Chicago Catholic League football shakeup coming in 2018: IN SPORTS
REPORTER
THE Volume LVIII, No. 18
Serving Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth
“... the point of my
statements criticizes the federal government’s poor immigration controls...” — Sharon Brannigan, Palos Township trustee
Photos by Anthony Caciopo
Above: Military veteran William Kuhlman spoke in defense of Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan during Monday’s board meeting. Right: Brannigan looks up as she reads from a prepared statement during the board meeting.
Palos Twp. trustee takes heat for her comments on Muslims Some call for Brannigan’s resignation, while others come to her defense By Anthony Caciopo A crowd of more than 100 protestors jammed Palos Township headquarters Monday to confront an elected official who posted comments on social media that many people consider racist and anti-Muslim. “We refuse to be victims of hate,” said Nareman Taha, of Arab American Family Services. “Sharon Brannigan has targeted our kids, she’s targeted women with hijabs. Her words have consequences. We want her to resign.” Brannigan’s Facebook posts on her personal page and her official page as a township trustee (all now deleted) question what she claims is a growing number of Muslim children enrolled in schools who lack documentation. “What’s Palos doing? Why are all our schools filling with Middle Eastern students without proper documentation? What is Dan Lipinski 3rd District Rep doing about it?” the post read. Brannigan unsuccessfully ran against Lipinski for his congressional seat in 2014. In another now-deleted post, Brannigan expressed admiration for President Trump’s family during their visit to the Middle East in May. “Watching President Trump and family this morning. I am so proud that they represent us! Am particularly proud that our women are not wearing the headscarves. WE AMERICAN WOMEN ARE REPRESENTED WITH
$1 Newstand 2 SECTIONS
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Parents, sick children speaking out against proposed Medicaid cuts By Dermot Connolly Several Chicago area parents and their children who depend on Medicaid went to Washington this week to lobby against the Medicaid funding cuts included in the American Health Care Act backed by President Trump. They traveled to Washington to speak to congressmen and senators as part of the Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day scheduled for yesterday and today (July 12 and 13), an event sponsored by the Children’s Hospital Association. But before doing so, they joined pediatricians and other officials at a news conference held Monday at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Mike Farrell, president of Advocate Children’s Hospital, hosted the event. Other speakers included Daniel Johnson, MD, vice chairman of patient care services at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, and Matthew
Davis, MD, coordinator of health services and police research at Lurie Children’s Hospital. But the main focus during the news conference was the young patients, Layla Molina and Jamela Anthony, both 6 years old and battling life-threatening conditions. They both depend on Medicaid for their medical care. Johnson said the ACHA proposal calls for $800 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years. “That’s billion with a b,” he emphasized. While no specifics have been stated about where the cuts will be made, Johnson said, “Any decline in dollars will result in decline in services. So we have a lot to worry about.” And that is what the parents of sick children want to prevent as well. “My daughter would not be here without Medicaid, She is the light of our lives, and I don’t want anything to happen See MEDICAID, Page 8
Rush Darwish, board member with amvote.org, kicks off the rally Monday prior to the Palos Township board meeting.
DIGNITY.” In the parking lot where the protestors assembled, Hatem Abudayyeh rejected Brannigan’s words. “We came together as a broad coalition of Arab, Muslim and peace-and-justice organizations to say that we just don’t accept hate in our community,” he said. As Abudayyeh spoke, a large, mobile electronic billboard parked nearby flashed messages including “Hate Has No Home in Our Community.” Abudayyeh said he was present on behalf of the National Campaign to Take on Hate. Locally, he said, he serves as the executive director of the Arab American Action Network. “Her posts came to our attention a couple
of weeks ago,” he said. “We called an emergency meeting and said we need to go to the meeting. An apology is not enough. We intend to demand that she resign. As you can see, there are Arabs and Muslims here, but there are also white people here who live in the community who are against hate.” Among the “white” people in the crowd was Amanda Thomsen, of Palos Park, and her 6-year-old daughter, Hazel. “She (Brannigan) insulted Americans,” said Thomsen. “We’re in this together. This is my neighborhood. They’re my neighbors and being here seemed like the right thing to do.” Thomsen identified herself as one of the See TRUSTEE, Page 8
EVERGREEN PARK
Mayor confident Whole Foods will be part of Plaza project By Joe Boyle Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton said that Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods Market will not deter progress on the development of the new Plaza that is currently anchored by Carson’s at 9800 S. Western Ave. Amazon’s planned purchase of Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion is expected to take place at the end of the year. With that transaction scheduled to occur, the question was raised about what it means for 365 by Whole Foods Markets, a lower-cost option to the more upscale Whole Foods? 365 by Whole Food Markets was scheduled to be a prominent feature in the new Plaza development, three doors down from TJ Maxx. Sexton would prefer the more economical 365 store, but he has no problem with a Whole Foods Market, based out of Austin, Texas, if that is the
USPS 118-690
Photo by Joe Boyle
Stores near Carson’s in the new Plaza development are nearly completed with several of them scheduled to open by the end of September. But 365 by Whole Foods Market, which was scheduled to join the Plaza project, is on hold after Amazon bought the franchise.
decision by Amazon. “We won’t know until a few months from now,” Sexton said. “We won’t know until their management gets together and decides
what they want to do.” But Sexton believes whatever decision Amazon makes, a Whole Foods store will be part of the Plaza development, which replaces
the once iconic Evergreen Plaza. “It’s in limbo right now,” the mayor said. “But we have a 20year lease with Whole Foods and I don’t see that changing. It’s just a little slowdown, that’s all.” The 365 version of Whole Foods would be 30,000 square feet. It would be flanked by Rally House on the south and Carter’s Oshkosh to the north. The Whole Foods 365 project was viewed favorably by village officials for shoppers on tighter budgets. Carson’s, which opened last September, has performed well. It is also the largest structure in the development project at 120,470 square feet. Whole Foods 365 would be third in size, trailing only Dick’s Sporting Goods, which will be 49,327 square feet. Officials from Whole Foods could not say when the Evergreen Park store will open. Plans for See PLAZA, Page 8
Photo by Dermot Connolly
Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital President Mike Farrell discusses how important Medicaid is to children such as Layla Molina, 6, (at right), and her mother, Ivonne Camarillo, during a news conference held Monday at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Local legislators brace for school funding debate in state budget aftermath By Joe Boyle The state budget stalemate has finally come to a close after just over two years, but local legislators said that a long road remains ahead. “Well, we stopped the bleeding,” said state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th), whose district includes portions of Worth Township and Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood. “I can’t say that I was confident that a budget was going to be reached. This is the third budget cycle we have gone through. It has been difficult. But I think most of us were ready.” The long-awaited budget was put in place last Thursday by a narrow margin and will include a state income tax increase. The increase will go from a 3.75 percent personal income tax rate to 4.95 percent. Legislators said that the increase will result in $4.3 billion in additional revenue. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-22nd)) called for the vote. The budget passed due in part to 15
Republicans who voted for it. But while a budget is in place that will see Motor Fuel Tax funding for local municipalities, some local universities were on the brink of losing their accreditation. The approved budget has ended that — for now. “I think it is important for all the legislators to work together,” Cunningham said. “We need to take a step back. After decades of dishonesty, we have to work on the pensions.” Cunningham said the state has about $15 billion in debts and there is only enough money to pay for half of that. The problem, which Cunningham says dates back as far as 1917, is that the state has never dealt with a growing pension debt. “This has been years in the making,” Cunningham said. “We are limited in what we can do because of the Supreme Court decision to not alter pension plans.” Cunningham mentioned that See BUDGET, Page 8
YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN AN SUV AND A MASERATI. MASERATI LEVANTE. STARTING FROM $72,600* BETTENHAUSEN MASERATI OF TINLEY PARK 17514 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park / 708.532.9600 / www.BettenhausenMaserati.com *Maserati Levante MY2017 base MSRP $72,600; Maserati Levante S MY2017 base MSRP $83,800. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and registration fees not included. ©2017 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.
2 The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Saluting veterans at Friendship Fest
POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Domestic battery Thaddeus Lachowski, 59, was charged with domestic battery after police were called to a disturbance at his home in the 10200 block of Southwest Highway at 2:15 p.m. July 5. Police said he had physical contact with a family member, who refused medical attention. He was held for a bond hearing on Friday.
Above: Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett talks about the impact of U.S. veterans during a ceremony held Saturday at the city’s Friendship Fest. Right: The Burbank U.S. Marine Detachment Unit march to begin a ceremony honoring veterans Saturday at the Friendship Fest. The event was the idea of Palos Hills Ald. Ricky Moore (4th), a Moraine Valley professor and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Disorderly conduct Christopher Whitehead, 22, of the 2400 block of Desplaines Avenue, Riverside, was charged with disorderly conduct following a disturbance in the 7100 block of West 103rd Street at 6:15 p.m. last Thursday. Police said he was yelling at another man and gesturing as if he had a gun. He is due in court on Aug. 18.
Outstanding warrant
Photos by Joe Boyle
Barah Ghouleh, 27, of the 10400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was arrested on a Will County warrant for violation of a no-contact order at 2:50 p.m. Friday. Police said the warrant was discovered and she was arrested when she came to the police station at 10425 S. Ridgeland Ave. to file a report on another matter. She was released on bond.
Retail theft
Submitted photo
Daniel Cichocki, who was promoted to the rank of patrol sergeant, is administered the oath of office by Village Clerk Bonnie Price during the board meeting held on July 5.
Worth police officer promoted to patrol sergeant By Sharon L. Filkins Police officer Daniel Cichocki, was promoted to rank of patrol sergeant during the Worth Village Board meeting on July 5. Cichocki, who was born and raised in Worth, has served on the police force since July 2000. His career accomplishments include being appointed as a field training officer in 2003. In 2004, he was appointed to the rank of squad leader.
During his 17 years on the force, Cichocki has assisted in the field training of nearly half of the Worth Police Department, according to the force. Village Clerk Bonnie Price administered the oath of office to Cichocki at the board meeting. Also on hand at the village board meeting to honor Cichocki were Charles Kulisek, the deputy police chief, and Mark MIcetich, the police chief for Worth
D IDISCOUNT S C O U N T RATES R AT E S withoutdiscount discount service. without service.
It’s accident no accidentmore morepeople people trust It’s no trustState StateFarm. Farm. ErikR RNelson, Nelson, Agent Agent Erik 10200S SRoberts Roberts Road Road 10200 Palos PalosHills, Hills,ILIL60465-1539 60465-1539 Bus: Bus:708-430-7575 708-430-7575 erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com erik.nelson.hr35@statefarm.com
P040036 P040036 02/04 02/04
StateFarm FarmMutual Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in NJ), Bloomington, IL State Automobile Insurance Company (Not in (Not NJ), Bloomington, IL
Benvenuto Hernandez, 50, of the 6100 block of West 94th Street, Oak Lawn, was charged with retail theft at Aldi in Chicago Ridge Mall at 5:50 p.m. Saturday. Police said he took food worth $17 and left the store without paying for it. He is due in court on Sept. 5.
Evergreen Park Assault charges
• Jade McCray, 19, of Chicago, was charged with battery after getting into a physical altercation with an employee in McDonald’s, 2620 W. 95th St., at 9:59 a.m. July 1. Police said she ordered a caramel frappe and allegedly struck an employee with a full bottle of juice, causing injury, because the beverage was not made with the “extra drizzle” she had requested. • Devante Newman, 20, of Chicago, was charged with assault at McDonald’s, 2620 W. 95th St., at 9:21 p.m. July 2. Police said he threatened to beat a manager to death.
Retail theft • Michael Coy, 56, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W 95th St., at 11:40 a.m. July 1. Police said he took ribeye steaks, lobster and catfish valued at $131.74 in total. • Thomas Rizzuti, 29, of Oak Forest, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 12:36 p.m. July 5. Police said he took socks, T-shirts, and a box of Rice Crispies cereal worth $51.13 in total.
Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop 10717 South Ridgeland Avenue Meat: 636-3437 Deli: 636-6203
SALE DATES: July 13- July 19 Jack & Pat’s Homemade
Brats
4 varieties
3
$
39 Lb.
Jack & Pat’s
Porterhouse or Sirloin Patties
398
$
Lb.
Marinated Pork Stix Kansas City or Grecian
4
$
59 Lb.
Jack & Pat’s
Fully Cooked
BarBQ Ribs
598
$
Lb.
Boneless Butterfly
Pork Chops
339
$
Lb.
Homemade Italian Style Boneless Rolled Pork Roast Meat Balls
4
$
59 Lb.
Sara Lee Honey Ham.................$6.09 lb. Daisy - Prasky or Meat Loaf.....................$6.49 lb. Eckrich Hard Salami................$5.29 lb. Southwest Pasta or Creamy Cucumber Salad.........$3.29 lb.
259
$
Lb.
Cracker Barrel Turkey Breast..............$6.09 lb. Hormel Spiced Ham...................$5.09 lb. Diamond’s Irish Sausage...............$5.49 lb. Pepper Jack or Mountain Swiss...........$5.98 lb.
Hickory Hills
Suspended license
• Natalie E. Iratoo, 37, of the 10900 block of Princess Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:29 p.m. July 4 in the 7900 block of West 95th Street. Police said she was also cited for having no front registration plate. She is due in court on Aug. 24. • Cheriff L. Johnson, 45, of the 1400 block of west 73rd Street, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:53 p.m. July 5 in the 7800 block of West 95th Street. Police said she was also cited for having no front registration plate, and driving with suspended registration. She is due in court on Aug. 24. • Mohamed O. Adwan, 24, of the 3800 block of West 121st Place, Alsip, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 4:40 p.m. June 24 in the 8900 block of West 90th Street. Police said he was also cited for disobeying a traffic signal. He is due in court on July 19.
Reckless driving Sylvester Krygowski, 22, of the 5600 block of South Monitor Avenue, Chicago, was charged with reckless driving at 9:45 a.m. July 8 in the 9500 block of South 78th Avenue. Police said his vehicle nearly hit several cars as he squealed tires and spun his car around, turning from the southbound lanes into the northbound lanes in the 9400 block of Roberts Road. Police said he told them he was trying to chase down another driver who had gestured at him. He was also cited for aggravated speeding, avoiding a traffic control device and driving without insurance. He is due in court on Aug. 24.
Improper registration Rami Sati Rayyan Al-Hassan, 33, of the 8600 block of South 87th Avenue, Justice, was charged with driving with improper use of registration following a traffic stop at 3:25 p.m. July 3 in the 8900 block of West 95th Street. Police said a license plate registered to a 2004 Audi owned by a family member was on the 2001 Toyota that AlHassan was driving. He was also cited for driving without insurance. He is due in court on July 19.
Oak Lawn DUI charges
• Arleta Y. Simms Moore, 58, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at
12:39 a.m. June 12 at 95th Street and New England Avenue. Police said she was also cited for improper lane usage for swerving between lanes. She is due in court on July 20. • Taylor Mallder, 20, of Bridgeview, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 1:38 a.m. June 21 at 95th Street and Melvina Avenue. Police said he failed field sobriety tests. He was also cited for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, speeding, and failure to signal when required. He is due in court on July 20. • Terri Raine Watson, 41, of Palos Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 3:18 a.m. June 30 at Cicero Avenue and 108th Street. She was also cited for driving on a median, failure to signal, and improper lane usage. She is due in court on July 20.
Battery off nse Kevin G. Butler Jr., 24, of Cudahy, Wis., was charged with battery following an incident at Thornton gas station, 9138 S. Cicero Ave., at 9:06 p.m. June 30. Police said he and a 22-year-old woman were stopped by an employee who saw them leaving with candy and other food they had placed in a bag. Because Butler allegedly shoved the employee after handing back the merchandise worth about $16, he was also charged with battery. He is due in court on Aug. 14. The woman with him received a local ordinance violation for retail theft, and is due at a hearing in Village Hall on Aug. 1.
Car burglary James P. Gram, 24, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with felony burglary to a motor vehicle after police found him with a cellphone stolen from a car on 107th Street in the Eagle Ridge subdivision between 1:30 and 2 a.m. July 1. The owner of the phone was able to use a tracking app to locate her phone at 111th and Central Avenue, where police found Gram with the phone in his pocket. He was held for a bond hearing.
Retail theft Ashley N. Potaczek, 25, and Daniel J. Krolczyk, 26, both of Oak Lawn, were charged with retail theft following an incident at 7-Eleven, 10441 S. Cicero Ave., at 2:58 a.m. Saturday. An employee said the two left the store after filling a backpack with Hostess products. Police found them in the 10400 block of South Kilpatrick Avenue shortly afterward, with the bag hidden nearby. Potaczyk was also charged with felony possession of a controlled substance after a methadone pill was found
in the backpack, which she said was hers. They were both held for a bond hearing.
Palos Hills
Battery charges Adam Paplawskas, 40, of Palos Hills, was charged with two counts of battery after police were called to a domestic dispute in the 11000 block of South 84th Avenue at 8 p.m. Saturday. Police said he was refusing to let his wife and son into the residence to retrieve belongings. They said that while officers were assisting the woman, he slapped one of their badges, and made an aggressive move toward the officer’s face. He then allegedly headbutted another officer, and tried to push him down a flight of stairs. Paplawskas was also cited for resisting a peace officer and neglecting a minor. He is due in court on Aug. 23.
Disorderly conduct Thaer Dahapna, 29, of Bridgeview, was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly having a handgun on open display in his waistband while walking at 1 a.m. Sunday on 95th Street. Police said he violated concealed carry laws. He is due in court on Aug. 3.
Thefts reported • Several lug nuts were reported stolen off a vehicle parked in the 8500 block of 99th Terrace at 9 a.m. July 5. • Multiple tools were reported stolen from a vehicle parked in a lot in the 11000 block of South 84th Avenue at 7:30 a.m. July 6. • Jewelry was reported stolen from a home in the 11000 block of South 84th Avenue at 11 a.m. July 7. Police found evidence of damage to the rear patio door.
Counterfeit bills used An unknown person used counterfeit $50 bills to purchase items Shell gas station, 10300 S. Harlem Ave., police were told at noon on July 5.
Work-related disturbance Police called to the scene of a disturbance helped restore order at Executive Mailing, 7855 W. 111th St., at 9 a.m. July 6. Officers said several employees were protesting their wages and refusing to work, but eventually order was restored and the employees returned to their jobs. 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.
Valley Learning Center offers summer programs at Moraine Valley Summer programs will be offered through the Valley Learning Center (VLC) at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Nearly 100 programs from app programming, LEGO robotics and beginning photography to reading, math, science, and musical instrument instruction, are offered in July and August, at campus. Adventures in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) combines courses into half- or
full-day camps that include youth gaming and programming, Minecraft Mod programming, Android App inventor and a host of LEGO courses, including LEGO Movie: Star Wars and Minecraft. These camps start in July and August. The Youth Gaming and Programming two-day courses, which teach the basics behind games like Angry Birds, Minecraft and Disney Infinity, will be held Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20, and Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July
.S. .D D L A Z O K . F JOHN stry
y Denti Complete Famil osmetic Dentistry tistry • C Restorative Den ls • Emergencies Treated ia Dentures • Part lcome • Senior Discounts e W New Patients
525 (708) 63Ap6p-t.2Available
t. Evening & Sa ldental.com www.koza
o • Oak 10844 S. Cicer
Lawn
27. Both sessions, for ages 6 to 12, run from 9 a.m. until noon. The cost is $90 per session. Youth ages 8 to 14 will brainstorm, storyboard the plot, design the set, write the script, film and edit in the LEGO Stop-Motion Moviemaking two-day classes. Minecraft will be held Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Star Wars will be held Monday, July 31 and Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $90 per session. Students will use their creativity to dream up a story, photograph scenes to tell the story and use software to produce their graphic stories in comic strip format. These classes include LEGO Graphic Story: Minecraft, offered from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25; and LEGO Graphic Story: Star Wars on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and Thursday, Aug. 3. The cost is $90 for each session. A Future Leaders Challenge Camp, for students ages 10 to 13, is scheduled to begin July 24. Participants learn what is needed to make a good decision, how to identify and set goals, handle peer pressure, and resolve conflict. The camp runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday for two weeks. The cost is $99. Elementary students can participate in math and reading review classes designed to help children reach state-mandated goals. Both the Math Review classes and the Reading Review classes start July 24 and run for two weeks. Each class is a review of skills presented at a specific grade level from kindergarten to grade seven. The cost is $90. To learn more about the VLC offerings, call (708) 974-5735 or visit morainevalley.edu/vlc. Registration can be completed by calling (708) 974-2110, in person in Building S, Room S103, or online at morainevalley.edu/ccce/register.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Reporter
Bertucci’s
Photos by Kelly White
Star Spangled fun
MEDITERRANEAN TAVERNA Specializing in Italian and Greek Cuisine
Left: Lily Ibarra, 5, of Oak Lawn, plays Bozo Buckets during the Oak Lawn Park District’s Star Spangled Fourth of July event at Centennial Park in Oak Lawn. Above: Savannah Arndt, 4, of Oak Lawn, and her brother, Nathan, play together at a water table during the event.
