that we are given a lot of responsibility at this command,” said Murtaugh. “We are able to create and use the parts that we make. I like that aspect.” About 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the beach group. Their

jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly. The jobs range from operating boats to maintaining engines and handling weaponry. Although NBG 2 is made up of four separate commands, they all work together to complete their mission of providing the Navy personnel and equipment to support an amphibious operation or exercise. “Since serving in the Navy I have gained a better work ethic,” said Murtaugh. “I pay attention to the quality of my work to ensure that it is up to the highest standards.”

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8 The Reporter

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Oak Lawn Chamber honors public safety coloring contest winners The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce recognized winners of the annual Fire and Public Safety Coloring Book contest during the March 22 village board meeting. Representatives from the fire department and police department were on hand to congratulate the winners who were honored during the meeting by Dr. Sandra Bury, the Oak Lawn mayor. Also in attendance were Adam Woodworth, first vice president of the Oak Lawn Chamber; Brian Ferrell, second vice president of the Oak Lawn Chamber; Kathleen Farrell and Vicki Scanlon, board of directors of the Oak Lawn Chamber; Erik Hullinger, ambassador of the Oak Lawn Chamber; and Glen Kato,

past president of the Oak Lawn Chamber. Following the presentation, the winners and their families gathered in the lobby of the Village Hall for refreshments sponsored by the Oak Lawn Chamber. The first-place winners received a family membership to The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn plus a $25 gift certificate to The Children’s Museum. The second- and third-place winners also received $25 gift certificates to the Children’s Museum. The winning students of the Fire Safety Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Oak Lawn Fire Department, are Kyan Luckett, first place, fourth grade, St. Paul Lutheran School; Adrian Srmek, second place,

fourth grade, Columbus Elementary School; and Emmett Broderick, third place, fourth grade, Kolmar Elementary School. Winners of the Public Safety Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Oak Lawn Police Department, are Natalie Pedroza, first place, third grade, St. Germaine School; Joey Philip, second place, second grade, St. Catherine of Alexandria School; and Mia Reyes, third place, fourth grade, Covington Elementary School For nearly 30 years the Oak Lawn Chamber has collaborated with the Oak Lawn Fire Department to produce this teaching tool for nearly 4,000 kindergarten through fourthgrade students in the community.

Impasse

ing to Radogno. But Radogno said the reforms would affect the retirement funds for teachers at local high school districts and public universities. Rauner’s plan would cease salary hikes for school officials who are near retirement. Pension costs of employees making more than $180,000 to a local school district would be deferred. Radogno said that the extra cost would have to be picked up by the universities. Radogno discussed the budget impasse during a speech recently to the City Club of Chicago. A budget without the governor’s agenda, a budget passed only by Democrats, or no budget at all is not acceptable, according to Radogno. But she added that Democrats have to get on board.

“The only out for Illinois is option four, and that is real engagement from the Democrats, even though that means the status quo is going to change,” Radogno said. While some Democratic and Republican legislators have been talking, Flowers said that the governor’s insistence on all aspects of this “turnaround agenda” bring negotiations to a halt. “If we ever do get together, Rauner is going to protect his friends,” Flowers said. “Until everybody truly has some skin in the game, nothing is going to happen.” Flowers said instead the governor, with the assistance of Democrats and Republicans, should be providing more jobs and coming up with innovative ways to provide health care for residents of all ages. The local legislator said it is time for the governor to get serious in negotiations. “The vast majority of my political life I have worked for Republican governors,” said Flowers, who was elected in 1984 and began serving in 1985. “This governor has no institutional history. He is going by sound bites. Let’s move forward, governor. I’m going to stay the course. When the governor wants to talk to us, we will listen.”

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Republicans called the bill irrelevant because it provides no funding to be put in the bill. State Senate Republicans are calling on Democrats to support the governor’s proposal to fund elementary and secondary education. Senate Leader Christine Radogno (R-41st) said Rauner’s proposed increase of $55 million will meet the recommended per-student spending of just over $6,000 annually. The unveiled $1.3 billion budget spending plan introduced on April 7 would provide services and other programs to those who have struggled during this budget deadlock, accord-

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION VENTURES TRUST 2013-I-H-R BY MCM CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, ITS TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.JENNIFER A. OSTLER A/K/A JENNIFER OSTLER, FRANK M. OSTLER, FIRST AMERICAN BANK Defendants 11 CH 30160 9619 S. TULLEY AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 24, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 25, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, -v.THOMAS HALPIN, ERYN M. HALPIN Defendants 15 CH 15602 9112 MEADE AVENUE Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 10, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 11, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

LOTS 39 AND 40 IN BLOCK 2 IN CAMBELL’S FIRST ADDITION TO OAK LAWN, A SUBDIVISION IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

LOT 15 IN HARTZ’S 92ND STREET AND MEADE AVENUE SUBDIVISION NO. 1 OF PART OF THE SOUTH WEST 1/4 OF SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 9112 MEADE AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

SUSAN M. ISAKSON Plaintiff, -v.- JOHN J. BECK, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND UNKNOWN PARTIES Defendants 2015 CH 10081 7921 WEST 98TH STREET Hickory Hills, IL 60457

Commonly known as 9619 S. TULLEY AVENUE, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Property Index No. 24-05-318-004-0000.

