Reporter 5 3 18

In-depth coverage of high school baseball and softball: SPORTS

THE Volume LVIX, No. 8

REPORTER SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE

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

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Thursday, May 3, 2018

Chicago Ridge mayor calls Tri-State problem ‘terrible’ Residents get a look at plans for reconstruction of 294

By Joe Boyle Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar recalls the last time he drove on the Central Tri-State Tollway.

“I was just over there about four or five days ago,” Tokar said during a phone conversation Tuesday afternoon. “It is extremely difficult to get on and get off the interchange at 95th Street in Hickory Hills. Then try going south to north and you have to suddenly cross three lanes

of traffic to get on 294. It’s terrible.”

Tokar is on the Southwest Conference of Mayors board that has studied the traffic congestion and the ramp access on 95th Street entering and exiting 1-294.

It is a major problem with no specific answers, the mayor said.

“They’ve got to do something,” Tokar said. “It’s terrible and they are aware that it’s terrible.”

The Illinois Tollway Commission has been hosting open house meetings to

share information with residents, businesses and communities as part of a plan for reconstruction of the Tri-State. The latest open house was held last Thursday night at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.

Visitors had the opportunity to watch a short film on the history of 294 and the construction plans along the 22mile route from Balmoral Avenue to See TRI-STATE, Page 9

Photo by Joe Boyle

Visitors look over a lengthy chart showing the Tri-State Tollway north from Balmoral and south to 95th Street that will undergo renovations and extension of driving lanes.

The charts were available to view along with a short film during an open house last Thursday at Moraine Valley Community College.

Neat Repeats officially ‘ties in’ to its new location in Worth

By Kelly White

The move of Neat Repeats resale shop had taken place a few months ago, but the official grand opening at its new location in Worth took place last Thursday.

The new location, 6602 W. 111th St., is located just down the street from the old resale shop, previously at 7026 W. 111th St. “We wanted to keep the store in the area,” said Chris Beele, director for Neat Repeats. “We have a strong bond with the community.”

“Worth is my home,” said Doreen Holford, the regional manager for Neat Repeats.

Holford started out as a volunteer at the Worth location 18 years ago. Today, she has joined more than 200 dedicated men and women who have generously donated their time to keep the shops alive. Another Neat Repeats resale shop is in Orland Park.

A soft opening was held in De-

Oak Lawn twins (from left) Shaeleigh and Kaitlyn Smith, 6, show off a plant they were able to take home with them during the Oak Lawn Park District’s 11th annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration at the Oak View Center on Saturday.

cember, but store owners decided to hold a larger grand opening in conjunction with the month of April, which honors National Volunteer Appreciation.

The event last Thursday featured a ribbon-tying, instead of the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. On hand for the ceremony was Worth village officials, including Worth Mayor Mary Werner, who donates to the shop.

The purpose of the ribbon-tying was to tie the store to the village of Worth, according to Neat Repeats staff.

“The special ribbon-tying ceremony was done to display the strong bond between our organization and the Village of Worth that has lasted over 30 years,” said Jay Capron, marketing and communication director for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. “This was a great way to recognize the See NEAT REPEATS, Page 9

Photos by Kelly White

Brian Joseph Klimek, 9, climbs a tree at the Oak Lawn Park District’s 11th annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration at the Oak View Center on Saturday afternoon.

Earth Day Faire provides important lessons

By Kelly White Earth Day is an annual worldwide celebration during which events are held to show support for environmental protection. The Oak Lawn Park District and Village of Oak Lawn did their part, as more than 300 people gathered for the park district’s 11th annual Earth Day Faire Celebration on Saturday.

“Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment,” said Denise Iwinski, marketing and public relations supervisor for the Oak Lawn Park District.

The free event was held at the Oak View Center, 4625 W 110th St, Oak Lawn, and was held in conjunction with the park district’s annual Arbor Day celebration.

A group of teens put the fin shing touches to a newly planted tree with some mulching on the 10400 block of Alta Drive in Palos Hills Saturday.

Over 150 volunteers took part in the tree planting event.

Photo by Joe Boyle

Bred for the road ahead.

This was the first year the event was held at the Oak View Center. It was previously held at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, also in Oak Lawn, but outdoors. Due to unfavorable weather the past few years, organizers have decided to move the event to a primarily indoor location.

See EARTH DAY, Page 9

Photo by Kelly White

Worth Mayor Mary Werner ties a ribbon to signify the tie between Neat Repeats and the Village of Worth last Thursday evening at the store’s grand opening event.

Volunteers plant trees all around Palos Hills

By Joe Boyle Community leaders and volunteers of all ages were out in force Saturday morning in Palos Hills with the idea that planting trees is a healthy investment in the future.

The tree-planting event began with a ceremony at Town Square Park as Mayor Gerald Bennett reminded the large group of volunteers that this is something the city firmly believes in.

“We have been very aggressive on this,” Bennett said. “We have been planting trees throughout the city for years.”

Residents were given the oppor-

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While trees have been planted along main roads over the past 15 years in Palos Hills, the idea of having one day set aside for a city-wide effort to plant the trees came from Nick Oeffling, the Palos Hills Public Works Commissioner. Oeffling also said he chose this time of the year

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for the tree planting because Arbor Day was Friday.

“I’m glad that everyone is excited about planting trees,” Oeffling said.

Oeffling then introduced Lydia Scott, director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative for the Morton Arboretum. Oeffling had asked Scott if she could attend the event to provide suggestions and tell the many volunteers the best way to plant trees.

“Don’t plant them too deep,” advised Scott. “Arbor Day is a celebration of trees and I want to thank See PALOS HILLS, Page 9

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Disorderly conduct

Tracy Glenn, 44, of the 9700 block of South Kolin Avenue, Oak Lawn, was charged with disorderly conduct following a disturbance in Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave., at 1:05 p.m. April 25. Police said she waved a pocket knife around inside the building. She is due in court on June 12.

Domestic battery

Switching roles

• Jessica Graham, 45, was charged with domestic battery following a disturbance at her home in the 6400 block of Fireside Drive at 3:54 p.m. April 24.

Police said that after arguing with someone else at the house, she hit the person with a shovel, causing a hand injury, and used it to break a windshield and taillights on the victim’s car. She was also cited for criminal damage to property.

She was held for a bond hearing the following day.

• Kara Fink, 22, of the 4800 block of South Tripp Avenue, Chicago, was charged with domestic battery following an incident at a home in the 10600 block of South Ridgeland at 1:30 p.m. April 23.

Police said that after an argument with another person turned physical, she punched the other person in the face. She was held for a bond hearing the following day.

Supplied photo

Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn celebrated “Spirit Week” the week of April 16-20. Students and staff were encouraged to dress up for various theme days. The days for the week included “Switch Day,” “Decade Day,” “Character Day,” “Crazy Day” and “Twin Day.” Taking part in the event were middle school student Peyton Lenarz, of Palos Heights, and Nate Pettinga, the school principal, who dressed up for “Switch Day.” Peyton served as school principal for a few hours, and Pettinga experienced life as a middle school student during the day.

Advocacy group provides help for victims of child abuse All of Our Children’s Center Advocacy Center (AOCAC) has partnered with Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn to provide trauma-focused investigative services to children who are victims of abuse.

The AOCC is honoring all 264 child abuse victims who received services in Illinois in 2017 in recognition of April being Child Abuse Awareness Month. The AOCC has been placing pinwheels on the front lawn of their office to honor these children.

The pinwheels will remain on the AOCAC lawn for 264 hours, one hour for each child.

The agency has also worked with local police departments, DCFS and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The AOCAC also provides service to local communities including Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills and Palos Park.

For more information, visit the web at www.aocac.org or “Like” them on Facebook.

Suspended license

• Chas Byars, 35, of the 4900 block of South Drexel Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:12 a.m.

April 24 in the 9500 block of South Harlem Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving with suspended registration. He is due in court on June 12.

• Ernest Woody, 39, of the 7300 block of South Oakley Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10:40 a.m.

April 21 in the 10500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he was also cited for using an electronic communication device while driving. He is due in court on June.

Worth Township seniors plan luau lunch The Worth Township Seniors are planning a luau with entertainment provided by the Royale Polynesian Revue on Wednesday, May 23 at the center, 11601 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. The $25 fee includes a catered lunch that includes baked ham with pineapples, chicken marinated in garlic and lemon,

pulled pork, roasted red potatoes, broccoli au gratin, garden salad, bread, dessert and soft drink. Lunch is served at noon and the show will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Hawaiian attire is encouraged and leis will be provided. Reservations are required and can be arranged by calling (708) 3712900, ext. 28.

Unlicensed driving

Damajia Beil, 24, of the 4300 block of Applewood Lane, Matteson, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 9:34 p.m. April 22 in the 9500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she was also cited for using an electronic communication device while driving. She was due to appear in court on May 25.

Evergreen Park Retail theft

• Krystal Robinson, 37, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 12:36 p.m. April 23. Police said she took 13 food items worth

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• Kiela Garrett, 35, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4:26 p.m. April 22. Police said she took 27 food items worth $81.94 in total.

• Felicia Myles, 43, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart. 2500 W. 95th St., at 1:35 p.m. April 20. Police said she took assorted medicine worth $51.03.

• Courtney McDonald, 24, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 3:25 p.m. April 23. Police said she took 26 items, mainly diapers and cosmetics, valued at $90.79.

• Temika Woods, 41, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Meijer, 9200 S. Western Ave., at 6:40 p.m. last Thursday. Police said she took 20 items, including deodorant and other toiletries worth $105.80.

• Katrina Horn, 25, and Tyresa Moton, 43, both of Chicago, were both charged with retail theft at Sam’s Club, 9400 S. Western Ave., at 6:13 p.m. last Thursday.

Police said Horn took two items of women’s clothing worth $26.79, and Moton took 12 articles of clothing worth $127.76.

Drug possession

• Susan Barnes, 50, of Worth, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 7:02 p.m. April 20 at 87th Street and Southwest Highway. Police said she was carrying 1.3 grams of heroin and two cut straws with drug residue. She was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Matthew J. Blankenship, 25, of Blue Island, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 5:02 p.m. April 24 in the 3300 block of West 87th Street. Police said he was carrying two Suboxone strips and three grams of heroin and fentanyl. He was also cited for driving without insurance. His passenger, Nicole Lowry, 32, of Alsip, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said she was carrying two cut straws with drug residue and seven plastic bags with fentanyl residue.

Hickory Hills

Disorderly conduct

Jakub Kiersnowski, 25, of the 8100 block of West 92nd Place, Hickory Hills, was issued a local ordinance violation for disorderly conduct after police responded to a disturbance call at 9:02 p.m.

April 24 at Prime Time, 7750 W. 95th St. Kiersnowski allegedly became aggressive toward servers and bar staff after they refused to continue serving him because he appeared intoxicated. Police said he refused multiple requests from police and staff to leave and demanded to be arrested. He is due at a hearing in Hickory Hills City Hall on June 5.

Suspended license

• Keith L. Nellums, 30, of the 8600 block of South 87th Avenue, Justice, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6:06 p.m. April 24 in the 8700 block of South Oketo Avenue. Police said he was also cited for speeding and driving without insurance. He is due in court on May 15.

• Robert L. Jenkins, 40, of the 2100 block of West 69th Street, Chicago, was charged with obstructing identification following a traffic stop at 4:26 p.m. April 24 at 87th Street and Oakwood

Drive. Police said he initially provided a false name when asked for identification. He was also cited for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and expired registration. He is due in court on June 5.

• Felix J. Diaz, 22, of the 6100 block of West 79th Street, Burbank, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 8:03 a.m. Monday in the 8700 block of West 89th Street. Police said he was traveling 47 mph in a 20-mph zone and was cited for aggravated speeding in a school zone. He is due in court on June 1.

• Michael R. Sohns, 51, of the 1400 block of Sunflower Court, Minooka, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 1:06 p.m. Friday at 93rd Street and 81st Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving with expired registration and is due in court on June 1.

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Daniel H. Platos, 30, of the 8600 block of South McVicker Avenue, Burbank, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after police investigating a suspicious vehicle report found him sitting in his car in the 9200 block of South 86th Avenue at 8:03 p.m.

Monday. Police said he was sitting for more than an hour outside her residence a home known for drug activity. Multiple used syringes, a metal “single-hitter” pipe with heroin residue and other items associated with heroin use were found in his car. He is due at a hearing in Hickory Hills City Hall on June 5.

Unlicensed driving

Gabriel Nowobliski, 30, of the 8800 block of West 83rd Place, Justice, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday at 87th Street and Roberts Road. He was also cited for driving without a front registration plate. He is due in court on June 1.

Aggravated speeding

Aaron C. Poirier, 28, of the 9100 block of South Spaulding Avenue, Evergreen Park, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 10:09 p.m. Monday in the 8700 block of West 87th Street. Police said he was driving 71 mph in a 35-mph zone.

Also cited for driving without insurance, he is due in court on May 15.

Outstanding warrants

• Saul A. Alvarado, 22, of the 7900 block of West 89th Street, Hickory Hills, was arrested on an outstanding Cook County warrant following a traffic stop at 5:59 p.m. Saturday at 87th Street and Roberts Road. Police said the warrant was for a conditional release violation. He was also cited for driving with expired registration. Alvarado is due in court on May 30.

• David T. Winters, 22, was arrested on an outstanding Hickory Hills warrant at his home in the 9900 block of South 84th Terrace in Palos Hills at 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Police said the warrant was for failure to appear in court on a resisting arrest charge. He was held for a bond hearing.

Oak Lawn Retail theft

• Marcus R. Burton, 42, of Chicago, was charged with retail

theft at Target, 4120 W. 95th St., at 11:27 a.m. April 24. Police said he left the store with six bottles of liquor, Crown Royal and tequila, worth a total of $195. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine was found in his pocket. He is due in court on May 10.

• Anthony Byers, 61, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft following a traffic stop at 11:40 a.m. April 23 at 103rd Street and Pulaski Road. Police said they stopped his vehicle because it was seen fleeing the scene of a retail theft reported at Dollar Tree, 10550 S. Cicero Ave. Five bags of candy that Byers allegedly took from the store were found in the car. Police said he was also charged with possession of a controlled substance because a bag containing heroin was found in one of his pockets. Byers was held for a bond hearing.

• Cheryl R. Jackson, 30, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Target, 4120 W. 95th St., at 5:50 p.m. March 25. Store security officials reported seeing her switch price tags on several clothing items and then pay $14.64 for them, rather than the correct $167.87 value. Police found her waiting in her car in the parking lot while a friend tried to return the items for full price. Jackson was also cited for driving with a suspended license. She is due in court on June 12.

• Brianna N. Milner, 25, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 7:18 a.m. April 25 in the 4100 block of West 95th Street. Police said she was also cited for speeding 43 mph in a 30mph zone and received a village ordinance violation for possession of .5 grams of cannabis. She is due in court on June 12.

Assault charge

Angenique K. Collins, 34, of Chicago, was charged with assault following a domestic disturbance at a home on 55th Avenue at 6:36 p.m.

April 25. Police said the residents of her boyfriend’s home told them she refused to leave. She allegedly became aggressive and tried to attack arresting officers. She was also cited for criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. Court information was not available.

Aggravated speeding

Laura A. Furfaro, 57, of Burbank, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 12:35 a.m. April 26 in the 9100 block of South Central Avenue. Police said she was cited for driving 56 mph in a 30-mph zone, as well as driving without insurance, having an obstructed windshield and obstructed registration. She also was carrying a glass pipe with cannabis residue on it, and was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

She is due in court on June 19.

DUI charge

Robert T. Tripamer, 65, of Oak Lawn, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 3:56 p.m. April 24 in the 9000 block of South Melvina Avenue. Police said he failed field sobriety tests and refused to submit a breath sample. He was also cited for failure to wear a seatbelt. He is due in court on June 12.

Palos Hills

Possession of cannabis

Emad Zabadneh, 23, of Bridgeview, was charged with possession of cannabis at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, after he was seen entering the backyard of a residence he had previously been told to leave.

He was also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver and criminal trespassing. Police said they recovered a bag that he was seen throwing over a fence into the yard, and inside they found approximately 20,000 grams of cannabis oil and more than 1,200 grams of cannabis packaged in plastic bags. He was held for a bond hearing the following day.

DUI charge

Kaitlyn Grand, 27, of Merrionette Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 1 a.m. last Thursday in the 10200 block of South Roberts Road. Police said she failed field sobriety tests and was also cited for improper lane usage. She is due in court on May 31.

Suspended licenses

• Jorge Guzman, 22, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a See POLICE REPORTS, Page 9

Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Reporter

3

CHICAGO RIDGE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Board OKs sports-themed gaming café

By Dermot Connolly

Supplied photo

Southeast Elementary School Principal Alice Spingola interacts with students during her last year at the school in Evergreen Park.

Retiring principal has devoted much of her life to EP school

By Kelly White It can be said that Alice Spingola spent her life at Southeast Elementary School in Evergreen Park.

“The beautiful building draws people inside, and people who come to Southeast tend to stay at Southeast,” said Spingola, 56, of Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood.

She graduated from Southeast, 9800 S Francisco Ave., as a child herself in 1973 before moving on to Evergreen Park’s Central Middle School.

Spingola will be retiring from Southeast at the end of the 2018 school year. The school’s last day is scheduled for Friday, May 25. The 2017-18 school year marks her sixth year as principal.

Spingola was given the opportunity to fill an open position as a paraprofessional at Southeast not long after she graduated from college at Northern Illinois University in January of 1984. From there, she applied to be a teacher, got the job, and she began working at Central as an instructor of the multi-disabled. However, when the program closed the following year, Spingola was asked to go to Southeast, her alma mater, and teach the first grade.

“I taught first grade for three years where I taught in the open unit, which consisted of six classrooms and no walls, just dividers,” Spingola said.

From there she moved on to teach the fourth grade for 18 years and then became the reading specialist for Southeast. After seven years of being the reading specialist, she was asked to be the district Literacy and Response to Intervention (RTI) coach, where she set up systems of assistance for students who were not meeting grade level expectations. She remained in this role for three years, and during that time, she also served as the district’s summer school principal.

When the Southeast principal position opened up for the 2012-13 school year, she applied and was chosen to be the new principal.

“I decided to pursue a career at Southeast because I had wonderful role models when I was a student there who made a lasting impact on my life,” Spingola said. “I also loved going to school with my friends who lived near me. Even at that time I felt the teachers truly cared about us students.”