Daily Specials
OAK LAWN VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
Trustees vote to put an end to the village’s newspaper
Enjoy evening dining on our gorgeous patio
Olejniczak follows through on vow to eat his ‘shoe’ By Dermot Connolly
Oak Lawn trustees decided on Tuesday to pull the plug on the village’s monthly newspaper after its one year in existence, saying the costs of publishing it have become unaffordable. So, the July issue of “Oak Lawn Matters,” which arrived in residents’ mailboxes this week, will be the last. John Fanning, whose Fanning Publishing Co. produced the 20-page newspaper, attended the meeting and offered a few suggestions to save it, including adding four color pages. But it was not enough, and after a lengthy discussion, the board voted 4-2 to end the experiment, which has cost the village $71,000 for 14 issues. Only trustees Terry Vorderer (4th) and Bud Stalker (5th) voted to continue producing the newspaper. “I don’t think kicking the can down the road is realistic,” said Trustee Tom Phelan (6th), who was not on the board when the newspaper was created.
He said he doubted it would ever turn a profit, and with the prospect of tighter village budgets in the next two years, it was not fair to taxpayers to continue. “It was a good idea. Personally, I like holding a newspaper in my hand,” Phelan said. Responding to trustees who said they expected him to bring more and better ideas to the table, Fanning said, “I didn’t know I was supposed to be here until today.” The board members did thank him for not holding the village to the 90-day opt-out clause in the contract, allowing ties to be cut immediately without any penalty. As explained when it was approved in April 2016, the newspaper would not be political or compete with daily and weekly newspapers. Rather, it would serve as an outlet for “good news” and information about village events and accomplishments of local schools. Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) had been a strong supporter of the newspaper idea from the beginning, and last year even promised to eat his “pair of Florsheims right here if we end up paying any more than $20,000
for this.” He and other supporters expected the newspaper to even be turning a profit for the village by now, through advertising sales, but it never did. Olejnizcak kept his sense of humor, and even his promise to a certain extent on Tuesday. He dug into a shoe-shaped cake that he brought to the meeting. Pieces of cake were passed around, and Mayor Sandra Bury agreed that a lot of “humble pie” was being eaten. “Obviously, I was against this for a year. I don’t want to sit here and gloat, but print media is over,” said Trustee Bob Streit (3rd), who was the lone opponent of the idea from the beginning. “My son even asked me why I bet on print media. He said newspapers are dead,” said Olejniczak, suggesting that in hindsight, the village should have focused more on building its social media presence to get its news out. Bury said many older residents will miss the newspaper, and stressed the need for village officials to find a way to better communicate with residents of all ages.
Monday: $7 Pasta Dinner Wednesday: 1 Appetizer & 2 Dinners $25 Friday and Saturday: All bottles of wine discounted Sunday: Mimosa, Sangria & Bloody Mary $4 Great, friendly service, delicious food and generous portions
Private Gaming Room Complimentary beverages and snacks. Gaming Room open 9 a.m.-midnight
Bertucci’s Mediterranean Taverna 10331 S. Roberts Rd., Palos Hills 708-233-5800 bertuccis.net Closed Tuesdays
“Home of Instant Credit” FURNITURE
FREE SHIPPING* ON ALL LOCAL DELIVERIES *Restrictions apply
NO CREDIT FINANCING SEE STORE FOR DETAILS
EASY PAYMENT TERMS • LAYAWAY PLANS Low Prices, Large Selection and The Best Service in Chicagoland
CARPET REMNANTS Starting At
$
39
99
Furniture for Every Room Visit Our Huge Showroom Today! • Bedrooms • Living Rooms • Dining Rooms • Appliances • Electronics • Youth Products • Mattresses • Carpet
• Thin Crust • Deep Dish • Stuffed • Pan And a Wide Variety of Traditional Homemade Italian Cuisine M-Th 11-10 • F 11-11 • Sat 12-11 • Sun 3-9
$ 4555 S. Ashland Ave. • Chicago, IL 60609 773-927-9500 carpetcornerfurniture.com
3
5 OFF PIZZA
18” PARTYTIME
With this coupon. Not valid with any other offer. 1 per pizza.
4 The Reporter
Our Neighborhood
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Nice weather greets large crowd at Oak Lawn’s Fourth of July Parade A large crowd that included parents and their children lined up along 95th Street for the annual Fourth of July Parade in Oak Lawn, which began at 51st Avenue and traveled west to 55th Court. Sponsored by the Village of Oak Lawn, the
parade was held under blue skies and temperatures at about 82 degrees. The parade lasted nearly two hours and included a variety of floats, Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, church organizations, high school marching bands and numerous
Members of the local Girl Scouts 104 chapter in Oak Lawn take part in the Fourth of July Parade near 95th and Cook Avenue.
dignitaries. The Oak Lawn Community High School and Richards High School bands performed in the parade. The St. Gerald and St. Germaine Boy and Cub Scouts also made their presence at the annual
Brayden Sheehan, 4, of Oak Lawn, prepares to watch the annual Fourth of July Parade.
event. Westside Baseball also marched down 95th Street.. Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury distributed goodies to youngsters at the parade. Cong. Dan Lipinski (D3rd) also passed out candy and greeted the crowd.
A member of the Those Funny Little People greet youngsters along the parade route at the annual Fourth of July Parade on 95th Street in Oak Lawn.
Jim Deiters, director of the Oak Lawn Library, holds an American flag and wears a patriotic hat as he marches in the Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Village of Oak Lawn along 95th Street.
Photos by Joe Boyle Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) waves to the crowd at the annual Fourth of July Parade in Oak Lawn. Lipinski also distributed candy to kids during the parade.
Free telescope viewing nights to be held at Moraine Valley Telescope viewing nights will be offered free for the 15th year this summer and fall on
the campus of Moraine Valley Community College. All viewings are held at the
telescope dome on the G. Jack Bradley Observation Deck, located on the west side of the
Summer $ale
20% off Window Awnings, Door Canopies & Patio Covers
Call today for your FREE In-Home Estimate 773-238-1829 Best Home Improvement Contractor Southtown for 2016
11636 S. Pulaski, Alsip www.uhlmanninc.com
Replacement Windows • Bows • Bays & Garden Windows We Offer Senior Discounts Storm Windows & Doors • Steel/Fiberglass Entry Doors Patio Doors • Awnings • Glass Block • Siding
Skin care concerns?
college’s Nature Study Area, off Kean Avenue near 107th Street in Palos Hills. Observers can park in lots east of Building P or in the west section of the Building D parking lot and then walk on the path to the observation deck. Children must be accompanied by an adult or supervisor. The viewings are held on Fridays at 8:40 p.m. July 14; 8 p.m. Aug. 25; 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29; and 6:15 p.m. Oct. 27. Viewings will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or there are high winds. Dates and times are subject to change. Tom McCague, a retired associate professor, hosts the viewings. An amateur astronomer for more than 40 years, McCague built the telescope using common hardware store items and donated it to the college. The telescope is a 6½-foot Newtonian reflecting model with a 13-inch diameter. Attendees will have a chance to look through the telescope and are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. Observers should dress for the weather, wear insect repellent and bring binoculars if they have any. More information can be obtained by visiting www.morainevalley.edu/ community/nature-study-area/ observatory/.
Our medical staff
is here to consult with you
OUR PRACTICE ENCOMPASSES
General Dermatology • Skin Cancer/Mohs Surgery SRT Options for Treatment of Skin Cancer
COSMETIC SERVICES INCLUDE
Botox • Chemical Peels • Microdermabrasion Fillers • Sclerotherapy • Laser Hair Removal Laser Skin Rejuvenation 18425 West Creek Dr. Suite F • Tinley Park 13401 S. Ridgeland Ave. Palos Heights Dr. Raymond Vahl • Dr. Arlene Ruiz deLuzuriaga • Dr. Eduardo Moioli • Trina Brucato PA-C
(708) 444-8300 | Fax (708) 444-8301 | www.mydermdocs.com
Compiled by Joe Boyle
News and events from our archives • 50 years ago Hickory Hills, Palos Hills exchange streets, friendship From the July 13, 1967 issue:
The story: In a gesture of friendship and cooperation, Hickory Hills Mayor Tom Watson visited the Palos Hills City Council meeting recently to discuss the proposed exchange of streets between the two municipalities. The exchange of streets involved the west side of Roberts Road, between 97th and 99th streets; the south side of 99th Street between Roberts Road and 78th Avenue; and the south side of 96th Place between 86th and 87th streets. These streets will go to Palos Hills in exchange for the north side of 95th Street between 88th and Kean avenues. Negotiations are going on between the two municipalities to try to make an amicable agreement beneficial to both. The quote: “Through mutual efforts we might be able to get mutual benefits to both cities,” Watson said.
• 25 years ago Worth selects first full-time female firefighter From the July 9, 1992 issue:
The story: Patti Soward has become the first full-time female firefighter with the Worth Fire Department. After attending nursing school for two years, Soward said it lacked the challenge she was looking for. She passed a six-month training course in Palos Park for her job, attending classes twice a week. She was a certified paramedic and had been employed in that capacity with the Palos Heights Fire Department when she learned of the opening in Worth, where she is part of the six full-time personnel and 27 paid on-call volunteers. The quote: “So far the only problem I have encountered with this job is when a child is injured,” Soward said. “Sometimes that’s hard to deal with when you see someone so young in pain. We talk about it later, so it’s almost like therapy to avoid stress.”
• 10 years ago Years of silt removed from Hickory Hills detention pond From the July 12, 2007 issue:
The story: The Hickory Hills Public Works Department is waiting for a break in the weather to begin removing what may be as many as 70 truckloads of silt from the bottom of a city-owned detention pond. The so-called St. Patricia’s pond, on a five acre piece of cityowned property on 88th Avenue at 89th Street, is adjacent to St. Patricia Parish on the east. The church previously owned the property but sold it to the city, said Hickory Hills Public Works Director Larry Boettcher. Boettcher explained that over the last decade a large quantity of silt has accumulated in the detention basin, which is usually dry but fills with water after heavy storms. Boettcher said workers must wait for the driest weather possible to make for easier silt removal The quote: “We will also be regrading the bottom of the detention pond and installing low-flow concrete troughs to prevent water from sitting in the pond too long and saturating the ground,” Boettcher said.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Reporter
5
Palos Hills prohibits schoolchildren from being dropped off or picked up along side streets
WHATIZIT?
By Michael Gilbert
Photo by Joe Boyle
The clue for this week’s Whatizit photo (above) is: Learning time. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to thereporter@comcast.net. Two of our readers had the correct answers to last week’s quiz. Pam Hagey, a Palos Heights resident, knew the photo showed a portion of Chicago Christian High School, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights. Pam knew it as the Chicago Christian Knights logo that can be seen below the marquee along College Drive. Pam is a graduate of Chicago Christian. Steve Rosenbaum, an Oak Lawn resident, also knew it was Chicago Christian High School.
SUDOKU
Palos Hills officials believe they have the solution to an increasing traffic problem near one of the city’s elementary schools. The council voted 8-0 Thursday, June 6, to approve an ordinance that prohibits the picking up or dropping off students on side streets surrounding Oak Ridge School, 8791 W. 103rd St. Aldermen Joan Knox (1st Ward) and Mary Ann Schultz (5th Ward) were not present at the meeting, which started approximately 90 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate the opening of Friendship Fest. The ban applies to Aspen Drive from 103rd Street south to Taos Drive; West Taos Drive from Aspen Drive to 88th Avenue; Interlocken Drive East to Breckenridge Drive and Winter Park Drive East to Broadmoor Drive. Twenty-one
signs, which will read “No Drop Off or Pick Up of Students on School Days,” will be installed in the area surrounding Oak Ridge by the first day of school, Ald. A.J. Pasek (3rd Ward) said. School officials will alert parents to the new restrictions prior to the start of school, Pasek added. Pasek said when he was out campaigning for reelection this March he encountered several homeowners on Aspen Drive who told him parents are using the street rather than Oak Ridge’s parking lot to drop off or pick up their children. The problem is currently limited only to Aspen Drive, but Pasek said it was important to place signs on nearby streets or else the dropping off and picking up issue would only move to those roads. “What’s happening is people are parking on both sides (of Aspen Drive) to pick up their kids in
an effort to save time,” Pasek said. “People are parking in front of driveways and mailboxes and an emergency vehicle couldn’t make it down the street. Kids are also running around in the street and somebody is going to get hit. “This has been a problem for a while.” Pasek said after the meeting there will be a police presence in the area to ensure the ordinance is being followed. Violators are subject to an $80 fine, he said.
2018 Friendship Fest to begin a week later Less than one hour before the 2017 Friendship Festival was to begin on the grounds of the nearby Moraine Valley Triangle, Mayor Gerald Bennett said next year’s event will be held a week later than normal. Bennett said the Fest, which has been held annually for the
‘Human Library’ provides life lessons By Kelly White
Answers on Page 10
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
DOWN
1 Man of many words 6 Course designer 10 Hiker’s map, briefly 14 Words spoken on a star? 15 Virna of “How to Murder Your Wife” 16 Organic compound 17 ‘60s executive order creation 19 Combine 20 Locks in a zoo 21 Human Be-In attendee 23 1988 Cabinet resignee 27 Apostle known as “the Zealot” 28 Facetious tributes 29 Steady 30 Comfort and others 31 Avid surfers 35 Societal change begun in Quebec during the ‘60s 39 Money-saving refuge 40 Subway purchase 41 Blue dye 42 Hints 44 Renders harmless 48 Greasy spoon 49 It’s not widely understood 50 Small flaw 51 Cozy spot 52 ‘60s aviation nickname 58 Quattro competitor 59 Quattro, e.g. 60 2013 One Direction hit 61 Victor’s “Samson and Delilah” co-star 62 Line holder for a cast 63 Lustrous synthetic
1 Swindle, with “off” 2 Run a tab, say 3 1998 Angelina Jolie biopic 4 F1 neighbor 5 It’s across from Alice Tully Hall 6 One of many in “Orphan Black” 7 Engage 8 Sixth of five? 9 Skid 10 Largo and presto 11 Matinee hr. 12 March of Dimes’ original crusade 13 Ancient 18 Mama in music 22 Trooper’s outfit? 23 La Salle of “ER” 24 Fried treat 25 Obsession 26 Thomas Cromwell’s earldom 27 Determined about 29 Oblique cut 31 Half a Caribbean federation 32 Tom’s “Mission: Impossible” role 33 Reunion attendee 34 More put out 36 “__ heaven” 37 American West conflict 38 Overly curious 42 Former Blue Devil rival, briefly 43 Not suitable for kids 44 Shore show of the ‘70s 45 Modern message 46 Alaskan cruise sight 47 Jim-dandy 48 Pizza sauce herb 50 Off-target 53 Color distinction 54 46-Down kin 55 Magpie relative 56 “Microsoft sound” composer 57 Brown shade
Answers on Page 10
last 36 years, traditionally starts the Thursday after the Fourth of July. However, with the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday next year, Bennett said the city does not want to begin the fest the following day. The 2018 installment will instead be held from July 12-15, he said. “It would too much to try to set up the fest and then have the Fourth of July,” said Bennett, noting everything would need to be in place by July 3 with a holiday the next day. “It’s good to have a little separation between July 4 and the start of the fest.” Bennett said holding the fourday event a week later will also be easier on those who operate the carnival rides as they may be working festivals on the Fourth of July. “It would be difficult for them to come and set up the next day,” he said. “It’s just makes more sense logistically.”
Melissa Apple was only a year and a half old when she received her fist organ transplant. Apple, 35, of Palos Hills, was born with comprehensive chronic kidney disease that resulted in her having non-functioning kidneys. As a toddler, Apple’s kidneys were both removed and she received a kidney transplant from her mother, Mary Apple, at Children’s Memorial Hospital. “The hospital was really ahead of its time,” Melissa Apple said. “I believe I was one of their youngest recipients.” Melissa remained healthy for several years after her transplant, but at the age of 28, her health took another turn for the worse. The kidney she received from her mother began to fail. She needed another transplant. This time the donor was her cousin, Dawn Metz. The kidney transplant was performed at Rush University Medical Center on June 11, 2010. Apple today is active and healthy, and she’s grateful to the organ donors who helped to save her life. “I am a huge organ donor advocate,” Apple said. “Any organ donation, not just a kidney, has the ability to save someone’s life.” Apple, Oak Lawn Public Library’s adult programming coordinator, knows there are many people out there who would love to share their stories with others. That’s why she, along with Young Adult Librarian Izabel Gronski, developed an event called “The Human Library” that took place last Saturday afternoon. The free event was held at the library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., where 10 volunteers shared reflections about a personal aspect of their life. Among the participants were a vegetarian, an ultra-runner, a cancer/stroke survivor, as well as Apple herself. Attendees were encouraged to sit across from a chosen volunteer and have open face-to-face-discussions about their life experiences. The purpose of the event was to better understand the experiences of others living within the local community, according to Apple. “The Human Library is an event that allows patrons to check out a human book,” Apple said. “The human books are represented by volunteers that come from different walks of life. The event is meant to challenge stereotypes and human prejudices through meaningful one-on-one dialogue. It provides an opportunity for members of our community to make connections with one another and share in others’ life experiences.” As a vegetarian, Stacey Roth wanted to share her story with others. “I became a vegetarian when I was 16,” said Roth, 35, of Or-
Above: Two-time organ donor recipient Melissa Apple, of Palos Hills, spoke on Saturday afternoon about her unique life experience at the Oak Lawn Public Library’s first-ever Human Library. Below: Stacey Roth talked about how being a vegetarian has changed her life. Photos by Kelly White
land Park. “My two sisters, Jennifer and Pamela, and I did it together. My parents through we were crazy, but we all stuck with it and we are all vegetarians to this day.” Roth said her diet consists of primarily fruits and vegetables and because of her life choice she feels healthier and happier. “I just feel so much more energetic and healthy,” she said. “I also have love animals and it’s nice to know that I’m not eating them.” Since this was the first time such an experience was held at the library, the staff reported to be pleased with the turnout of the event. None of the volunteers were selected by Apple. All signed up with her to share their story. “We welcomed any individuals that wanted to participate,” Apple said. “It isn’t easy for people to put themselves out there in this manner, and we appreciate each participant involved in this event.” The event was different than a living wax museum in that the participants were not representing biographical characters, but just themselves to talk about their own unique life experiences. There were no costumes or storytelling. The afternoon of reflections fit in well with the library’s summer reading theme, “Build a Better
World”, and the library plans to continue on with this theme throughout the duration of the summer months.
“We are trying to have more programs that provoke meaningful and important discussions,” Apple said.
Attention, Renters!
Landlords’ insurance policies only cover what they own — not your personal property. Protect your belongings from fire, theft or worse with Renters Insurance through AAA. Cover your personal property, including: Clothing • Furniture • Electronics • Jewelry
Protect your possessions. Get a free quote from a AAA Insurance Agent today.
High up in the saddle
Photo by Dermot Connolly
This enormous horse standing 6-foot-5 at the shoulder gives her rider from Memory Lane Stables in Willow Springs a great view of her surroundings during the Evergreen Park Independence Day Parade on July 3.