NOTICE OF PARTITION SALE

Property Index No. 24-09-209-007-0000 AND 24-09-209-008-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $269,168.42.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Partition and Sale entered in the above cause on March 16, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 9, 2016, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

The judgment amount was $376,243.28. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: ERIC FELDMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 134 N. LaSalle St., Ste 1900, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 940-8580 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.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C15-28233. 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.

ERIC FELDMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 134 N. LaSalle St., Ste 1900 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 940-8580 E-Mail: bstein@efalaw.com Attorney Code. 40466 Case Number: 11 CH 30160 TJSC#: 36-3247

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C15-28233 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 15 CH 15602 TJSC#: 36-2009

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

LOT 12 IN PRILL’S HICKORY HILLS ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 7921 WEST 98TH STREET, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-12-104-005-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC has a valid and subsisting lien in the amount of $181,876.21 as of March 16, 2016, plus interest and penalties and less any payments of credits made since the assessment. Except for Plaintiff, any other party claiming an interest in the premises or the proceeds of the judicial sale of the mortgaged real estate is deferred in proving its priority until the hearing to confirm the sale. The opening bid shall be a bid of not less than the amount of $181, 876.21. Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: LAW OFFICE OF JAMES A. PODGORNY, 7000 WEST 127TH STREET, Palos Heights, IL 60463, (708) 448-5297 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. LAW OFFICE OF JAMES A. PODGORNY 7000 WEST 127TH STREET Palos Heights, IL 60463 (708) 448-5297 Attorney Code. 38845 Case Number: 2015 CH 10081 TJSC#: 36-4053 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Supplied photo

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Oak Lawn fire and police departments, held its annual Fire and Public Safety Coloring Book Contest. The local officials are (back row, from left) Eric Hullinger, Kathleen Farrell, Vicki Scanlon, Glen Kato, Adam Woodworth and Brian Ferrell, (front row, from left) and winning students Kyan Luckett, Adrian Srmek, Emmett Broderick, Natalie Pedroza, Joey Philip and Mia Reyes.

Pastors

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Susan Burritt, spokesperson for the archdiocese, said some changes will occur. “Some churches will close,” said Burritt. “But that does not mean there will be sweeping changes at all parishes. It may be totally different for some areas of churches.” Cupich is coming to the grips with sexual abuse claims and the physical state of older buildings, especially in Chicago. Many church pews are far from filled each week. Collections have dipped somewhat from 2014 when they had $215.9 million in 2014. The figures for annual collections for 2015 were $214.4

Palos Hills

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to convert eight street lights not owned by the city along Southwest Highway with new LED bulbs and a “smart box,” a device fitted with a wireless network that can monitor security and track traffic volume. Electronic street signs could also be added to the light poles to display paid advertisements and important city information. “It’s a project we’ve been working on for a while and we’re excited about it,” Bennett said of the smart boxes. “It would basically make the city wireless.” The project would be completed at no cost to the city, he said. The third party company would pay for the project and

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in 1950; the Coral Theater near 95th and Cicero in 1984, shortly before it was demolished; and Christ Community Hospital, which opened in 1961. The project took about 16 months to complete, said Kevin Korst, local history coordinator at the Oak Lawn Library. “We had a lot of help and so many of them contributed so many photos,” said Korst, who has written one book on Oak Lawn’s history and another on the 1967 tornado that ravaged the village. “It took about three weeks to actually put it together.” Over 100 photos can be viewed at the exhibit, which includes a video. One older image included a photo of Wilhelm and Wilhelmina Brandt posing near their tavern at 5137 W. 95th St. Wilhelm operated a blacksmith shop. The Brandts were members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Korst said an interesting period in Oak Lawn history was the development of the annual Round-Up Day Parades down 95th Street that began in 1949. The first parade was a modest affair that included a few bicycles, a couple of cars and about six

million, according to a recent archdiocese report. The Rev. Michael Furlan, pastor of St. Germaine Parish, 9711 S. Kolin Ave., Oak Lawn, said that parish volunteers have been a tremendous asset. He said that there are two priests at St. Germaine and at the four other Oak Lawn parishes. Furlan said many of the priests are older. “How long can we sustain having two priests at one parish? Some changes will have to take place,” said Furlan. “These are things that can be done with a little collaboration.” Burritt said that finances are just one of the difficulties. The dwindling number of priests has to be addressed, she said. Furlan agrees but said some realignment could help soften the blow.