School administrators, students, and staff are sad to see her leave, including Dr. Robert Machak, superintendent of Evergreen Park School District 124.

“Alice has lived her life at Southeast, literally and figuratively. As a student, as a teacher, and as an administrator, Alice has shaped, and been shaped by, Evergreen Park and School District

124,” Machak said. “In the six years we have worked together, Alice has taught me a great deal about the importance of tradition and culture, and about what these qualities mean to a school. Her legacy will be the many programs she initiated at Southeast, the core values and dedication to the students of the school that its staff demonstrates each day, and the wise and trusted voice that has helped shape the vision and thinking of our administrative team.”

Spingola said she will miss everyone at Southeast just as much.

“Every day at Southeast is a day of magical moments,” Spingola said. “The day begins with staff greeting students with welcoming smiles. The teachers pour their hearts and souls into delivering engaging lessons and I love seeing the students grow and learn so much from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.”

Saying goodbye to a school she loves isn’t easy, she said.

“I will miss all of the incredible people,” Spingola said. “We have the most talented and dedicated staff, beautiful children, and supportive parents.”

“Alice has been so much more than a boss.

She’s been a mentor, an adviser, an advocate, and a friend,” said Cathy Costello, a fourth-grade teacher at Southeast. “To say she’ll be missed doesn’t begin to describe how we at Southeast are feeling about her retirement. We are thankful for all she’s done for our students and for us personally, and we wish her all the best.”

Upon her retirement, Spingola and her husband, Hank, will be moving to Arizona this summer to be close to her 86-year-old father. She also has two sons, Henry, 28, and Michael, 25. During her educational career, Spingola also obtained two master’s degrees from Chicago State University and St. Xavier University.

While officials at Southeast were in the final stages of lining up a replacement for Spingola, Machak said her shoes were not easy to fill. However, she was an important part of the decisionmaking process.

“Southeast School will have a new principal next year, but no one will ever really take Alice’s place,” Machak said. “She will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone here in District 124.”

A decision was made at the end of April and the board of education has accepted the recommendation to name Timothy Sheldon as the new principal of Southeast for the 2018-29 school year.

He will be formally approved at a special meeting of the board at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

Lipinski bill to create jobs passes house Cong. Dan Lipinski’s (D-3rd) Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2018, which is designed to turn federal research investments into innovative new products and creates jobs, has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

The bill supports the expansion of the successful Innovation Corps program, known as ICorps, which was created by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2011 to teach scientists and engineers how to turn their laboratory research into successful commercial products and services.

The centerpiece of the program is the I-Corps Teams course, based on the Lean Launchpad curriculum developed by innovator Steve Blank and widely used throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Since its inception, over 1,000 teams have participated in I-Corps.

“This bill will help turn more scientists and

engineers into entrepreneurs, unleashing American innovation and creating new jobs,” Lipinski said. “America’s future depends on job creation through innovation, and I-Corps is a program that has proven to be successful in helping turn federally funded research into innovative products and services. By increasing the accessibility of ICorps, this bill will significantly increase the return on our research investment and keep America at the cutting edge of innovation. I want to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for their leadership in the Science Committee, as well as the lead co-sponsor, Mr. (Daniel) Webster of Florida, and Sen. (Chris) Coons, who is leading a companion bill in the Senate.”

The bill expands I-Corps to meet several pressing needs, Lipinski said. The congressman said it expands eligibility and helps more people to participate.

Skin care concerns?

A gaming café with a sports theme may be moving into a longvacant storefront on Ridgeland Avenue in Chicago Ridge.

The Village Board on Tuesday gave its approval to Burbank resident Timothy Ferguson, who plans to open business in space he has already leased at 10721 S. Ridgeland Ave., a former Hollywood Video movie rental store. He intends to divide the space in half and sublease the section he won’t be using for his own business.

Ferguson said the café will be different than most others, with four or five big-screen TVs, and perhaps a pool table or two if space permits, and electronic darts to go along with the gaming machines.

“I am a sports kind of guy,” said Ferguson, explaining his reasons for opening this type of business after a career as an insurance investigator.

While the business will serve beer and wine, as well as sand-

can’t turn away people offering to opening businesses in town.”

“I’d like to see some life back on that section of Ridgeland Avenue.

That site has been vacant for too long,” said Trustee Deb Pyznarski.

“We want Ridgeland to be revitalized,” agreed Trustee Ed Kowalski.

Of the four trustees present, Kowalski, Pyznarski and Bill McFarland voted in favor of allowing Ferguson to get the liquor license needed to open his business.

Trustee Fran Coglianese voted against it, citing her longstanding opposition to the proliferation of gaming cafes.

McFarland cautioned that the business is still a long way from opening, pointing out that the village board approved a gaming café and wine bar for the same space two years ago, but that never came to fruition due to problems with the property owner.

“I wish (Ferguson) well, but there are still a lot of code violations there that need to be corrected,” he said.

Palos Hills Golf Course improvements in the works

By Joe Boyle With temperatures now finally resembling spring instead of winter, the Palos Hills Golf Course is open for business.

Improvements are in store for the golf course, 7301 W. 105th St. Ald. Ricky Moore (4th), who is the head of the golf committee, said that funding will be available to refurbish some golf carts this year. However, during a Palos Hills City Council meeting that took place on April 13, the amount of the tab for those improvements were debated.

The budget was set aside initially at $15,000. The figures rose to $40,000 due to plans to renovate the patio area. But the council recently was informed by golf course ownership that costs for upcoming projects were now estimated to be at nearly $55,000.

Mayor Gerald Bennett said that will not happen.

“The city is required to pay that loan and we will do so,” Bennett said. “But it is quite a striking difference between $40,000 and $55,000. The amount will be $40,000.”

Renovations that will eventually take place will be a new patio area for the golfers, along with golf carts that need repairs.

The nine-hole golf course has a clubhouse and a pro shop.

“We will have enough in the fund to pay for repairs for some of the golf carts this year,” Moore said. “We will work this out in time. You can’t get to everything right away. We will also look into the patio in time.”

The council approved the loan for golf course improvements at $40,000 during the April 13 meeting.

The board also approved an extended lease on the 30-year contract for the American Tower cell tower for police force communication. Board members first considered the costs, which is $475 per month, an increase of about 10 percent. Plus American Tower will receive a signing bonus.

But Bennett suggested to take the deal because it will be beneficial over time.

“With so many companies being bought over the last few years, it makes more sense to have the contract extended and signed for a few more years,” Bennett said.

In regards to the old Palos Olympic Health & Racquetball Club, which is located on the backlot at 11050 S. Roberts Road, city attorney George Pappas said that he is calling for demolition of the vacant facility as soon as possible.

The new owner, who is still

unidentified, has indicated to Pappas that he has plans for where the building is currently located.

“A decision has to be made before the July 3 court case,” Pappas said. “I’m going to try and move that date up.”

Pappas and members of the board have been frustrated at the lengthy process and the owner’s intentions. The new owner has said that he will demolish the building for some future development of the 1.8-acre property.

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wiches and other food, Ferguson said the focus will be on sports and gaming.

“I have no intention for it to become a bar,” he noted. “I just want to take the gaming café to another level and be more spacious and more appealing to the customer.”

The business is located next door to Jack & Pat’s butcher shop, and Ferguson said he agreed with Mayor Chuck Tokar’s suggestion to buy his sandwich meat and other supplies there.

Ferguson said he would look into the possibility of getting the bagels and other items he plans to serve during the morning hours from a local bakery such as Susu’s on 111th Street as well.

“I personally would be in favor it,” said Tokar. “That space has been vacant for more than 10 years. I told him we’re not looking for a hole in the wall. We are looking for something different.”

The mayor asserted that with the Carson’s department store closing in Chicago Ridge Mall, “We

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4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Kids make ‘bath bombs’ for moms at Evergreen Park Library

A group of youngsters of all age groups took part in a special project last Thursday afternoon as they made gifts for their moms at the Evergreen Park Library.

Kids ranging in age from 6 to 13 rolled up

their sleeves to make bath bombs — or fizzbombs. Bath bombs are hard-packed mixtures of dry ingredients that effervesce when wet. They are used to add essential oils, scent, bubbles or color to bathwater.

Adalynn Luna, 7, of Evergreen Park, works hard creating the perfect mixture for her surprise Mother’s Day bath bombs last Thursday afternoon at the Evergreen Park Library.

Kids create bath bombs, which are hard-packed mixtures of dry ingredients that effervesce when wet. They are used to add essential oils, scent, bubbles or color to bathwater.

Palos Heights Summer Farmers Market opens next Wednesday

The Palos Heights outdoor Farmers Market season will open at 7 a.m. Wednesday May 9 and will run every Wednesday through Oct. 10, rain or shine.

The market will move back to the municipal parking lot at 12217 S Harlem Ave. Additional parking will be available onsite with the expansion of the parking lot, and also behind area businesses.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Palos market has flowers, flowering baskets, plants, herbs and other edible plants, gifts, and food items for the day. The Palos Market also offers $5 Market Gift Certificates that can be used all season long.

Many of last year’s vendors will be returning, along with some new ones. The list of vendors includes: Aracely’s Tamales, A Taste of Martha’s Kitchen (Amish Bakery), Armstrong Farms, Bettina’s Teas, Hiemenz Nursery, Island Soapies,

Lyons Farms, Olivaceto, Pampered Chef, Parmesans’s Wood Stove Pizza, Salad Bowl Creations, Sitka Salmon Shares, Stamper Cheese, The Eating Well, Theresa’s Selections, Windy Hill Farms and Zeldenrust Farm. Additional Vendors may also be added.

This year’s Community Tent will showcase many local businesses and community groups. The May 9 market features Camille’s Confections, which will offer English toffee. The handmade English Toffee comes in a number of varieties, including Original, White Chocolate Cranberry Almond, Dark Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Nutty Buddy, and Sassy Sea Salt. The toffee is sold in half- and whole-pound containers.

The market would like to thank Dr. John Principe MD and the entire WellbeingMD Center for Life staff for the last six years of partnership with the market. This year,

Participants received some assistance from Evergreen Park Library staff members as they made the gifts. The kids were having a good time making the bath bombs and were showing them off at the end of the session.

Palos Health will be partnering with the market to provide a weekly recipe of the week and cooking demonstrations throughout the summer. The first recipe of the week is “Warm Asparagus Salad.”

The recipe will be attached to the weekly email, Facebook page, city webpage (www.palosheights.org), and also at the market. Stop by the City Tent to receive one.

Make sure to pick up the 2018 frequent shopper card while at the City Tent. Patrons will earn double credit on their cards for all canned and fresh food donations. Canned donations are given to Palos United Methodist Church, 12101 S Harlem Ave., in Palos Heights.

The food pantry last year served 3,299 households, totaling 10,222 individuals. One-third were children under the age of 18. Fresh food donations are given to Operation Blessing in Alsip. All completed frequent shopper cards will be entered into a Market Gift Certificate raffle every month starting in June.

Claudette Saerad was the winner of the April Winter Market Gift Certificate raffle.

LINK cards are accepted at the Palos market. Stop by the City Tent to start the process. “Palos Bucks” Double Value Matching dollars of up to $15 will be offered weekly.

Musicians and Face Painters are needed for the upcoming market.

Contact the market manager for more information.

The market would like to acknowledge and thank this year’s Market sponsors. They include Palos Health, CIBC Bank, Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, CNB Bank and Trust, United Trust Bank, Running for Kicks, Golden Shoes and Camille’s Confections.

Additional information about the market can be found at www. palosheights.org, or emailing farmersmarket@palosheights.org Residents can also find the market on Facebook or they can call (708) 361-1800.

This is just one several programs that are being offered this spring designed to instruct children while having fun. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 422-8522 or visit www.evergreenparklibrary,org.

Photos by Kelly White

Makylah Lewis, 12, of Evergreen Park, shows off her Mother’s Day bath bomb at the Evergreen Park Library.

Oak Lawn leaders welcome first memory care facility

Oak Lawn dignitaries, civic leaders and various other representatives will help launch the village’s first stand-alone memory care community at the ribbon cutting for Grace Point Place at 6 p.m. today (Thursday, May 3) at 5701 W. 101st St., Oak Lawn.

The ceremonial snip takes place during an open house for the public from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. that day. Among those scheduled to participate are Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury and representatives of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. The mission of Grace Point Place is to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The 43,000-square-foot community, a $16 million project, can accommodate up to 82 residents in a variety of suite choices, including private with private bath, private with shared bath and shared with shared bath. Each will have smart technology that helps care staff monitor, understand and respond to individual resident needs while respecting dignity and privacy.

The physical layout and resident programming of Grace Point Place are devised to provide purposeful life to people with dementia.

“Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s does not mean a person has to stop living in meaningful ways, contributing to others and enjoying themselves,” said Cortney Malinowski, executive director of Grace Point Place. “Purpose, involvement and social connections are tremendously beneficial and can even help slow symptoms of the disease.”

Two large satellite kitchens with bar-style counters encourage residents to participate in food preparation and are locations to socialize. Two-story vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows placed over main gathering areas bring in abundant natural light, shown to benefit the mood and energy levels of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. A secure outdoor courtyard includes a walking path and other appealing features.

Professional musicians, artists, educators and comedians will work seven days a week with residents on creative projects and learning experiences designed to reawaken longtime passions and introduce new interests. Numerous activities will involve them with people of other generations and the Oak Lawn community.

Grace Point Place has already con-

ducted a virtual dementia tour for students at Southwest Christian Schools in Oak Lawn, located next to the community.

“Many of dementia’s behavioral symptoms, from seeming to be withdrawn to wandering, actually express that an individual is bored and has lost a sense of purpose,” Malinowski said. “By providing intriguing programs designed to match individual capacities and connect residents with other people, wonderful transformations can take place.”

Grace Point Place is operated

by Anthem Memory Care, which also has memory care communities in Burr Ridge, Glenview and Tinley Park, as well as in Colorado, Kansas and California.

About Anthem Memory Care

Anthem’s core purpose is to protect, engage, and love people living with memory loss and is committed to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Anthem operates and develops memory care communities in Illinois, Colorado, Kansas and California. The company’s website isAnthemMemoryCare.com.

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Prepare for opening of Moraine Valley Community College From the May 2, 1968 issue: The story: The Moraine Valley Community College Board 524 is expected to take action during the month of May to prepare for the opening of classes this fall.

The courses will include occupational program classes for students working toward baccalaureate pre-professional degrees, according to Dr. Robert Turner, president of the new college.

Turner said the college dean, Richard DeCosmo, is currently contacting high school counselors to inform them of the procedures they should follow to enroll in the fall classes. The district is also continuing preparation for permanent facilities on a 300-acres site at 111th Street and Kean Avenue in Palos Hills. Turner said the local district can continue its programs since it will not be able to issue bonds for some time.

The quote: “We must, however, have the money pledged by the voters in order to keep our state appropriation,” Turner said.

• 25 years ago Evergreen Park settles lawsuit with Chicago over water From the April 29, 1993 issue: The story: A 20-year-old lawsuit against the City of Chicago by Evergreen Park and 56 other communities who use Chicago water has been settled in favor of the communities.

The suit was filed in the 1970s by the 57 communities claiming Chicago was charging them too much for water. Evergreen Park Mayor Anthony Vacco told the village board about the decision on Monday night. Vacco said the credit will be for 1973, 1974 and 1975.

The quote: “We won’t get any more back, but the city has agreed to give us $58,000 credit annually for the next three years on our water bill,” Vacco said.

• 10 years ago Oak Lawn to reluctantly pull added messages to stop signs From the May 1, 2008 issue: The story: Oak Lawn will not contest the Illinois Department of Transportation’s threat to cut funding for the village’s road projects after the village was informed that they had to remove the miniature signs bolted to regular stop signs.

The Oak Lawn Public Works Department removed the signs that day. Mayor Dave Heilmann initially refused to take down the signs that featured phrases and song titles like “Stop, in the Name of Love!,” and “Slow Down, Pilgrim.” The mayor said the goal behind the signs he initiated was to make streets safer and better while putting a smile on the faces of drivers.

The quote: “It was an extremely harsh response to signs promoting safety,” Heilmann said.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit (above) is: Cougar strong.

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

We had several readers who emailed correct responses for last week’s quiz. The correct answer was Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn. The first person who provided the correct response was Palos Park resident Ron Wagenhofer. He also knew that Salem Church provides emergency overnight shelter for the homeless through the BEDS program.

The church is also active in other community efforts and is often used as a meeting place for neighborhood groups.

Other readers who knew it was Salem Church were Oak Lawn residents Rick Groll, Jane Foley and Steve Rosenbaum. Also answering correctly were Crystine Busch, of Palos Heights, and Janice Mastro, of Hickory Hills.

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 10

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Maintained possession of 5. Dropsy 10. Type of music 12. One who is deliberately cruel 14. 411 16. Rhode Island 18. Follows sigma 19. Baked dessert 20. Craftsman 22. Austrian river 23. Distributed 25. Close 26. Midway between east and southeast 27. Thunderstorm code 28. Where wrestlers work 30. Away from (prefix 31. Canadian law enforcers 33. Shade 35. Sir Samuel __, Brit. statesman 37. Della __, singer 38. Existing in fact 40. Tennis matches have at least two 41. Reunifying Chinese dynasty 42. Not just “play” 44. Angry 45. Photomultiplier tube 48. Slovenly person 50. __ and Diu 52. Cologne 53. What actors deliver 55. Campaigned 56. Cash machine 57. Spanish be 58. Animal that eats insects 63. Colonists who supported the British 65. Loved 66. A pair of people who live together 67. Work tools

DOWN 1. Kilogram force (abbr.)

2. Your consciousness of your own identity 3. Score 4. A way to modify 5. Respect 6. Midwife 7. Region near the Dead Sea 8. __ Gerais: gold-rich state of Brazil 9. Equally 10. Monetary units 11. The mentioning of things one by one 13. Traveling entertainers 15. Small island 17. A way to sing 18. __-bo: form of exercise 21. “The Bard” 23. The best player 24. Male parent 27. Harm the reputation of 29. Allow for the tare of 32. Grand __: wine classific tion 34. Soak 35. Bother 36. Ophthalmologist 39. Preceded 40. __ Francisco, California 43. Touch gently 44. Lithuanian given name 46. Matched 47. Stomach 49. Mother of all gods in Scots’ Celtic mythology 51. Partner to cheese 54. Fit of irritation 59. Visit 60. Suff agist Wells 61. Swearing to the truth of a statement 62. Old Red Sandstone 64. Sacred Hindu syllable Answers on Page 10

5

Shepard JROTC takes 4th in national cyber competition

The cyber security team of U.S. Air Force JROTC students from Shepard High School in Palo Heights placed fourth in the nation at the CyberPatriot competition in Baltimore.