Venturella Insurance Agency, Inc. 8855 S. Ridgeland Ave., Ste 209 (Inside Marquette Bank Building) Oak Lawn, IL 708-430-5885 Insurance underwritten by one of the following companies: Auto Club Insurance Association, MemberSelect Insurance Company, Auto Club Group Insurance Company, Auto Club Property-Casualty Insurance Company, Auto Club South Insurance Company, Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida, or non-affil ted insurance companies. 16-IA-1862 LC 04/16
6 The Reporter
COMMENTARY
THE
Thursday, July 13, 2017
REPORTER
An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960
Ray Hanania
Finally, Illinois has begun to move forward e’ve taken the first step toward recovery from the costliest period of inaction in the state’s history by passing a balanced budget that stabilizes the state and gives certainty and stability to state agencies, schools, universities and colleges, among others. As Theodore Roosevelt said, history is driven by “men who take the next step; not those who theorize about the 200th step.” We took the next step last week at a time when inaction was the equivalent of taking 100 steps backward. We cut spending by $3 billion and balanced the budget by accounting for about $4.5 billion in added revenue. To do this, we approved a new income tax rate of 4.95 percent, which is 1.2 percentage points more than is currently paid — that’s Steven just over 1 penny per dollar. It ensures that Landek Illinoisans will pay a lower income tax than they paid from 2011 to 2014. That extra 1.2 percent will help us pay down our $15 billion pile of unpaid bills that increased by 200 percent under the direction of Gov. Rauner. As we move forward, we cannot understate the damage these last two-plus years of inaction have caused the state of Illinois. While our list of unpaid bills tripled, universities neared closure, and thousands of private businesses sustained undue financial hardship because the state had been unable to pay bills we are contractually obligated to pay. That’s not good government, that’s not fiscal conservatism. That’s chaos, and we had to end it. So, we passed a budget. One that spends $3 billion less than the state spent last year, when we outspent our revenue by nearly $8 billion. It also spends $1 billion less than the budget Gov. Rauner proposed earlier this year. That’s a step forward. Many more will need to be taken, and we in the Senate are committed to taking them. But inaction meant 100 steps back, and a group of more than 110 senators and representatives — Republicans and Democrats alike — stood up and announced we were no longer willing to wait. We took the necessary, yet politically risky action at a time when Gov. Rauner and his super-rich allies were dedicating their limitless resources to making sure no steps forward were taken. Yes, more work needs to be done, but to sit idly by as the state’s public infrastructure crumbles and its debt triples is the epitome of disregard for the state and its citizens. So we took action for history and posterity. The backlash from those who preferred inaction was swift, and it will be continuous. The Rauner-funded television ads will be many, and they will paint all who voted for the budget — including those from Rauner’s own party who stood up and defied him — as callous and uncaring. But the near-three-year period of forced inaction from Gov. Rauner’s camp has been, by far, the costliest in the history of Illinois. There’s nothing conservative about that. There’s nothing noble about that. And there is no good that has come or will come to the state of Illinois because of it. Yes, we understand our new budget is imperfect. But it pulls universities back from the brink of destruction, allows road repair projects to continue and schools to open on time, and even brings the lottery back to the State of Illinois. While it is only the first step, it had to be taken before we can get to the 200th step. We still need more reforms. We still need to find ways tighten our belts where we can. I promise that we in the Senate will continue to lead us down the path to progress. But don’t be fooled by the television ads that seem to never end. Anybody preferring inaction to a step forward does not have the best interests of the state in mind.
Soda tax is an example of why Cook County needs change
W
Steven Landek is the state senator from the 11th Illinois Senate District. He is also the mayor of the Village of Bridgeview. He also is chairman of Southwest Community Publishing Co.
We want to hear from you! Letters should be 350 words or less. Letters must be signed and the name of the writer will be published. Writers must also include their address and phone number for verification, but that information will not be published and will remain otherwise confidential. Mail letters to the editor to:
The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net
Owned and operated by Southwest Regional Publishing Co. Mark Hornung, Chief Operating Officer
The Business Side
The News Side
Donna Brown, Sales Director Joe Boyle, Editor Monica Cotter, Finance Director Dermot Connolly, Reporter Debbie Perrewe, Classified Manager Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor Mike Russell, Production Director Lauren Ziemann, Art Director Rita Crosley, Pre-press Manager Chuck Ingwersen, Designer
Southwest Regional Publishing 12247 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Worth, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription rates: $42 per year by mail in Cook County, $52 per year by mail elsewhere. $1 per copy on newsstands and vending machines. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463
INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Love-hate relationship with the First Amendment continues By Lata Nott Common practice for liberals and conservatives now is to take turns calling each other enemies of the First Amendment. The results of this year’s “State of the First Amendment” survey gave us the opportunity to consider these insults — and after the numbers are crunched, who is the real enemy of the First Amendment? Well, no one. And, everyone. Most of our fellow citizens, regardless of their political ideology, are quite fond of the First Amendment, at least in the abstract. The people who think that the First Amendment goes too far are a minority — 22.5 percent of us. A majority of Americans (67.7 percent) thinks that the press plays an important role as a watchdog on government; a slightly narrower majority (58.8 percent) thinks that freedom of religion should extend to all religious groups, even those widely considered extreme or fringe. That’s the good news: Even in a time of great political turmoil, we’re generally supportive of the First Amendment’s protections. The bad news: When it comes down to specific applications of the First Amendment, we’re less positive, and also deeply divided along ideological lines. Both liberals and conservatives have certain pain points where they balk at the amount of protection that the First Amendment provides. Liberals are more likely than conservatives to think: • Colleges should be able to ban speakers with controversial views. • People should not be able to express racist comments on social media. Meanwhile, conservatives are more likely than liberals to think: • Government officials who leak information to the press should be prosecuted. • Journalists should not be able to publish
information obtained illegally, even if it serves the public interest. • Government should be able to determine which media outlets can attend briefings. • Government should be able to hold Muslims to a higher standard of scrutiny. Worth noting: Some of these differences in attitude may not be a direct result of whether you’re a liberal or a conservative; instead, they might be circumstantial. Do more liberals support press freedoms because that’s a core value of liberal ideology — or because the press is a watchdog on the government, which liberals don’t currently control? Do more conservatives think that colleges shouldn’t be able to ban speakers because of a greater commitment to free speech — or because most banned speakers, at least in recent years, have tended to be conservative? It will be interesting to see in subsequent years if attitudes change as circumstances change. One thing that unites the majority of Americans right now: Most of us, liberals and conservatives, prefer to read or listen to news that aligns with our own views. That’s true even if you think that the news media reports with a bias, as most Americans do (56.8 percent). Apparently, we’re not inclined to correct that bias by taking in multiple and varied news sources. Instead, we’re more likely to double down on the news that fits in with our pre-existing ideological perspectives. This finding is both obvious and disheartening: Everyone likes reading and hearing news that confirms what they already believed. That’s one of the factors that keep us so divided. Lata Nott is executive director of the First Amendment Center of the Newseum Institute. Contact her via email at lnott@newseum.org, or follow her on Twitter at @LataNott.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Illinois families have no reason to celebrate after tax hike While Illinois families were celebrating Independence Day, Springfield lawmakers dug deeper into their wallets rather than address decades of irresponsible spending and mismanagement. The massive income tax increase that they approved is unfair to the citizens they are supposedly serving. It is egregious that so many politicians chose to place an even heavier burden on those families and businesses that have not yet left the state. In approving these new taxes, lawmakers ignored the “Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households” issued just two months ago. This alarming report suggests that 62 percent of Americans can’t cover unexpected expenses and almost a quarter cannot pay all their
monthly bills. Taking more resources away from citizens to feed the reckless spending habits of government will only exacerbate these problems. We’ve been here before. From 2011-14, Illinois politicians raised the income tax while promising to pay down the backlog of bills and stabilize the pension crisis. But that didn’t happen. Unpaid bills and pension debt are even more out of control. Instead of using those extra tax dollars in an effective and efficient manner, government leaders squandered it. We have no reason to believe they will do better this time. — David E. Smith, executive director, Illinois Family Institute, Tinley Park
Clerk objects to president’s Voter Integrity Commission From the time he was a presidential candidate, Donald Trump has made unproven claims of widespread voter fraud happening throughout the nation. Now as president, Trump has assembled the inauthentic Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity to investigate voter registration and voter fraud. This partisan commission has been formed on false pretenses. Three to five million people did not vote illegally in the last presidential election, as the president believes, and a true bi-partisan commission requires careful analysis and expertise. Were this commission truly working in the interest of making our elections as errorfree and our voter rolls as clean as possible, the focus would be on the following: Bringing every state on-board with the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC): This is a nationwide network of states, which includes Illinois, that securely shares voter registration data so that voter information nationwide would be accurate and up-to-date. Update our nation’s election infrastructure. The machines voters use to cast their ballots, which in many election jurisdictions are a decade or more old and are being held together with replacement parts, often can be purchased on eBay. Pushing all states toward Automatic Voter Registration: A good government tool to help clean voter rolls across the nation.
Instead, the president’s commission has told state election authorities to hand over information including the names, addresses, birth dates and party affiliations of registered voters in each state. The Commission also wants a record of felony convictions, military statuses, the last four digits of Social Security numbers and voting records dating back to 2006. I’m happy to see that so far, election authorities in more than 40 states, including Kris Kobach’s own Kansas Secretary of State office, have rejected the commission’s request for this information. I urge the Illinois Board of Elections to stand up against this unnecessary overreach. Voting is a fundamental right. Unfortunately, instead of a genuinely bipartisan group dedicated to protecting the vote, President Trump has stacked the deck of his commission with a number of lawmakers who have shown an inclination towards voter suppression. Furthermore, this comes at a time when Republicans have sought to defund the Election Assistance Commission, a truly bipartisan commission. I strongly encourage the Illinois Board of Elections, as well as my fellow elections administrators, to be cautious of the motives of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity and not comply with this dangerous request. — Cook County Clerk David Orr
W
hen Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pushed through the tax on soda and sweetened drinks — it’s misleading to make it sound like it’s only soda — she had a specific purpose. She claims it was to raise money and contribute to a healthier society. Sweetened soda pop and other drinks with artificial sweeteners are unhealthy, she claims. Yet, one of her first acts was to make sure that many of her Chicago constituents, where her voter base is located, are excluded. It’s the politics of poverty. Chicago has more low-income residents than any other region of Cook County. There are low-income residents in the suburbs, too, but the majority are in Chicago. Chicago controls the Cook County Board. Preckwinkle comes from Chicago where she gets the bulk of her voter support. She has to keep them happy. Preckwinkle excluded recipients of SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) from having to pay the new Sweetened Drink Tax. There are nearly 1.1 million people receiving SNAP benefits in Cook County. The vast majority of them live in Chicago. They vote. Preckwinkle doesn’t need our suburban votes because the county is crafted to dilute suburban voter strength. Several county districts based in Chicago “steal” suburban areas for padding. In those districts, the suburbanites there are hostage to Chicago. But I have another bigger concern about the outrageous Sweetened Drink Tax. If drinking sweetened drinks is so “unhealthy,” why does she think it’s OK to exclude poor recipients of SNAP? Doesn’t their health matter? This tax has nothing to do with health. It has everything to do with money and votes. Preckwinkle also pushed through another ordinance to raise the minimum wage in Cook County. The bill basically incorporates the same minimum wage rates imposed by Chicago. Fortunately, more than 70 percent of the county’s 132 municipalities opted out. The State of Illinois has a minimum wage ordinance that works. The hike would seriously harm suburban businesses. Preckwinkle and the County Board are appealing to a hardcore base of lower-income voters, most of which rely on retail jobs where the minimum wage would be impacted. They want those suburban SNAP voters to strengthen their control of the county. Every time Chicago has a problem, Chicago and its minions on the Cook County Board slam the suburbs. Why? Because the suburbs are disjointed and divided into 132 municipalities that don’t always see eye-to-eye. The Chicago schools have a problem so Chicago pushes the state to give its under-performing school system more money. Where do they get the money? They are taking millions from money that ordinarily goes to the “suburbs,” which has the image of being wealthy but is not. That means people who live in these suburbs have to pay more school taxes. Did you ever wonder why the largest amount of money from your tax bill — as much as 60 percent to 70 percent — goes to your local schools? Well, that’s because Chicago, with Cook County’s help, pushes the money to Chicago schools by continually changing the school funding formula to benefit Chicago. They do the same thing with the CTA, a system of transportation that can’t pay for itself. Why do you think the state has a problem? Because the suburbs have been exploiting pension wages? The answer is in Chicago, which is why the only answer anyone has is to raise state income taxes on the people who work. Am I being unfair? Well, as a suburban Cook County taxpayer who works hard and pays a bundle in taxes, I think I have the right. Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Reporter
7
Moraine Valley honors distinguished alum Dennis Shannon By Kelly White Moraine Valley Community College changed the life of Dennis Shannon. At least that’s the way he will tell it, if you had the opportunity to sit down with him. Shannon, 74, was chosen by the college as Moraine Valley’s 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner. “It really makes you think about where you would be if certain things didn’t happen in your life,” said Shannon, of Palos Hills. “Just one decision has the ability to affect the entire rest of your life.” After being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving from 1965-1967, Shannon made the decision to enroll at Moraine Valley. He was 30 years old, an age he recalls being older than most college students at the time. He was also working full-time, while providing financially for his wife, Nancy, and his two children, Michael and Christopher, and searching for his career. “It wasn’t easy, but the teachers and staff at Moraine are great,” Shannon said. “I really liked that the people that worked there were always so happy to be there and to help you.” One teacher in particular stood out to
Shannon – his first accounting instructor, Mike Pauritsch. “One of the prerequisites at the time was basic accounting,” Shannon recalled. “I enrolled in Mike’s course and at the time he was studying for his Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Exam. He was very good with numbers. I remember just listening to the excitement of his voice as he talked about his career, and I thought to myself, I’m good with numbers, too. I could do that.” After graduating from Moraine Valley with a 4.0 GPA in 1977– and the first in his family to graduate college by the way – Shannon attended Governor’s State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1981. He passed the CPA exam on the first try. Finding his first job was a struggle since the big accounting firms said he was too old and the local accounting firms wanted one year experience. But his Moraine Valley accounting instructor was good for more than just a career choice. “When I couldn’t find a job, I thought to reach out to my old instructor, now remember, I hadn’t talked to him in a while and he wasn’t a friend of mine or
anything,” Shannon said. “I called him and asked him for advice on job hunting. He told me to come into his office at Mulcahy, Puritsch and he hired me as a public accountant.” Now Mulcahy, Puritsch, based out of Orland Park, is known as Mulcahy, Pauritsch, Salvador & Co. Ltd. Shannon worked for over two years with the company, where he gained plenty of hands-on knowledge. From there, he went on to get his master’s degree from Governor’s State University and graduated with that accomplishment in 1985. He then took on a job with Rapid Displays, based out of Chicago, where he started as assistant controller before moving on to controller then to the vice president of administration. During his 30-year accounting career, Shannon has served on the Illinois CPA board of directors, is a past president of the Chicago South chapter of the Illinois CPA Society, and has been the membership chair for the Chicago South chapter of the Illinois CPA Society for over 30 years. Shannon was reunited with Moraine Valley in the late ‘80s when the college was looking for alumni support to help get the Fine and Performing Arts Center built.
He was recruited to be on the old Alumni Association – serving as president – and after a few years, he was invited to join the Foundation board, and he has funded scholarships for accounting students. During his tenure on the board, he has chaired the scholarship committee for several years, was the board’s treasurer for four years and sat on the finance committee. Shannon has also attended countless fundraisers, meetings and programs to support the Foundation’s work. “Because of the college’s 50th anniversary occurring this year, we felt it would be fitting to recognize an alumnus who is still very involved with Moraine Valley,” Jessica Crotty, assistant director of communications, marketing and communications for Moraine Valley, said. “We thought of Dennis right away because of his involvement with the college for the last 20 years.” Shannon has a great deal of gratitude for Moraine Valley because of the role the college played in helping him and his two sons, who also attended Moraine Valley, begin their career paths. “For my sons, attending Moraine Valley wasn’t negotiable,” Shannon said. “We live down the street from the college.
Worth Board delays decision on company’s proposal to purchase Lucas Berg property By Sharon L. Filkins To fill, or not to fill. That was the question facing the Worth Board of Trustees at the July 5 meeting, where they heard a proposal from a clean-fill company owner interested in purchasing the 70-acre Lucas Berg property from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The business owner, Richard Grad, has partnered with Terry O’Brien, owner of O’Brien Network LLC, to gauge the feasibility of the project. O’Brien is a former president of the MWRD. “The goal of this plan is to fill in the land for use in future development,” Grad said. The purchase of the property from the MWRD would cost $2.3 million. Grad’s plans for the property include using his company to fill in an existing pit on the south end of the land and donating the entire property to the village. Grad’s presence at the meeting was to see if the village would be willing to grant him a business license to operate his clean-fill business in the village after he purchased the property. He stated that his business is certified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Trustee Tedd Muersch Jr. asked how long it would take for the landfill to be completed and turned over to the village. Grad replied that
the fill could take up to six years to complete. “It would not immediately be ready to build on at that time,” Grad said. “The fill has to be completely compacted and the soil settled before it is buildable. That could be another five or six years.” Trustee Brad Urban had some questions about the plan. “My biggest concern is the compaction and what might be dumped in the fill and how buildable it will really be,” Urban said. “We have some properties in town built on landfills and we have problems with them.” “So what is in this for the village? If the property is donated to the village after the fill is complete, we are left with 70 acres we can’t build on,” said Trustee Pete Kats. Kats also expressed concern about the heavy truck traffic that would result from the landfill. “How many trucks do you estimate would be in and out of the site daily?” Grad estimated that the number could be 200 or more trucks daily during the summer. He said the number would be less in the winter. Trustees Rich Dziedzic and Urban agreed that it was obvious that there are grave concerns on the part of the board. “We are concerned about the number of trucks, the heavy traffic entering and leaving the property and the start and stop times,” Dziedzic said.
“We need to have some vision here,” Trustee Kevin Ryan said. “I see a lack of long-term vision in the village because we are afraid. We can’t be completely closeminded. We need to do some research.” Ryan, who is chair of the finance committee, then suggested that the village itself could consider purchasing the Lucas Berg site and operate the landfill on its own. Muersch said he agreed with the concept of the village buying the property. Mayor Mary Werner said she would like to do additional research on clean-fills. “We need to be better informed before we make any decision on this,” Werner said. Kats agreed and the issue was tabled for another meeting. In other business, the board approved the 2017-18 Annual Appropriation Ordinance in the amount of $13,870,642. Also approved was a 25 cent increase in the water service rates and charges. The rates were raised from 45 cents per one thousand gallons to 70 cents per one thousand gallons. A Class H liquor license, allowing the sale of beer and wine for consumption on the premises only was approved, raising the total number of Class H licenses by one. A business license was approved for Mr. Nickels, which is located at 11527 S. Harlem Ave. The owner is Jim Geotis, a long-time business owner in the village.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
EVERGREEN PARK
Farmers Market is now open at Yukich Field
The Evergreen Park Farmers Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday until mid-October at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. A new season of goods and other novelties will be available for purchase. For more information or to become a vendor, call (708) 422-8776.
Sorority to hold movie screening and prize drawings
The Essence of Ivy and Pearls Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Phi Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will host an afternoon screening of “Girls Trip” at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 22 at Studio Movie Grill, 210 W. 87th St., Chicago. The organization is based in Evergreen Park. Tickets are $25, which includes popcorn and pop. Girls Trip raffle tickets are $5 with the winning prize being a seven-day hotel stay at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, or the Wisconsin Dells. Book tickets are online at https://eoipgirlstrip.eventbrite.com. More information about the chapter can be obtained at www. akaphilkappaomega.org.
United Methodist Men to host second Neighborhood Picnic The United Methodist Men and the Temple of Promise is having their Second Annual Neighborhood Picnic from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 15 at First United Methodist Church, 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park. All residents from the community are invited to attend the picnic for food, fellowship and fun. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8451.
OAK LAWN
Oak Lawn film group to view and discuss “Moonrise Kingdom’ CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 2012 movie “Moonrise Kingdom” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 5299028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.
One Community Meal welcomes everyone to Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn’s 2017 One Community: One Meal picnic will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 23 at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge picnic pavilion, 10900 S. Laramie Ave Games will be played at the event. All who
could use a free meal or want to share a meal with others in the community are invited. One Community: One Meal is an interfaith effort by members of the Oak Lawn Clergy and Religious Worker’s Association, the Muslim American Society and The Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview. It provides an opportunity for Christians and Muslims to get to know each other better as they work together to prepare and serve a meal that is free to all area residents. More information can be obtained by calling Rev. Peg McClanahan, (708) 422-4200, or pmcclanahan@pilgrimfaith.org. Residents can also contact the Rev. Michael Kooy, (708) 663-4364, or michaelkooy@sbcglobal.net
new Community 15 Million Steps Challenge. The goal is to take 15,000,000 steps as a community through Sept. 22. Each participant’s goal during this time is 900,000 steps. A grand prize will be given to the overall steps leader. The registration deadline is Friday, July 21. The entry fee is $10 per person and includes a T-shirt and raffle entry for prizes. Register using code #500500 at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn, or at the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., both in Oak Lawn. Progress will be tracked using Stridekick, a free app. More information can be found at www. olparks.com or by calling (708) 857-2200.