Furlan suggests that some priests could say a Mass at another parish. He added that close attention would have to be made to weekly schedules so there are no conflicts. “Just looking at our parish, we have some of the same volunteers who are very dedicated,” said Furlan. “But we don’t want to burn them out. Maybe we can help by having parishioners from other churches help out here and we can assist others on occasion.” Burritt said that nearly 250 parishes may need to be reconfigured in the next 14 years, she said. “It’s more than just finances,” said Burritt. “The dwindling number of priests means that changes will have to take place.”

retain a portion of the money made from the advertisements on the electronic street signs. The free rain barrel program — another green undertaking — is off to a strong start with 22 residents requesting the 55-gallon barrels since the middle of March, Alderman Mark Brachman told the council. The program, which is in conjunction with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, allows each residence to obtain a free rain barrel in an effort to reduce basement backups, sewer overflow and flooding. Those interested in a rain barrel must first fill out an application at City Hall, 10335 S. Roberts Road, and then the MWRD will deliver the barrel at a later date. In other news, Bennett said

representatives of the Baha Auto Group Inc. have begun the improvements to the 31,000-square foot building at 110th Street and Southwest Highway with the hopes of opening the new dealership “as soon as possible” — though an official opening date has not been set. Musa Muza, the general manager of Baha Auto Group, previously told the council that although the building, which formerly housed Hames Buick, has not had a tenant in more than a decade remains in good shape. The parking lot, however, needs work and the site needs landscaping, he said. The dealership is to sell “high end” used cars with a minimum price of around $10,000, Muza told the council.

merchants on horseback. The parade was part of a three-day event that was held in September and grew dramatically in the 1950s. The event and parade eventually drew vast media coverage at the time, including live broadcasts by WGN-TV. “Jack Brickhouse was the master of ceremonies one year,” said Korst. “The parade was about six miles long and I believe even went into parts of Evergreen Park. This event drew thousands of people from everywhere every year.” The two-hour parade at its height featured over 500 horses, floats, marching units, horses and buggies, covered wagons, high school bands and a drum and bugle corps. The first parade was allegedly a result of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce delving into the village’s past in which it was once referred to as “Horse Thieves Hollow.” The Round-Up Days derived from those stories that Korst said were more legend then fact. The first parades were held in conjunction with National Safety Day. Since there were several riding stables just west of the village, it was decided that riders and their horses from these stables were to participate in the parade. The event became a source of community pride with local businesses contributing to

the event. In 1953, one published report referred to the Crippled Creek Gold Mine, in which residents would try their luck “panning” for gold. Spectators would dig for “nuggets” that contained a prize or merchandise donated by members of the Oak Lawn shopping district. The parade became a victim of its own success, Korst said. A Golden Jubilee parade was held in 1959 to mark the village’s 50th year. The Round-Up Day events went on hiatus, but the parade was discontinued in 1960. “It was just becoming too complicated,” Korst said. “It was amazing how many people would show up for the parade. It just got too expensive and too big. Just imagine that at this time a community of 10 to 15,000 people held a parade that drew as many as 10,000 people. We have had many parades since, of course. The Round-Up Days just ran its course.” Korst said the exhibit will be up for a year. It will be replaced by an exhibit focusing on the 50th anniversary of the Oak Lawn tornado. Another display will be set up for the 1967 blizzard that also occurred in 1967. “We are going through interviews, written and audio, and hundreds of photos,” said Korst. “We have a lot of work to do.”

LEGAL NOTICE

SUDOKU Solution

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING On Wednesday, May 4, beginning at 4 p.m. in Room 226, a meeting conducted by Oak Lawn Community High School will take place at Oak Lawn Community High School, 9400 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, IL. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools or home schools within the district for the 2016—17 school year. If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability or your student attends a private high school in the boundaries of District 229, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Kathleen Murphy at 708-741-5625.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Meeting On May 19, 2016 at 10 A.M. a meeting conducted by Worth School District 127 will take place at the Dr. Rosemary Lucas Administrative Center, 11218 S. Ridgeland Ave., Worth, Illinois. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the district for the 2016/2017 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Worth School District 127 you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Sinead Chambers, Director of Student Services, at (708) 671-3911.

CROSSWORD Answers

CONSUMER NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

COMINGS & GOINGS

hicago Ridge Mayor Charles Tokar announced recently that Red Robin will be moving into the space previously occupied by Panera Bread inside Chicago Ridge Mall at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Tokar said the gourmet hamburger chain will be remodeling the space with an eye on opening in the late spring.

Hills Chamber honors 2015 Business Person of the Year

Hills Chamber to hold Small Business Expo The Hills Chamber of Commerce invites the community to visit its inaugural Hills Chamber Small Business Expo to be held on Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palos Hills Community Resource & Recreation Department, 8455 W. 103rd St. in Palos Hills. Besides various businesses throughout

Red Robin publicity photo

A Red Robin will move into the former Panera Bread location inside Chicago Ridge Mall.

the community that will be present, the chamber will have a representative from Palos Township who will be doing blood pressure screenings. A ComEd representative will also be on hand answering any questions regarding the new smart meters which are currently being installed in the community and offering literature on how you can improve the way you use electricity in your home. The Small Business Expo is open to the public and free admission. To learn more about the Hills Chamber, visit their website at thehillschamber.org or at facebook.com/thehillschamber.

Sephora to open at Ford City A new Sephora cosmetics store inside a store will open at 10 a.m. Friday, April 29, inside the JCPenney store at Ford City Mall, 7601 S. Cicero Ave. on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The French chain has been opening smaller stores inside of JCPenney locations. As part of its grand opening, the store will give gift cards to the first 100 customers over 13 years old. The cards will have a value of $5, $50 or $100. The mall also announced that a Five Below store, which is a discount retailer whose target customers are teens and

preteens, has signed a lease agreement. The store is expected to open sometime in the fall.