CyberPatriot requires teams to mimic what network security specialists do. Specific tasks included finding all security vulnerabilities, removing illicit users, and eliminating viruses.

Shepard was the only team from Illinois and the entire Midwest to qualify for the national finals. Shepard teacher Beth Coglianese served as the primary coach.

“This was an amazing season. From our first competition in October to our final one in April the cadets worked hard and worked well together to overcome the numerous technical and academic challenges thrown at them,” said Major Dan Johnson, the senior aeronautical science instructor at Shepard.

Jacob Kalabich, Andrew Kuntz, Josh Nolan, Nick Smeraldo and Ryan Smith comprised the team competing in CyberPatriot, sponsored

Supplied photo

The U.S. Air Force JROTC students from Shepard High School placed fourth in the nation in the CyberPatriot competition sponsored by the Air Force Association.

by the Air Force Association.

At nationals, the Shepard team encountered extraordinary challenges, according to Johnson.

“It was far more difficult than the qualify-

ing rounds when they could work on securing computers in a static environment. In Baltimore, they were asked to secure eight different computers during a 3.5 hour competition in a dynamic environment,” Johnson said.

Dist. 230 officials say new websites will be big upgrade for high schools

By Dermot Connolly All four District 230 websites — for the district and its three high schools — will get significant facelifts in the coming months.

The School Board voted unanimously last Thursday to approve a contract with Blackboard Inc. to do the comprehensive redesign of the main district website, as well as those for Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Sandburg in Orland Park and Andrew in Tinley Park.

They have not been updated in more than six years.

According to the contract, there will be a one-time cost of $20,750 for custom programming, design and consulting fees. It also includes an annual fee of $20,980 for hosting, support, general enhancements and security. This represents an annual savings of $6,320, compared with the $27,300 charged by the company doing the work now.

Carla Erdey, director of communications for the district, is serving as project manager of the upgrade, heading a committee of 20 staff members from the three schools and the district office. She said Blackboard would begin working on the new websites this month with the rollout expected in January 2019.

“We did out for RFPs (requests for proposals) and we narrowed it down to three that we interviewed,” she said. The top two companies, Blackboard and Edio, gave presentations.

The Blackboard proposal includes four custom websites.

While they will have similar design and function, the websites will be specific to each school in terms of colors, graphics and specific content.

A new phone/email/text system to replace the SchoolMessenger system now being used is also planned.

“The websites will be mobile friendly,” said Erdey. “A website mobile app will be available too.”

“It will be great to be able to access the site on this,” said school

Summit surveys community on boat launch improvements The Village of Summit is conducting a survey seeking input and feedback on the possible development of a recreation area at the boat launch at 7800 Canal Bank Road.

“The purpose of this recreational area will be to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and create additional community open space where residents can enjoy nature and the outdoors,” said Mayor Sergio Rodriguez.

“The purpose is to seek community input on what types of outdoor recreation or park amenities should be considered as part of this planning effort. The estimated time to complete this survey is five minutes or less,” he said.

Residents can reach the survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/7YSJHWZ The survey will be available until at least May 11.

The launch is tucked away behind a towing company in the area commonly called Deep Summit on land owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

Far overhead stands an entrance ramp from First Avenue to the Stevenson Expressway.

Rodriguez said the site “is overgrown and gated, so you can’t get to the launch.”

The National Park Service has offered assistance to the village to help come up with guidelines on how to go about opening the area up, he said.

board Secretary Susan Dalton, holding up her cellphone.

As the process moves forward, district officials said they would be seeking feedback from parents, students and community members to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.

While Edio’s submitted a lower bid, of $14,230, it didn’t offer as much as Blackboard, “And the content management system seems very straightforward. What we found in the end was this was a better product to communicate with our community for less money,” said Erdey.

“I think this will be a great improvement for students, staff and community members.”

In other business, following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of two administrators and a one-year extension of Superintendent James Gay’s contract through the 2022-23 school year.

“Dr. Gay fulfilled​the goals set by the school board to provide a rigorous education and the socialemotional skills stu­­dents need to be successful in life,” said board President Rick Nogal in a statement. “He continues to be a strong advocate for our community by tackling the tough issues such as school funding reform and other

legislative topics in Springfield.

He is a respected educational leader both locally and across the state of Illinois. We look forward to continuing to work with him to provide the exceptional education our students deserve and our community expects, while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.”

The extended contract continues the compensation formula that has been in the superintendent’s contract. This includes an annual salary increase equal to the Consumer Price Index plus 1 percent, with a minimum of 3.25 percent and maximum of 4.75 percent.

For 2018-19, the increase will be 3.25 percent.

Gay joined District 230 in 2000 as an associate principal at Andrew High School. He went on to become the school’s principal and then deputy superintendent until 2007, when he assumed his current role.

Drew Eder was also named guidance director at Andrew. He is currently a guidance counselor at Highland Park High School, where he co-chaired a committee focused on student wellness, began the Pathway Scholars program for first-generation college-bound students and helped streamline course selection and

four-year planning processes.

He previously was a college counselor at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, and an admissions counselor at Lewis University in Romeoville.

“We have had a very successful guidance program for many years, but as we adjust to a 21st century guidance office, Drew brings the vision, energy, and personal skills that will be an asset to Andrew High School,” said Principal Bob Nolting.

Kristyn Koss was also named director of special services at Sandburg High School, after spending the last 17 years at Stagg.

A dean of students since 2011, she previously was a special education teacher and was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Say Something school safety initiative at Stagg.

Incoming Sandburg Principal Jen Tyrrell, who worked with Koss at Stagg, said, “Kristyn is a strong communicator and is someone that will place an emphasis on providing equitable opportunities for all students. She will support staff in setting high expectations for all students and place an unwavering emphasis on maintaining a positive culture and climate within the Special Services department.”

6 The Reporter

THE

COMMENTARY

Thursday, May 3, 2018

REPORTER

An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Rauner, Pritzker give TV viewers a break, for now

elieve it or not, one of the questions I’m asked the most these days is: “When will Gov. Rauner and J.B. Pritzker start airing their general election TV ads?”

A few weeks ago, Chicago pundit Dick Simpson predicted to Crain’s Chicago Business that the new campaign TV ads would start “any minute.” He went on to say that both candidates will be worried about the other candidate getting out front.

Four years ago, I mistakenly believed candidate Bruce Rauner would take a page from Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s 2014 reelection playbook and immediately bury Gov. Pat Quinn under a mountain of negative advertising. Instead, Rauner waited until July 11 to air his first general election TV ad.

So, what’s it gonna be this year?

From what I can gather, I don’t think Pritzker wants the blame for being the first to go back up Rich TV. Pritzker spent tens of millions of dollars Miller on in television ads since May 2 of last year, and TVviewing voters aren’t eager for more. By waiting for Rauner to pull the trigger, Pritzker can say he had no choice but to go back on the air to counter whatever Rauner does.

Besides, private polling reportedly shows Pritzker with a substantial double-digit lead over Rauner in what’s still looking like a favorable year for Democrats, so there’s no immediate need for Pritzker to start running ads.

After checking around, I don’t think the governor’s campaign is all that eager to resume spending big bucks on TV right away, either.

What I didn’t consider in 2014 was that at least part of the reason why Rauner went dark was to help him fade away from voters’ consciousness after the primary, which allowed him to introduce a new messaging campaign for the general. Most TV ads quickly lose their impact not long after they’re pulled off the air. If you go up with a message, you gotta stay up with that message or most of your spending was for naught. So, if you want to introduce a revamped, general election message, you sometimes need to give that earlier message time to expire. It’s kind of like a reboot.

After Rauner’s bitter, unexpectedly close GOP primary against Rep. Jeanne Ives, it’s probably best to get out of the public’s face for a while and allow people time to forget and maybe forgive.

One of the best things about having such an early primary, after all, is it gives the winners plenty of time to try to heal the wounds before November.

Plus, what’s the rush? Running ads in April of 2006 allowed Gov. Blagojevich to quickly push Judy Baar Topinka’s poll numbers down, which helped dry up her fundraising. The first post-primary poll had Topinka leading the incumbent, but that changed in a hurry after the Blagojevich ad attack; and Topinka couldn’t immediately fight back because she had drained her account to win the Republican primary.

The only way to dry up J.B. Pritzker’s money is to completely crash the world economy and send us all back to the Stone Age. TV ads can do a lot, but they can’t do that. Rauner knows that if he airs ads, Pritzker can easily afford to immediately respond.

And while Rauner has shown a willingness to spend his personal fortune to win elections, people who’ve been close to him over the years say he does become reluctant and grumpy when it comes time to actually write the checks.

Besides, TV-watchers truly do need a break from the primary’s bottomless pit of negative TV ads (and you can bet that most of the TV ads we’ll eventually see ain’t gonna be about flowers and ponies).

But not everyone is getting a rest. Both campaigns are currently advertising online, through social media, Google searches, etc.

The effectiveness of online advertising is growing by the day because it can be so finely targeted and because so many people are spending so much time on their computers and smartphones.

TV is still the best way to reach voters, but it’s slowly starting to lose its punch as viewership declines and splinters into a million different directions (witness the amount of money Pritzker and Rauner had to spend to win). And they can advertise online without much news media notice.

By the way, this comes with the usual caveat that the greatest beauty of politics is it can always change in a big hurry. I’m hearing the governor may be getting pressured by someone close to him to start spending money soon, so we’ll see.

Online shopping is killing retail and our families

B

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

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W GUEST OPINIONS

Governor’s race is all about money and more money Don C. White Rauner or Pritzker?

Or how much money will it take to buy the governorship of Illinois in 2018?

I thought I would wait until the dust settled from the primary elections before getting a few words in regarding the fall election for governor of Illinois.

It is going to be a dandy. And yes, the question is how much money will it to take to win the prize?

First, let’s go back to the 2014 race between Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner. Remember how Quinn and the Democrats keep pounding away at how wealthy Rauner was and that he was trying to buy the office? What was the name of the puppet he used to mock Rauner’s wealth and his use of it in the campaign. don’t remember and I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Just how are the Democrats going to play this election where their candidate in the primary spent $69.5 million to buy – whoops—to gain the top spot on the Democratic ticket?

It will be interesting to see Rauner and Pritzker go toe-to-toe, so to speak, in trying to either retain the office or gain the office. It looks to me as though it will be a spare no expense to make the good citizens of Illinois think they are the best ever to lead the poor state of Illinois out of the wilderness and into the 21stcentury.

Many voters are upset with Rauner for some of the things that he did that he said he would not do. So how does he win back their votes? Spend more than the other guy? No, that is not the answer. Is there a possibility of Ives or Kennedy jumping in as a write-incandidate? I don’t think either of them will as they would not have the money to fund an all-out campaign. Ives commented recently that even though she can’t abide Rauner and his lies – she would still vote for the Republican nominee.

Some folks have been implying that Gov. Rauner has been a failure. Idon’t agree with that, but he has been a disappointment to many of his supporters.

I do commend him for standing up to Madigan and his minions. And I do believe

that his heart and soul are in the right place regarding the state of the state of Illinois. He certainly has not been given the opportunity to implement any of his ideas to get Illinois back on track and the doomsday clock is ticking.

To all of our neighboring states, Illinois is a joke. They are happy to take our refugees as they cross the border looking for a better place to find work and raise their families.

Much like Thomas Lincoln did in 1816 and again in 1830, as he moved his family from Kentucky to Indiana, then on to Illinois. That is where his only son, Abraham Lincoln, set out to make a name for himself.

This election is an important one from many standpoints but the one that stands out for me is the exodus of people from our state.

I read that last year’s figure was over 30,000 plus. If this trend is not reversed in the next couple of years by 2020, when the census is taken, Illinois stands to lose at least one seat in Congress.

Pritzker or Rauner or Rauner or Pritzker?

Take your pick. It’s being said that Pritzker is prepared to spend $100 million of his money to become governor.

The question is will Rauner match that and if he does then what? You must remember that all, and I do mean all candidates, tell us what we want to hear.

In the 2014 election, the Democrats tried to tar Rauner with dollar signs and he still won. Was it because he spent so much of his own money that got him elected? Or was it the fact that people were tired of the same old message the Democrats handed out? This election will be much like 2014 – only with two candidates with mucho cash to spend.

Many of you have heard the old expression that “Money talks – B.S. walks.” Well, folks, that’s where we are as this election season heats up. Be ready to be bombarded with trash talking from both sides. If they have any debates they should be fun to watch. Just don’t look for substance in anything they have to say.

As I said before, hold your nose and vote.

Don C. White is a local historian and Palos Hills resident.

Federal government will not help college students from high-priced textbooks

By Dr. Mark Hendrickson

Ifyou are a college student, professor, or bookstore employee, you know how jarringly expensive college textbooks are. It isn’t unusual for college students to have to spend over $1,000 per year on books.

In an attempt to reduce those costs, on March 23, President Trump signed a $1.3 trillion appropriations bill that included $5 million for a pilot program to help to fund “open textbooks”— i.e, free books that authors post online.

A government program to increase the availability of free college textbooks is the wrong way to address a very real problem.

Obviously, millions of financially stressed college students will benefit from having alternatives to textbooks costing anywhere from $100 to $400. Frankly, for that kind of money, a book should not only contain some useful knowledge, but also be able to shine its owner’s shoes, serve as a comfy pillow, and play a student’s favorite music.

Pardon my facetiousness. But the fact is that not only are most textbooks exorbitantly priced, they also tend to be of poor quality.

It’s a disgrace, if not a scandal.

To give you one example: This semester I am using the 10th edition of the same textbook whose third edition was in use the last time I taught this course. The editors still haven’t changed the heading containing the misspelled “Confusianism” (the first “s” should be a “c”); many of the statistics have not been updated in 10 years or longer; it gives detailed accounts of esoteric academic theories, and then says, “Oh, by the way, we really don’t know if this is valid;” and there are examples of absurd political correctness, such as citing data published by the Heritage Foundation with a warning that Heritage is (gasp!) “conservative.”

I could give you other examples, but they would only depress you.

As an economist, I have long marveled at how much textbook publishers charge for such mediocre products. Whenever possible, I put together a course curriculum without using a textbook to help my students save money. Not every professor has the time to do that, though, so the movement toward

open textbooks is a much-needed, welcome development. (A personal note: I know from experience how much work goes into producing a book, so I would encourage students who benefit from an open textbook to send its author(s) $10 or $20 as a “thank you” for saving them a hundred or more dollars.)

As good an idea as open textbooks are, it’s a bad idea for Uncle Sam (i.e., American taxpayers) to subsidize this worthy project. Progressives, of course, see nothing wrong with this. In their worldview, government should help to take care of us in every area of our lives. Once again, a number of non-progressives go along with the government program so that they aren’t branded as uncaring.

Yes, there is a need, but private markets are perfectly capable of solving the challenge of super-expensive textbooks. This would be an excellent type of project for foundations to underwrite.

The problem with government money is that it always has strings attached. Actually, foundation money often has strings attached, too, but the difference is that people donate voluntarily to foundations because they believe in their missions, whereas tax dollars are plucked involuntarily from citizens who may disagree strongly with how the money is spent.

Another problem is that getting Uncle Sam involved in choosing which textbooks to fund likely will explode into yet another strident ideological controversy. Do you really want the federal government influencing which books get published?

There is one more reason why Uncle Sam shouldn’t have started down this path. Actually, there are over 21 trillion reasons. With Uncle Sam already over $21 trillion in debt, this is not the time to add to discretionary spending, but, if you’ll pardon the radical idea, to shrink it.

I don’t know which member of Congress slipped this pilot program into the recently signed appropriations bill, but let’s hope an alert committee chairperson eliminates it in the next budget cycle.

Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson is an adjunct faculty member, economist, and fellow for economic and social policy with The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College.

hen my daughter Carolyn and my son Aaron were young, I enjoyed taking them to Toys-RUs to watch them marvel at all of the toys in the store.

It was an amazing experience, and so much fun. It was a personal experience. When they would pick out a toy they wanted, they learned to appreciate it and spend their time enjoying it. Toys-R-Us was a major part of our family life.

When Toys-R-Us announced it was closing, I wondered how parents spend time with their children today. What exciting things do children look forward to? Sit at a computer and order online from a computer screen from Amazon.com?

Toys-R-Us is not the only major retailer closing that is destroying our family lifestyle, experiences and memories. Carson’s is also closing. Computers are killing us.

In the summer of 1985, I remember going to an outlet store that Carson’s opened on Cicero Avenue near 76th Street where they offered the latest “gadget,” the personal computer. I owned a small computer called the Coleco Adam I bought from Montgomery Ward the year before, but decided to upgrade to the IBM PC Jr. that Carson’s was touting.

Little did I know, though, that in buying that computer that day I was contributing to the demise of family life, and setting the stage for the eventual closing of Monkey Wards, as it was often called back then, Toys-R-Us, Carson’s and other brick-and-mortar retail stores.

Computers and technology have killed family fun. Worse, they failed to live up to their promises, such as reducing the amount of trees we cut down to avoid wasting paper. We print more paper today than we ever did, because of computers. And, computer technology is as bad as “plastic” in polluting the environment.

Computers have also destroyed the enjoyment of photography. Today’s digital photos have replaced the printed pictures.

Can you really enjoy 10,000 digital photos stored on your cellphone iCloud the way we could enjoy the 100 photos we placed in our family photo albums? When I was young, we were selective in what we photographed, taking only the best pictures. Today, everything is photographed, because it is easy. It’s not about quality. It’s about quantity.

The personal value of the photo has vanished.

Nowadays, we order everything online. Our biggest concern isn’t family fun, but fear that our packages will be stolen from the front “stoop” of our home, once delivered by UPS, Fed-Ex, the US Postal Service or Amazon itself.

Yes, I still call those cement steps in front of my suburban home a “stoop.” It reminds me of the beauty of the old neighborhood in Chicago where we would trick-or-treat until the street lights went on, not worried about being raped, gunned down or robbed. I still call the space between my home and the neighbor’s home the “gang way.” And, I can’t break a lifetime habit of referring to the refrigerator as the “icebox,” which always makes my son laugh out loud.

Those old words are all I have left that connects me to a great childhood, and the memories of great parents whose sole purpose was to work hard and to care for their children.