Oak Lawn Bible Church hosts annual Bible School
Tickets are still available for ‘Oklahoma’
The annual Vacation Bible School will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21 at the Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9435 S. 54th Ave. The school is open to children entering preschool (ages 3 to 4) through those entering fifth grade. This year’s program is “Galactic Starveyors: Discovering the God of the Universe.” Children do not need to be members of the church to attend. The program is free. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-9800 or visit www.oaklawnbible.org. To register online, go to oaklawnbible.org/events.
Tickets are available for the Oak Lawn Park District’s Broadway Junior production of “Oklahoma,” which begins today (Thursday, July 13) at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. July 13; Friday, July 14; Saturday, July 15; and Sunday, July 16. A 3 p.m. matinee is available on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $12 per person. Tickets are available at the Oak View Center or by calling (708) 857-2200. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com.
Oak Lawn hosts annual farmers market The Oak Lawn Farmers Market is being offered from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 11 at Dumke Drive and 52nd Avenue. The farmers market will not be held on Sept. 7. Shoppers will gather to select fresh vegetables, fruits, oils, homemade jams, cheese, flowers, shrubs, homemade salsa, honey, dog biscuits, homemade beefs, spices, coffee, tea, popcorn, clothing, soaps, jewelry, arts and crafts and more. The market features over 35 vendors. Smilin’ Clyde’s hot dog wagon is available for lunch. Each week, the farmers market has a sponsor.
Oak Lawn film group to view, discuss ‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’ CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the 2009 movie “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” from 7 to 10 p.m. July 12 at Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Members should check the building signage for the correct room number. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 5299028 or visit cineversegroup.blogspot.com.
15 Million Steps Challenge The Oak Lawn Park District will hold its
Oak Lawn Park District plans Lake Geneva trip The Oak Lawn Park District is planning for a trip to Lake Geneva on Thursday, July 20. Departure will take place from the Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., at 8:30 a.m. with the scheduled return at 7:30 p.m. by motor coach. The fee is $110 for residents and $120 for non-residents. Guests will also take part in an air conditioned cruise on Lake Geneva, shopping downtown and have lunch at the Historic Baker Museum. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 857-2200.
WORTH Worth Cruisers Car Club schedules weekly Cruise Nights The Worth Cruisers Car Club will hold their Cruise Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday through Oct. 6 in the parking lot of the Water’s Edge Golf Course, 11500 S. Harlem Ave., Worth.
Outdoor concert to be held at Marr-Meyer AL Post An outdoor concert will be held Saturday, July 15 at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot Ave., Worth. The Rusty Nails are scheduled to perform from 7 to 11 p.m., rain or shine. Raffles will be held throughout the evening. Food and drinks will also be available.
Submitted photo
Moraine Valley’s Distinguished Alumnus Award Winner for 2017 is 1977 graduate Dennis Shannon, of Palos Hills. Shannon (left) is greeted by John Coleman, chairman of the Moraine Valley Board, at a recent meeting.
Nothing could be more convenient. There is no downside to a community college. It is a wonderful transition into a fouryear-college.” Shannon’s sons went on to study at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Champaign after their time at Moraine Valley. “Moraine Valley was only one building when I attended. Now, the campus is huge and has even so much more to offer,” Shannon said. “It’s really incredible.”
DEATH NOTICES
Tessie Banasiak Tessie V. Banasiak (nee Staranowicz), 93, died Saturday at Holy Family Villa in Palos Park. Mrs. Banasiak worked in the steel industry. Survivors include many nieces and nephews. Services were Wednesday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Entombment took place at Resurrection Cemetery.
Bernice Daniels Bernice P. “Babs” Daniels (nee Balton), 91, died July 4 at her Palos Hills home. Mrs. Daniels worked for many years with Talman Federal Savings & Loan Association. Survivors include daughters, Diane Stecich and Donna Ellyn Daniels; sons, David and Dennis; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services were Monday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment followed at St. Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery.
Juanita West Juanita E. West, 80, died July 5 at her Hickory Hills home. Mrs. West was a homemaker. Survivors include daughters, Pauline Wojcik, Rhoda Kaszynski, Mary Konstantopoulos and Diana Stolarek; sons, Thomas Cappos, David West Jr. and Vince Smochula; and 13 grandchildren. Interment was private. Arrangements were made by Lack & Sons Funeral Home.
Theresa Williams Theresa N. Williams, 98, a Palos Hills resident, died June 27 at Palos Hospital. Mrs. Williams was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Frank J. Williams, the retired 5th Ward alderman of Palos Hills; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services were Friday at St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Gerald F. Daimid, funeral director.
Funeral Directory Palos-Gaidas FUNERAL HOME
708-974-4410 FUNERAL HOME David Gaidas, Jr. Director
11028 Southwest Highway Palos Hills, IL 60465
“THE NEXT GENERATION TO CARE FOR YOU”
Owned and Operated by the Mintle Family
10701 S. Harlem Ave. Worth, IL 708.448.6000 “Your Neighborhood Funeral Home”
8 The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Chicago Ridge approves rezoning for medical office on vacant property
Hot wheels at Car Show and Concert Vianney Rodriguez, of Oak Lawn, checks out an antique Chevrolet 350 GMC truck on display at the annual Car Show and Concert held Sunday at Ed Napleton Honda, 5800 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Funds raised at the annual event
By Dermot Connolly
Photos by Dermot Connolly
Trustee
Continued from Page 1
leaders of Pantsuit Nation Illinois. “It’s a group of women working for change,” she explained. “We’re not happy with the current (Trump) administration and their take on hate.” Hazel, who had been crying as she and her mother were approached by The Reporter, brightened up when she showed her visitor her protest sign which read: “Be nice to everybody.” On the sign, she had drawn a cookie. The meeting room at 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills was filled beyond capacity as meeting time drew near. All 42 public seats were occupied and media representatives stood along two of the four walls. At least 75 more people were unable to be in the meeting room. Some sat in a handful of chairs just outside the open doors with the majority being required to stand outside the entrance to the building. Palos Township government provides a variety of services to all or parts of Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Willow Springs and Worth. Colleen G. Schumann, the township supervisor, called the meeting to order and, following roll call and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting, said a motion would be in order for dispensing with the agenda to a future date in order to move into the public comment portion of the meeting. “Palos Township is a diverse community and Palos Township government is proud of the quality of service that is provided to our community,” Schumann said. “The township government conducts business without any bias, prejudice or exclusion,” she said. “Everybody is invited, always. We are one of the most welcoming government agencies in all of the southwest suburbs.” Following Schumann, Brannigan read from a prepared statement. She is refusing to resign. The floor was then turned over to the public. Among the almost one-dozen attendees who chose to address the board, and Brannigan, was Vivian Khalaf. “I’m an attorney practicing immigration law for over 25 years in Palos Hills, just a few blocks north on Roberts Road.,” she said. “My Middle Eastern children attended Conrady (Junior High School) and Stagg (High School). They are aspiring lawyers and doctors, contributing and continuing to make America great. “It pains me to stand before you for the very first time after being in Palos for over 20 years, only to condemn the actions of
Photo by Anthony Caciopo
Trustee Sharon Brannigan (right) and Trustee Richard C. Riley listen to high school student Nora Qatanani during the public comments portion of the Palos Township board meeting, which focused on now-deleted Facebook posts by Brannigan that many people consider offensive to Muslims.
Statement from Palos Twp. Trustee Sharon M. Brannigan Recently my social media account was cited by someone for controversial statements I published. My published words on this platform regarding the taxes are for the sole purpose of bringing awareness to the property taxpayers occurring within our township. All of which I have no power to change except by the mere written word. I am happy to see that so many of you have come to this meeting with the same concerns because, after all, we all pay our fair share of property taxes and do not want to see poor management of the same. In the 8th grade of my publicschool education, we were not allowed to pass to high school until passing the Constitution test. As a reminder for all here, the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, and I quote: “Amendment 1: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Trustee Sharon Brannigan and the absence of similar condemnation on the part of the board. Silence is complicity,” she said to applause. Sam Elmosa, of Palos Park, stood up to ask, “Why can’t we all just get along?” “Aren’t we done with this stuff?” he said. “It’s 2017. In this country, this is ridiculous. It hurts a lot of people. Yeah, you have
GET A BIGGER PIECE OF THE PIE
Ironically, my statements on a social media page fall under that same amendment as do our rights for freedom of religion. With property taxes rising, the income tax increase for the State of Illinois, additional taxes on everything we eat and drink coupled with the mass exodus of residents from the State of Illinois, it is eventually going to be impossible to fund services to non-citizens no matter what their origin. To clarify and underscore for those of you who don’t understand, the point of my statements criticizes the federal government’s poor immigration controls including an almost negligible visa tracking system. Again, that criticism falls under my 1st Amendment right. The policies of the school district within the township and the policies of the township are virtually identical as to requirements to receive services. No one has ever been turned away. Finally, to be sure that all here understand. I am fully supportive of inviting all hard-working immigrants who contribute their fair share to our society and township. Anything less would be un-American. First Amendment rights. This is the most powerful country in the world. Everybody wants to be here. We’re all equal. But she’s gotta go.” One attendee spoke in support of Brannigan. William Kuhlman, who described himself as a “proud resident of Palos Hills for 20 years and a proud citizen of almost 75 years now,” said: “I’m here to defend Sharon Brannigan for free speech. She only asked a
Budget
Continued from Page 1
WITH DIRECT MARKETING SOLUTIONS FROM GG Media WE ARE YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING NEEDS We design, print, research, stamp and deliver:
• Postcards • Flyers • Menus • Brochures • Newsletters • Custom Projects Quality targeting solutions Match back e-targeting Every door direct mailing Direct mailing
CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE 708-448-4000 ask for Donna
GG Media
Your Marketing Partner
12243 South Harlem Ave. • Palos Heights
the state will have $500 million in savings that Gov. Bruce Rauner has sought. Cunningham said that legislators are looking at a 401(k) type retirement plan. One plan would have employees contributing 6.2 percent toward the pension plan and a minimum of 4 percent toward the 401(k) proposal. At this point, these plans are in the discussion phase. Right now, Cunningham and other legislators are concerned about funding for school districts throughout the state. Rauner, who was angry that the override took place with none of his Turnaround Agenda demands being imple-
Plaza
Continued from Page 1
Whole Foods are on hold until the purchase becomes final, according to Whole Foods representatives. However, Sexton views the delay as temporary and the project as a whole is moving right along.
simple question of a (political) representative, and this is what she gets for free speech?” Kuhlman said, “I’m a proud military veteran of the United States of America. I support immigration, but legal immigration.” Schumann was repeatedly asked if she “rescinds her endorsement of Brannigan” and if the board intended to take any action against her. “I cannot take responsibility for someone else’s words,” Schumann said. “They are not my words. I’ve spent time in your prayer centers. I live with neighbors that are my friends and of the community. I have no issues. I don’t endorse thoughts of hate. That’s where I’ll leave it.” As for removal or disciplinary action against Brannigan, Schumann said, “Another elected official doesn’t have the power to take someone off the board. They were elected the same as I was elected.” “I don’t have the authority, the ability or anything by law that I can remove her from this board,” said Schumann. “This is Sharon’s call as to how she proceeds moving forward.” Among the dozens of people unable to get into the meeting room was Oliver Kolb, of Palos Hills, who waited outside the building. “I heard about this last minute,” he said. “I didn’t know this was actually a ‘thing’. Growing up my whole life in Palos Hills, I can’t remember ever having any kind of social issue in this town that I can remember.” Kolb continued: “When a public official makes comments like she did, it’s counterproductive and petty. I’m here to support the movement. It’s not right to say things like that and expect no feedback.” “She needs to immediately start working toward some sort of apology,” said Kolb, who doesn’t think an apology will ultimately be enough, “but it’s what right. I do believe she should probably step down, but regardless, an apology is always a first step.” Protestors vowed to keep pressure on Brannigan and the board, and to keep the issue in the public eye. “We call upon her to resign, and to resign immediately,” Khalaf said during the meeting. “If she chooses not to do so, the community of Middle Easterners and non-Middle Easterners alike, Muslims and non-Muslims, will make sure she is not reelected.” “We have the wherewithal, we have the education and the money to make sure that does not happen, should we decide,” she said. The next general meeting of the Palos Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 14 at 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.
The Chicago Ridge Village board on July 5 approved the rezoning of a piece of vacant property at 10258 Southwest Highway, the former site of a village firehouse, which is slated to become a medical office building. The rezoning, approved without much discussion, was practically the only item on the agenda of the July 5 meeting, which was moved to Wednesday from Tuesday due to the July 4 holiday. The Building and Zoning Committee recommended the rezoning of the property from P-1 Public Lands to C-1 General Business District, following a public hearing on June 22. The vacant land where the village’s Firehouse 2 used to be located is owned by Waner Enterprises, a development company owned by Jim Waner. The building was demolished after the current main firehouse opened in July 2009 at Virginia and Anderson avenues in the village’s industrial park. “Southwest Highway is turning into a medical corridor, which is a good thing,” said Mayor Chuck Tokar after the meeting. Details about the plans for the property are not yet available. Tokar said the exact design of the medical office building, such as whether it will be one story or two, will be decided after plans are submitted to the Building and Zoning Committee. “Jim Waner does good work. We’ve worked with him before. He already has several buildings in Chicago Ridge,” said the mayor. He predicted that the new building will look similar to the Women’s Care Group building at 5851 W. 95th St., in Oak Lawn, another Waner Enterprises development. Tokar alluded to the other medical buildings now located
Medicaid
Continued from Page 1
Ivonne Camarillo, Layla’s mother. The Little Village resident said her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, was born on July 4, 2011 with a congenital heart condition. That led to two openheart surgeries, implanting a pace maker, and a feeding tube. “She was also diagnosed with a seizure disorder,” Camarillo said. “Thanks to the services provided by Advocate Children’s Hospital, she is currently stable and improving. She receives occupational, and physical therapy, all provided by Medicaid. Everything including her wheelchair and medicines are provided by Medicaid.” Tangela Watson also spoke about her daughter, Jamela, who sat smiling nearby. “She loves to sing, dance and eat ice cream,” said Watson of Jamela, who has battled through surgery and chemotherapy after a rare brain tumor was found wrapped around her spinal cord last year. “Medicaid has been a lifeline for us. I don’t know where we would be without it,” said
on Southwest Highway, within a few blocks of the newly rezoned site. These include a two-story development going up at 10604 Southwest Highway. A group of doctors, mainly oncologists affiliated with Advocate Christ Medical Center and Palos Hospital, plan to move into the building, which is near completion. It will have office space for 25 to 30 doctors. Chemotherapy, blood work and other services will also be provided there. In addition, a Davita kidney dialysis center is located nearby at 10511 S. Harlem Ave., and Associated Urological Specialists occupies another building at 10400 Southwest Highway. Although the rezoning was the only issue listed on the agenda, the board members ended up discussing the fees charged by health inspectors who are obligated to check out local establishments twice a year. One restaurant and bar owner asked why she was charged $65 when the inspector came back to re-inspect her property, which initially failed inspection with a 68 percent rating. She received a grade over 90 percent on the second inspection, but questioned why she was charged. Trustee Bill McFarland said the ordinance involving health inspections, passed within the last year, clearly states that business owners will be charged for re-inspections because the inspector charges the village and the cost is passed on. Tokar and at least a few of the trustees agreed that the rules may have to be tweaked, because as they stand now, business owners who barely pass with a 70 percent technically don’t have any incentive to make improvements to bring their score up, while those who score a few points below are charged for re-inspection, even if they make all the improvements requested and raise their grade to 100 percent. Watson. “The best outcome would be a ‘no’ on the bill,” said Davis. “Medicaid truly is a vital lifeline for these children and many others.” Farrell said that more than 30 million children nationwide, including 1.5 million in Illinois, depend on Medicaid for their medical care. “Prevention is the cornerstone of pediatrics,” said Johnson. He pointed out that everything from lead screening and dental and vision care is federally mandated now, and in danger of being eliminated if the Medicaid funding is cut. Johnson also said that the Medicaid cuts could even have dire repercussions for children and families not dependent on Medicaid, because if funding for immunizations is cut, doctors may decide not to offer them. “Doctors have to buy the immunizations up front, and then wait to be reimbursed. If they stop providing immunizations, children won’t get their shots and we could be looking at a resurgence of some of these diseases we had nearly wiped out,” said Johnson.
mented, said he would veto Senate Bill 1 that has passed both houses of the Legislature. House members approved it last Thursday about $350 million more in school funding. State Rep. Mary Flowers (D31st), whose district includes Oak Lawn and Chicago’s Southwest Side, said that she was pleased that a budget was reached. “It was like taking an 800-pound gorilla off my chest,” Flowers said. But like Cunningham, Flowers knows that a lot of work has to be done, including dealing with the disparity in funding for the Chicago Public Schools. “I must say I was pleasantly surprised that (the budget) it went through,” Flowers said. “I was
happy that we had bipartisan support. Every time we went to negotiate with the governor, he would change his position. So I am proud we got something done.” But Flowers also said that more needs to be done for families in poverty and students who struggle because of low income households. “That is going to be a heavy debate,” Flowers said. “I think the governor is going to try and veto (Senate Bill 1). Some changes have to be made to provide a quality education for everyone. And we need better access for health care for poorer residents. We need more on-the-job training.” Flowers believes that legislators will be back in Springfield soon
to determine how they are going to fund schools in Illinois and deal with increasing debt. “There is a lot to do,” Flowers said. “Our institutions have been damaged. We have to really assess what Illinois government is going to be about.” Cunningham said that he will be working with the comptroller’s office to make sure local schools receive funding. He mentioned that St. Xavier University should receive $6 million and Moraine Valley Community College is owed $1.5 million. “We have local school districts that could use some help,” Cunningham said. “Senate Bill 1 would pump millions of dollars to schools that really need the funding.”
“TJ Maxx will open by September,” said Sexton. “Most of those stores are already built up and should be operating by the end of September. Petco could be the first operating there, along with Rally House.” Other stores that could be operating by the end of August and September could be DSW and Ulta. Signs have been posted near
the development indicating that Five Below will be opening soon. Sexton also said that businesses and restaurants will be opening up facing Western Avenue from 98th Street south to 95th Street north. A remaining remnant to the old Plaza, which began to be torn down in the fall of 2015, is the Applebee’s restaurant outlet near 95th Street.
Planet Fitness is the other facility that was open when the old Mall was up. It remains at what was the northern point of the old Plaza facing 95th Street. “The way I understand it, everything is running smooth and on time,” said Sexton. “Everything is going well, and I expect we will have Whole Foods, too.”
The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017
9
‘Life with Spirit’ is showcased at Mercy Circle summer open house
Mercy Circle has one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, assisted living and nursing, rehabilitation and memory support residences. Mercy Circle is surrounded by exterior walkways outlined with foliage and a network of gardens in courtyard spaces.
An open house that will include tours will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23 at Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St., Chicago. Visitors will have an opportunity to visit this retirement community during the summer open house called “Life with Spirit.” “Our Sunday open house events are the perfect way for families and prospective residents to become acquainted with the Mercy Circle community,” said Marge Everett, the senior living advisor. “Visitors also meet some residents and key
Photo by Mark Ballog
staff members. In addition to touring the chapel, exercise room, salon, library and dining rooms, visitors are encouraged to ask questions about the many services and levels of care available at the CCRC.” Guests will have an opportunity to view the landscaping including flowers in full bloom, a patchwork of gardens, and the natural cooling effect of shade trees. Resident hobbyists tend to some of the garden spaces they create for everyone to enjoy. Refreshments will be served until
2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available by entering the lot from 99th Street. “We look forward to showing the advantages of becoming a resident of Mercy Circle,” Everett said. “As a staff, we are very dedicated and engaged with our residents’ interests and needs. We think of ourselves as a family rather than a support network. This is home.” For more information or set up a private appointment, call (773) 253-3600.