Park Bank shareholders OK merger Park Bancorp shareholders have voted to approve a merger with Royal Savings Bank. The deal was announced in January and is expected to close later this month. Royal operates four bank branches on Chicago’s Southeast Side and lending centers in Homewood and St. Charles. Park has three bank branches on Chicago’s Southwest Side and one in Westmont.

Gloria Jeans opens kiosk Gloria Jeans coffee, which closed its store inside Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet earlier this year, has opened a kiosk in the mall’s North Court near the H&M and Rogers and Holland stores. 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

A diet of simplicity fosters a life of longevity

he saint known as Paul the Hermit was a native of lower Thebias of Egypt and lost his parents when he was 15 years old. Paul was proficient in both Greek and Egyptian learning. The bloody persecution in those days sought to kill and destroy the bodies and souls of men, so Paul fled into the desert where he found a spacious cavern. The cave was near a palm tree growing by a spring, and he used the palm leaves for clothing and the tree’s fruit for food. The spring provided him with water. Paul lived this way until he was 43 years old and from that time until his death was fed with bread brought to him by a raven. So it goes. The great St. Anthony, who

was 90 years old, had a dream in which God commanded him to set out in search of another hermit whom he could befriend. The holy old man, in search of this hermit, met a centaur — a creature that is half man, half horse — that pointed the way to Paul and ran away upon Anthony showing him the sign of the cross. After two days and two nights, Anthony found the

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likely saved them more than $1 million, which could have gone to the taxpayers.” Deetjen said the site where Jack’s is located is the gateway to the village, and the board had agreed that the land should be put up for sale. He said the owner of Jack’s had been warned

hermit’s abode by the lit that emanated from within it. The two men embraced and knew each other by name because of mutual divine revelations they had experienced. At that moment, a raven dropped a loaf of bread before them, double the half loaf Paul had received daily. Sometime later, Anthony returned to the cave one day to find Paul — on his knees and praying with his hands extended — dead. Anthony buried Paul with grief, knowing he had lost a great treasure. Paul was 113 years old. One had to stop and think what kind of bread could help someone live to 113? We can’t stuff ourselves with all kinds of food and drink, get sick and die early in life. Perhaps if

that the land could be sold. “It is within eyesight of a half-billion dollars of investment in this village,” said Deetjen, referring to Advocate Christ Medical Center at 4440 W. 95th St., and suggesting that the Jack’s Towing site has increased in value. Both Olejniczak and Streit questioned whether the village really lost $1 million in the deal made 15 years ago. “Has the site been sold yet?,” asked Olejniczak, asserting that it is not as valuable as

Paul had access to fruits and vegetables, and had drunk wine every day, he would have lived even longer. However, it feels very good knowing that our dinner tables can have so many good things to eat, and refreshing wine to drink. Don’t get any ideas to try and live a long life in the desert on spring water and bread dropped from the sky. It might not work for you. 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.

Deetjen maintains. In any case, he said that Jack’s Towing is being unfairly penalized now for that agreement. After the meeting, Ed Forsythe, a longtime driver for Jack’s, said that reconsidering the previous decision was a shock and unfair to the company and its employees. “It’s very unethical,” he said. “I gave up a job offer with another company because I thought the decision was made. Now I am unemployed again.”

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.

Miroballi Dr, Unit #8655, $199,000; Amsfr LLC to Slonina Lukasz, 7912 W 97th Pl, $136,500; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Leon Wlises, 85308526 W Thomas Charles Ln, $120,000.

Chicago Ridge

Oak Lawn

Masoud Saher to Ball Joanna, 10248 Southwest Hwy, Unit #1A, $100,000; Fernandez Richard to RTL Enterprises LLC, 7035 W Mather Ave, Unit #2C, $50,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Difoggio Ronald R, 5720 W 111th St, $195,000; Johnson Lee Jr to Navarrete Lisa M, 10604 Oak St, $191,000.

Evergreen Park Evergreen Wil Dev Inc to Throndson Jennifer, 9629 S Millard Ave, $215,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Mack Ind II LLC, 2708 W 89th Pl, $93,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Sutarik Timothy, 9928 S Turner Ave, $100,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Brown Scott, 3246 W 97th St, $210,000; Thompson Eric D to Rivera Linda, 9516 S Avers Ave, $111,000.

Hickory Hills Kirsoff Lisa to Cheliotis George, 8655

Some IRAs are better for younger workers

Red Robin coming to Chicago Ridge

Each year, the Hills Chamber honors an outstanding individual who has been an exception in the business community. This year at the chamber’s annual Chamber Night, which was held on March 23 at the Sabre Room in Hickory Hills, the chamber announced that its 2015 Business Bob Person of the Year award went to Tim Park of Park Bong Printing Inc., 9903 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. Park has been involved in the printing business for more than 30 years and has been a member of the chamber for 15 years. Park learned the printing business growing up by helping his mother, Pat Park. He eventually took over the family business and never looked back.