But those memories are quickly vanishing into a silicon diode abyss, a cemetery filled with old memories and vanishing retail stores like Toys-R-Us and Carson’s.

Ray Hanania is an awardwinning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Email mail him through his personal website at www.

Hanania.com or at rghanania@ gmail.com.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Reporter

Rev. Gerald Mulcahy, former pastor at St. Patricia Parish dies The Rev. Gerald F. Mulcahy, 81, died on April 23. He was most recently the pastor of St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills.

Fr. Mulcahy was born on Oct. 14, 1936 in Chicago. He attended St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero and Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

He was ordained to the priesthood on April 28, 196, by Cardinal Albert Meyer, and celebrated his first Solemn Mass at St. Frances of Rome in Cicero on April 29 of the same year.

After ordination to priesthood, Fr. Mulcahy served the archdiocese in a number of roles.

He served as assistant pastor at the three parishes: St. Edward Parish in Chicago, St. Louise de Marillac Parish in La Grange Park, and Queen of All Saints Basilica Parish in Chicago. Fr. Mulcahy was also an associate pastor at St. Monica Parish in Chicago, St. Mary Parish in Riverside, Fr. Mulcahy and St. Giles Parish in Oak Park. In 1989, Fr. Mulcahy was named pastor of St. Patricia Parish, where he served until his retirement in 2007.

The Rev. Robert H. Oldershaw, pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas in Evanston, re-

members his classmate as a very good priest who enjoyed music and liturgy.

“I’ve known him since Mundelein. He was very pastoral and cared for the sick and people in need. He was just a fine priest,” said Fr. Oldershaw.

“Fr. Mulcahy was an outstanding classmate who was gracious and dedicated to his faith,” added the Rev. John P. Smyth, executive director of the Rev. John P. Smyth Standing Tall Foundation. “He was a great seminarian and a fantastic priest.”

Services were Saturday at St. Patricia Church. Interment followed at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Arrangements were made by Lack & Sons Funeral Home.

SOUTHWEST HALF MARATHON

Hickory Hills man, friend will run in memory of plane crash victims

By Dermot Connolly The 11th Annual Southwest Half Marathon and 10K races will have more of an international flavor than usual when they kick off on Sunday morning in the 7600 block of Route 83 (College Drive) in Palos Heights.

Kazimierz Fryzowicz, of Hickory Hills, 70, will be running the half-marathon with his friend from his native Poland, Wojciech Golabek. The friends will be retracing the steps through Palos Heights and Palos Park on Route 83 that Fryzowicz first took in 2010, when he was among a group of Polish runners who completed the half marathon in honor of the 96 people, including the president of Poland, Lech Kaczynski, and his wife, Maria, who were killed on April 10 that year in a plane crash in Smolensk, Russia.

Among the group wo died were 18 members of Poland’s parliament, senior military officers and clergy, who were in Russia to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre, when thousands of Polish nationals were executed by Soviet secret police and buried in mass graves in the Katyn Forest.

The location of the mass graves was near the crash site.

“I think they carried Polish flags during the race, and I remember there were a lot of flags at the finish line,” said race co-director Jeff Prestinario. “It was something to see.”

Following the 2010 race, Prestinario and race co-founder Mel Diab donated 100 race T-shirts and medallions for Fryzowicz to

bring back to Poland and present to the families of all those lost in the plane crash. His friend, Golabek, accompanied him on that trek across Poland.

“It is really an amazing story. It took them months to accomplish. It is not like everyone was together. They had to go to everyone’s houses and hand deliver the shirts and medallions,” said Prestinario.

He said the friends decided to run the race together again when Golabek surprised Fryzowicz at his 70th birthday a couple of weeks ago.

Prestinario, who serves as emcee of the event every year, said he will recognize the two men and their accomplishments at the half marathon on Sunday, which will kick off with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. at 76th Avenue and College Drive (Route 83). The 10K Run/Walk will begin at the same spot at 7:40 a.m.

The morning will actually begin with a 6:30 prayer service led by Pastor Ryan Hall of Harvest Bible Chapel in Palos Heights.

In addition to returning to his traditional role as grand marshal, Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), and his wife, Judy, will be running in the 10K this year.

“We’re hoping to have about the same amount as last year, about 1,200 runners total, with 800 in the half marathon and 400 in the 10K,” said Prestinario.

All the participants will pick up their race packets and goody bags full of snacks and other items at the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce Health and Business Expo,

which is being held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday at Shepard High School, 13040 S. Ridgeland Ave. The half-mile Walk, Run or Roll Race, sponsored by the South West Special Recreation Association for people with disabilities, will be held at 7:45 a.m.

Rounding out the morning will be the Kids Dash, first held last year, which starts at 10:40 a.m. In that free event, children up to 4 years of age will run a 50-yard-dash.

Those ages 5 and 6 will run the 100-yard dash, and 7- and 8-year-olds will run 200 yards. The quarter-mile dash is for children ages 9 to 10. All the runners will get medallions.

“We don’t want it to be too organized.

That is what it is for, a fun event,” said Prestinario during an organizational meeting for volunteers last week.

Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller is reminding motorists that in order to ensure a safe environment for all the participants, Route 83 between Harlem Avenue and Archer Avenue will be closed to all traffic from roughly 5 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

“We encourage you to avoid the area if possible and seek alternative routes during this time frame,” he said. “We will be happy to assist you in working out any alternative routes and various options you may want to consider for traversing the area.”

Miller suggested 111th Street, 123rd Street, 131st Street, LaGrange Road (Route 45), Harlem Avenue and Ridgeland Avenue as possible alternatives to Route 83.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CHICAGO RIDGE Mother & Son Bowling

The Chicago Ridge Park District will sponsor the Mother Son Bowl from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Palos Lanes, 11025 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.

The fee is $30 per resident per couple, $40 per non-resident per couple and $8 for each additional son. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900.

Chicago Ridge Park District to offer Summer Day Camp Registration is being offered for the Chicago Ridge Park District Summer Day Camp that will be held beginning in June at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham Ave. The camp ranges from sports to crafts and games to art. The camp will focus on age-appropriate activities and safety. Campers will learn about a variety of things while making new friends and having fun. Activities include weekly field trips, recreational swimming, special events, crafts and large group games. The camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 11 to Aug. 3, for children ages 6 to 14. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900.

Kids will enjoy a dinner and movie

Dinner and a movie will be presented from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham Ave., Chicago Ridge. The child-friendly dinner will go along with a seasonal movie. The movie will be age appropriate and the children will be able to enjoy their dinner while watching the film. The fee is $7 for residents and $12 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900.

Movie and Makeover Night

The next Movie and Makeover Night will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham Ave., Chicago Ridge. Girls will have a night out with friends and will enjoy a film and a fresh new look. The event is for girls ages 6 to 14. The fee is $7 for residents and $12 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900.

EVERGREEN PARK Evergreen Park Seniors to host ‘Memories to Go’

The Evergreen Park Senior Citizens Council is hosting “Memories to Go,” the villagewide garage sale, on Saturday, May 5 at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. Vendors are being sought for the event.

Vendors can select an inside rental at the ice rink location for $50. The outside rental for a vendor is $35. Crafters are welcome. For more information, call the Office of Citizens Service at (708) 422-8776. Donations of clean, usable items may be brought to the Recreation Center, 3450 W. 97th St.

Women’s Spring Banquet to be held at First United Methodist

The annual Women’s Spring Banquet will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship

Hall, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 12. Kids ages 5 and under can attend for $5. Appetizers, dinners and desserts will be served. More information can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 422-8451.

HICKORY HILLS

Hickory Hills Fishing Derby will be held at Martin Pond

The Hickory Hills Park District Annual Fishing Derby will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Martin Pond, 89th Place and 78th Avenue.

Awards will be given to the longest fish caught in each age division. A free raffle will be held for all participants. Participants must bring their own pole and bait. A one pole limit will be enforced. Kids must catch their own fish. The event is for ages 6 and up. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants ages 17 and under must have a valid fishing license. The fishing derby is a free event.

Spring carnival will be held at Kasey Meadow Park

The Hickory Hills Park District will hold a carnival from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 10 at Kasey Meadow Park, 8047 W. 91st Place.

The carnival will also be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 11; noon to 11 p.m.

Saturday, May, 12; and noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday, May 13 at Kasey Meadow Park.

Pre-sale mega pass wristbands for all four days will be sold through Wednesday, May 9 at the Cynthia Neal Center, 8047 W. 91st Place, or Krueger Park Recreation Center, 9100 S. 88th Ave. in Hickory Hills.

Hickory Hills Park District offers preschool, summer day camp

The Hickory Hills Park District will offer a 2018-19 preschool session from two to five days a week from 8:45 to 11:45 or 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Prices range from $785 to $1,720. A half year is also available. Full-day care is also available for an additional cost. More information about dates and locations for preschool and summer day camp programs can be obtained by calling (708) 598-1233.

OAK LAWN

Flower sale will be held at Pilgrim Faith Church

The annual flower sale will also be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn.

The flower sale will also be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 6. The sale features small and large plantings for the garden and hanging baskets. The assortments include geraniums, impatiens, begonias, marigolds and many other varieties. Vegetable plants and herbs will also be offered. All proceeds support the ministries of Pilgrim Faith Church.

More information can be obtained by calling the office, (708) 422-4200.

Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘Falling Down’

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 1993 drama “Falling Down” from 7to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9at the Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn.

Members should check the building signage for the correct room number, (708) 529-9028, or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.

Pryme Tymers host lunch, entertainment

The Pryme Tymers, a local senior organization, will host a luncheon and will feature entertainment at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 10 at Trinity Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn.

Kym Frankovelgia will present a program of Broadway favorites and a special salute to mothers. A catered ham lunch will be served at noon. The fee for the lunch and entertainment is $7.Reservations are required

by Friday, May 4. More information can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 422-5111, or Tom Panush, (708) 636-7548.

Non-perishable canned goods will be collected for the Blue Island Salvation Army Food Pantry.

PALOS HILLS

Palos Township to hold health screenings A variety of health screenings will be held during the month of May at the Palos Township Community Center, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Little Company of Mary Healthy Heart Screenings will be held by appointment only on Tuesday, May 15. Fees will apply.

Cholesterol/HAIC screenings will be held by appointment only on Monday, May 21.

Fees also apply. Free hearing screenings will be offered by appointment on Tuesday, May 22. A session on “11 Myths on Dementia” will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23.

Free bingo will also be held at at 10 a.m.

Thursday, May 24. More information and appointments can be arranged by calling (708) 598-2441.

WORTH

Senior luncheon to be served at Terrace Centre

The next Worth Park District Senior Luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9 at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave. Along with lunch, bingo and conversation with old and new friends will be held. The registration fee is $7. More information and to register, call (708) 448-7080 or visit www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Senior Pinochle Club will play cards at Terrace Centre The Senior Pinochle Club will gather from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 9 at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth.

The group meets every Monday and Wednesday at the Terrace Centre. More information can be obtained by calling the Worth Park District, (708) 448-7080, or visit www.worthparkdistrict.org.

7

SW Widows and Widowers meet Friday The Southwest Suburban Widow and Widowers Social Club will hold their next meeting from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Zion Lutheran Church, 17100 S. 69th Ave., Tinley Park.

Beverages and snacks are served at the monthly meetings. Entertainment is provided at most sessions. The club offers support to the widowed of all

faiths and ages.

Besides the monthly general meetings, the club offers restaurant outings, dances, trips and theater outings. Interaction meetings and newcomers get acquainted sessions are also offered.

More information can be obtained by calling Phyllis Peterson, (708) 636-6534, or Bill Dolehide, (708) 342-6820.

DEATH NOTICES Regina Carrie-Piscopo Regina R. Carrie-Piscopo (nee Kupczyk), 93, a Hickory Hills resident, died April 23 at the Lemont Center.

Mrs. Carrie-Piscopo was a former employee of Spinner Bros.

Auburn Food and Liquor. She also previously worked at Osco. She was a former member of the St. Symphorosa Church Seniors Club.

Survivors include daughters, Margaret Heimowski and Patricia Rea; sister, Dorothy Kurutz; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were Friday from Hills Funeral Home to St. Patricia Church. Entombment took place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Rocco Gaetano Rocco J. “Rocky” Gaetano, 90, died April 25 at his Palos Park home.

Mr. Gaetano worked in insurance management. He planned and arranged many events for the Edelweiss Homeowners Association in Palos Park for over 30 years.

Survivors include his wife, Florence “Babe” Gaetano; daughters, Beverly Ktenas and Cindy De Marie; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were Monday from Schmaedeke Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Entombment took place at Good Shepherd Cemetery.

Thomas Sonntag Thomas D. Sonntag, 76, died April 23 at his Hickory Hills home.

Mr. Sonntag was a retired lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department.

Survivors include a son, Christopher Sonntag; stepdaughters, Vanessa, Colette and Angel; sisters, Elizabeth Borkowski and Lorelle Kiefer; brothers, Raymond, William, Fredrick and Edward; and three grandchildren.

Services were Saturday at Schmaedeke Funeral Home. Interment was private.

Irena Sullivan Irena Anatolija Sullivan (nee Zilinskas), 84, a former Hickory Hills resident, died April 25 at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights.

Mrs. Sullivan, who was born in Lithuania, was employed as a social worker.

Survivors include a daughter, Emily Sullivan; brother, Valentinas Zilinskas; and many relatives and friends A memorial visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills.

Stefania Zdanikowska Stefania Zdanikowska (nee Kozlowska), 97, of Palos Park, died Sunday in Palos Hospice.

Mrs. Zdanikowska, a former resident of Chicago’s West Elsdon neighborhood and a longtime member of St. Turibius Parish, had once been employed as a janitor.

Survivors include a daughter, Alicja Paturzo; son, Wieslaw Zdanikowski; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a niece.

Services were Wednesday from Zarzycki Manor Chapels to Our Lady of the Woods Church. Entombment took place at Resurrection Garden Mausoleum.

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8 The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018

COMINGS & GOINGS

Make a checklist for changing jobs

Mediterranean eatery opens in food court

few generations ago, it was not uncommon for workers to stick with a single job for their whole careers. But for many of us today, frequent job changes are a fact of life: The average employee tenure is just over four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

So, assuming you’re going to switch jobs a few times, you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s a checklist of things you can do to smooth these transitions and help your financial situation: • Build an emergency fund. Some of your job changes may be involuntary, so you’ll want to have a cash cushion handy – just in case. One smart move would be to build Scott an emergency fund, containing three to six Johnson months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

• Consider your options for your former employer’s 401(k) plan. If you had a 401(k) plan with your former employer, you have three main options: You could leave your money in the plan, if the employer allows it; you could move the money into your new employer’s plan, if permitted; or you could roll the funds over to an IRA. You’ll want to weigh the “pros” and “cons” of these choices carefully before making a decision.

• Choose investments from your new retirement plan.

If your new employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, you’ll need to choose the investments within the plan that are most appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

Contribute as much as you can afford to the plan, and consider increasing your contributions every time your salary goes up.

Make sure you’ve got health insurance. The health insurance offered by your new employer may not begin the minute you start your job. Given the high costs of medical care, you’ll need to make sure you are protected until your coverage kicks in. So, for that interim period, you may need to consider the federal health insurance marketplace, COBRA continuation coverage or private medical insurance. You might also be eligible to be covered under your spouse’s health insurance. And you may want to learn what your options are for health savings accounts (HSAs), if available.

• Review your new benefits package — and take steps to fill gaps. Your new benefits package may include life and disability insurance, but these group policies may not be enough to fully protect you and your family. A financial professional can help you quantify your protection and insurance needs and offer guidance on how much coverage you may require.

• Understand your income tax considerations. Getting a new job may involve income tax implications, such as changes in your tax bracket, severance pay, unused vacation and unemployment compensation. And if you are thinking of exercising stock options, be aware that this, too, can be a taxable event.

Finally, if you have to move to take a new job, you may incur some relocation and job hunting expenses that could be deductible. You will need to discuss all these issues with your tax professional.

Starting a new job can be exciting — and challenging. But you may be able to make your life easier by putting the above suggestions to work.

A

S

em Sem Mediterranean restaurant has opened in the Chicago Ridge Mall food court next to Tastee Freeze near Schoops. The eatery offers a variety of Mediterranean fare including falafel, shwarma and hummus.

Remodeled ALDI to open in Orland Hills

On Thursday, ALDI will celebrate the reopening of its newly remodeled store in Orland Hills.

The store at 9271 W. 159th St. will reopen with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:25 a.m. Thursday, May 3. The first 100 customers in line will each receive a free gift card. There will also be a sweepstakes for a year’s supply of produce and product sampling.

The new store is one of more than 1,300 nationwide scheduled to be remodeled and expanded by 2020 as part of a $1.6 billion plan. The company said it would invest more than $180 million to improve more than 130 stores in the Chicago area.

Stores already remodeled or expanded include Bob in Tinley Park, Bong locations which reopened in a bigger location in November, and locations in Bridgeview and Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, which opened in December.

The new store will feature fresh food, produce, dairy and baked goods.

Hours for the store will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

“Our remodeled store layout will simplify the shopping experience for customers, so they can get out the door with everything they need,” said Heather Moore, Dwight division vice president for ALDI. “We’re excited to unveil these changes in a great market like Orland Hills, where we already have passionate, loyal customers.”

Remodeled stores also feature a modern design, open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally-friendly building materi-

Supplied photo

Aldi is celebrating the reopening of its remodeled store today (Thursday, May 3) at their Orland Hills location.

als — such as recycled materials, energysaving refrigeration and LED lighting.

Moore said the ALDI location in Orland Park is also scheduled to be remodeled this year.

Black Bear Sports buys ice arena

The DiCristina family sold Southwest Ice Arena in Crestwood to new owners in March after owning the arena for 43 years.

No sales price was announced.

The new owner is Maryland-based Black Bear Sports Group, which already owns eight arenas including Heartland Ice Arena in north suburban Lincolnwood, Seven Bridges Ice Arena in west suburban Woodridge and Center Ice of DuPage in northwest suburban Glen Ellyn.

Longtime owner Frank DiCristina said in a Facebook posting that Black Bear purchases older ice rinks that are in need of capital improvements.

“They have recently invested millions in their Chicago rinks including new ice plants, cosmetic improvements and overall structural repair. Due to the age of SIA, I believe this was the best decision for the rink moving forward, knowing that major capital improvements will be addressed as they are needed. Black Bear will embark on capital improvement projects, which will extend the life of SIA for years to come,” he wrote.