Oak Lawn Park District celebrates Keeler Park renovations By Kelly White
Oak Lawn residents are enjoying fun in the sun with a brand new playground this summer season. The Oak Lawn Park District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday night at the renovated Keeler Park, 93rd and Keeler Avenue. “This park is a beautiful amenity for a park deprived neighborhood,” said Maddie Kelly, director of the Oak Lawn Park District. Renovations included a brand new playground with an expression swing and a large group of swings, along with new slides and jungle-gym climbing equipment. An expression swing is a playground swing that promotes intergenerational play as adults and children swing together facing one another in an arch-based swing structure. Oak Lawn Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) was able to try out the expression swing first hand with his granddaughters, ages 1 and 3. “They both just absolutely loved it, and I went on there with them,” Vorderer said. “The whole park is really great with everything that it has to offer.” Kelly also enjoyed the park recently with her own grandson. The park was given a different color combination of orange and blue, making it different from any other park’s color scheme in Oak Lawn, according to Kelly.
Photos by Kelly White
Oak Lawn Park District Board of Commissioners Maddie Kelly, the executive director, maintenance staff, and Village Trustee Terry Vorderer (4th) attended the ribbon-cutting of the Oak Lawn Park District’s Keeler Park.
“We try to make each one of our parks unique, not only with the design of them, but also the chosen color combinations,” she said. Park district officials joked the park takes on the look of the Chicago Bears or the Fighting Illini, but the color combination is really a coincidence, the staff said. However, the project did not stop with just the playground equipment renovations, as improvements were also made to the baseball fields, which included a new baseball backstop, infield resurfacing, accessible seating with bleachers, and new seating for the baseball players during the games. Both parents and children alike will benefit from the newly renovated park in the community, park district officials said.
That holds true as the finishing touches were aimed more at the not only children, but parents, as a cloth-covered picnic area was added for outdoor casual dining or shade purposes for patrons. Apple trees and benches were also placed throughout the park’s new walkway, and to complete the look was a brand new welcome sign. The community was approached during the planning process to see what they would personally like added to the new park, according to the Oak Lawn Park District. “The entire park needed a renovation, not just the playground,” said Joel Craig, Oak Lawn Park District’s superintendent of parks.“The play equipment needed to be updated, as well as the ballfield.” The last time the park was
updated was in 1997, according to Craig. The Oak Lawn Park District began the planning process for the new park in the fall of 2016, with a July construction completion date. No outsource company was hired on for the renovation project, as all of the work, including demolition of the old playground, was completed solely by the park district’s maintenance staff. “This was completely an inhouse project,” Kelly said. The new park renovation project totaled $230,000, with funds coming from Oak Lawn’s capital projects’ fund. “I think children will really enjoy the arch swing and slides,” Craig said. “Keeler Park now has play equipment that is unlike any of our other parks in the Oak Lawn area.”
Renovations at Keeler Park include a brand new playground with an expression swing and a large group of swings, along with new slides and jungle-gym climbing equipment. An expression swing is a playground swing that promotes inter-generational play as adults and children swing together facing one another in an arch-based swing structure.
In attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony were park district
officials, maintenance crews and Oak Lawn board members.
Heights Garden Club will join July 19 Palos Market The Palos Heights Garden Club joins the Palos Heights Farmers Market, 12217 S. Harlem Ave., on Wednesday, July 19. Members of the Club will be selling new and used garden items, and they will be offering membership information. Stop by to see what beautiful and useful tools and decorations will be available. Palos Christian Preschool will be at the Community Tent from 7 to 10 a.m. with story hour starting at 9:15 a.m. Arts and crafts projects and games will be available for the children all morning. General and registration information about the preschool, along with Vacation Bible School, will be provided. Then at 10 a.m., Palos Heights Library will join the market with “Construction” Story Hour, crafts, and library information and give away items. Patrons may also sign up for a library card while at the Community Tent. Face painting continues to be offered every week from 9 a.m. to noon. Young market guests can pick their favorite design. Also while at the City Tent, make sure to pick up and have your frequent shopper card endorsed. All completed frequent shopper cards are entered into a gift certificate raffle at the end of July, August and September. Then all completed cards will be entered into the year-end market raffle on Oct. 18, the last day of the outdoor market. Receive double credit on your frequent shopper card every week for donations of either canned goods or fresh produce. Canned donations are given to Palos Methodist Church Food Pantry, 12108 S Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, and fresh produce
is delivered to Operation Blessing, 4901 W. 128th Place, Alsip. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupon Applications continue to be taken at PLOWS Council on Aging, 7808 W College Drive, Palos Heights. The booklets are available to low income seniors on a first come basis. The coupons are good for purchases at the Lyons and Zeldenrust farm stands at the market. Call PLOWS at (708) 3610219 for more information. New to the Market in 2017, Farmers Market gift certificates are available for purchase. They can be purchased for $5 and can be used at the vendors. Summer is in full swing at the farm stands. All summer fruit and many summer vegetables are coming into the market every week. Sample produce available includes all varieties of berries, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, melons, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, beans, beets, carrots, eggplant, onions, corn, sprouts, microgreens and more. A large selection of food items are also at the market on a weekly basis. They include breads, and multiple types of bakery items, pies and noodles, cheeses, eggs, butter, jams and jellies, local honey, olive oils and vinegars, beef, pork and chicken, salsas, pasta and barbecue sauces and Italian peppers, three different varieties of ready to eat tamales, pizza and pizza products, ready to bake pizza, pesto, and organic and vegan frozen vegetable patties, soups, desserts, coffee and lattes, peanuts and roasted cashews. Multiple varieties of maple syrup and syrup products are on hand. The vendors also have
Submitted photo
Summer is in full session at the Palos Heights Farmers Market with vegetables arriving at the market every week, along with a variety of fruit.
perennial and annual plants, herbs and fresh cut flowers. Finally, get ready for summer barbecues and parties are Pampered Chef. They have everything you will need. The market’s Facebook page will showcase all available produce at the start of the market day: www.Facebook.com/ PalosHeightsFarmersMarket. Shop in early for best selection.
Make sure to stop by the City Tent. This week’s recipe, courtesy of Dr. John Principe MD of WellbeingMD Center for Life, is “Summer Detox Salad.” This and some previous year’s recipes will be available. Previous year’s recipes can be found at www.wellbeingmd.com, or palosheights.org. This is the last opportunity while at the farmers market to
purchase split the pot tickets for the Classic Car event. Tickets are $5 each. The drawing will be on Thursday, July 20 at the Car Classic event. The winner need not be present. The market would like to thank this year’s Palos Heights Farmers Market sponsors. They include Dr. John Principe, MD of Wellbeing MD Center for Life; Palos
Health, The Private Bank, CNB Bank and Trust, United Trust Bank, Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, Running for Kicks, Golden Shoes and Camille’s Confections. Additional information about the market can be found at www. palosheights.org, or by emailing farmersmarket@palosheights. org. Residents can join them on Facebook or call (708) 361-1800.
10 The Reporter
CONSUMER NEWS
Thursday, July 13, 2017
COMINGS & GOINGS
Mickey’s is open, despite car crash
J
M
ickey’s Gyros in Palos Hills may look closed because of the giant plywood sheet covering half of the restaurant’s front end, but the business is open as usual. The wooden sheet is necessary because a driver hopped the curb earlier this month and crashed into the front window of the business at 10701 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills. “I think they were on the phone,” said an employee Tuesday, who asked to remain anonymous. NoBob body was seriously injured Bong in the crash, he said. The popular restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It features gyros, hamburgers and hot dogs on its menu. For more information, call (708) 9740880.
Chicago Ridge goes green, adds stores
A new “green” service and two retailers have opened at Chicago Ridge Mall. The mall is the first in the Midwest to offer Go EcoGreen Cleaning, an environmentally friendly car cleaner. This new service enhances the mall’s existing environmental initiatives that include two free charging stations for electric cars powered by Volta. Go EcoGreen Cleaning is now open on the west end of the parking lot between Aldi and Sears. Go EcoGreen Cleaning doesn’t use chemicals, detergents or water. Mall guests can drop off their car for a dry-steam cleaning while shopping and it will be ready for the drive home in about 20 minutes. “We’re happy to provide an eco-friendly car-cleaning service as well as free charging stations for electric cars,” said Steven Yee, mall general manager. “Go EcoGreen Cleaning’s tagline is, ‘You shop. We clean.’ Our customers can now drop off their car, enjoy exploring what our new retailers SIZE and J-Bees have to offer, and leave in a freshly cleaned vehicle.” The two new retailers, SIZE and JBees, are also now open at the mall. SIZE, located next to Yankee Candle,
Photo by Bob Bong
Mickey’s Gyros remains open in Palos Hills despite a run-in with an errant driver earlier this month.
offers shoppers the hottest brands in clothing, shoes and boots for the entire family from Adidas, Champion and PUMA to Timberland, Uggs and Vans. J-Bees, located next to Forever 21, brings its keen eye for fashion to the mall, offering compelling clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children with brands including SnapBack Hats, Nike, Creative Recreation, Crooks + Castle, Palladium, Caylor + Sons and more.
Meijer now offers delivery
The Michigan-based Meijer supermarket chain announced that it would offer storeto-door delivery service through Shipt as of July 13 in the Chicago and Rockford marketplaces. The chain operates stores in Evergreen Park, Orland Park, Flossmoor, Homer Glen and Mokena in the south suburbs. The retailer said the delivery service started in Detroit in September and is now available in six states and it has made more than 250,000 deliveries so far this year. “Our goal is to provide store-to-door convenience to as many of our customers as possible,” Art Sebastian, vice president of Digital Shopping for Meijer, said in a release. “We believe that the personalized service that Shipt offers, coupled with the freshness and wide selection our customers love about Meijer, is the perfect meld of online shopping and our brick and mortar locations. Whether you’re too
Lipinski gives small business a boost with amendments to research/grant program The Small Business Innovation expand a program that he was Research/Small Business Tech- originally able to create at the nology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Im- National Institutes of Health in provements Act of 2017 is moving the 2011 SBIR Reauthorization forward with new language from Bill. This program has resulted Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) aimed in the establishment of three comat increasing the success rate of mercialization hubs that have been successful in imnew innovative proving the comsmall businesses. These small mercialization rate The federal govof federal research ernment awards businesses are the funding, which has about $2.2 billion helped create new per year in re- economic engine small businesses search and devel- for our nation and and jobs around opment grants to these centers, small businesses we have to do all Lipinski said. through this com- we can to help Lipinski said his petitive program. amendment will With 11 participat- them so they can help expand the ing federal agen- produces the jobs number of these cies giving out types of successabout 145,000 that Americans ful centers around grants annually, need. the country and the program is — Cong. Dan Lipinski give small busithe largest source nesses across a of federal grant variety of sectors funding to small businesses and an essential com- more tools to help them prosper. Lipinski also worked with Conponent of the innovation ecosystem gressmen Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) that drives the U.S. economy. “The SBIR/STTR program and Brad Schneider (D-10th) to provides critical research and incorporate the Support Startup development funding to innova- Businesses Act into the SBIR tive small businesses to help them reauthorization, which would insucceed,” said Lipinski. “These crease the amount of grant fundsmall businesses are the economic ing that a small business can use engine for our nation and we have for technical assistance services to do all we can to help them so like market research, intellectual they can produce the jobs that property protection, and training Americans need. That is why this and education. Lipinski helped pass the SBIR/ reauthorization bill is so important and I’m happy to have worked to STTR Improvements Act of 2017 improve and move it forward.” in the Committee on Science, Lipinski was able to add an Space, and Technology and it amendment to the bill that would will now go to the House floor.
“
”
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – RESCHEDULED Worth Township Cook County, Illinois Notice is hereby given that the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance Hearing for the fiscal year beginning on April 1, 2017, and ending on March 31, 2017, originally scheduled for July 27, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. is rescheduled to July 20, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Worth Township Administrative Offices located at 11601 South Pulaski Road, Alsip, Illinois. Oral and written comments and testimony will be accepted at this hearing. Notice is further given that the tentative amended Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for Worth Township, Cook County, Illinois, is on file and available for inspection at the Worth Township Administrative Offices located at 11601 South Pulaski Road, Alsip, Illinois on or after June 16, 2017. Final action on this ordinance will be taken at the rescheduled Worth Township Board Meeting to be held on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Worth Township Town Hall, 11601 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip, Illinois, immediately following the conclusion of the Budget and Appropriations Hearing. Published this 6th day of July, 2017. Katherine A. Elwood Worth Township Clerk
busy or just have difficulty getting around a store, the ability to shop digitally and have it delivered when its most convenient provides a life-changing alternative to the way you’ve always shopped for our groceries.” Meijer said customers must sign up for Shipt memberships in order to have access to delivery. Memberships are available for an annual fee of $99 and members have access to free delivery on all orders over $35. For orders under $35, there is a $7 delivery fee. To sign up for Shipt and learn more about the service and availability, visit Shipt.com/Meijer. Here’s how it works: Using the Shipt smartphone app or placing orders from their computers or tablets, customers are able to access more than 55,000 items available at Meijer stores, note any preferences, choose a one-hour delivery window and pay for their order. Fresh produce, meat, dairy, as well as hard-to-carry items like pet food, diapers, and cleaning supplies can all be delivered to your door when it is convenient for you – as soon as one hour after the order is placed, or up to one day in advance. To celebrate the launch of Meijer home delivery in Chicago, Shipt is offering $25 off the first order to annual members who sign up prior to launch. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.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.
Evergreen Park
Flanagan James to Dean Thomas S Jr, 2849 W 100th St, $227,000; Chicago Single Family Opport Fund 1 LP to Meza Maria D, 8714 S Albany Ave, $151,000; Champion Mtg Co to Tucker Thomas E, 2815 W 91st St, $158,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Flores Maria Ester, 9443 S Springfield Ave, $179,00; Deutsche Bk Trust Co Amer Tr to Hernandez Antonio, 8817 S Utica Ave, $89,500; Shukstor Frank C to Brummel Jill, 9323 S Spaulding Ave, $173,000; Housing & Urban Development to King Brian Elliot, 2924 W 97th Pl, $122,500; Amplify Properties LLC to Estrada Benjamin, 3021 W 96th St, $242,500.
Hickory Hills
Ramzey D LLC to Pokhvalit Igor, 9118 W 93rd St, $273,000; Ociesielski Marek to Gheith Tariq, 8552 83rd Ct, $300,000; First Midwest Bk Tr to Carey Victoria A, 8800 W 89th St, $228,000; Midland Ira Inc to Epling Edwin, 8905 85th Ave, $211,500.
Oak Lawn
Tansey Jenna to Gallick Matthew, 4509 99th Pl, $226,500; Mundt David F to Smith Maurice, 9205 Karlov Ave, $310,000; Starcevich William T to Pantoja David L, 10005 Cook Ave, $172,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Brandt Michael, 4720 98th Pl, $193,000; Champion Mtg Co to Bidus Karen L, 10237 52nd Ave, $150,500; Kenealy Michael to Rimska Anna, 9721 S Keeler Ave, Unit #7203, $71,500; Wadhams Valerie A to Miller Edwin J, 5000 Wick Dr, $227,000; Zirino Mary C to Zambrano Joaquin, 5188 W 91st St, $220,000; Kingsguard Prop LLC to Page Victor L, 9008 51st Ave, $170,000; Gee Doris Tseung Tr to Velazquez
SUDOKU
Answers
Sergio, 10212 S Komensky Ave, $214,000; Wilmington Sav Fund Soc to Crowley Patrick, 5829 Lynwood Dr, $182,000; Grant Marion E to Munoz Elisa, 9611 Melvina Ave, $126,500; Fogu Salvatore to Kirk James, 10333 Kilpatrick Ave, $220,000; Molloy Robert F to Orejel Ignacio, 10725 Long Ave, $300,000; Vanvuren Jill to Smyth Kevin James, 9604 S Kildare Ave, $214,000; Burton Kathleen Trust to Simental Michael T Tr, 9633 Kilbourn Ave, $213,000; Carrillo Peter Jr to Variciuc Filip, 10311 Austin Ave, Unit #12, $63,000 Sutula Anna to Skrabacz Miroslawa, 5721 W 103rd St, Unit #303, $46,000; Marquette Bk Tr to Yusuf Osama, 10417 51st Ct, $245,000; Minnick Michelle to Genesis Grp Serv Co, 10214 Kolin Ave, $185,000; Rojewski Andrzej to Paplawskas Paul, 7028 96th St, $210,000; Hammersmark Ruth to Rodriguez John, 6211 W 94th St, Unit #62112NE, $130,000; Rincon Moises D to GVH Holdings LLC, 10112 S Kenton Ave, $121,500.
Palos Hills
Connor Kristina to Elhoumaidi Loubna, 9188 South Rd, Unit #9188B, $158,000; Bayer Vera to Nawrocki Marek, 9171 Del Prado Dr, Unit #91711E, $151,000; Bishop Barbara Tr to Mazurek Donald C, 11036 Theresa Cir, Unit #2B, $153,000; Bodziuch Marcin to Likas Dean, 8109 W 98th St, $500,000; Elhoumaidi Loubna to Petrov Valeriy O, 11132 S 84th Ave, Unit #111321A, $66,000; Keggle Gloria J to Yuhas Anthony J Tr, 9086 Del Prado Dr, Unit #90861W, $155,000; Smith Seth J to Kopec Thomas, 8905 W 101st Pl, $307,500.
Worth
Wells Fargo Bk to Gronski Krzysztof, 7249 W 113th Pl, $104,000; Mcgivney Ashley to Doeslaere Amanda M, 11319 S Normandy Ave, $167,500; Worts Barbara J Tr to Salem Khaled, 7249 W 108th Pl, $195,000.
CROSSWORD
Answers
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
self-employed with no uly is Independent employees, you may Retailer Month. want to consider a SEP As you know, IRA. You’ll fund the local stores bring plan with tax-deductible vitality, creativity and contributions, and you economic growth to must cover all eligible their communities, so employees. As an emit’s worth celebrating ployer, you can conthose “mom and pop” tribute the lesser of 25 shops. But they aren’t Scott percent of your comthe only entrepreneurs Johnson pensation (if you’re also in the country – about an employee of your 10 percent of workers own business) or $54,000. in the U.S. are self-employed, • Solo defined benefit plan: according to the U.S. Bureau Pension plans, also known as of Labor Statistics. If you’re thinking of joining these ranks, defined benefit plans, are still around — and you can set you may want to prepare yourone up for yourself if you’re self financially. For one thing, you may need self-employed or own your own business. This plan has to pay more in taxes, dependhigh contribution limits, which ing on your income. Selfare determined by an actuarial employed individuals typically calculation, and, as is the case have to pay twice the amount with other retirement plans, in Social Security and Medicare taxes because they have to your contributions are typically tax-deductible. cover the portion that employ• SIMPLE IRA: A SIMPLE ers normally pay. IRA, as its name suggests, is Also, unless you’re fortunate easy to set up and maintain, enough to have a spouse who and it can be a good plan if can put you on their employeryour business has fewer than based health insurance, you’ll 10 employees. need to find your own, at least Although planning for your until you’re eligible for Medicare. retirement is important, you Furthermore, you will need also need to prepare for unanto take charge of your own retirement savings. Fortunately, ticipated short-term expenses, such as a major car repair or a several retirement plans are new furnace. While everyone available to the self-employed. These plans typically offer tax- should be ready to meet these needs, it’s especially important deferred growth potential and if you’re self-employed and tax-deductible contributions. have a variable income. So, Here are a few options to work to build an emergency consider: fund containing three to six • Owner-only 401(k): This months’ worth of living explan, which is also known as penses, with the money kept in an individual 401(k), is availa liquid, low-risk account. able to self-employed individuYou may find self-employals and business owners with ment to be quite rewarding — no full-time employees other but you’ll likely enjoy it even than themselves or a spouse. more if you make the right For 2017, you can put in up financial moves. to 25 percent of your annual income as an “employer” conScott Johnson, CFP, is a tribution, and you can defer up to $18,000 (or $24,000 if you’re financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos 50 or older). The sum of your employer contribution and your Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal salary deferrals cannot exceed advice. This article was writ$54,000, or $60,000 if you’re ten by Edward Jones for use 50 or older. by your local Edward Jones • SEP IRA: If you have financial advisor. just a few employees or are
Burke’s measure to expand tax credits to lower small business fees passes House State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) said she supports major economic reforms to crack down on corporations that ship jobs out of state, and to reduce fees for small businesses and encourage companies to hire Illinois students. “The governor has repeatedly stated he wants to improve Illinois’ business climate and my measure does just that by lowering fees, expanding tax credits, and encouraging companies to create jobs here in our community,” Burke said before the budget override last Thursday. “Gov. Rauner’s proposals to slash the rights of workers just to boost the profits of large corporations does nothing to improve the lives of our residents. These reforms will truly create a better Illinois for everyone, not just the very wealthy.” House Bill 160 is a comprehensive package of economic reforms that includes ideas from both sides of the aisle. The legislation is designed to reduce the fees to open small businesses, expands
tax credits for struggling families, and encourages job growth by creating tax incentives for companies who hire new workers. Burke said her measure also encourages companies to create paid internship programs for Illinois students and to hire Illinois college graduates by creating a credit that would cover 10 percent of either the stipend or salary paid of up to five college students and five new college graduates. Her bill also cracks down on corporations that ship jobs out of state by forcing outsourcers to pay back every dime they’ve received from Illinois taxpayers. “There have been far too many times where companies receive financial bailouts from taxpayers, just to turn around and leave the state,” Burke said. “These reforms guarantee that taxpayer dollars will never go to companies who ship jobs out of Illinois and instead will help Illinois college graduates find jobs and stay in state.”
Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of July 10) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 30-year fi ed Jumbo
RATES 4.000 3.250 4.125
United Trust Bank (as of July 10) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 10-year fi ed
RATES 4.060 3.375 3.250
Prospect Savings Bank (as of July 11) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed
RATES 3.875 3.625 3.125
APR 4.035 3.305 4.170
POINTS 0 0 0
APR 4.081 3.411 3.303
POINTS 0 0 0
APR 3.988 3.781 3.323
POINTS .25 .25 .25
CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of July 11) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed
RATES 4.125 3.875 3.375
All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.
SCHOOL NEWS
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Sofia Gomez, who will serve as student commander of Bulldog Company for 2017-2018, receives the Military Officers Association of America Medal for Military and Scholastic Excellence at the U.S. Navy JROTC honors ceremony at Richards High School.
The Reporter
11
Submitted photos
U.S. Navy JROTC students serving in the color guard detail present colors at the awards ceremony at Richards High School.
Richards JROTC closes year with awards ceremony With parents, grandparents, and other family members watching, the U.S. Navy Junior ROTC program at Richards High School closed the 2016-17 school year with its annual awards ceremony and change of command. Commander (ret.) Douglas Groters and Chief Petty Officer (ret.) Dennis Reynolds, who manage JROTC at Richards, hosted the ceremony and presented the awards. Students who won Aptitude Awards for best overall military knowledge and uniform inspection were Kathy Magana and Victoria Fasano. Cadets Terrell Dixon and Fasano earned American Legion Awards for Athletic Excellence for the highest physical training test scores. Fatima Murillo earned the American Legion Award for Military Excellence. Sofia Gomez was the recipient of the Military Officers Association of America Medal for Military and Scholastic Excellence. Also receiving honors were Cadet Kay Mei, Surface Navy Association Award, Magana,
Students from Bulldog Company, the U.S. Navy JROTC program at Richards High School, stand at attention as the color guard detail enters the gymnasium for the ceremony.
Daughters of the American Revolution Award; Samantha Caldera, Veterans of Foreign Wars Medal; Matthew Reinhart,
Sojourners Medal; Mia Silva, Military Order of World Wars Medal; and Delilah Caldera, Daedalians Award.
Richards JROTC members who also received honors were Symone Johnson, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Ramon
Ajasa, Sons of the American Revolution Award; Maria Johnson, Navy League Award for Most Improved; Ethan Gallant,
Non-Commissioned Officers Association Medal; Kenny Pham, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Medal; and Jessica Schaal, Surface Navy Association First-Year Case Award. Students who also earned honors were Feben Ruscitti, Celebrate Freedom Foundation Ribbon; Luis Gabriel-Melendez, Association of the United States Navy Patriots Award; and Fasano, Schaal, Stephanie Nelson, Fabian EscobarGamora, Pham, Angel GabrielMelendez, Mohammed Judeh, Odeh Odeh, Elizabeth Schuster, Liam Brennan, Makiah Brooks, Emerita Davila, Nicholas BrunoLind and Logan Evans, American Veterans Award for Excellence. Senior Patrick Fox received an honor ribbon for having the highest cumulative grade point average. Also earning honor ribbons were Katelyn Deppe, Paul Youssef and Fasano. Distinguished Cadet Ribbons were presented to Allison Lively, Mei, Magana and Schaal. Next year, senior Sofia Gomez will serve as student commander for Bulldog Company.
Marquette Bank awards 57 scholarships to local students
Submitted photo
The Marquette Bank Education Foundation awarded 57 scholarships of $2,500 to local graduating high school seniors. The scholarship program celebrated its 51st anniversary in 2017. Since the program began, more than $3.1 million in scholarships has been awarded to over 1,600 students from Chicago and south suburban neighborhoods.
Marquette Bank continued its 51-year tradition of awarding scholarships to local graduating seniors. This year, the Marquette Bank Education Foundation awarded individual scholarships of $2,500 to 57 graduating seniors. “As a neighborhood bank it is important to us to invest in the education of local students. All of this year’s scholarship recipients have shown a commitment to serve their community and have excelled academically,” said George Moncada, president and CEO of Marquette Bank. Since the scholarship program began during the 1966-1967 school year, more than $3.1 million has been awarded to over 1,600 high school seniors. The scholarship can be used for any post-secondary education program, including four-year universities, community colleges and vocational training schools. The scholarship program is funded by the Marquette Bank Education Foundation (MBEF) and scholarships were awarded to students cho-
sen by their school’s guidance counselors and principals. Local students who have received honors were Raul Andrade, a graduate of Brother Ricer High School who plans to attend DePaul University; Danielle Spell, a graduate of Mother McAuley High School who will attend Creighton University; Evergreen Park resident Debra Tracey, who graduated from Evergreen Park High School and who will attend Xavier University of Louisiana; and Oak Lawn residents Piotr Galas, who attended Oak Lawn Community High School and will attend Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, and Nour Saleh, a Richards High School graduate who will be attending the University of Chicago; and Palos Hills resident Malake Alazmah, a graduate of Stagg High School who will be attending University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information on the Marquette Neighborhood Commitment or scholarship program, call (888) 254-9500.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
OAK LAWN
Donate books, magazines, CDs
Residents can donate ”gently used” books, magazines, CDs and videos to the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library’s Ongoing Book Sale at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Due to space limitations, the Friends will not accept Readers Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias and older text books. The donation drop-off area is near the library’s Cook Avenue entrance. Interested parties may fill out a short form at the customer services desk to receive a tax letter by mail that acknowledges their donation. The Friends Ongoing Book Sale provides an ever-changing variety of books, magazines and other forms of media at bargain prices. Hardcover books cost 50 cents each, paperbacks are 25 cents and magazines cost 10 cents each. Audio visual items are priced as indicated. Funds collected from the book sale support library programming and purchases that are beyond their regular budget.
Volunteers sought to work in the Friends Bookstore
The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library is accepting applications for bookstore volunteers, which consists of sorting book donations and stocking the store at the library. One four-hour shift per week is required. Volunteer forms are available at the Customer Services Desk on the first floor of the library. For more information, call Carole Onwiler at (708) 422-8646.
Kids can read, discuss comics
Kids Read Comics for ages 9 to 11 will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18 at the Oak Lawn Library. Registration has begun. The program is designed to allow new friends to read and talk about graphic novels. Visitors can sign up to receive a free copy of the selected book.
Movie series features ‘Fences’
The “Reel Book” Movie Series continues with
the presentations of the 2016 film “Fences” at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 24 at the Oak Lawn Library. The free movie is about Troy Maxson, who once dreamed of a baseball career but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players. His lost dream of glory begins to eat away at him, causing him to make a decision that threatens to tear his family apart. The movie stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs 139 minutes.
or visit www.olp.org.
Sample ‘Wines Around the World’
Make and Take Craft Night for adults will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Oak Lawn Library. The program, part of the “Build a Better World” series, allows participants to make a craft to donate to others. All levels of creativity are welcome. All materials will be provided. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The class will be limited to 20. Register online at www.olpl.org or call (708) 422-4990. Residents can also sign up in person at the library.
Adults can attend the “Wines Around the World” event beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, July 21 at the Oak Lawn Library. Parents can drop off their children and take part in an hour of games. Adults can stop in to sample some wines from around the works.
Game Hour for youths
Game Hour will be held for kids ages 8 and up from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 21 at the Oak Lawn Library. Youths can enjoy playing games or relax with a variety of coloring projects. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990.
Teens can program a robot
The Steam Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at the Oak Lawn Library. The event for high school students will take place in the Teen Room. Teens will be able to tinker with the supplies in the MakerSpace. Participants will design a vinyl decal, program a robot, and explore virtual reality. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.
Extra Life Gaming Fest
The Extra Life Gaming Fest will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 22 in the lower level meeting rooms at the Oak Lawn Library. Participants can play some video games and raise money for the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Registration is required. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990
‘The Angry Birds Movie’
The Family Movie presentation will be the 2016 film “The Angry Birds Movie” beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 28 at the Oak Lawn Library. When an island full of happy birds is invaded by green piggies, it is up to three friends to find out what they are up to. The movie is rated PG and runs 97 minutes. The movie is free.
Make crafts to donate to others
After Hours Teen Library Lock-In
The After Hours Teen Library Lock-In will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Oak Lawn Library. High school students will get locked in after hours at the library. Participants can run around the library during a life-size game of Pac-Man, and skype with teens across the country. Teens can also play board games. Registration is limited to 25 students. Registration can be made by calling (708) 4224990 or at www/olpl.org.
PALOS HILLS
Green Hills Library to take part in National Night Out
Green Hills Library will take part in National Night Out, which will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Town Square Park, 8500 W. 103rd St., Palos Hills.
The Palos Community Resource Recreation Department, the Palos Hills Police Department and the North Palos Fire Department are also partnering in the event. National Night Out is a nationwide campaign to encourage community engagement and build closer police-community partnerships. A family concert with singer Dave Rudolf will be held. Also on hand at the event will be a balloon artist, a face painter and other activities.
Lego Club will gather
The Lego Club will gather at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at the Green Hills Library. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will participate. Library staff members will supply the Legos. The kids will supply the imagination and building skills. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.
Participants can ‘break out’ of library
“Breakout: Escape from the Library,” a Harry Potter-themed team escape challenge, will be held in several separate sessions on Thursday, Aug. 3 at the Green Hills Library. The program is for kids ages 10 to 17. Kids can register for one session. The programs will be held from 5 to 5:40 p.m., 6 to 6:40 p.m. or 7 to 7:40 p.m. Participants will work with their group to find hidden clues, solve puzzles, and use their knowledge to break out before the time runs out. Teams who successfully complete the challenge will win prizes. Registration is limited to 20 per session. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.
WORTH
Adult Summer Reading Program
The Worth Public Library Adult Summer Reading Program has begun at the library, 6917 W. 111th St. Worth patrons can pick up a book log at the circulation desk or at the adult services desk. Each patron will receive one entry for the prize drawing for each book read or audiobook listened to. The book logs must be returned by Saturday, July 29. The drawing will be held on Monday, July 31.
12 The Reporter
SCHOOL NEWS
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Marist High School selects new dean of underclassmen Tom Gouterman will become the new academic dean of underclassmen beginning with the 2017-18 year at Marist High School.
Gouterman has worked at Marist for six years, serving as a science instructor, coordinator of academic mentoring, and summer school principal. He has also
coached within the wrestling and track programs. “Tom brings a great energy to the role and has established strong relationships with teachers
and students,” said Larry Tucker, Class of 1979 and Marist High School principal. Gouterman received his bachelor degree in chemistry from
un-retire
Kalamazoo College in role as an academic menMichigan and a master tor for our students and of education in teachto support our faculty in ing and special educaproviding the best education from National Louis tion possible.” University. Before comThe academic dean ing to Marist, he taught oversees course schedfor Chicago Public uling, grade reporting, Schools. and provides leadership Gouterman “Working with the in the areas of curriculum majority of the Marist student and instruction. The dean works body as a teacher and academic closely with the administrative mentor brought me great joy and team, department chairs, and fulfillment,” Gouterman said. “I guidance department to ensure look forward to continuing my student success.
Oak Lawn resident will travel to China thanks to NIU program Madison Geraghty, a resident of Oak Lawn, is traveling this summer to China thanks to Northern Illinois University College of Education’s inaugural Educate Global Program. Geraghty, a special education major, will teach English as a foreign language to summer campers at the Beijing Royal School from early July through mid-August. Young campers at the Beijing Royal School will learn conver-
Beach Party FRIDAY, JULY 21ST FROM 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM We are gearing up for our annual beach party! Come out for an afternoon of musical enjoyment of a live steel drum band, food and fun for the whole family!
CALL 773-432-4050 TO JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENT!
A SSIST ED L I V ING | IN DEPEN DEN T L I V ING 6700 S. K E AT ING | CHIC AGO, IL 60629 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM
BAHA AUTO GROUP
sational English through exploring fairy tales, emotions and the similarities and differences between the United States and China. Teenage campers will develop their English through examining aspects of American culture, including American movies and television shows. NIU’s Educate Global covers a package that includes roundtrip airfare, room and board and cultural tours.
Marist math teacher works on manual that aids in the instruction of calculus Owen Glennon, a math teacher worked with many great people at Marist High School, initially from across the country, he said. was an advisor but his role had The textbook is available for the been extended to become a 2017-18 school year. member of the content “The successes, inadvisory board and resights, challenges and sources team for the textmistakes that I’ve seen book Calculus for the AP from Marist calculus course published by Bedstudents all helped me ford, Freeman & Worth. to prepare my soluGlennon went from tions, explanations and consultant to work on videos,” Glennon said. the Teacher’s Solutions “I did specifically seek Manual, which offers the input of my current Glennon solutions and advice calculus students, speon some approaches to cifically the math team problems and addressing issues seniors. It was a marketing note that Advanced Placement (AP) that the publisher felt valuable calculus teachers face. to be able to say that the Marist “I believe that I have over 500 students had input on the text. It pages of submitted solutions,” has been interesting to hear from Glennon explained. “At this time math professors, publisher repreI’m working up 65 videos of AP sentatives, and Dr. Sullivan (one Calculus problems on the iPad of the authors) of the outstandusing Explain Everything soft- ing reputation that our Marist AP ware. The videos are currently students have outside of Marist.” being reviewed by math professors Glennon has taught at Marist and AP Calculus graders. Once for more than 40 years. In 2015, done, they will be available to AP he rode his bike 1,000 miles from Calculus students and teachers.” New York to Chicago to raise Glennon said he found the pro- scholarship money for deserving cess a bit intimidating and hum- Marist students. He also coaches bling because of the magnitude the school’s math team, which is of the project, but learned a lot the number one Catholic school about publishing textbooks and team in the state.
Youth summer sports camps offered at MVCC Registration is still open for Moraine Valley Community College’s youth summer sports camps for boys and girls looking to improve their tennis or volleyball skills. The volleyball camp for girls and boys entering fifth through ninth grades will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 20. Lauren Lorenz, the women’s volleyball coach at Moraine Valley, is leading the camp. The tennis camp is for girls and boys entering fifth through ninth grades from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 17 to July 20. Robert Gates, the
men’s and women’s tennis coach at Moraine, is instructing the camp. The cost for each camp is $80. The tennis camp will be held on the outdoor courts on campus while the volleyball camp will be held in the Health, Fitness and Recreation Center gymnasium (Building H), 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Participants must register through Moraine Valley’s Athletics Department. For more information, call the Athletics Department at (708) 974-5727 or visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics/ overview/summer-camps/.
Finest pre-owned vehicles in Illinois
AT BAHA AUTO you will receive full customer service, competitive prices and fully detailed/ inspected vehicles.
Strike up the band
Photos by Joe Boyle
Members of the Richards High School Band entertain the large crowd that attended the Fourth of July Parade along 95th Street in Oak Lawn.
Several financing options are available for all credit needs and situations
OUR NEW LOCATION IS NOW OPEN AT 11001 Southwest HW | Palos Hills, IL 60465 708-888-7272 | www.bahaauto.com 4257 W North Ave. | Chicago, IL 773-278-7654
8059 S Harlem Ave. | Burbank, IL Marist to host Disability Day 708-529-7791 A Marist student holds up a sign indicating that the second annual
Hours Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm | Sunday: Closed
Disability Day will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15 at Marist High School, 4200 W. 1115th St., Chicago. Marist students were marching in the annual Fourth of July Parade in Oak Lawn.
SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter
Ken Karrson, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jeff Vorva, Sports Editor • sports@regionalpublishing.com
Southwest Section Southwest • Section•2, Page 1 2, Page 1
Thursday, July 5, 13,2015 2017 Thursday, March
Get ready for big changes in Catholic League CCL FOOTBALL DIVISIONS 2017-18 BLUE Brother Rice Mt. Carmel St. Rita Providence Catholic Loyola Academy GREEN Marmion Academy De La Salle Montini Fenwick Wheaton St. Francis RED Chicago Hope Academy DePaul Leo St. Joseph WHITE Aurora Christian St. Laurence St. Ignatius Bishop McNamara
2018-19 BLUE Brother Rice St. Rita Providence Catholic Loyola Academy Montini GREEN Mt. Carmel De La Salle St. Laurence Fenwick Marmion RED Chicago Hope Academy DePaul Leo St. Ignatius St. Joseph
By Frank Gogola Correspondent
Chicago Catholic League football will have a new look in 2018 with Blue division mainstay Mount Carmel moving down to the Green division. The realignment of the CCL football conference came as a result of the scheduled departures of three schools (Bishop McNamara, Wheaton St. Francis and football-only member Aurora Christian) in the 2018-19 school year. That loss also affects other sports, with changes to the number of divisions or number of teams in a division yet to be discussed among the coaches, athletic directors and principals. Southwest Regional Publishing area teams affected by the football reorganization include De La Salle, St. Rita, Mount Carmel, Saint Laurence and Brother Rice. Mount Carmel will face St. Laurence, which qualified for state the past three years and finished in the Class 5A and 6A state semifinals the past two seasons respectively, on a regular basis as the Caravan moves to the Green. De La Salle, Fenwick and Marmion are the other Green teams, with Montini moving up to the Blue. “Either Montini or Mount Carmel, neither is an easy opponent,” said St. Laurence athletic director Tim Chandler. “After the success we had, we were ready to take on a more challenging schedule. One team doesn’t change our schedule, but overall it’s tougher top to bottom.” Brother Rice and Mount Carmel had been Blue schools since 2003 — along with Loyola, Providence and St. Rita — and have a rivalry stretching back even further. Montini, which will replace Mount Carmel, beat the Caravan in 2016, so there’s little to no relief in the Blue schedule. Still, Mt. Carmel is the team with the tradition and a team that everyone wants to knock off. “It’s a shame,” said Brother Rice coach Brian Badke. “Not having that rivalry… you’re breaking some traditions. Ri-
Photo by Aaron FitzPatrick
Brother Rice football fans went wild after a 49-42 victory over Mt. Carmel in a Chicago Catholic League Blue game last September. Mt. Carmel will be moved to the Green division starting in 2018 and the future of that game is up in the air.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Photo by Jeff Vorva St. Laurence’s Matt McCormick and his team and Brother Rice’s baseball team will be Catholic League basketball will have no postseason tournament and will feature two nine-team leagues scrambling to fill their schedules in 2018- in 2017-18 and a league with nine teams and another with seven in 2018-19. Pictured, St. Laurence’s Tom 19 after changes voted by the CCL bosses. Molloy (left) and Brother Rice’s Brendan Coghlan collided in a game in a February game.
valries with Aurora Christian or Montini, we’re never going to have that. Montini is a very good program. So, still, every game in the CCL is like a playoff game.” The approved parity formula to determine divisions was 70
percent for CCL wins with added weight for wins against Blue teams, 15 percent for male enrollment and 15 percent for number of football players across all levels. Travel has been eliminated from conversations of making
divisions. Realignment will be reviewed every two years. The loss of Bishop McNamara, St. Francis and football-only member Aurora Christian to the Metro Suburban Conference in 2018-19 will drop the number
of football teams from 18 to 15. There will be three divisions of five teams each. The Blue coaches were interested in spreading the Blue See CCL, Page 2
Wood taken aback by Frontier League All-Star nod By Jeff Vorva
“I must have
Sports Editor
Some professional baseball scouts have little use for statistics. They prefer to use the eye test for makeup of a player and to see how fundamentally sound a player can be. How smart is a hitter in certain counts? What is his approach? Can he adjust? Does he try to hit to the opposite field instead of pull the ball all the time? It appears those who selected the All-Star teams in the Frontier League might have a similar philosophy. St. Laurence graduate Kyle Wood, a first baseman for the Windy City ThunderBolts, did not put up gaudy numbers this season. Heading into this week’s action, he was hitting .276 with four homers and 20 RBI. All-Star numbers? Hmmmm. Wood, an Orland Park native, said he was not expecting to get the call from T-Bolts manager Ron Biga that he made the East Division squad of the All-Star Game, which was scheduled to take place Wednesday night at Silver Cross Field in Joliet.
impressed enough people. I don’t know how... but I’ll take it.” — Windy City’s Kyle Wood
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Kyle Wood, a St. Laurence graduate and Orland Park native, was named to the East Division All-Star team in the Frontier League.