The Reporter

Walsh Michael V to Hatch Sabrah M, 9100 55th Ct, $119,000; Tresch Michael K to Sweis Samuel, 5901 W 89th Pl, $347,500; Gannon Patrick Tr to Guzman Pedro, 4340 111th St, $135,000; US Bk to Vazquez Martin, 9724 Karlov Ave, Unit #4107, $32,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Anderson Brittany C, 9641 Karlov Ave, Unit #9641NE103, $61,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Ozerdinc Burhan C, 9724 Karlov Ave, Unit #4307, $48,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Saeed Mohamed, 8728 S Nashville Ave, $195,000; Frese Paul J to Matis Estera Confederat, 4200 W 99th St, $130,000; Corner Stone Prop to Wicherek David, 4106 W 99th St, Unit #4106C, $125,000; Mccaw James M to Cole Robert W, 6740 92nd St, $235,000; Pawlak William J to Cervantes Carla, 11000 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #11000SW3, $61,500; Lowe Lloyd J Tr to Mobley Nicholas D, 10040

S Cicero Ave, $128,000; Kotarski John to Kotarski Megan A, 9820 Pulaski Rd, Unit #1142, $52,500; Mlinarich Rosemary A to Murphy James A, 10314 S Komensky Ave, Unit #3D, $50,000; Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp to North Shore Holdings Ltd, 10904 S Keating Ave, Unit #A1, $51,000; Orfanos George to Wilkinson Donald J Jr, 8804 51st Ave, $101,500; Bankfinancial Tr to Rea Prop Ltd, 9609 S Kostner Ave, $105,000.

Palos Hills Gilsdorf Reid E to Malek Przemyslaw, 10321 S 81st Ct, $215,000; Hoker Theresa to Studnicka Donald W, 7570 W 105th St, $95,000; Gosewisch Lawrence Tr to Qasem Isam, 8026 W Circle Dr, $233,000; Dzielawa Jane to Skeiviene Vida, 11130 S 84th Ave, Unit #111302B, $76,000; Kuczaj Krzysztof to Kubowicz Piotr, 11128 Northwest Rd, Unit #11128A, $115,000.

Worth Carlson David Adm to Memishi Rifan, 11316 S Nagle Ave, $125,000; Shepard Robert W to Larson Jeff, 6649 W Home Ave, $175,000; Bank Amer to Mack Ind II LLC, 7516 W 109th St, $47,000.

answer for everyone, f you’re at the but as a younger beginning of your worker, you may be career, you might able to gain two imnot be thinking too portant benefits from much about the end of contributing to a Roth. it. But even younger First, since you’re workers should be probably earning much aware of – and saving less now than you will for — their eventual later in your career, retirement. And since Scott you’re likely in a relayou’ve got many years until you do retire, Johnson tively low tax bracket. So it may make sense you’ve got a lot of to pay income taxes now on options to consider — one of which is whether an IRA may your Roth contributions, rather than pay the taxes later on be appropriate for you and, if withdrawals from a traditional so, what type. IRA. And second, a Roth Essentially, you can choose IRA may provide more flexbetween a “traditional” IRA ibility than a traditional IRA. and a Roth IRA. (Other types of IRAs are available if you’re Usually, the only way to get money from a traditional IRA self-employed.) before you retire is through With a traditional IRA, you a short-term loan; otherwise, contribute “pretax” dollars, so you can get hit with both your contributions are genertaxes and penalties on early ally tax-deductible, dependwithdrawals. But with a Roth ing on your income limits IRA, you can withdraw your and whether you also have a 401(k) or other retirement plan contributions (not the earnat work. In 2016, you can con- ings) penalty free to help pay for your first house or to go tribute up to $5,500 to your back to school. traditional IRA, although the Still, as mentioned above, limit rises once you reach 50. there’s no hard-and-fast rule You can fund your IRA with many types of investments — as to which IRA is better for younger workers. For examfor example, stocks, bonds, ple, if you are certain you’ll and government securities — be in a lower tax bracket and your earnings grow on a when you retire, you might tax-deferred basis. be better off by taking the A Roth IRA has the same yearly tax deductions from $5,500 annual contribution your traditional IRA and then limit and can also be funded paying taxes on the withwith many types of investments. But there are some key drawals when you retire. But differences. You can only con- that’s a hard prediction for anyone to make. tribute to a Roth IRA if your Your tax advisor may be income is below a certain able to provide some guidthreshold, but that threshold ance on whether a traditional is quite high, especially for younger workers starting their or a Roth IRA is better for careers. So you’ll likely be eli- you – but either one can be a gible. However, your contribu- valuable resource for that day, many years from now, when tions are never tax-deductible, you say “goodbye” to work so you’re basically funding and start a new phase of your your Roth IRA with money life. on which you’ve already been taxed. But your earnings can Scott Johnson, CFP., is a grow tax free, as long as you financial advisor with Edward don’t start taking withdrawals Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos until you’re 59½ and you’ve Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward had your account at least five Jones does not provide legal years. advice.This article was writAssuming you can contribten by Edward Jones for use ute to either a traditional or a by your local Edward Jones Roth IRA, which should you financial advisor. choose? There’s no one right