He said he had accepted a position as vice president with Black Bear to oversee all four of its Chicago-area ice arenas.

New hotel opens in Tinley Park

WoodSpring Suites has opened its newest location at 18636 West Creek Drive in

Tinley Park.

WoodSpring is an extended-stay hotel company that also operates Value Place.

The chain features kitchens in every room, guest laundry, vending, free WiFi, upgraded bedding and pet-friendly rooms.

The Tinley location is the chain’s fourth in Illinois. It has more than 230 locations nationwide.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.woodspring.com.

Frankfort Country Market opens

The spring session of the Farmers Market opened Sunday in historic downtown Frankfort. The market runs a spring, summer and fall session from late April until mid-October. Spring hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New vendors this year will include Orland Park’s Nothing Bundt Cakes, which will begin selling its mini bundt cakes in the summer market, and Barcacaochocolat of Oak Brook, which will have its handcrafted chocolates throughout the entire season.

The market will have 50 vendors participating during the entire season. A complete list of vendors can be found on the village’s website.

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

You can track business openings and closings athttp://bobbongonbusiness.com/

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

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

Chicago Ridge

Kelly John to Pina Edith, 10948 S Austin Ave, $152,000.00; Chand Hardip Tr to Lopez Vanessa, 6316 Washington St, $168,000.00; 6525 W 99Th Street Corp to Crowley-Sheppard Asphalt Acq Llc, 8998 Ridgeland Ave, $1,000,000.00.

Evergreen Park Le Tuan to Hillard Alicia D, 2618 W 98th St, $290,000.00; Pennymac Loan Services Llc to Dpw Holdings Llc, 9201 S Kedzie Ave, $58,500.00; Wilmington Sav Fund Soc to Reed Kenneth, 2958 W 101st Pl,

$195,000.00; EJ&R Inv Llc to Fernando Wilfred Jason Delacruz, 2748 W 94th St, $320,000.00.

Hickory Hills Shawabkeh Fahed to E A M B Llc, 9434 S 78th Ct, $525,000.00; Fedirko Maria to Manchevski Daniel, 9148 W 95th St, Unit #91483B, $140,000.00; Bozzi Frank A Tr to Estrada Jose J, 8715 W 92nd Pl, $354,000.00.

Oak Lawn Lord Roxanne R Tr to Carioti Richard M, 10340 S Kildare Ave, $224,000.00; Movosel Jennifer A to Wilkey Lloyd, 4012 W 105th St, Unit #3A, $110,000.00; Lewis Robert F to Bruinius Thomas E, 10509 Laramie Ave, $212,000.00; Dunajczan Jack to Sojka James

P, 10422 Pulaski Rd, Unit #207C, $134,000.00; Judicial Sales Corp to Cirrus Inv Grp Llc, 9837 Tulley Ave, $144,000.00; Fannie Mae to Community Initiatives Inc, 9224 Menard Ave, $85,000.00; Swintek Lester Tr to Duprey Katherin, 5344 Avery Pl, $208,000.00; Smith Robert to Quinn John, 9723 S Keeler Ave, Unit #GS40, $7,000.00; Flynn Kathleen M to Selman Stella T, 11025 S Keating Ave, Unit #202, $64,000.00; Clancy Patrick A to Grove Deanna M, 9108 Massasoit Ave, $210,000.00; Obrien Michael to Harvey Walter, 9604 Massasoit Ave, $280,000.00; Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co to Mansour Salwa A Matarieh, 10148 52nd Ave, $154,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Lcd Enterprises Inc, 10429 Austin

Ave, Unit #A, $68,000.00; Basit Shoaib to Cunningham Benjamin, 7001 96th St, $170,000.00.

Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

Palos Hills

Mortgage Rates Mortgage Rates Around the Area Around the Area

Irish Castle Co to Mohsin Mohamed, 10630 S 81st Ave, $400,000.00; Astrauskas Asta Tr to Ringo Jason M, 11221 S Kean Ave, Unit #B, $166,000.00; Drozd Pawel to Luzinski Roman, 10511 S Roberts Rd, Unit #105112D, $120,000.00.

First Midwest Bank (as of April 30) RATES 4.625 4.000 4.365

30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 30-year fi ed Jumbo

Worth Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Kikla Mateusz, 11425 S Normandy Ave, $115,000.00; Alexander Leslie E to Kostov Ivan, 7350 W 114th St, $147,500.00; Wagner David J to Basit Shoaib, 7324 W 111th St, $40,000.00.

APR 4.670 4.055 4.420

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.647 4.287 4.429

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.617 4.410 4.077

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.703 4.526 4.1540

POINTS 1 1 1

United Trust Bank (as of April 30)

RATES 4.625 4.250 4.375

30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 10-year fi ed

Prospect Savings Bank (as of May 1)

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

RATES 4.500 4.250 3.875

30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of May 1)

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

RATES 4.50 4.250 4.00

30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

WORTH SCHOOL DISTRICT 127 Student Services Office

DR. ROSEMARY LUCAS ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 11218 SOUTH RIDGELAND AVENUE

LEGAL NOTICE

WORTH, IL 60482 708.448.2800 FAX 708.448.6215

CCCO 0037 -11/03/14: Notice of Hearing on Petition to Change Name of a Minor

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, COUNTY DIVISION

April 20, 2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF

To:

Debbie The Reporter FAX# 708.448.4012

From:

Connie Alvarez

Natalie Albadri by Biological Mother Rou Abuhlaleh (NA) __________________________________________________________ (Minor’s Initials)

of Change of Name to

LEGAL NOTICE

18 M5 003352 Case No. ____________________________

Ella Sofi Abuhlaleh (NA) __________________________________________________________

(Minor’s Initials)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF A MINOR Please publish the following notice in your May 3, 2018 publication.

Omer Mohammad TO: ________________________________________

If you have any questions, I can be reached at (708) 671-3909.

Thanks......

6071 N.W. 61 Ave #210 _____________________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE

Tamarac, FL 33319 _____________________________________________

******************************************************

June 21 2018 203 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on _____________________________, ________ in Courtroom ______________ 1:30 at _____________ a.m./p.m. (Circle one.) in the Courthouse located at:

Notice of Public Meeting

On May 24, 2018 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 2018/2019 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.

******************************************************

 Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Room __________ Chicago, Illinois 60602

LEGAL NOTICE

 District 2 - Skokie, 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077  District 3 - Rolling Meadows, 2121 Euclid, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008  District 4 - Maywood, 1500 Maybrook Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153  District 5 - Bridgeview, 10220 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois 60455 ■

 District 6 - Markham, 16501 South Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60426

NA a hearing will be held on the Petition to Change the Name of _________________________________________________ ,

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that First Secure Bank & Trust Co., 10360 South Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465, has submitted an application (the “Application”) to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for permission to establish a full-service branch office at 11901 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, Illinois 60464.

Any person wishing to comment on the Application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its Regional Office (300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606) not later than June 2, 2018. The non-confidential portions of the Application are on file in the regional office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the Application files will be made available upon request.

(Minor’s Initials)

 your minor child ■

 a child in your legal custody (Select one.). You may appear and be heard on this matter at that date

and time. The matter may be continued from time to time. You will receive no additional notification.

Natalie Albadri by Biological Mother Rou Abuhlaleh _____________________________________________ Petitioner (Print name.)

Under penalties of perjury as provided by law under Section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure I state that a copy of the 7415 W. 63rd St., Summit above notice was served upon the person(s) name above by depositing same in the U.S. Mail at ________________________

4:00 IL, 60501 ______________________________________________________________ (place of mailing) at ____________ a.m./p.m.

2018 April 26 on _____________________________, ________ with proper postage prepaid.

_____________________________________________ Signature of Person Serving Notice

DOROTHY BROWN, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS Page 1 of 1

The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Tri-State

Continued from Page 1

95th Street.

The brief film noted that the Tri-State Tollway was originally constructed in 1958. While improvements have been made to the northern and southern portions of I-294, the Central Tri-State is need of major reconstruction after years of make do repairs done in a patchwork fashion, according to the Illinois Tollway Commission.

Continued patching has become costly and disruptive to traffic, which has created additional congestion and unreliable travel times.

Andre Brown, a resident of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, was looking over the vast charts during the open house. He is pleased that something is going to be done about relieving congestion.

“At work they let me start later,” said Brown, who has to make the daily drive on 294 from Chicago to Deerfield. “It still takes me about one hour and 20 minutes.

When I leave, I’m resigned to the fact that it’s going to take two hours to get home. I knew that when I accepted the job, but it would be nice if some changes could be made.”

Brown has a few suggestions for Tollway representatives at the open house.

“I would like to see more exits before 95th Street so that traffic would not get so blocked up,” Brown said. “You got everybody getting off at 95th Street. Maybe an exit could be put in near UPS (in Willow Springs) or just before 95th Street.”

Illinois Tollway representatives said at the open house said that relieving congestion, adding additional lanes and better access to

Palos Hills

Continued from Page 1

for coming out and taking part in this.”

Scott told the crowd that Arbor Day was first held in 1872 and the idea was created by Jay Sterling Morton, in which the Morton Arboretum would later be named for.

On that day, one million trees were planted, Scott said. Morton and his wife had moved from MIchigan to Nebraska, where trees were scarce. With that, Morton gained support and followers in his vision of planting more trees.

Over 150 volunteers took part in planting the trees on Saturday.

Community leaders wore green shirts while the volunteers put on orange shirts. Community leaders and public works employees who had received some lessons on how to plant trees were on hand to provide guidance for the volunteers, many of whom were teenagers.

Scott passed out information about how to plant trees. Scott added that a hole dug for a tree should be wide but not that deep.

She reminded volunteers that trees need water. Spreading mulch as far as the branches reach will help a tree grow, but do not pile

Police reports Continued from Page 2

traffic stop at 10 a.m. April 23 on 104th Street. He was also cited for illegal use of a cellphone while driving. He is due in court on May 31.

• Florentino Soto Jr., 39, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 10 p.m. April 25 in the 9500 block of South 88th Avenue. Police said he was also cited for driving without proper rear lighting, driving without insurance and failure to secure a child in a proper child safety seat.

He is due in court on May 10.

• Jose Alvarado Ramirez, 32, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at midnight on Saturday in the 10200 block of South Roberts Road. Police said he was also cited for unlawful use of a cellphone while driving and driving without rear registration lights. He is due in court on June 18.

Theft charges

• A child’s jacket with a cellphone in the pocket was reported stolen from a park adjacent to Oak Ridge School, 8797 W. 103rd St., at 2:30 p.m. April 23. The child’s parent told police that the child mistakenly left the jacket at the park and it was gone when the parent and child went back to retrieve it.

• A package delivered by FedEx was reported stolen off a porch in the 9100 block of Del Prado Drive at 6:30 p.m. April 25. The victim said a package had been delivered but could not be found.

Police said that during a search of the area, the empty package

and exiting I-294 are top priorities.

Major construction on the Central Tri-State will begin sometime this year with all the improvements and expansion plans being completed in 2025.

A major first step in the direction for reconstruction plans is the Mile Long Bridge that extends over 294 and carries drivers over two major railroads, three water resources, several roads, and serves a major shipping distribution center for UPS and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BSNF) Railroad.

The Mile Long Railroad was originally constructed in 1958 and is nearing the end of its service life, according to the Illinois Tollway. Reconstruction of the bridge will begin before the mainline repairs due to the condition of the bridge. Coordination with natural resource agencies, major business operations, property owners, and local agencies have to take place to enable the Tollway to maintain four lanes of traffic while mainline construction is occurring, Illinois Tollway officials note.

Tokar said the Mile Long Bridge repairs is the first priority of Tollway officials “That being said, they are going to look at what needs to be done out here, and once they do, then they might have to purchase some property. But they have a lot to do first.”

And that includes the 95th Street interchange.

“They are aware of the problem and I don’t know what they are going to do about it,” Tokar said.

“They know that the (southwest suburban) mayors are concerned about it.

“They have increased the budget from $2 billion to $4 billion, so they are serious about it,” Tokar added. “They want to get it right.” mulch against the tree trunk, according to the Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Volunteers soon spread out across the city to plant trees over the next four hours. One group planted their first tree on the 10400 block of Alta Drive.

While getting used to digging a hole that was the proper depth for the tree, the volunteers then became more confident. They laid out mulch around the tree and were ready for their next assignment.

Palos Hills has been a Tree City with the Arbor Day Foundation sine 1988. Bennett added that Palos Hills has won numerous Tree City USA Awards and Tree City Growth honors.

The Tree City Growth Award is given to communities that go beyond the four standards of Tree City USA and accumulates points from a list of projects that demonstrate improvement and growth of local tree care.

“As I have said, we take growing trees very seriously here,” Bennett said. “It was great to see so many people come out. This is great for the environment and people can look 10 to 20 years from now and they can say they planted that tree.” was located in a dumpster and the item ordered was missing.

Aggravated speeding

Lorena Pulido, 24, of Hometown, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 1 a.m. April 24 in the 11200 block of Southwest Highway. Police said she was also cited for driving without insurance. She is due in court on June 18.

Unlicensed driving

Alejandro Garcia, 25, of Chicago, was charged with driving without a license following a traffic stop at 1 a.m. April 25 in the 11300 block of Southwest Highway. Police said he was also cited for unlawful use of a cellphone while driving and driving without insurance. He is due in court on June 18.

Unlawful alcohol sales

Several people face charges of unlawful delivery of alcohol to a minor after Palos Hills detectives did compliance checks on local businesses last Thursday in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Liquor Control Commission.

They include Shawna Hepp, 28, of Hickory Hills, at Alibi, 9970 S. Roberts Road; Saulius Morkunas, 41, of Lemont, at Lithuanian Plaza, 9921 S. Roberts Road; Nicolette Schmitz, 26, of Burbank, at Durbin’s,10154 S. Roberts Road; and Amanda Jagade, 30, of Justice, at the Shell gas station, 10300 S. Harlem Ave. They are all due in court on June 18.

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

“I am very thankful for all of our volunteers,” said Zidek, of Orland Park, said. “It’s so wonderful that we are able to share this with so many people.”

The new building is almost double in size from the previous location with 7,200 square feet.

It also has a much larger parking lot for customers and employees.

“One of the most common complaints we received from our previous location was the lack of parking,” Capron said. “We have more than twice the amount of parking and floor space at the

new location.”

“The majority of the feedback we receive from the new location is that it does not feel like a resale shop at all,” Beele said.

“It really holds an upscale boutique atmosphere. That is thanks to the hard work of all of our volunteers.”

The event also featured a special 50 percent off store-wide sale that continued throughout the weekend.

The shops offer a large selection of donated items, consisting of, but not limited to: women’s, junior’s, children’s and men’s clothing along with a variety of household items such as furniture, giftware, toys, books, antiques, collectible, shoes, purses, baby items, and jewelry.

The new Worth location has a donation processing center that makes collecting, sorting and pricing items much easier than before, according to Holford.

Items can be donated at any point throughout the calendar year at both the Worth and Orland Park location, 9020 W. 159th St.

ing: bee counting and care for the forest preserves, planting for pollinators, and planting native trees and shrubs. Foster, who actively participates in citizen science projects, also displayed and discussed her personal passion, raising and tagging monarch butterflies.

“Participating in citizen science projects, inspired me to bring in other organizations and projects to showcase them at the event,” Foster said. “There are some very fun citizen science projects available and in need of data from private citizens. I think patrons in attendance will receive a wide range of knowledge on what they can personally do to help benefit pollinators and the environment.”

The event also featured family-fun activities including Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures showcasing snakes, alligators, and tortoises. Big Run Wolfe Ranch was also on the scene, along with interactive children’s activities and crafts, a live scavenger hunt, adult education classes on green living, gardening and composting, a milkweed plant sale, plant giveaways and raffles.

“This was a wonderful way to help my son understand and to teach him hands-on how to take care of this earth,” said Eileen Akroush, of Hometown.

Debbie Pierog, who attended with her grandchildren, agreed.

“This was a really nice event that offered something for ev-

ery member of the family,” said Pierog, of Oak Lawn.

Unique this year was a kids’ tree climbing event, Foster said, where Oak Lawn Park District Certified Arborists hoisted children up into trees using saddles and safety ropes. Children certainly enjoyed it, including 9-year-old Brian Joseph Klimek.

“This was my first time trying this and it was a lot of fun,” said Brian, of Orland Park. “I would definitely do it again.”

“Our goal was to have educational and fun activities for all ages,” Foster said.

“We really had a great time here together as a family,” sad Joe Klimek, of Orland Park.

“It was a great way to promote Earth Day.”

Neat Repeats Continued from Page 1

recognize the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and to showcase our beautiful new store in Worth.”

The volunteer-run shops, in both Worth and Orland Park, are owned and operated by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, and all revenues from the shops provide funding for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, which offers services for survivors of domestic violence.

“The grand opening is another way to say thank you to all the supporters in the community as well as all of our past and present volunteers,” Holford said. “The volunteers have made this move to a bigger space with such a positive attitude. I am humbled and proud to be a representative of such hard-working staff and volunteers.”

The staff agreed with Holford, including Donna Zidek, the Worth store manager.

Earth Day

Continued from Page 1

“We need to be aware of the things we can do locally to make our environment better,” said Dolly Foster, Oak Lawn Park District Horticulturist and event coordinator. “This event educates our community about vital steps each patron can take to help preserve the environment.”

This year, the event emphasized citizen science projects, which are activities sponsored by a wide variety of organizations so non-scientists can meaningfully contribute to scientific research.

At Saturday’s event, 10 residents showcased a wide range of environmental projects, includ-

9

Photo by Kelly White

Customers took advantage of a store-wide sale last Thursday at Neat Repeats in Worth during the store’s grand opening event.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

CHICAGO RIDGE

Patrons invited to play bingo

Bingo will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, May 15 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. Prizes will be awarded to the game winners. More information about the free bingo program can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Session will provide advise about how to deal with coyotes

A session on “Living with Coyotes” from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Chicago Ridge Library. The session is being held because residents have indicated they have seen coyotes roaming the southwest suburbs.

Advice will be provided of what to do if someone encounters coyotes. More information about the free program can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Providing lessons in sewing

The next “Saturday Sew-In” session wil be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Chicago Ridge Library.