“I was surprised,” he said. “I didn’t think I had the numbers. But I must have impressed someone. I must have
impressed enough people. I don’t know how…but I’ll take it.’’ Two of his four home runs came at
Silver Cross Field. Windy City catcher Larry Balkwill was selected as a starter while Wood and pitchers Scott Kuzminsky and Brian Loconsole were named as reserves. All four are making their All-Star debuts. Wood is playing his first full season with Windy City. Last year, he graduated from Purdue and was not drafted by a major league club, so he quickly went the independent route. He played 45 games and hit .246 with three homers and 23 RBI. This season, he had three hits in two games, drove in three runs in two games and had a two-homer game against Joliet on June 23. He’s also had two five-game hitting streaks.
“There are better weeks than others and there was a stretch in which I struggled,” he said. “But I feel I’m more consistent than last year.’’ He is eighth in the Frontier with a .419 on-base percentage thanks in part to 27 walks and a getting hit by a pitch a league-leading 11 times. Most of the times he was plunked stung, but one pitch hit his wrist, and that kept him out a couple of games, and another hit him squarely in the nose. “Pitchers must not like me,” he joked. “Pitchers try to throw me inside and if they are going to miss, they are going to miss way inside. They’ve missed way inside more than they’ve wanted to. I’m kind of stubborn. I don’t get out of the way.’’ The ThunderBolts entered the break with a 28-22 mark and had won eight of their last 10. The Crestwood-based team is tied for second in the East with the Washington Wild Things. Both teams are six games behind Schaumburg. Windy City opens the second part of the season Friday at Washington.
Residential Loans Made Easy Financing the home of your dreams should be a pain-free process. We’re here to walk you through every step! We offer the following programs for residential mortgages:
• Fixed Rate Loans • Adjustable Rate Loans
• Balloon Loans • Interest Only Loans
Contact John Hyland, President; Kenneth Shapiro; or Robert Hoholik today! 12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 • (708) 728-9900 • Fax (708) 728-9270 • UTBHome.com
2
Section 2 Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Regional News - The Reporter
He hates to miss
Photos by Jeff Vorva
Chicago Fire star Nemanja Nikolic is leading Major League Soccer with 16 goals and he usually rejoices and celebrates after each goal. But when he misses, there is plenty of agony and misery to be found. These four photos of him came after one miss against Orlando City in late June.
CHICAGO FIRE 11-3-5 AT THE BREAK
Fire sharing the top of the MSL mountain By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
For a few delirious days, the Chicago Fire was the No. 1 team in Major League Soccer after beating Vancouver 4-0 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview on July 1. But four days later, the Fire was involved with a 1-1 tie at Portland while Toronto beat Orlando City 3-1 on the same evening. As the league shuts down until July 19 for the CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played out, the Fire and Toronto both own 11-3-5 marks, good for 38 points each. They are both on top of the Eastern Conference, well ahead of New York City FC (33 points). No one in the West has more than 31 points. The Fire has an 11-match unbeaten string since a 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls April 29. Greedy fans might be bemoaning a lost opportunity in Portland,
especially when Brandon Vincent energized the team with his first career MLS goal at the 61-minute mark to give the Fire a 2-1 lead. Portland (7-7-6) spoiled the party when Sebastian Blanco scored in the 70th minute. Fire coach Veljko Paunovic wasn’t crushed by the lost opportunity for three points. “The game was fantastic and the guys showed fantastic character coming back from the initial lead that Portland had before even (going on to) take the lead on our side,’’ the second-year boss said. “In the end, unfortunately, we dropped two points, but it was a tough game. “Fantastic opponent… great crowd … great atmosphere. These kinds of games are very helpful for our team to grow and especially when we get a point on the road. We’re obviously not happy with just a point, but we are excited about the character and the way the team played today.”
The coach was also happy second-year defenseman Vincent was able to be the cause of a celebration with his goal. “It’s a huge achievement for him. (I’m) very happy for him,’’ Paunovic said. “He was working very hard for this and he deserves it for sure. (It was a) great goal by the way, and a great combination by our team. Congrats to him and, again, we have to continue and work for after the break even stronger and even better.” “It’s an amazing feeling – hard to describe,’’ Vincent said. “I think it’s just a culmination of a lot of hard work, and having guys out there to celebrate with is amazing.” The team played without star Bastian Schweinsteiger, who missed the game after injuring his hip in the Vancouver game. He is planning on returning for the July Photo by Jeff Vorva 22 road game against New York Brandon Vincent scored his first MLS goal on a City FC. 2-2 draw at Portland July 5.
FIRE NOTEBOOK
Call it a non-touching gesture by Nikolic Fire star has goal taken away after admitting he didn’t make contact with ball By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
In the first half of the Chicago Fire’s 2-2 tie at Portland, it appeared that Nemajna Nikolic added to his Major League Soccer-best goal total with No. 17. But at halftime he admitted on a TV broadcast that he didn’t touch Arturo Alvarez’s shot from the right wing. On first glance, it appeared Nikolic made contact in an effort to redirect the ball. But even though he didn’t touch the ball, it found its way past goalie Jake Gleeson to knot the game at 1-1 in the 34th minute. It was Alvarez’s third goal of the season. “Well if (Nikolic) didn’t touch the ball, it’s my goal,’’ Alvarez said after the game. “Obviously, it was a cross. I saw Niko making that near post run and he said he didn’t touch it. I don’t think he did, but if he didn’t, I’ll take it. Either way, it went in and I’m there to put in dangerous crosses and make things happen. I’m glad it went in.” “I thought (Alvarez) did a fantastic
job for the team,’’ Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said of his goal and assist to Brandon Vincent in the second half. “It’s recognition for him because it was hard for him when he was (receiving less playing time). The team obviously played well and he was waiting for his opportunity. In the last month actually, he had an opportunity to play first in the Open Cup and have an important game. Then his game in our last match — against Vancouver — where he (was) fantastic. Today he (was) fantastic again. I think he scored that goal, but it doesn’t matter. He’s scoring goals for the team and that’s what’s important.”
Two Fire players on All-Star team… so far Major League Soccer announced Friday that the Fire’s Nikolic and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been named to the 2017 MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target. The MLS team will take on Real Madrid at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Soldier Field. More players from the Fire figure to
be named soon. Nikolic currently leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 16 goals, four ahead of his closest competitor. The Serbian-born Designated Player additionally leads the league with four multi-goal games. A Hungarian international, Nikolic was named MLS Player of the Week for weeks seven and 18, and Player of the Month in May. Signed on March 21, Schweinsteiger has scored two goals and added five assists in 15 matches thus far this season. The German World Cup champion took part in the 2014 MLS All-Star game while with Bayern Munich.
Toyota Park thrown a bone Toyota Park in Bridgeview is the Fire’s home field, but Major League Soccer announced in the winter that it would host its All-Star game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Aug.2. Toyota Park, however, was thrown a bone as it will host the MLS Homegrown team vs. Chivas Under-20 at 7
p.m. Aug. 1. MLS legend Brian McBride will coach the MLS team and he will be assisted by former MLS MVP Mike Magee. It will Face Liga MX club Chivas de Guadalajara’s Under-20 team. For the second consecutive year, the MLS Homegrown Game will be broadcast live on national television on UDN. Tickets, starting at $10, may be purchased on Ticketmaster.com and include entrance to two events during 2017 MLS All-Star Chicago: the MLS Homegrown Game as well as the Generation adidas ESP Showcase Match being held immediately prior at 5 p.m. CT at Toyota Park.
A rare deficit When Portland took a 1-0 lead over the Fire in the 24th minute, it marked the first time the Fire had trailed since the team’s April 29 match at the New York Red Bulls. That streak of 924 minutes without trailing is a club record, breaking the previous streak of 543 minutes, set from June 28 to Aug 9, 2008.
RED STARS 0, BOSTON 0
Red Stars’ whirlwind: Tie, tied and then untied
By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
When the Chicago Red Stars played to a scoreless tie with Boston on the road Friday night, they gained a point and were tied with North Carolina atop the National Women’s Soccer League standings with 24 points each. That lasted about 24 hours. The next night, North Carolina untied things with a 2-0 victory over Seattle
CCL
Continued from Page 1 teams across two separate divisions to give those teams better chances to make the playoffs, Badke and Chandler said. Several coaches were in favor of North and South divisions, Badke said. The athletic directors, who were the voters, and principals wanted to keep the Blue schools together. “The majority of the room felt the model the Blue coaches were pushing for was not parity,” Chandler said. “To just split up the Blue division was not putting our best teams in that division, which was the point of the parity model.” Mount Carmel had the option to pe-
and earned three points to stay ahead of the Red Stars. This could have been a great chance for the Red Stars to earn three points on the road against a team that is tied for eighth in the 10-team league but they couldn’t get its offense going. Christen Press’s apparent second-half goal was disallowed because of an offside call. The defense and goalie Alyssa Naeher notched their second straight shutout. The Red Stars (7-3-3) close out their four-game
tition to move back up to the Blue, but declined to do so. A potential factor in that decision could be that the past four years have been Mount Carmel’s four lowest enrollments totals in the multiplier era, which began in 2005. The 2017 enrollment will be the lowest.
In other CCL sports… Earlier this year, there were CCL changes in basketball announced for the coming season, The athletic directors voted in the winter to realign basketball on a parity model for 2017-18 and 2018-19 and to end the CCL tournament after four years. There will be two nine-team divisions, but with St. Francis and Bishop McNamara leaving in 2018, the divi-
road trip on Saturday against Sky Blue FC (7-6-1). The team has not released any official statement on Japanese star Yuki Nagasato whom they signed in May and has been injured and sent back to Japan to heal. She had tweeted last week that she’s back in Chicago and has been working out and enjoying the city. Fans are hoping she can return either for the Sky Blue game or when the team returns home July 22 for a 2:30 p.m. game against Orlando at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.
sions will be unbalanced at nine and seven teams. “We’ll play the first year that was agreed to and in place because St. Francis and Bishop Mac will still be here” Chandler said. “With them leaving at 2018, we’re going to have to come up with a new schedule this year to be in effect for 2018. They could talk and decide let’s just leave it as it is for one year.” CCL baseball teams will need to fill more non-conference games with an approved schedule for 2017-18 and 2018-19 that lessens the number of conference games. Blue teams will play 16 conference games instead of 21, Chandler said. They’ll play every Blue team twice and only two total crossovers instead
of one crossover with every White team. Chandler said he voted against the reduction of crossovers, which leaves St. Laurence (a team that took third in the state in Class 4A in the spring) with 19 non-conference games to fill. Soccer will be in the second year of an approved schedule for the 201718 school year. A schedule for 201819 and 2019-20 seasons had already been approved for four divisions of four teams, but there will be 14 teams instead of 16 starting in 2018-19 with St. Francis and Bishop McNamara’s departure. “That’s going to have to change with losing two teams,” Chandler said. “I haven’t seen any models for that yet.”
Area golfers hope for a breakthrough
F
or longer than the laws of probability should allow, this area, rich in golf courses, has had a dire dearth of quality players. Not the guys who can suddenly improve by four strokes when five bucks is on the line. Not the kids who hammer it 300 yards on the range and then are farther in the woods than Robin Hood for the majority of 18 holes. Not the oldsters who talk about their 71 at Evergreen in 1971 with monotonous regularity at the bar. Real players. Men or women, professional or amateur, TIM CRONIN who can tee it up in a The Locker tournament and finish on the first page of the Room leader board. The last area player to win the Illinois Open was…no one. The Illinois Open has been played since 1950. Tony Holguin, the longtime pro at Midlothian Country Club, shared second place in 1954 and was second to Bob Harris by a stroke in 1956. Since then, nobody’s come close. There hasn’t even been a low amateur from these parts since Rich Dukelow in 1990. Prehaps that will change this year. When the Illinois Open commences at The Glen Club in Glenview and Briarwood Country Club in Deerfield on Aug. 7, there will be people to watch. Four area players finished in among the top 10 of those qualifying for the Illinois Open on June 30 at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood. One of them is Dukelow, who lives in Evergreen Park and for several years since leaving the amateur ranks has been an in-demand teaching professional at Medinah Country Club. He scored 3-under-par 67 at Ravisloe, a classic Donald Ross course, to tie for fifth. He was joined at 67 by Beverly Country Club pro John Varner and Beverly member and Evergreen Park resident Scott Ten Broeck, a third-generation top player. Two strokes behind at 1-under 69 was Orland Park’s Max Farley, like Ten Broeck an amateur. Farley isn’t the only Orland Parker in the field. On July 5, Tim Tynan, a year removed from a solid four years at Illinois Wesleyan — he was the team MVP as a senior — and now a pro, tagged Maple Meadows in Wood Dale with a bogey-free 3-under 67 to easily make the show. Both Dukelow and Tynan would like to make a big splash in the tournament, which last year featured a $100,000 purse for the first time since 2003. For Dukelow, there’s unfinished business from two years ago, when he tied for fourth but was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. That cost him $5,166.67. Ouch. Tynan’s first big tournament as a pro was the recent Rust-Oleum Championship on the Web.com Tour. He cruised through the four-spot qualifier with a tidy 68 at White Deer Run, but ballooned to 77-80, beating only one player of the 154 who played the first 36 holes at the Ivanhoe Club in Lake County. Miss the cut and you get nothing. Ouch. Matt Lovelace, an amateur from Countryside, qualified at Willow Crest on June 26, but his 78 was 13 strokes behind medalist Brad Marek’s 65.
Around the greens Cog Hill features a Cubs vs. Sox Scramble and Barbecue July 22 on Course No. 2. Two-player teams can enter for $190, get a gift with their team’s logo, and are entered into a ticket raffle as well. For more information, call 630257-5872. Silver Lake’s Senior Summer Scramble is July 26, with breakfast (coffee and rolls) at 8 a.m. and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The age minimum is 55. Entry fee is $80. For more information, call 708-349-6940. Night golf comes to Water’s Edge in Worth at 8 p.m. July 28. Flashlights are recommended for the 9-hole tournament. The cost is $25, with a $5 discount for Edge passholders. For more info, call 708-671-1032.
The Regional News - The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017 Section 2
3
Playing catch-up with area sports and athletes F
ourth of July deadlines and a small vacation backed me up a little bit, so, like the Cubs, it’s time for me to play catch-up: For some, the Fourth of July means fireworks and picnics. For the high school club volleyball world, it means national tournaments. Evergreen Park-based Michio had a huge holiday weekend as its 17U team took third place in the National Division of the USAV Tournament in Minneapolis. Some of the players on the roster are area players who are looking forward to closing out their careers in style for their high school teams starting in August. Southwest Regional Publishing players on the team are Mother McAuley’s Charley Niego, Lyons Township’s Nicolette Jones and Emma Fink, Marist’s Natalie Davidson and Savannah Thompson, Nazareth’s Bridget Holly and Oak Lawn’s Allison Yacko. Others on the team are LincolnWay Central’s Cassidy Wyman, Fenwick’s Margaret Planek and St. Ignatius’s Jilliene Bennett. The coaches who helped these players take bronze are also familiar faces, as head coach Bob Heersma is a longtime St. Xavier University men’s and women’s volleyball coach. His assistant is former Mother McAuley player Courtney Joyce, who is also on SXU’s roster.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Sandburg’s Ayo Abonia will be high flying at Illinois in the coming season.
Tracking the stars to Champaign University of Illinois track coaches shored up their recruiting
Ryan Kutt of Brother Rice was named to the USA Today High School Sports Illinois first team.
JEFF VORVA Making the Extra Point rosters with a couple of area stars. The men’s team welcomes Sandburg’s Ayo Abonia, a long jumper who finished in eighth place in the Illinois High School Association state meet in May. In 2016, he medaled in the 100-meter race and long jump. The women’s team will feature Shepard’s Kelli Callahan, who qualified for state in the 1600-meter run and is a two-time qualifier in the state cross country meet.
Photo by Jeff Vorva
Bearcat Ben A few weeks ago, I had a note in this column about Lyons Township quarterback Ben Bryant, who committed to the University of Wisconsin in the winter but later received an offer from Georgia and said that Wisconsin suggested he look elsewhere. He found a home with the University of Cincinnati. The dual-threat quarterback’s next game on the high school level will be Aug. 25 at Sandburg.
Big-time baseball talent Baseball America, a magazine I am proud to say I was once a correspondent for, did a story in the Chicago Amateur City Elite 2019 graduating team and it had some local flavor.
The team, sponsored by the White Sox, played competitively against national teams in the Wilson Premier East Championships in Sarasota, Fla. Kevin Coe, who oversees the team, had good things to say about Brother Rice’s Kendall Pettis, who had a double in a quarterfinal loss. “He’s got a bright future,” Coe said of Pettis. “He plays the game hard. He can really play.’’
More big-time baseball talent The USA Today High School Sports website named Brother
Rice’s Ryan Kutt and Richards’ Donivan Williams to its first all-Illinois team and St. Laurence’s Matt McCormick to the second team.
Big-time celebrity talent Maybe the Milwaukee Brewers are for real. They are starting to get celebrities to their games. OK, they aren’t getting Eddie Vedder just yet, but Kato Kaelin, a witness in O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, was at a game earlier this month with a group of friends and family and even won a 50/50 raffle.
Crestwood Panthers roster is filled with area players By Jeff Vorva Sports Editor
The Crestwood Panthers have been around for 41 years, helping college players stay sharp during the offseason. This year, the team was struggling, with a 9-19 record in its first 28 games. The Panthers have a host of players from the Southwest Regional Publishing area on its roster. Rob Marinec (who plays for North Central and graduated from Shepard), Mike Martin (St. Xavier University/Evergreen Park), Brett Stratinsky (Middle Tennessee State/Stagg), Ray Hansen (St. Ambrose/ St. Rita), Egan Bailey (Oakton Community College/Mt. Carmel), Kevin Carmody (College of DuPage/Shepard), Jack Pappas (Illinois State/Mt. Carmel), Jack Carberry (Western Illinois University/Shepard) and James Smyth (Robert Morris/Evergreen Park) are members of the squad.
Above: St. Rita grad Ray Hansen works out before Crestwood’s game against Southland at Standard Bank Stadium. Left: Panthers outfielder Brent Feldner has his game face on during Thursday’s game against the Southland Vikings. Far left: Crestwood manager Mark Ayers makes out the lineup card Thursday, which wasn’t an easy task. The team was completing a suspended game against Southland and he was trying to figure out which players were in the game at the time of the suspension. The Panthers lost both the suspended game and a regularly scheduled game on Thursday to fall to 9-19.
Photos by Jeff Vorva
Shepard graduate Kevin Carmody gets ready to take a few cuts against Southland.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SPORTS
All-American grapplers visit Shepard for two-day camp Shepard hosted a wrestling camp for hundreds of athletes Thursday and Friday, and it featured some big-time college grapplers. University of Michigan assistant coach Sean Bormet brought All-American wrestlers Logan Massa, Myle Amine and Stevan Micec to camp. Bormet and Shepard coach Scott Richardsson were teammates at Providence Catholic High School.
Trinity Christian College hosts camps Trinity is offering a wide variety of sports camps for kids of various ages. The camps will be directed by Trinity’s head coaches and college athletes. Boys and girls volleyball camp for grades kindergarten through 9 takes place July 24-27. For information and to register online, visit www.trollssportscamps.com. For questions, contact the athletics department at 708-239-4779.