Advocate Christ Medical Center physicians receive Fellowship honors Two cardiologists at the Advocate Heart Institute at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn have received Fellowship recognition from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Dr. Geetha Bhat, medical director of the center for heart transplant and assist devices, and Dr. Marc Silver, founder of the heart failure program, are two of 34 HFSA members in the inaugural group recognized with the highest designation the Society can offer. Members are Fellowship recognized based on achievements in their professional field as well as contributions to the HFSA. Designation is received due to a culmination of successes, including exemplary credentials, achievements and contributions to heart failure research and publications. “The Heart Failure Society has been a force of awareness, learning and progress for the millions who are affected by this disease. I am so proud to have been one of its founders and am delighted and honored to be in

this inaugural class of Fellows of the Society — hopefully it will encourage more individuals to join and participate in bringing an end to heart failure and patient suffering,” said Silver. “It is an honor to be recognized as a Fellow. My commitment and dedication to the field of heart failure, heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support has contributed to great success, including our nationally known program at Advocate Christ Medical Center. I feel privileged to be a clinician, mentor, educator and author of multiple research publications improving patient outcomes in heart failure,” said Bhat, who was also selected as a Fellow of the American Society of Transplantation in 2015. According to the HFSA, adding Fellowship designation alongside other professional titles signifies the physicians’ extensive knowledge of the world of heart failure and valuable professional experience.

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10 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016 Marist students show off their certificates after participating in Dominican University’s French Immersion Day in March. The students spoke in French the entire day and participated in games and activities to grow their knowledge of French language and culture. Participants were (front row, from left) junior Amaris Shaffer, senior Michela Petrosino, a resident of Palos Heights; junor Griffin Kemp, senior Olivia Sencion, (back row, from left) senior Elizabeth Seip, junior Karina JournetBrizuela, junior Mychaela Paetow, Palos Heights; junior Ellie Marino, Orland Park; and senior Jada Hayden.

Marist High School students take part in annual French Immersion Day Nine Marist High School students enrolled in French participated in the eighth annual French Immersion Day at Dominican University along with nearly 150 participants from 28 area schools on March 5. The national and the local American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) organizations sponsored the day, which seeks to further the knowledge of French language and culture. All participants pledged to speak in French for the entire eight-hour event. The participants ate a French breakfast of chocolate croissants, passed through customs, played board games, and sang and danced. Students prepared original

skits called “situations” and played word games to further communication in French. They focused on French art, architecture, and culture. A highlight of the event was a treasure hunt on Dominican’s campus. All of these classes and activities helped the participants attain the program and their personal goals of furthering their competence in the French language and of enhancing their knowledge of French culture. Marist High School offers a four-year French program from the academic level to Advanced Placement. It also sponsors the French National Honor Society and French Club. Each year, students participate in an exchange program with a high school in Lyon, France.

Supplied photo

Parenting Partners culminates with certificates and pizza

Young chemists

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students (from left) Lyalee Barakat, Vanessa Vana and Jenna Weiland participated in the “You Be the Chemist” competition held last month at Moraine Valley Community College. Students were tested on their knowledge of chemistry and competed in several rounds of competition. The event was organized by the Chemical Education Foundation and sponsored by the Chicago Drug and Chemical Association.

More than 75 people attended the graduation of “Parenting Partners,” the eight-week, free program aimed at providing North Palos School District 117 parents with the tools and other resources needed to become better parents. They also received a reward for completing the program – certificates, pizza and cake. Conrady School Principal Andy Anderson broached the idea after attending a session on the topic last year while in Salt Lake City accepting a Title I award for the junior high school. Anderson said at the time that while he and his wife are good parents to their two daughters, he learned a few things at the session that helped him become an even better parent. So he inquired about holding a “Parenting Partners” program in North Palos School District 117. He said the program was wellreceived as about a dozen par-

ents attended weekly sessions at various times during the day and evening at the different schools. Topics included: “Valuable Parenting and Leadership Qualities That Need to be Reinforced at Home,” “Parent Roles in Student Achievement,” Research Demonstrating Parent Engagement Outcomes” and “Implementing Best Practices in Parent Engagement and Affirming Strengths: Creating a Vision for College.” Other topics included: “Creating Confidence Kids,” which included sessions on Building a Positive Identity in Young People, Positive Power Words, Motivating for Academic Success and Parents Monitoring Technology - Bullying, Media and Peers and Creating a Constellation of Support. The program was targeted for parents with kids in kindergarten through high school. Translators were available to assist those who needed help with language.

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Parents from North Palos School District 117 attend an event marking the completion of the “Parenting Partners” program that provided them with resources to become better parents.

Representatives from each of the district’s five schools were in attendance and spoke about the program’s success. Anderson thanked everyone who attended the program and said he hoped they took something positive

away from the classes. “Thank you for coming out and being a support role for your kids while paying it forward,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, programs like this will help make our society better.”

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Chicago Christian Mock Trial team places 3rd in state

The Chicago Christian High School Mock Trial team recently competed at the state competition at the University of Illinois-Champaign School of Law. Thirty-eight high schools from around the state competed and the Chicago Christian High School team placed third. Junior Abby Haan, a resident of Palos Heights, won the “Outstanding Attorney” award, and senior Madi DeJager won the “Outstanding Witness” award. On hand for Chicago Christian after the awards were (front row, from left) Anna Huisenga, an Oak Lawn resident; Madi DeJager, Abby Haan, (back row, from left) Neil Okuley, Jimmy Brady, of Palos Park; Li Zhang, Jack Haan, Maddie Mikitka, Orland Park; Alyssa Rumbic, Meghan Trentz and Mike Drury.