Patrons can work on their latest projects, which include quilting, knitting and stamping. Sewing machines are available upon request. More information about the free program can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

Reliving memories of old game shows

“Those Wacky Game Shows” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Chicago Ridge Library. Residents who remember old TV game shows that included celebrity guests like Liberace, Bobby Darin and Jack Benny will be interested in this session. Steve Cooper will show old flim clips of the old “Gong Show, “Make Me Laugh” and “Password.” The free presentation will include musical numbers. More information can be obtained by calling the library, (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org

EVERGREEN PARK View NASA lunar and meteorite disk at library

NASA Lunar and Meteorite Disk Viewing and Activities will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave. Patrons can view lunar and meteorite samples to the library on loan directly from NASA. The Housed in protective sample education disks, this lunar material and meteorite samples found on Earth allows patrons to inspect the rocks, compare them to Earth rocks, and be a part of NASA’s continuing exploration. In addition to viewing the disks, activities will be conducted. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 4228522 or visit www.evergreenparklibrary.org

Screening of film on Stephen A. Douglas

“Stephen Douglas and the Fate of American Democracy” screening will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10 at the Evergreen Park Library. Patrons can join St. Xavier University Professor Graham Peck for the screening of his film about Stephen Douglas. The film examines the political career of Douglas, how it shaped the fate of America, and Abraham Lincoln’s rise to the national stage. Time for

questions and film discussion to follow. Peck will have copies of his latest book, “Making an Antislavery Nation: Lincoln, Douglas, and the Battle Over Freedom,” will be available for signing and purchase.

OAK LAWN

Celebrating pop culture and Free Comic Book Day

A celebration of pop culture will be held at the “OLPL Fan Fest: World of Wonder” will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Performances will include belly dancing Wookies and exhibitors. The events will be included in the celebration of pop culture and Free Comic Book Day. Handmade items will be for sale. Other exhibitors include the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion wearing Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper and Jedi costumes and the Klingon Assault Group Star Trek fan organization. The Cosplay costume contest encourages both adult and children participants with prizes for the best ensemble.

Attendees can also participate in Nerd Yoga, a scavenger hunt and more. For more information, including a complete schedule of events and exhibitors, visit fanfest.olpl.org. or the library’s Facebook page. For more information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

1967 Oak Lawn tornado exhibit will soon end

April 21 marked the 51st anniversary of the devastating tornado that struck Oak Lawn and surrounding communities and in recognition of the 50th anniversary, Local History unveiled the exhibit “Voices in the Wind: Remembering the 1967 Tornado” at the Oak Lawn Library.

The exhibit features 200 images, archival footage of the aftermath and recollections from witnesses. The display is located in the second floor Local History Room of the library. The exhibit ends on Friday, May 20. Residents are asked to view the exhibit before it closes. For more information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Reviewing apps programs

“Appy” Hour will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in Monday, May 14 in Meeting Room B at the Oak Lawn Library. Participants can arrive and explore their new app. Guests can bring a beverage to sip while staff from the adult services department will help visitors with Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Snacks are provided. The session is limited to 40 people. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit the Computer Center.

Exploring history of Cubs and White Sox

Cubs and White Sox history will be explored beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at the Oak Lawn Library. For visitors of this event, it is time hear about and talk about baseball that includes memories of the Cubs and White Sox. Larry Bergnach will lead the talk about baseball nostalgia. Register online at www.olpl.org or in person at the adult services desk. Residents can also call the library at (708) 422-4990.

PALOS HILLS

‘Read to the Dogs’ at library

“Read to the Dogs” therapy session will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 7 at

the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. Sharpen your reading skills by reading to therapy dogs. Once a book is completed, a picture will be taken of patrons and will be hung in the library.

Registration is limited to 30. Register online at wwwgreenhillslibrary.org.

Ideas for summer desserts will be provided Instruction on how to make summer desserts will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at the Green Hills Library. Chef Maddox will cook treats designed to impress your friends. Recipes and samples will be provided. The event is for adults only. Registration is limited to 75. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

Eco Club allows kids to make crafts

The Eco Club for children ages 6 and up will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the Green Hills Library. Miss Emily will have the kids watch a video, play a game, and have them make a craft about a nature topic that was voted on. Registration is limited to 25. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

Learning to decorate rooms in the home

The room decorating workshop will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. or 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10 at the Green Hills Library.

Participants will learn to use tissue paper, cardstock and twine to create garlands and pennants for rooms. Registration is limited to 20 per session. The program is for youths ages 10 to 17. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

Movie posters on display

Residents will have an opportunity to view an array of full-sized movie posters from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at the Green Hills Library. A short matching activity will also be held for all ages. One lucky participant with all correct responses will win a $30 Visa gift card. Three winners will each receive a set of four admission passes to the LaGrange Movie Theater.

Kids can take part in stuffed animal workshop

The stuffed animal workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 14 at Green Hills Library. Kids will have an opportunity to stuff their own stuffed animal pal and then play games with their new friend. Participants will then take their new friends home. Registration is limited to 50 children. Do not register caregivers for this program. The program is for children ages 3 and up. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

Tween and teens can learn about hairstyles

A tween/teen hair styling workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 at the Green Hills Library. Professional cosmetologists will visit the library to teach guests hairstyles they can do themselves. Registration is limited to 20. The program is for ages 10 to 17. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

Science lab for children

A science lab for kids will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at the Green Hills Library. Miss Emily will lead the group in science experiments. Registration is limited to 25. Register online at wwwgreenhillslibrary.org.

10 The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018

MONSTER RATES Stagg students and staff receive AT

honors from Sandy Hook Promise

10360 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465

(708) 430-5000 / www.firstsecurebank.com / Member FDIC

14-Month CD 1

2.05 % APY*

$1,000 Minimum /New Money Only/IRA Eligible

29-Month CD 1

2.25 % APY*

$1,000 Minimum /New Money Only/IRA Eligible

47-Month CD 1

2.45 % APY*

$1,000 Minimum /New Money Only/IRA Eligible

Palos Premier NOW Account2

1.25% APY*

On Balances from $5,000 to $500,000

Guaranteed through

12/31/2018

Minimum to open $500.00 New Money Only

1. $1000.00 minimum balance to open and earn stated *Annual Percentage Yield. New money only, not on deposit with First Secure Bank & Trust. Rates current as of 4/12/2018. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime and without notice. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. An early withdrawal penalty may reduce earnings. 2. Rates current as of 4/12/2018. $500 minimum to open and $500 average daily balance to avoid $5.00 monthly fee. Fees may reduce earnings. Balances less than $500.00 will earn 0.0% APY. On balances of $5,000 to $500,000 the APY* is 1.25%.

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The Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a leading gun violence prevention organization, recognized students and staff at Stagg High School in Palo Hills in the third annual Say Something Callto-Action Week, which teaches youth and adults the signs of atrisk behaviors and how to properly intervene before that persons harms themselves for others.

Stagg High School received he 2017 Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Student Spirt, Creativity, ad Sustainability Award. Stagg student Nourhan Abdelbaky [aced first in the Sandy Hook Promise Youth Voices Written Category.

Student Nicole Saenz placed first in the Sandy Hook Promise Youth Voices Visual Category for her work. Cheyenne Griffin placed third in the Sandy Hook Promise Youth Voices Spoken Category.

The Call-to-Action Week was held between Oct. 16 through Oct.

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Supplied photo

Stagg High School staff members were recognized by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation with the Student Spirit, Creativity, and Sustainability award. Founders of Sandy Hook Promise and parents of children killed at Sandy Hook Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley (back row, from left) and Students Against Violence Everywhere Youth Advisory Board Alumnus Devin Phillipps (back row, right) recognize Stagg High School staff (back row, third from left) Kristyn Koss, Ian MacLeod, (front row, from left) Mary Pat Carr, Corky Lyons and Erin Wendt.

20, and hundreds of middle and high schools across the country participated. At the end of the week, SHP asks the participating schools to share what they did to implement and sustain the Say Something program in their schools and/or community and provides awards to the schools/ youth groups that demonstrate how they incorporated the core values of the Say Something program seamlessly into their school culture and/or overall community.

Stagg High School not only trained their students but also trained students in neighboring school districts. Students formed a SAVE Promise Club, marched in the homecoming parade, decorated the campus and bathroom mirrors with uplifting messages, created a social media campaign, and produced a slideshow and video that be viewed on YouTube a the following link www.

YouTube.com/AmosAlonzoStaggHS/SWH. Students also created a sustainability plan to make Say Something a part of the school culture and have plans to do at least six planned activities.

Abdelbaky’s essay was featured during a video performance during the conference. It can be viewed on Youtube.com at the following link https://youtu. be/5z8qqecU2eA According to SHP, in four out of five school shootings, the attacker told someone of his/her plans prior to the attack and 70

percent of people who complete suicide told someone of their intention or gave some type of warning. SHP’s Know the Signs programs, including Say Something, educate young people and adults about the warning signs and to how to intervene before it’s too late.

In the past three years, SHP has trained over 3.5 million youth and adults in at least one of its four proven Know the Signs programs, including Say Something. SHP has also released two powerful PSA’s. In December of 2017 SHP released “Tomorrow’s News” a PSA that shows a newscast covering a school shooting the day before it happens to highlight the signs that are often overlooked or not acted upon. In March of 2018, SHP released “The Other Side” a PSA that shows a teen prepping for a school shooting who highlights all the signs that were missed.

SHP is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Conn. They are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and six educators. SHP is focused on preventing gun violence (and other forms of violence and victimization) before it happens by educating and mobilizing youth and adults on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals.

Supplied photo

The Oak Lawn Community High School journalism team placed fifth overall at the Argo Sectional competition.

OLCHS journalism team 5th in sectional competition The Oak Lawn Community High School journalism team competed in the Argo Sectional competition recently and placed fifth overall.

The Spartans had a competitor place in the top six for 11 of the 17 events. The result is that several Oak Lawn students are heading to Eastern Illinois University this Friday for the Illinois High School Association Journalism State Finals in Charleston.

A few Spartans even won the sectional championship. Nevin Abdelghani and Pamela Urchel teamed up to take first place in the Yearbook Theme category, while Jacob Luzadder won a sectional title in Infographics. All three of these students will lead the Spartans at state.

“We had some strong returning seniors, but we knew we needed to fill a lot of positions,” said coach Patrick DiFilippo. “We made sure to get this team organized early in the year. As we were working with these students, we realized that they had a lot of potential to gain some significant points at the

sectional. Also, we want to give a special shout out to Dan Kenny for preparing Jacob Luzadder, Mia Menzel and Alex Demas through their graphic design work.

“Hopefully, we can continue to improve and make it interesting at the IHSA State Finals at Eastern Illinois University on Friday.”

Other Spartans advancing to state include Katie Bryne, who took third in Advertising, Cassidy McCormick, who was second in Editorial Cartooning; Mia Menzel with a second place in Newspaper Design; and Alex Demas, with a second place in Yearbook Layout.

Oak Lawn scored in the top six of their specific events and added team points to the overall score were Jules Rollberg (Feature Writing), Maria Villagomez (News Writing), Ally Niedospial (Review Writing), Brenda Serna (Photo Story Telling), and Anna Komperda (Yearbook caption Writing).

In addition, Salaam Khater, Samantha Welninski, and Marissa Perales will compete at state for Oak Lawn High in a TV News Broadcast pilot event.

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Answers

Answers

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Ken Karrson, SportsSports EditorEditor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jason Maholy, • sports@regionalpublishing.com

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

Thursday, May5,3,2015 2018 Thursday, March

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Astros are lifting off Shepard came into this week having won five games in a row to move above .500 for the first time since opening day.

The Astros capped off a four-win week on April 26 with a five-inning, 13-3 mercy rule victory over Bremen, which brought them to 10-9 overall and 5-4 in the South Suburban Conference on the season. The Astros were 5-9 and had lost five straight before winning the second game of a doubleheader versus SSC rival Eisenhower on April 21.

Against Bremen, Tom Dougherty was the winning pitcher and helped himself at the plate by going 4-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI. Trevor Lorek had a double, triple and four runs scored.

Prior to that, Shepard topped Bloom, 132, on April 25. Lorek pitched a complete game and struck out four, and Anthony Nilsson had three hits, including a double, and four RBI. The Astros swept Argo in a home-andhome series, winning 10-0 on April 23 and 7-6 in eight innings on April 24. Dougherty was 3-for-3 with five RBI in the opening contest, and the second game ended with Anthony Nilsson knocking in Lorek with a walk-off single.

Photo by Gary Middendorf

Chicago Christian senior Ellen Vilendrer was second on the Knights with 28 RBI in 17 games entering play this week.

SWINGING A BIG STICK Hard work paying off for Knights’

Stagg The Chargers won three of four games last week to enter Tuesday’s game against Bolingbrook at 12-6.

Homewood-Flossmoor dealt Stagg a 3-2 loss on April 23, but the Chargers rebounding with three straught wins over Morton, Maine South and Bolingbrook.

In a 13-0 thrashing of Morton on April 24, Eddie Lovell had three hits, three RBI and two runs scored, and Leo Angelos had a triple, walk, run and two RBI. Nick Harper had a hit and two RBI, Jordan Thompson

had two hits and scored two runs, and Mike Tobin had two hits, including a double, and a run scored. Thompson allowed four hits, walked one and struck out six while pitching a complete game.

Stagg continued its heavy hitting with a 12-2, five-inning win over Maine South on April 25. Danny Russo led the way with four hits, including three doubles, while driving in two runs and scoring twice. Jordan Thompson had two hits, three RBI and a run scored, and Angelos had two hits, and RBI and two runs. Lovell, Harper and Luke Goral each had two hits, with Goral and Lovell also driving in a run apiece.

The Chargers finished the week with an 8-3 win over Bolingbrook on April 26. Goral had three hits, two RBI and a run; Harper had a double and two RBI; and Russo had a double, triple, RBI and scored twice. Thompson and Mike Tobin each drove in one run.

Brother Rice Loyola avenged a loss two days earlier by defeating the Crusaders, 5-3, on April 23. Patrick Hayes and Sam Jones both had two hits, an RBI and a run.

Rice rebounded by topping Providence, 9-6, on April 26, with Ryan Palmblad allowing six hits and two earned runs, while striking out five over six innings. Jones finished with three hits with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored. Patrick Hayes had two hits and two RBI.

Richards/Evergreen Park The Bulldogs swept the Mustangs in a home-and-home, winning 12-8 on April 23 and 9-7 on April 24. Declan Smyth and Pat Doran each had three hits and three RBI in the opening game for Evergreen Park.

Vilendrer, who keeps cashing in

By Alison Moran Correspondent

Here’s a bit of Chicago sports history you don’t hear too often: In 1993, former Chicago White Sox general manager Ron Schueler drafted his daughter Carey in the 43rd round (1,208th pick overall) of the MLB draft. Carey, then 18, remains the only woman officially drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Someday, women may play Major League Baseball.

And if that day was now, teams might be looking at

Chicago Christian’s Ellen Vilendrer, one of the hitting stars of a Knights’ team that has been dominating the opposition for the past month. The Knights entered action Tuesday this week 15-3 and riding a 12-game winning streak, and Vilendrer’s potent bat has been a major contributor to that success.

Wilender, a senior catcher, was through 17 games hitting .481, with a .516 on-base percentage (OBP) and a .519 slugging percentage. She has among her 25 hits See VILENDRER, Page 3

Photo by Gary Middendorf

Brother Rice’s Brett Selke slides into home to score a run during the Crusaders’ 13-3 rout of St. Rita on Monday, April 30.

Ahead of their time Marist freshmen come up big on Senior Day

By Alison Moran Correspondent

Photo by Alison Moran

Marist seniors Amanda Rizzo (from left), Erin Stapleton, Ally Corcoran, Cassie Eraci, Michelle Lenz, Alexis Rojas, Jill Tackes and Katie Pappas played the final regular-season home game of their high school careers last Saturday.

All teams want to finish strong for the home crowd, particularly if you’re playing for the home crowd for the last time.

At Marist on Saturday, April 28, eight senior RedHawks said goodbye to Red and White Field on a chilly, sunny afternoon by defeating conference rival Marian Central Catholic, 2-1.

“The seniors have been great leaders for us,” said Marist head coach Chris Roe. “We’re glad we could take a day to honor all their hard work on Marist’s behalf.”

For the seniors — forward Allesa “Allie” Corcoran, goalkeeper Cassandra Eraci, defender Michelle Lenz, defender Katherine Pappas, midfielder Nora Reynolds, forward Amanda Rizzo and defender Alexis Rojas – their last home game was bittersweet.

“Soccer and sports at Marist was such a big part of my life, it’s going to suck without it,” said Corcoran, who doesn’t plan to continue in sports past graduation day. Athletics taught her some great life lessons, especially how to work hard and how to be a part of a team, she added.

Others, like Pappas, isn’t saying goodbye just yet.

“We’re going to take this as far as we can,” she said. “We take it one game at a time, to the regionals, then the sectionals. And who knows?

As far as we can get together.”

Good defense by both squads led to a scoreless half.

“We got off to kind of a slow start, but once we found our footing, we could start working off each other,” said Pappas, who moved to defense this year after playing center in 2017.

See MARIST, Page 3

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2

Section 2 Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

Fire burns Toronto late

Gordon’s stoppage time goal earns tie vs. defending champions Second-half substitution Alan Gordon scored the equalizer in the waning moments of stoppage time and the Chicago Fire secured a point against the reigning MLS Cup champions last Saturday afternoon in Toronto.

Gordon’s goal leveled the score 2-2 and helped the Fire move to 2-3-2 on the season. The Fire has lost only once in its past five games after starting the season with consecutive losses.

Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger contributed a goal and an assist in the effort. His helper on Gordon’s equalizer was the German’s fourth assist in six games this season.

“It was very intense,” said Fire head coach Vejlko Paunovic. “This is the reason why we love this game, and when you have games like this, sometimes when you don’t win you feel happy coming back two-zero

against a great team (like the) reigning champions. The huge performance from our guys, and the effort they showed in this game, makes you feel very, very satisfied. Obviously, I’m very proud of their effort, proud of the game, and the reaction we had after we conceded two goals.”

Toronto opened scoring in the seventh minute when Sebastian Giovinco collected the ball running into the right side of the Fire 18 and played a low cross for a sliding Jonathan Osorio. They found their second goal just 15 minutes later when Victor Vázquez lofted a shot over the head of Fire goalkeeper Richard Sánchez.

The comeback began in 69th minute when Schweinsteiger scored on a header to finish off a corner kick sequence. Second half substitution Diego Campos played a ball in from

the corner that defender Kevin Ellis rose to match with his head, flicking it forward for Schweinsteiger to head home and bring the score to 2-1.

A pair of dramatic near-finishes from Jon Bakero and Nikolic went wanting for the visitors in the waning moments, but Gordon provided the necessary goal in stoppage time.

Schweinsteiger received a pass near the right touchline and played a cross into the mix. The German’s service landed at the feet of Gordon, who turned and fired the equalizer into the back of the net. The goal was Gordon’s first in a Fire shirt.

Gordon entered the contest in the 75th minute.

“He brings everything in every game,” Paunovic said of Gordon.

“He knew today he had 15 minutes to play and he brought everything.

He put everything on the field — his

heart, his experience, his quality, and he is a specialist in these kinds of situations. Two times he was close to scoring, the second one is obviously what you expect from somebody that has had such a great (career) so far in the league.”

The draw followed a 2-1 win on the road over the New York Red Bulls on April 21.

“I’m satisfied with the progression we had after our second game of the season,” Paunovic said. “After our two losses to start the season, we had a meeting and said, ‘This is a brand new start.’ It was early in the season and we restarted from that point, started to build our momentum and we are very satisfied with this progression. Obviously, we still have a long way to go... But this group is growing. This group is getting better.”

More than one way to catch a coho

T

he south end of Lake Michigan is relatively shallow compared to the rest of the lake, and warms up and becomes ice-free rather quickly in the spring. This brings salmon and trout to this southern basin, creating great fishing opportunities for coho and king salmon, and lakers and steelhead.

Charter boats and sport fishermen cash-in on these opportunities when the weather permits.

Lake Michigan can be treacherous, and often without much OUTDOORS warning. Those of us who fish the WITH lake have learned to respect it.

Recently, Palos Park resident JIM KIRBY Diane Goerg and a few friends set up a charter to fish for salmon and trout; however, inclement weather forced cancellation of the fishing trip. But Diane doesn’t give up so easily. She started to travel around the south end of the lake looking for a place to fish from shore.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

Knights top Rebels again

By Jason Maholy

said, and referenced the upcoming regional tournament. “With that being said, we have made it clear that none of those things are upon us yet, and the most important game of our season is always the one that we are playing that day.”

Christian stayed hot last week with wins over St. Edward, Timothy Christian and Argo.

In a 6-4 win over St. Edward on April 23, Vilendrer had two hits with a stolen base, run scored and three RBI; and Jordan Dryfhout had two hits, including a double, two runs scored and RBI. The Knights followed that with a 21-2 romp over Timothy Christian on April 24. Vilendrer had three hits, two runs and four RBI, and Dryfhout had three hits, including two doubles, two RBI and three runs.

Christian closed out the week with a 10-0 victory over Argo on April 27, with Hannah Dieck striking out nine over five innings to improve to 10-0 on the season. She also drove in two runs. Brooke Veldman was 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI.

Sports Editor, and

Alison Moran Correpondent

Chicago Christian took a major step earlier this season, both on the diamond and psychologically, when they beat conference rival Ridgewood for the first time in three years.

The Knights may have taken an even bigger leap, and have the inside track on winning a Metro Suburban Conference title, after topping the Rebels for the second time this season, 4-3, on Monday in Palos Heights. The victory was Christian’s 12th straight, and improved them to 15-3 overall and 9-0 in the MSC. Senior ace Hannah Dieck improved to 11-0 as she struck out seven and allowed one earned run while going the distance. Dieck also had two hits, and Abby Sytsma had a double and two RBI. Senior catcher Jordan Dryfhout threw out a baserunner attempting to swipe second for the game’s final out.

The Knights finished runner-up in the conShepard/Evergreen Park ference to Ridgewood each of the past two seasons, and the team’s experienced senior core The Astros won four games last week to of Dieck, Dryfhout, Ellen Vilendrer, Bethany run their win streak to six games and enter Regnerus and Megan Gonzalez had never exMonday’s game against Richards at 11-2. perienced a victory at the varsity level over Shepard started last week by slugging four the Rebels. That demon was exorcised when home runs in a 12-6 win over Evergreen Park. they beat Ridgewood, 4-0, in the teams’ first Senior Jessica Coyle collected four hits including meeting April 10, and Christian coach Kevin two round-trippers, while junior Bridget McPittman said the victory was big for the team’s Dermott also had four hits, a homer and two confidence.

RBI, and sophomore Jenna Samad also went “This year, when we beat Ridgewood, it gave yard, to go with two other hits and three RBI. the girls a realization that this was a different McDermott surrendered six runs on 11 hits over year, and we have tried to impress upon them Photo by Gary Middendorf seven innings, striking out 11 and walking none. that this is their year,” Pittman said.

In a 10-5 victory over Argo, Coyle belted Chicago Christian’s Hannah Dieck delivers a pitch during Vilendrer, a senior who has matured into one a game against Argo on April 27. another homer and drove in four runs; Cassidy of the Knights’ most prolific hitters, called that McCarthy had two hits, including a home run, first victory the best moment of the season. and three RBI; and Emily Edminston had a coaches always know what we need to hear and That, however, was before Monday’s win. always know how to bring out the best in us. homer and RBI. Bridget McDermott struck out “We have never been able to beat them in And we have a lot of fun playing together and 12 and eared the victory. the past, and our team really played an amazing for a lot of us, this is our last season and we After a 15-4 win over Joliet Central, the Astros game,” she said. drubbed Reavis, 11-1, on April 26. McDermott want to give it our all.”

Vilendrer said team chemistry has contributed The Knights now control their own destiny was the winner again, allowing two hits and a to the Knights’ success. regarding a conference championship, and they run while striking out seven in six innings. She “Our team is like a family, we’re all really appear to have the ingredients to make a deep also had three hits. McCarthy, Coyle, Katie Jusclose and we always have each others’ backs,” postseason run. tin, Becca Harkala and Ellison McGovern each she said. “The second thing is our coaches. Our “We have high hopes for this team,” Pittman had two hits.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Right off the bat, Rice’s Maher making strong impression in first varsity season

By Jon DePaolis Correspondent

Brother Rice’s Ryan Maher may be new to varsity baseball, but he looks like a seasoned veteran on the diamond.

Maher, the Crusaders’ junior second baseman, has been on a torrid pace through April. His slash line is a robust .345 batting average, .455 on-base percentage and .545 slugging percentage. He entered play this week with two home runs and two triples, and had 20 RBI through April 25.

In the second game of a doubleheader sweep of St. Francis on April 19, Maher had his signature moment by belting a grand slam and driving in five runs in a 7-6 victory. He recalled his second at-bat of the game, when he came up to the plate with a runner at third and one out.

“I got down to two strikes, and I knew I just had to battle and get the ball in play to score the run,” Maher said.

He hit a ground ball to second, tallying his first RBI of the game. But it was his next atbat that was the game-changer. With runners on second and third, the Saints intentionally walked Crisaders cleanup hitter Sam Jones to laod the bases with one out.

“I was just looking to drive the ball,” he said.

“Luckily, I got a good one (to hit), and it went out.”

Having games like he did against St. Francis are huge for young players, and Maher recognizes how that game affected him moving forward.

“It definitely boosts your confidence, which is huge,” he said. “It makes you feel good and makes you want to do it again.”

Brother Rice coach John McCarthy elaborated on Maher’s importance to the Crusaders offense.

Photo by Gary Middendorf

Brother Rice junior second baseman Ryan Maher has been a big reason the Crusaders stood at 17-6 after Monday’s 13-3 win over St. Rita.

“He’s the guy that helps keep the lineup moving,” McCarthy said of Maher, who often hits in the five-hole. “He does an incredible job in the middle of the lineup. We need him, because he hits behind Sam Jones — who has been probably one of the hottest hitters in the state — and he protects Sam. That’s a big responsibility.”

McCarthy said the St. Francis game was a perfect example of Maher living up to that responsibility.

“They intentionally walked Sam to get to Ryan, and Ryan protected Sam by putting the ball out

Supplied photo

Diane Goerg of Palos Park with two nice spring-run coho salmon caught from the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

Goerg was fishing from shore because her planned charter boat trip was canceled on account of poor weather.

The logical place to get the latest fishing reports is a local bait and tackle shop, such as the one in Michigan City, Indiana, that told Diane where to fish, what bait to use and how to use it. As you can see from the photo, Diane fishing from a breakwall using nightcrawlers and shrimp did manage to catch two nice coho salmon, proving there is more than one way to fish Lake Michigan.

Palos Ducks Unlimited 54th anniversary dinner I am the last survivor of the group that 54 years ago met at the old Branding Iron Restaurant, famous for its ribs and doughnut holes, on 95th Street to organize the Palos Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

They were a great bunch of fellows from the Palos Gun Club, then on Route 83 and now located in Frankfort.

Palos Ducks Unlimited’s 54th anniversary dinner, which will feature an open bar and an auction on firearms, sporting goods and prizes will be Wednesday, May 23 at the Palos Country Club, 13100 Southwest Highway in Orland Park. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. and auction at 8 p.m. Ticket price includes dinner, event attendance & a one year membership to Ducks Unlimited. For more information or tickets call Jim Mayer at 708-557-1300.

With more than one million supporters and more than 55,000 volunteers, Ducks Unlimited is backed by a passionate and dedicated conservation community ready to lead, inspire and rescue our wetlands.

Help us save these vital landscapes for the wildlife that call nature’s wetlands home. Learn more about how you can help rescue our wetlands by visiting ducks.org/support.

Canoeing and fishing

of the ballpark,” McCarthy said. “Ryan is a key component of our defense and our offense.”

McCarthy believes a lot of Maher’s success this season can be traced back to the work he put in during the offseason.

“He’s done an incredible job in the weight room, and also working on his game, which has allowed him to have immediate success with our varsity team,” McCarthy said. “A lot of it has to do with his preparation and focus and the effort he put in during the offseason. It really set the tone for a successful junior year.”

During the summer and fall, Maher played on the Cangelosi Sparks, a travel baseball organization based out of Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports Dome in Lockport. When the fall season ended, he began working out a lot more in the weight room.

“I was trying to get faster and stronger for the season,” Maher said. “I was training on hitting and fielding, as well.”

His workouts consisted of full-body routines, and he’s noticed a difference in his power, speed and arm strength.

Maher said the biggest differences he’s noticed between the sophomore and varsity levels are in the quality of pitching and the speed of the game.

But he hasn’t missed a beat in the transition.

“Ryan’s done a good job laying off pitches that are out of the zone,” McCarthy said. “He’s done an incredible job of hitting mistakes that the pitchers make. I think he’s put himself in good hitters’ counts, and when he’s gotten the pitch that is a good pitch, he hasn’t missed it. That’s the key, being able to lay off the tough pitches to get a better pitch.”

Maher’s successes also have led to some heavy

Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Palos Park Recreation and Parks Department for an afternoon of paddling and fishing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at the Saganashkee Slough boat launch, 107th Street and Willow Springs Road.

What a better way to spend your lunch hour than dropping in a fishing line or canoeing around Saganashkee Slough? Bring your own canoe or kayak or use on of theirs. There will be a limited number of boats available, and canoe instruction will be provided. Paddling for ages 5 years and up. Fishing instruction and all equipment provided. Call the Forest Preserves of Cook County at 708-386-4042, ext.

23, to reserve a spot. See you at the Slough!

See MAHER, Page 3

E-mail Jim Kirby at kirbyoutdoors@sbcglobal.net

Asian carp business process analysis

Illinois DNR is sharing a Business Process Analysis and Action Plan as a guide to bolster current removal activities and further reduce the spread of Asian carp in the Illinois Waterway, as well as protect native Illinois species. The DNR has used contracted commercial fishers to reduce populations in the upper Illinois Waterway significantly, with more than 6.3 million lbs. of Asian carp removed to date. These fish have been used by Illinois companies with only a few having to be disposed of in landfills.

Think about it Rebates are a waste of time, paper and money.

Why not have the rebate occur at the place of purchase, allowing the buyer to spend the money with the local merchant. After reading the “fine print” the buyer has to send the rebate info, then wait for the rebate to arrive in the mail, all involving envelopes and stamps.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018 Section 2

3

FOCUS ON AREA COLLEGES

Drey Days: SXU senior has seven hits, eight RBI in series with Olivet Bouncing back from a tough loss to start the day, Saint Xavier split a doubleheader with Olivet Nazarene last Saturday to take two out of three in a weekend series with the Tigers.

The Cougars dropped the opener 4-3 before holding off the hosts for an 8-6 win in Game 2.

Center fielder Drey Devereaux went 5-for-5 in the nightcap with two doubles, three RBI and a pair of runs scored. Jack Gainer and Agustin Guerrero picked up two hits apiece in the win.

Devereaux got the scoring started with an RBI single in the second inning to help give Saint Xavier the early lead. After Olivet tied the game Devereaux with runs in the second and third innings, back-to-back doubles from Guerrero and Devereaux highlighted a four-run frame that put SXU ahead 6-2.

The lead increased to 8-3 when Griffin Bright and Gainer each picked up an RBI, on a sac fly and fielder’s choice, respectively. Matthew McKenzie, a Marist alum, pitched the final 1.2 innings to close out the game.

In Game 1, Ben Zordani had an RBI double

and Cameron Powell had a run-scoring sacrifice fly, the latter which put Saint Xavier ahead by three; however, the Cougars left 13 runners on base and watched a Tigers team that managed just four hits come back to steal a one-run victory on a walk-off single.

On April 27, Jared Jones pitched his third complete game of the season and the Cougar offense pounded out 13 runs on 14 hits in a 13-1 win in the first of the three-game set.

Gainer and Ben Zordani led the way at the plate, finishing a combined 7-for-7, while Devereaux had two hits and drove in runs in three of his four trips to the plate to finish with a game-high five RBI. Gainer collected three doubles, along with a single and a walk, and scored four times. Zordani finished 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Softball: In their last home games of the year, Saint Xavier closed out the regular season in fashion, sweeping a doubleheader over Cardinal Stritch last Saturday on Senior Day. The Cougars won the opener, 10-0 in five innings, and 9-5 in Game 2.

Sophomore pitcher Allison Golic struck out ten hitters in the first game, allowing just three hits

over five innings. Every player in the lineup reached base for the Cougars who had a five run first inning highlighted by Brittany Schultz’s three-RBI triple. Tori Kielman would hit a triple of her own in the second inning, as the Cougars went off for five runs again.

Schultz scored two runs, and Tori Williams had two hits and scored once.

Caroline Kuzel, a Sandburg alum and Orland Park resident, and the Cougars only senior, was honored during a ceremony before the nightcap. Alexandra Maguire then led the game off with the first of her five hits and finished with a double, two RBI and three runs scored.

Tori Williams had three hits, three RBI and a run scored, and Tori Keilman had two hits and three RBI. Track and Field: Saint Xavier track and field saw two school records fall on Wednesday night, as the Cougars competed at the Lewis University Twilight.

Mario Scarcelli set the first of two new program records, placing eighth in 3,000 meter with a time of 9:05.44, besting Gabriel Esparza’s mark from a year ago.

Anthony Kowalczyk also took a school record in the throwing events, surpassing his old record in the hammer throw with a toss of 136 feet 5 inches to finish eighth. Kowalczyk placed sixth in the shot put, throwing for 45 feet 7.25 inches.

Tionte McDaniel led the group of four Cougars competing in the 100 meters, finishing 12th with a time of 11.06 to set a new personal best.

In the women’s events, Mother McAuley alum Rachal Brooks posted one of the team’s top performances, earning fourth place result in the 800 meter with a time of 2:24.47. Tasneem Jaber, an Oak Lawn alum, and Grace Maletich highlighted the team’s distance events, with Jaber placing 15th in the 1,500 meter with a time of 5:38.30, and Maletich finished in 5th in the 3,000 meter with a time of 11:42.32.

Alex Lambros posted a pair of top-10 results, clearing 35 feet 10.75 inches in the triple jump to place fifth. The junior also finished seventh in the long jump with a mark of 16 feet 9.25 inches.

The Cougars will compete in the CCAC Championships to be held May 4 and 5 in Joliet.

AREA SPORTS

Shorter is named Spartan Athlete of the Week

Chicago Red Stars players celebrate after Alyssa Mautz scored the equalizer in last week’s draw against the Washington spirit.

Photos courtesy of Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta scored two goals during Week 4 to earn the NWSL’s Player of the Week award.

Red Stars earn tie vs. Spirit Sofia Huerta is named NWSL Player of the Week Alyssa Mautz scored her third goal of the season, and the Red Stars battled to a 1-1 draw on the road last Saturday night in the nation’s capital.

Starting off slow, the Red Stars fell early on in the fourth minute as Washington’s Francisca Ordega gave the Spirit the lead.

The Stars found the equalizer after a Sam Kerr shot was deflected and fell to the feet of Mautz, who drew the game in the 20th minute.

Both Chicago and Washington earned several counter attacks, but none were

good enough to tally a go-ahead goal.

The Red Stars finished the first half with eight shots to the Spirit’s three, while also earning majority of possession in the first half.

In the second half, the Stars held much of the possession and had multiple chances inside the box but couldn’t punch it in.

Honor Roll

Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta was voted the National Women’s Soccer

Marist

Vilendrer

Switching positions taught Pappas the value of working hard toward her goals.

“I’ve only been on varsity for two seasons, but l wanted to help my team in any way I possibly could,” she said.

Both the RedHawks and the Canes got physical in the second half. The attacking RedHawks found their first goal off a penalty kick by senior Amanda Rizzo, who buried the shot on the right side of the net.

After giving up the equalizer to Marian Catholic a couple of minutes later, the RedHawks capped off the win with a goal on an all-freshman connection from Lindsey Richter to Cecelia Wright. Richter received a pass from Ciara Bridges and swng it down the middle to Light, who finished with an open-footed strike.

Roe said the second goal gave him confidence in the next few years. He said Light, a midfielder, has been playing amazing and was the difference in the victory.

The defense held Marian Catholic for the next few minutes, and the RedHawks emerged elated with the win.

The RedHawks will next compete in in the IHSA Class 2A Marist Regional, in which play begins May 11.

five doubles, and has scored 17 runs and driven in 27. As her RBI total might indicate, she has consistently come through with runners on base.

Vilendrer, who will study nursing at Valparaiso beginning in the fall, credits Knights coach Kevin Pittman and extra training for her improvement.

“I think the most beneficial change I made was to constantly listen to coach Pittman’s feedback,” she said. “He really helped me get a consistent swing. I came into this season expecting our team to have a lot of success, and I personally wanted to contribute whatever I could to benefit my team.”

Pittman noted Vilendrer has been diligent in putting the coaching staff’s advice into practice.