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OLCHS students conduct research at Argonne

Members of Oak Lawn Community High School’s STEM Club spent time over spring break at Argonne National Laboratory. The students researched 3D printed scaffolds inserted into rodent spines to encourage bone regeneration. The scientists hope the process will eventually be used in humans to solve back problems.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS EVERGREEN PARK

Library session looks back at 1970s A look back at the 1970s will be explored in a session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday, April 14) at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. Historian Jim Gibbons will present a glimpse of life in the 1970s. Changes in that decade included styles such as bell-bottom pants, wide ties, flowered shirts, leisure suits, afro hairdos and patent leather shoes. Gibbons will present how current ideas have changed since Watergate and Vietnam. Registration is requested from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

Authors Expo

held from 2 to 2:30 p.m. for ages 18 months to 3 years old. Another session will be held from 3 to 3:30 p.m. for ages 4 and 5. Registration is not required. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Concert will feature blues show Blues harmonica virtuoso and entertainer Samuel Lozada and his wife, Janice, will provide a blend of jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, swing and country at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at the Oak Lawn Library, for the Mo’ Beat Blues Show. The Sunday with Friends concerts are sponsored by the Friends of Oak Lawn Library. For more information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

The second Authors Expo will showcase 30 local authors from the Chicago area representing a variety of genres from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Evergreen Park Library. Authors will be on hand to discuss their work, sell and autograph their books, and talk about their writing process. The Expo will also have special appearances by Lori Rader-Day (“The Black Hour”), Susanna Calkins (“A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate”) and Rebecca Makkai (“Hundred Year House”) at 1 p.m. The Expo is free and no registration is required.

Ninja stories to be held at library

Award-winning author to speak

Book Club will discuss ‘The Nightingale’

Award-winning young adult author James Kilise will speak at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 at the Evergreen Park Library. Kilise will speak about his work and his award-winning novel, “The Art of Secrets.” Registration is requested from the library website at www.evergreenparklibrary.org or call (708) 422-8522.

OAK LAWN

‘Cowboy Legends’ will be discussed “Cowboy legends” will be the topic of discussion at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Larry and Clare Bergnach will reminisce about favorite cowboy legends, including Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, Tex Ritter, Dale Evans, Annie Oakley and more. For more information about this and other adult programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Dance during storytime Dance to favorite songs during a storytime about dancing on Sunday, April 24 at the Oak Lawn Library. One program will be

Ninja Night story time for kids ages 5 to 7 will be held from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Oak Lawn Library. Hear stories and master ninja skills while playing games. Registration is not required. For more information about this and other youth programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS

The Green Hills Library Book Club will hold its next session at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Xando Café, 8729 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. The book that will be discussed is “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk at the library for HHPD cardholders.

Teens and tweens can paint and sip punch Teens and tweens can sip sparkling punch while painting a picture beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Green Hills Library, 8611 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills. Kids ages 10 to 17 can also snack on desserts as they paint on a canvas with artist Christine Thornton. Registration is limited to 30. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Family fun and games Family Bingo will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at the Green Hills Library. Registration is limited to 60. All ages are welcome. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Umbrella decorating Umbrella decorating will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at the Green Hills Library. Visitors can prepare for rainy days by designing a new umbrella. Registration is limited to 25 families. All ages are welcome. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Wii gaming for kids Wi gaming will be offered for children ages 5 and up from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 18 at the Green Hills Library. Kids can challenge their friends in a Super Smash Brothers Brawl in the Teen Center.

Tech Club to experiment with robots The Tech Club will explore and tinker with technology and robots for grades three through eight beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Green Hills Library. Kids will experiment with Makey Makeys, Squishy Circuits, Mbot robot and more. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Art Club for kids and youths The Art Club for youths ages 6 and up will meet to create their own works at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 at the Green Hills Library. Participants will learn about different artists and the type of art they create. They will create their works that will be hung in the gallery of the library. The program could get messy so participants should dress accordingly. Registration is limited to 20. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Science experiments based on books will be performed Patrons can perform a science experiment based on a favorite story book beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Green Hills Library. Some of the experiments can get messy so participants should dress properly. All ages are welcome, but under age 6 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and limited to 30. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

WORTH

Gardening tips A program called “Container Gardening” will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 in the Meeting Room at the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St. Donna Hirsch will show many recommendations for lifting landscape designs off the ground. Hirsch is a speaker from the University of Illinois Master Gardening Program. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

SCHOOL NEWS

The Reporter

Oak Lawn High earns 7th consecutive state theater title The Oak Lawn Community High School Group Interpretation members captured an IHSA state championship and the Contest Play cast placed third on April 2 in Springfield. The spring productions consisted of a Contest Play, a Group Interpretation, and a Children’s Play. Both the Contest Play and Group Interpretation earned straight superiors at the SSC Theater Festival on March 12, and both placed first at the IHSA Sectionals. The program nabbed its 11th state theater Supplied photo title in Springfield. The program set an The Oak Lawn Community High School Group Interpretation members IHSA record by capturing seven consecucaptured first place and the school’s Contest Play cast placed third in tive theater state championship titles. Both the IHSA state championship in Springfield.