“Through cage reps and tee work, we have worked with Ellen on her bal-

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

Maher

Continued from Page 2 interest from Division I college programs.

McCarthy believes he is a “can’t miss” prospect.

“He’s got incredible character,” McCarthy said. “He’s a hardworking person, and his grades are off the charts. Ryan

League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the NWSL Media Association for Week 4 of the 2018 season.

Huerta, 25, tallied two goals in Week 4, one goal to help Chicago earn a 3-0 win against the Houston Dash on 18 and another goal against the Sky Blue FC April 21 to help the Red Stars earn a 1-1 draw.

The Boise, Idaho, native scored her first goal of the season in the 74th minute heading home a long-driven ball by Danielle Colaprico in the box to beat Houston

goalkeeper Jane Campbell.

The U.S. international player scored the fifth fastest goal in NWSL history just 44 seconds into their match on Saturday as Alyssa Mautz laid the ball back for Huerta at the corner of the 18-yard box, and she lofted a drifting shot that sailed over the head of Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

It is the fourth time Huerta has been honored as the NWSL Player of the Week and the 10th time a Chicago Red Stars player has won the award. She becomes the seventh player in league history to earn the accolade on at least four separate occasions.

Coyne welcoming Special Olympians Team USA and Olympic gold medalist Kendall Coyne and former Chicago White Sox player Harold Baines will serve as the honorary coaches at the 50th annual Opening Ceremony of Special Olympics Chicago Spring Games, to open Thursday, May 3 at Soldier Field.

More than 4,500 athletes from the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and other agencies will march into iconic Soldier Field, the site of where the first Special Olympics games were 50 years ago.

Coyne, a Palos Heights resident, and Baines will welcome athletes onto the Field and mark the official start of the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony with the lighting of the Olympic torch.

Chicago Christian senior slugger Ellen Vilendrer gets a hit during the Knights’ 10-0 win over Argo last week.

“I think the most

beneficial change I made was to constantly listen to coach Pittman’s feedback.” ­— Ellen Vilendrer

Photo by Gary Middendorf

ance,” Pittman said. “Ellen has always had good hand-eye coordination, but she tended to hit way too much off of her front foot and get off her center line, and then just poke at the ball. She is much more balanced and is able to drive the ball into gaps and drive in runs with a great deal of consistency.”

As for Wilendrer’s ballplaying future, she’s open to anything offered to her.

“As of right now I don’t have any plans to play, but I’d be open to playing,” she said. “So who knows?” is a 3.92 (grade-point average) student.

On top of that, he’s super athletic. He can play anywhere in the infield. And he’s an incredible hitter.”

Maher hopes to play at the collegiate level, but he’s trying not to think about the future too much.

“You don’t want to get too worried about colleges,” Maher said. “But I definitely want a program that has coaches

Oak Lawn boys track athlete Javaris Shorter was named the Spartan Athlete of the Week for the week of April 16.

Shorter began the week with three secondplace finishes and setting two personal records in the 100-meter Shorter dash, 200-meter dash and triple jump on April 17 at the Oak Lawn quad meet, and followed that performance with a solid day at the Tinley Park Relays on April 20. Shorter competed and helped the Spartans earn points in the sixth-place 4x100 relay, fifthplace sprint medley relay, thirdplace 4x200 relay and fifth-place triple jump relay. The team’s times in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays were their best of the season.

The other nominee for Spartan Athlete of the Week was baseball player Kevin Swatek.

who make you better. And, I want a good academic school. I want to get a good education, and (to be at) a place that feels like home.”

With such a strong start to his junior season, how far does McCarthy think Maher can go?

“Ceilings are kind of hard to talk about, but the biggest thing for Ryan is to just keep getting better every day,” McCar-

thy said.

“That’s what we talk about as a team, and that’s what we talk about for our guys individually. I think the ceiling is really high for Ryan, but I hate putting a cap on anything. If he continues working hard and continues having good at-bats — and trusting the process — he’s going to be one of the best players in the state of Illinois.”

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018 Section 2

4

5

Section 2 Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Reporter Newspapers Call 448-6161 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5 Houses For Sale

The Regional News - The Reporter

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POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR! OPEN HOUSE SUN. May 3, 1-3 pm

Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MARGARET CAREY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE SQUARE OF ORLAND TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION Defendants 17 CH 09620 15703 DANFORD LN ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 13, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 14, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 15703 DANFORD LN, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-306-010-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $154,356.49.

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 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.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

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

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

For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 Please refer to file number 2120-13848.

If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

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

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 2120-13848 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 17 CH 09620 TJSC#: 38-2359 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.

I3081640

The Regional News Call 448-4000 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5

California style ranch on Valley wooded 11019 Court Palos Hills .8+ acre across from Forest Roberts Rd to Valley Ct (11000 S.) West to home Preserves awaits your talents! 4 JUST LISTED 3 bdrm 2-1/2 bath 3000 sqft bdrms, 3 baths, walkout 35x25 home! Fruit trees are blooming in back yard; bsmtmaster w/office.

Being sold “As Is”walk-in closet, huge bdrm w/marble fplc, $319,900 balcony; 20x20’ open kitchen; big fam rm.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.MOHAMMAD DAABOUL Defendants 16 CH 09506 6813 WEST 114TH PLACE WORTH, IL 60482 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 17, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6813 WEST 114TH PLACE, WORTH, IL 60482

$389,900

708.448.6100

BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

Property Index No. 24-19-122-032-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance 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.

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.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 8916.

Brandon Marchioni

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.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 8916 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 16 CH 09506 TJSC#: 38-3215

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

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“My victory is being there for my family.” Veterans returning home face many challenges. With the right help, Brandon was able to transition back into family life. Every year, DAV helps more than one million veterans of all generations—connecting them to the health, disability, and financial benefits they’ve earned. Help support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL 708-448-4000 OR 708-448-6161 TO ADVERTISE TODAY!

6

Section 2 Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

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

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

The Center to host Sunday morning bird watching The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, has announced a slate of activities for the days ahead.

For more information or to register for a program, call (708) 361-3650.

• World Labyrinth Day Walk will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5 in the labyrinth. This is a global movement to gather and walk the labyrinth for peace.

The Center is joining this movement as participants will “Walk as One at One.” • Sunday Morning Bird Watching will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. for four sessions beginning May 6. Avid birder Dan Morley will lead four Sunday mornings of bird watching at the height of the spring bird migration season. The Center woods serve as a stopover site for migrating warblers and songbirds on their way north to their summer breeding grounds.

In past springs, scarlet tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks and a multitude of warblers have been spotted near The Center. Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes for spring mud. The program fee is $20 ($5 each Saturday). Registration is necessary.

• Communion Sunday will be held at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6. On the first Sunday of each month (except December) Communion is offered at both Wayside Chapel services.

Volunteers are needed setting up Communion as well as helping to distribute it. Those who are interested should contact Chris Hopkins at (708) 361-3650. All are welcome. The Wayside Chapel serves a non-alcoholic cup and gluten-free bread.

• Ladies Spring Tea is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday May 6.

This is an afternoon in The Great Hall of The Main Lodge filled with tea party fare including home

Supplied photo

Angela Kalamaras (from left), Vincent Ferry and Kathryn Cargill star in “And Then There Were None” staged by the Palos Village Players.

Palos Village Players present Christie play for two weekends Children enjoy making pottery at The Center.

brewed tea from herbs grown in the garden at the farm, elegant and wild hats and beautiful floral arrangements. Actress Megan Wells will provide entertainment with her story telling. This great gettogether is planned the weekend before Mother’s Day. Tickets are $33 each. Reservations must be made in advance.

• This month’s luncheon features Bill the Band from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday May 8. Oak Forest resident Bill Ehm is a one-man band. The event will feature music with lots of audience interaction.

Luncheons cost $22 and advance

Supplied photo

reservations are necessary.

• Pottery for Kids will be taught

by Liz Credio from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for four Thursdays beginning May 10. Instructor Credio will moderate this class in which students will learn the process of creating ceramic art. In this class students will learn how to make such things as pottery and sculptures. Credio will have several projects planned as well as allowing time for experimentation. This class is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The class fee is $51 plus a $14 materials fee.

Lotton Art Gallery to host open house Lotton Art Glass Gallery and Studios, 24760 S. Country Lane, Crete, is hosting a spring open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, May 4 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5.

It is free and open to the public.

Completely self-taught, the Lotton family have been successfully creating their own unique, one of a kind glass designs for the past 48 years. Founder, Charles Lotton, has successfully mastered the art of glass blowing. Now 82, he is still daily creating his one ofa-kind designs made completely out of liquid hot glass. Sons David, Daniel and grandson Robert also are carrying on the family tradition.

The Lottons also own two other galleries, one on the north side of Chicago and the other in Gatlin-

Charles Lotton blowing glass.

Supplied photo

burg, Tenn. Their work is known worldwide and can be found at other fine art galleries all over

the United States.

The glass studio is open to the public Monday through Friday.

someone’s word on something or put your ultimate trust in an individual this week. It may be challenging, but let down your guard.

Sagittarius. If you’re not sure what to do, trust someone else who has always supported you.

HOROSCOPES ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, take a step back and analyze your current situation before making any other moves. You may be barking up the wrong tree, and you will need a new approach.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, there may be many things you wish to say to someone special, but you just do not know how to find the words. You can convey much more through actions.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, if you have your hand in three or more projects, you may need to step back. It’s hard to devote your full attention to each task when you’re juggling so much at once.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is good to have a sense of humor, and you may need a little extra patience at work this week.

When times get tough, surround yourself with lighthearted people.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you may have to take

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 You need to find firm footing in your career, Virgo; otherwise, you may suffer from lack of direction.

Start putting out feelers and begin networking.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Don’t underestimate your abilities, Libra. As a general peoplepleaser, you have the ability to smooth over many situations with a calming word.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 It’s in your nature to want to get to the root of every problem and find out the answers to all the puzzles, Scorpio. This can be tiring, but when you’re determined it’s essential.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/ Dec 21 Various factors may be clouding your decision-making skills,

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, finances have been drawing your attention in your life a lot lately. Pay attention to the subtle clues to get your assets in order.

The Palos Village Players will present the second play of their 77th Season “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 4, 5, 11 and 12, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6 at the Palos Park Recreational Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Tickets are $20 per person, $18 for students and seniors. Tickets can be obtained by calling (877)

787-8497 or by visiting the website palosvillageplayers.com. Season tickets are available online or at the box office for $55.

Hackney’s Restaurant, 123rd Street and LaGrange Road, offers a discount of $5 for anyone attending a performance. Reservations are available at (708) 448-8300.

IPO hosts classical music competition Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural composition competition aimed at expanding the canon of classical music for current and future generations takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College, 6660 W. College Drive, Palos Heights.

“Our goal is to provide young American composers with opportunities to create, grow and learn while being part of a vibrant professional organization,” said IPO’s Music Director, Stilian Kirov.

“As IPO’s Composer in Residence for one year, having their works performed by IPO on a regular basis, along with experimenting and interacting with our outstanding musicians, should offer an extremely valuable experience that will hopefully give these composers the tools to lead American classical music into a very bright, exciting future.”

Finalists include: • Ben Ash, a 2014 New York University graduate in Music Theory and Composition whose work has been performed in New

York and Seattle, as well as in several films including Milan’s Festival MIX award-winning documentary, Coming Out. • Saad Haddad, a 2016 M.M. graduate of Juilliard and winner of numerous conducting prizes/ awards whose work has been performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and others.

• Conor Mackey, a 2013 St. Olaf College graduate in Music Theory and Composition, whose classical roots have led to a career as a performer/composer/producer of new music At the May 8 event, Maestro Kirov and each composer will be mic’ed. Each finalist’s composition will be rehearsed in a 30-minute workshop session with the audience able to hear the verbal directions and conversation between Maestro Kirov and the composer. At the conclusion of the three sessions, there will be a brief intermission followed by a performance of each work.

Following the performances, the

professional judging panel’s votes will be combined with the audience’s majority vote to select the Composer in Residence for the 2018-19 season. The winner will be announced live at the conclusion of the evening.

“While results are being tabulated, the audience will have the opportunity to hear each composer’s personal story and ask questions during on stage interviews. It’s really a unique, exciting event that hopefully will bring us on the path to discovering the future’s most eminent American composers,” Kirov added.

The participating judges are notable Chicago artists and arts professionals: Kyong Mee Choi, Henry Fogel, Stilian Kirov and Jim Stephenson.

General admission to Classical Evolve is $25. Student tickets are $10. Fees may apply.

To order tickets, visit ipomusic. org or call (708) 481-7774. The box office at Ozinga Chapel will open at 5:30 p.m. on May 8.

A quick and tasty meal for weeknights Preparing weeknight meals can be tricky, as busy men and women may want to save money and cook their own healthy foods but have little time to do so consistently.

But healthy, homecooked meals need not take much time to prepare. The following low-calorie recipe for “Crab Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes” from “Weightwatchers: Cook It Fast” (St. Martin’s Griffin) can be whipped up in 20 minutes, making it an ideal meal for time-strapped men and women who want homecooked meals without all the work that goes into more complex recipes.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 CRAB SALAD-STUFFED Swimming against the tide TOMATOES will only tire you out, Aquarius.

Serves 2 If the battle isn’t worth waging on something trivial, just go with • 1/3 cup orzo the flow. Save your energy for • 2 large tomatoes bigger issues.

• 1 cup crabmeat, picked over for pieces of shell PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 • 1/3 cup chopped black or There are some very interesting green olives opportunities coming your way, • 2 tablespoons crumbled Pisces. Just be sure to grab onto reduced-fat feta cheese them fast.

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill • 2 teaspoons balsamic FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS vinegar MAY 3 • 1/8 teaspoon salt Eric Church, Singer (41) • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper MAY 4 Erin Andrews, Sportscaster (40) 1. Cook orzo according to MAY 5 package directions, omitting salt Adele, Singer (30)

if desired. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again.

2. Meanwhile, cut thin slice off tops of tomatoes; reserve tops.

Using spoon, carefully scoop out seeds and pulp; reserve for another use.

3. Gently toss together crabmeat, olives, feta, dill, vinegar,

salt, and pepper in medium bowl.

Spoon crabmeat mixture evenly into tomato shells and cover with reserved tomato tops.

Cook’s note: Scoop the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes into a storage container. Cover and freeze up to 4 months and toss them into a soup or stew.

8 Section 2

Thursday, May 3, 2018

The Regional News • The Reporter

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS The gift shop will be open. Yearly season passes and adoptions will McCord Gallery and Cultural also be available.

Free parking will be at Walmart, Center, 9602 W. Creek Road, 16241 S. Farrell Road, with free, Palos Park, presents Mother’s Day Paint Night with Beth Leahy from continuous shuttle bus service.

6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 11. A limited amount of parking for Participants are invited to cele- people with disabilities will be brate Mother’s Day with someone on ranch grounds.

Strollers are allowed. special in their life. This will be a For details, call the ranch creative event for both the beginner and established artist. Leahy at (815) 588-0044. will guide individuals through a step-by-step acrylic painting and by the end of the night everyone Bridge Teen Center to celebrate Star Wars Day will leave with a piece of art.

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 The cost of the event is $35 per person. All supplies, including S. 71st Ct., Orland Park, offers canvas, paint, easel and brushes, several free events for teens in are included. Those attending the seventh through 12th grade.

For more information, call event can BYOB (bring your own beverage). The gallery will pro- (708) 532-0500.

• Star Wars Trivia Night and vide coffee and lemonade.

A Dry-Brush Technique Work- Galaxy Paintings will be held shop, with instructor Beth Leahy, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. tomorwill be held Saturday, May 5, from row, May 4. Students will cel9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break for ebrate Star Wars Day with trivia, a lunch. Participants will learn how Star Wars Battlefront Tournament, to use the dry-brush technique to and galaxy paintings in the art create stunning drawings using studio. TruGurt will provide free black oil paint. The day will start frozen yogurt. with a demonstration and a simple • Project Serve: Read to Chilsubject to familiarize the student dren is scheduled from 12:30 to with the process. Later, the class 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Students will work from a reference photo will make a difference in the comto produce a full drawing. Paper munity by reading to children at and oil paint will be provided. The Bridge Thrift Store’s reading Cost for the workshop is $90/105 corner. Community service hours (Member/Non-Member). will be given.

More information and reserva• Project Give: Thank You tions for either event can be ob- Teachers will take place from 5 tained by calling (708) 671-0648. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Students will make a special gift to give their teachers to show appreciaRescued wildlife to tion before the school year ends. be on display • Advanced Writing: Creating a Big Run Wolf Ranch, 14857 S. World For Your Story is set from 5 Farrell Road, Lockport, will host to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9. Stua family day from 10 a.m. to 4 dents will learn to create a world p.m. Saturday, May 12.

Admission is $6 at the door, that fictional characters live in that is both captivating and realistic. and there are no online tickets.

• Culinary: Specialty Pizzas The ranch is a non-profit, federwith Trader Joes will be held from ally licensed, wildlife education facility featuring rescued North 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10.

American wildlife—including Students will create unique pizzas Shere Khan the Siberian tiger, with various crusts (cauliflower, Kuma the black bear, Charlie whole wheat, garlic), cheeses the cougar, eight wolves, coyotes, (vegan mozzarella, soy cheese), raccoons, porcupines, a skunk, a and toppings.

• #Skills Sports: Tennis Serve horse and other wild and domestic is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. animals.

A special attraction will be Thursday, May 10. Students will exotic animals from a visiting visit an offsite park to learn tennis wildlife sanctuary, including ca- skills with a professional coach. puchins, lemurs, foxes, tamarins, Topics covered include serving the ball, using forehand and backhand, a red kangaroo and more.

At the open house food, mu- scoring points correctly and other sic and raffles will be available. tennis tips.

McCord Gallery to celebrate Mother’s Day

TACO TUESDAY MAY 8, 15, 22 & 29 STARTING AT 12:00PM Tacos on us! Join us every Tuesday to sample a different type of street taco each week paired with our signature margarita.

CALL 773-800-2175 TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE

Get ready for a MACnificent summer

at McAuley!

Art Camp H Basketball H Bowling H Comedy Camp H Creative Writing H Diving H Golf H Lacrosse Mini Mac Camp H Running H Science Camp H Soccer H Softball H Swimming H Tech Camp Tennis H Volleyball H Water Polo H Curtain Call Theatre Camp Campers will perform Aladdin and Beauty & the Beast

Register at mothermcauley.org

3737 West 99th Street, Chicago, 773.881.6566