the Contest Play and Group Interpretation returned with trophies. Vaughn Smith and David Ward were recognized as All-State for Contest Play, and Carl Seibel, Cameron DeLaMora, Genesis Zepeda, Brandon Hollenback, Stephanie McFann and Xavier Jacquez-Flores were recognized as All-State for Group Interpretation. The state championship group Interpretation production, “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline, is about a young man who lives in a virtual video game world and is on a quest to find the recently deceased video game world’s creator’s fortune, which has been hidden within the confines of the

video game world. “Ready Player One” is directed by T. J. Kahriman and Bob Beland. Cast members are Cameron DeLaMora, Megan Baker, Brandon Hollenback, Xavier Jacquez-Flores, Mercedes Lopez, Stephanie McFann, Abby Moore, Alexandra Overland, Moises Pena Bello, Carl Seibel, Nicolas Soto and Genesis Zepeda. “I, along with the other directors, am so proud of our students and the success they had this year, said Billy Denton, theater director. “It’s great to see all the hard work the students put in, and getting a chance to see our shows perform at the state level in front of schools from around Illinois is the true highlight of the season.”

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Marist students (from left) Megan Wagner, Alyssa Hoban, Karen Folan, Grace O’Brien Marist senior Stephanie Kohn and her brother Kyle pose with their 20-person dance team and coaches after taking first place in the and Kiley Ross pose in Glasgow, Scotland, after taking first place in the under age 16 category at the Irish Dancing Commission’s World Championships. dance drama category at the Irish Dancing Commission’s World Championships.

Marist High School Irish dance team earns honors in Scotland Six Marist High School students brought home first-place titles with their respective teams at the Irish Dancing Commission’s World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in late March. Freshmen Karen Folan, a resident of Chicago

Richards choir noted with honors The Richards High School Honors Concert Choir recently performed at the school, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Supplied photo

Ridge, and Megan Wagner, of Palos Heights, along with Grace O’Brien and Kiley Ross, both from Palos Heights, were part of an eight-person team that finished in first in the under 16 age category. The girls study with the Lavin-Cassidy School

of Irish Dancing in Worth. The other members of their team were Tara Campbell, who attends Mother McAuley High School, and Olivia and Anna McMahon, who are eighth-graders at Mokena Junior High. Senior Stephanie Kohn and her brother Kyle,

who will attend Marist in the fall, took first place in the dance drama category. They competed as part of a 20-person troupe. The Kohns dance with Mullane Healy Godley Irish Dance Academy in Chicago’s Edison Park neighborhood. Stephanie has danced for 15 years.

Marist High School AP Spanish students display the letter they received from the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon in reply to their campaign regarding child labor. Supplied photo

Marist Spanish students receive reply from UN Secretary General Marist High School students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish recently investigated and discussed the global challenge of child labor and the involvement of the United Nations in resolving this issue. They were thrilled to receive a reply from Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon on April 5. Using in-depth research as a base for their ideas, the students wrote 55 formal letters in Spanish to the UN headquarters in New York City, giving suggestions on how to eradicate child labor as well as

Chicago Christian High School honor students are recognized The Recognition Assembly was held recently to cite honor students at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights. The students displayed qualities of Academic Excellence, Christian Character, Leadership, Scholarship, Hard Work and Determination in the third quarter. Teachers from each department recognized students during an assembly at the school. The students were treated to a special lunch to celebrate their efforts. Students honored were (front row, from left) Evan Dykstra, Stephen Galllagher, Niara Foster, Raquel Robertson, Caissidy VanderKamp, Jacob Kutsch, of Orland Park; Jalynn Morrison, Heather Van Dommelen, Abbie Haan, Palos Heights; Li Zhang, Kamiolle Valler, Wayne Collins, Charles

asking for the organization’s solutions to the problem. The process included several revisions and peer editing before the finished products were sent. The students and teacher, Aisha Khan, received a response from the UN, written in Spanish, from the office of the Secretary General. In it, Ki-Moon expresses his gratitude for the students’ interest and their call to action. He also included information on how to help the cause through the UN and UNICEF. “The students were very excited to see

a response to their work and are thrilled that their letters were read by someone in a position of power,” Khan explained. “They were so excited that they actually called the UN and were able to personally thank the General Secretary over the phone.” Marist’s world language department offers three languages from the academic through AP levels, and seeks to offer authentic academic lessons that give students real world applications of their classroom skills. Events, clubs, and travel programs help enhance the department’s goals.

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Woodson, Nasieyah Nunn, (second row, from left) Elle Gallman, Vlade Nikolovski, Stephanie Reusz, Emily Vllendeer, Kim Boljhuis, of Oak Lawn; Cyril Nikoovski, Madison Riemersma, (third row, from left) Carly Byrnes, Oak Lawn; Shannon Kuiper, Alex Kruzich, Evergreen Park; Rylei Jacksonj, Ashley Akrami, Elizabeth Czajkowski, Orland Park; Amy Lyons, Jason Robertson, Jacob Bulthuis, Orland Park; Dan Vos, Orland Park; Bobby Schaaf, Pete Vos, Orland Park; Matt McCarthy, Nick Jeiderks, Palos Heights; Tahj Crofton, Arthur Slluis, Orland Park; Lucas Kits, Orland Park; Tony Reppman, Evergreen Park; and Izaak Tanis, Palos Park.

12 The Reporter

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