Moraine Valley camps
Hundreds of athletes took part in the two-day wrestling camp at Shepard High School.
The volleyball camp for girls and boys entering fifth through ninth grades will take place July 17 to 20, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Moraine Valley women’s volleyball head coach Lauren Lorenz is leading this camp.
The soccer camp for girls and boys entering third through 12th grades is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday the week of July 19, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Al Palar, Moraine Valley women’s soccer head coach, is leading
this camp. The tennis camp is for girls and boys entering fifth through ninth grades from July 17 to 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Robert Gates, Moraine Valley men’s and women’s tennis coach, is in
The cost for each camp is $80. The tennis camp will be held on the outdoor courts on campus while the volleyball camp will be held in the Health, Fitness and Recreation Center gymnasium (Building H), 9000 W.
Submitted photo
College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The soccer camp will take place on the game field behind Building H. Participants must register through Moraine Valley’s Athletics Department. For more information, call the
Athletics Department at 708974-5727 or visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics/overview/ summer-camps/. We are interested in community news. Submit items to sports@ regionalpublishing.com.
4
Section 2 Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Regional News - The Reporter
IT’S TIME TO TRADE THE STUFF YOU DON’T WANT FOR THE STUFF YOU DO WANT:
CASH! y a d o t le a s e g a r a g Advertise your Get a great deal on a garage sale ad in The Regional News and Reporter Newspaper
for one low price
20 Words for $25 Deadline each Monday at 5:00 p.m.
HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE SALE Call 708-448-4000 or 708-448-6161 12243 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights
The Regional News - The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017 Section 2
448-6161
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SUSAN B. GORDON AKA SUSAN B. BROUSE AKA SUSAN GORDON AKA SUSAN BETH GORDON, THE OAK LEAF CONDOMINIUM OF OAK LAWN ASSOCIATION, INC., AMANDA GORDON AKA AMANDA KOPP, BONNIE J. COXHEAD INDIVIDUALLY AND AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 12, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 24, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10524 SOUTH PULASKI ROAD, UNIT 3ME, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-15-209-029-1012. The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $65,982.24. 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. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F16090168. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F16090168 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 16 CH 13615 TJSC#: 37-5534 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD MORTGAGE COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs. EDITA GRIGALIUNIENE; VYTAUTAS GRIGALIUNAS; FIRST AMERICAN BANK; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; HERITAGE CONDOMINIUMS OF PALOS HILLS; Defendants, 16 CH 3935 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-22-200-086-1005. Commonly known as 9029 West 111th Street, Apartment 2A, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 16-006119 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I724744
448-4000
Lovely 4 bdrm split level with basement 3/4 Ashbury Woodson townhome acre site the upgrades highlighted within quality throughout. Threefambedrooms, Park. Large master suite onluxurimain floor. Chefs ily room, kitchen with furniture quality ous master suite. cabinetry. Bsmt. Premium private 2 1/2 baths. homesite. Value price at $399,900 $359,000
UPSCALE TOWNHOME
RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT Plaintiff, -v.MARIE WHITNEY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK, DAVID MCELLIGOTT, LINDA BRUCE, JAMES MCELLIGOTT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LAVERNE H. MCELLIGOTT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAVERNE H. MCELLIGOTT (DECEASED) Defendants 17 CH 003935 8035 ANNE DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 28, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 9, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8035 ANNE DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-14-216-030-0000. The real estate is improved with a 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. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-02724. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-02724 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 003935 TJSC#: 37-6091 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. I725326
.8+ moment acre across Forest the youfrom enter this beautiful Preserves awaits Gleaming your talents! 4 Palos Park home! hardwood bdrms, 3 baths, fls. thruout, mainwalkout fl 23x1835x25 master bsmt w/office. Being soldbaths, “As Is�sauna, bdrm, 4 bdrms up, 5-1/2 so much more. Call 448-6100 for more $319,900 information, then come, see it!
708.448.6100
BHHSBlount.com Serving the Palos area for over 50 years
Your Palos Realtor
Sharon Kubasak
5 ACRES
POTENTIAL TO BECOME SPECTACULAR! FEEL THE QUALITY, PERFECTION & LUXURY California style ranch on wooded
A Palos resident since 1963
14340 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
For Sale
Save this ad for a FREE Market Analysis!
34
Cell: (708) 269-0490 www.SharonKubasak.com
16 CH 13615 10524 SOUTH PULASKI ROAD, UNIT 3ME Oak Lawn, IL 60453 NOTICE OF SALE
For Rent
OAK LAWN APARTMENT Oak Lawn deluxe 3 bdrms. plus living room, dining room & family room w/fireplace. No pets. $1,200/mo. Good credit only. Call 630-616-0922 For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.NOREEN PARVEZ A/K/A NOREEN A. PARVEZ, IQBAL PARVEZ A/K/A IQBAL A. PARVEZ, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, BANK OF AMERICA, NA S/I/I TO LASALLE BANK, NA, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 12 CH 11706 14054 PERSIMMON DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 7, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 25, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14054 PERSIMMON DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-05-306-008-0000. The real estate is improved with a two story single family home with three car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 8979. 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 Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 8979 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 12 CH 11706 TJSC#: 37-5911 I725162
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.
5
708-369-9327
“Follows Me Everywhere!� Ž
“10 in the Park� NEW as of 7/7/11 For Sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.LARRY L. BARRIENTOS, COLETTE HIGHLANDS TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION Defendants 15 CH 05526 10703 GABRIELLE 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 May 18, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 21, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10703 GABRIELLE LN, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-17-402-048-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $361,735.42. 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. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: J. Gregory Scott, HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1717 Please refer to file number 2120-10370. 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. 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. I723694
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs. MURAD KASHOUR; SECRETARY OF HOUSING A N D U R B A N D E V E L O P M E N T; N E V E E N KASHOUR; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 5477 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-13-107-038-0000. Commonly known as 10300 South Kathy Court, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 605631890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. F15110083 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I725078
For Sale
For Sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.PRECIOUS LUSTER, JR., PHYLLIS A LUSTER, SOUTHMOOR COUNTRY CLUB HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR IRWIN UNION BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Defendants 14 CH 20456 9237 BUNDORAN DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 15, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9237 BUNDORAN DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 23-34-311-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a red, brick, single family, two car attached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 4165500. Please refer to file number 13614. 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) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 13614 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 14 CH 20456 TJSC#: 37-5875 I725138
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-7, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-7 Plaintiff, -v.AVRAM LUNGU, ANA LUNGU, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. Defendants 16 CH 00934 10001 S. 81ST AVE. Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 4, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 8, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10001 S. 81ST AVE., Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-401-114-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $384,087.99. 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. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \�AS IS\� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 16-3032. 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. 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. I722114
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs. LEE L. ZALESKI AKA LEE N. ZALESKI; CHARLES L. MCDONALD AKA CHARLES MCDONALD; WOODS EDGE III CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; STATE OF ILLINOIS; TCF NATIONAL BANK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CITY OF CHICAGO; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES LEE L. ZALESKI, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHARLES L. MCDONALD, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 18657 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-22-200-066-1059. Commonly known as 11135 East Road, Unit E, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W15-1711. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I724622
For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION FirstSecure Bank and Trust Co., f/k/a Family Bank and Trust Company, f/k/a First State Bank and Trust Company of Palos Hills, Plaintiff, v. FirstSecure Bank and Trust Co., t/u/t #4-450; Wealth E One, Inc.. an Illinois corporation; Woodcrest Owners Association, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation; Village of Crestwood; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, Defendants. 15 CH 12331 14000 Walter Dr, Crestwood, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above-entitled cause on July 26, 2016, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will on August 1, 2017 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. in their office at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, Room LL-06, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: PIN: 28-04-401-066-0000 Commonly Known As: 14000 Walter Drive, Crestwood, IL 60465 The property is improved with a multi-unit apartment building. The property will not be open for inspection. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes or special assessments and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the mortgaged real estate after confirmation of the sale. For information, contact Nicole H. Daniel, Attorney for Plaintiff, (312) 428-2726. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE The undersigned, an attorney, certifies that Notice of Sale was served by publication according to the attached Certificates of Publication in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and the Reporter Newspaper on the dates set forth in the Certificates. Nicole H. Daniel Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 227 W. Monroe St., Suite 3850 Chicago, IL 60606 Firm No. 58012 (312) 428-2726 nicole.daniel@dinsmore.com I724932
ngs� x 7� l
12
6
Section 2 Thursday, July 13, 2017
448-6161
The Regional News - The Reporter
448-4000
Garage Sale
For Sale
Wanted
Friday, July 14th Saturday, July 15th 9AM to 3PM Toys, Household, Misc. Priced to Sell! 9816 S. Kolin Ave. Oak Lawn
1998 Dodge Intrepid As is, close to 80,000 miles Garage kept. $500 or best offer Call 708-371-5576
LAWN MOWER & RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
Printed on recycled paper— Please recycle your Newspaper
Reasonably priced or free. Call (815) 450-0004
small engines, bicycles.
448-6161
LUSKEY CONSTRUCTION
Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1982
27 Years Experience Licensed and Bonded
WEEKLY CUTTINGS - EDGING FREE ESTIMATES SENIOR DISCOUNTS 773-744-0280
Landscaping
Lawn Mower Repair
NEED LAWN SERVICES?
Lawn Mowers & Riding Mowers
Garages • Decks Additions • Oak Floors
Asphalt Paving Inc.
(312) 437-3969
Complete Residential & Commercial Service
425-0410
Cleaning Services
Depend on an accredited company with the qualifications, resources, and professional management that has been getting the job done right for nearly 30 years
Commercial & Residential Maintenance Experts
THE ONES
WHO THINK
VISIT SAFERCAR.GOV/THERIGHTSEAT
Repair/Tune-Up
Will fix at your house
Reasonable Rates
Call: (815) 450-0004
Certified • Fully Insured Licensed • Bonded
Clean-out Services
Plumbing & Sewer www.threebrotherslandscaping.net
(708)-687-8091
(708) 361-0166
PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!
Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs
Landscaping • • • • • •
Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems
FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices
A-ALL AMERICAN CONCRETE RAISING
Concrete Sinking? We Raise & Level Stoops • Sidewalks • Driveways Patios • Garage Floors Steps & More! All Work Guaranteed FREE ESTIMATES Ask About Special Discounts!
GEORGE’S GEORGE’S
PLUMBING & SEWER
Concrete Raising
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT.
TNT LAWN MAINTENANCE
No Hidden Costs or Fees
Removal of all unwanted items. From homes, offices, storage areas, garages, apartments, condos, etc. 7 days 773-206-9309 www.stanscleanout.com
KNOW FOR SURE
Lawn Maintenance
Prompt and Reliable Customer Service
Stan’s Hauling
THEY HAVE THEIR CHILD IN THE RIGHT SEAT.
C&C
MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE
Construction
(708)
WHO ACTUALLY DO.
448-4000
Asphalt Paving
Your Complete Paving Contractor
CHOOSE CAR SEAT: BY AGE & SIZE
40 years experience -Lic. #SL574
708.952.1833 Roofing
Lawn Care
JPS LAWN CARE Weekly Cutting & Mulch Bush & Hedge Trimming Sod Garden Maintenance & Edging Complete Landscaping
708-990-5553
Plumbing & Sewer
Tree Service count! Reasonable Dis Town Lowest Prices in
AGX-2A002E 5.6875x7 BWNP.indd Version Paper Proof# Line Screen Edit Round Print/Export Printed at: Galley: PDF Sent To:
FPO until convert Newsprint 0 85 8 5-2-2012 11:58 AM 0.6% 1
Initials
Studio Manager Proofreader Art Director Copywriter Creative Director Production Manager Account Executive Client
S. Gordon Henry N. Chambers S. Lundberg None J. Adler-Kerekes S. Pollitt Ad Council
Fonts: None Placed Images: AGX-2A002E stacking rings 5.6875x7_BW_Ć’.ai (Up to Date; 100.05%)
BROTHERS TREE SERVICE
Date
Stump Removal - Tree Removal Licensed and Bond 773-239-3570 Senior Citizen Discount 708-913-8968
This Advertisement Created by
Remodeling
FATHER & DAUGHTERS REMODELING Not affiliated with Ron Kafka & Father & Sons
Notes: None
SUMMER Special 1/3 OFF • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Rec Rooms • Attics • Basements • General Repairs • Painting
Free Estimates Guaranteed Work Full Insured
• Room Additions • Second Floors • Dormers • Garages • Sheds • Garage Repairs • Decks
• Porches • Roofs • Siding • Soffit Fascia • Gutters • Tuckpointing • Fences
708-795-6940
• Windows • Doors • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing • HVAC • Carpeting
Senior Discount Veteran Discount Licensed & Bonded
Advertise your business in the Service Directory! Call 448-4000 or 448-6161
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, July 13, 2017
O&A MOVIE REVIEW
Spider-Man’s ‘homecoming’ is aided by engaging characters There is an undeniable joy for me to report that “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (directed by Jon Watts) is one of the best films of the summer (second only to the sublime “Baby Driver”, also in theaters), not simply because it breaks away from the routinely average Marvel Studio’s fare, but because growing up I was a massive Spider-Man fan with an impressive comic book collection. The highest honor I can bestow upon “Spiderman: Homecoming” is to say simply that it captures perfectly on film the magic from the pulp pages of Marvel’s most iconic hero. Tom Holland plays the titular hero as well as his mild mannered alter ego Peter Parker. To those who do not know of his other personality, Parker seems like an average high schooler, at least he would if he if weren’t so darn late all the time or incredibly absent minded. Peter spends most of his free time trying to catch petty criminals as the web slinger in order to impress Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) enough to be welcomed into the Avengers. He finds the truest and hardest test of his grit when he comes face-to-face with the Vulture (Michael Keaton), a thief with a violent streak and the coolest jet pack in recent memory. Keaton is one of the biggest assets of the film. For too long, Marvel’s cinematic universe has lived without memorable villains. (Name the villains from “Iron Man 2”. I’ll wait….). For someone who has played Batman twice and mocked the entire genre so perfectly and mercilessly in an Oscar nominated performance in “Birdman” (2014, directed Alejandro G. Inarritu), Keaton somehow nimbly strips away any heroic or humorous memories audiences may associate with him. Here he is pure menace. Holland is more than able as Spider-Man. I’ll have
to revisit Sam Raimi’s original trilogy to compare his performance to Tobey Maguire’s — still the reigning champ in my eyes, but Holland is damn close, if not on equal footing. The story — which has so many writers, naming them might actually eat up the rest of my article, so I won’t — is a simple, streamlined narrative, packed with dialogue that is both witty, yet not too cheeky. Director Watts nails the tone of the Spider-Man world perfectly — funny enough that the audience has a good time, but perilous enough that they stay engaged. Though, I do have one very strange criticism. I found myself being more interested in the moments when our characters were out of costume than when they were in costume. This criticism is a largely confusing one. I didn’t mind the action. It’s all well-staged, visually engaging and moves at a decent tempo, but any time I could feel a big set piece coming on, all I could think was, “Oh man, they have to fight now?!” I’ll consider that a credit to the script and to Watts. Usually with this kind of movie, I’m dying for the big set pieces. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” actually engaged me with its characters. RATING: A
Now that ‘Pretty Little Liars’ is over, would the cast return for a reboot? Ever since Freeform announced “Pretty Little Liars” would come to a close after its seventh season, rumors have swirled that the Liars could return someday for a reboot, spinoff, movie or reunion. Creator Marlene King has been vocal about the possibility of bringing the Liars back, and over the past few months, cast members have all chimed in on the possibility if bringing “PLL” to the big screen. “It’s the end — the end for now,” King said on Variety’s podcast earlier this year. “But I feel like this world is so rich, and our fans are so loyal and so passionate and we’re so grateful to them. The fans have so much power in this story, and I think they’ll find a way to say, ‘This is how you should do it.’” Now that the show has officially wrapped, Variety checked in with the “Pretty Little Liars” cast and producers to get a reboot reality check. While there are no official plans to develop any sort of reboot at this time, the stars seem privy to the idea — though a few are not in favor of bringing the show back. “I think it would be tough
because we really wrapped up the mystery in the final episode. I really like where we left our stories,” admits Troian Bellisario, who played Spencer on the series for all seven seasons. Bellisario is now gearing up for her first project after “Pretty Little Liars” with a film titled “Feed,” which she wrote, produced and stars in, opposite Tom Felton. The movie, inspired by the actress’ personal struggle with eating disorders, drops on VOD and digital platforms on July 18. Lucy Hale, who played Aria on “Liars” and is starring in her own upcoming CW show, “Life Sentence,” also doesn’t want to jump right into a reboot, but she’s not ruling out the idea. “Down the road I am open to anything,” Hale says. “We need to let people miss the show a little though.” On the other hand, the rest of the cast would be ready for a revival at any point. “Of course!” Shay Mitchell says when asked if she’d want to be part of any “PLL” reunion in the future. Likewise, Janel Parrish agrees, saying, “Absolutely. Always down to be Mona. Forever.” Andrea Parker, who played two characters on the Freeform series, adds, “Count me in!”
The boys of Rosewood are also on board. Ian Harding says, “Absolutely, but it would have to be on Netflix or something of that nature so we could go all out with the love scenes, death scenes and language.” Tyler Blackburn notes it would be nice to see the character after being tormented by “A” for seven years, explaining, “I would definitely do a reunion at some point. It would be fun to see where the characters ended up in their lives post cyber stalker.” And Keegan Allen quips at the idea of a reboot, saying, “That would be interesting.” Creator Marlene King tells Variety she would do a reunion “in a heartbeat,” while executive producer Charlie Craig jokes he’s been in since “yesterday.” “These are such beloved characters who are like extended family members, so I always say, never say never,” teases executive producer Oliver Goldstick. Better yet, executive producer Joseph Dougherty ponders, “What I’d like to see is each writer do their own individual version of what the reboot-ification should be. Why have one ‘PLL’ when you could have half a dozen or so?”
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Don’t throw caution to the wind. You may be less careful than usual as you could be in a hurry or simply too focused on what you’re doing to pay attention to what’s going on around you. Stay on your guard no matter the circumstances. TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Go along to get along. Someone’s assertiveness may rub you the wrong way but you’ll get farther by looking for compromise rather than trying to butt heads. The lights will be all green for romantic pursuits this evening. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let the cat out of the bag. Show your maturity by not revealing privileged information that you have been trusted with. Sharing someone else’s secrets will give you little to gain and a whole lot to lose. CANCER (June 21-July 22): There’s always room for improvement. You’ve done well so far but there’s no reason why you can’t do better in the future. Seek out innovative new methods and routines which could improve your
productivity, health or attitude. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When it’s your turn to bat, swing for the fences. You’ll only gain from an opportunity in the spotlight and showing definitive results, so don’t hold back. Your prospects for romance could be higher than usual throughout the day. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Live and let live. Making mistakes are part of life. Allow others to learn from their experiences and don’t be so quick to jump into the affairs of friends or loved ones. If solving a problem seems impossible, try again later. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): There doesn’t have to be winners and losers. Resolving an argument by finding common ground upon which to build could be more beneficial than simply trying to get in the last word. Avoid trying to push someone’s buttons. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Test the waters before you dive in. Get a feel for the general mood before making jokes or offhand comments or others may take it personally. Focus on projects that tap into your creative side to get the most out of it.
Wilson Webb/TriStar Pictures
Doc (Kevin Spacey) tells Baby (Ansel Elgort) he has another job for him in TriStar Pictures’ “Baby Driver.”
Are you ‘cool’ enough for ‘Baby Driver’? By Liz Smith “PEOPLE have asked why I waited 23 years to make this movie? I can now honestly say that I was waiting for Ansel Elgort to grow up and be the leading man!” That was director Edgar Wright at the Monday night Cinema Society screening of “Baby Driver.” Wright’s star, Mr. Elgort, was standing with his director, for this charming bit of praise. “Baby Driver” is one the summer’s most eagerly awaited movies, invariably described in advance as “cool,” “the coolest movie of the year” and “the epitome of cool.” Ansel Elgort is the New Big Thing in young male actors. (I predict we’ll see him on the cover of Vanity Fair sooner rather than later.) Elgort, who made a significant impression in “The Fault in Our Stars” about three years ago, is indeed attractive, charismatic and talented. He’s cool. Is “Baby Driver,” however, the crispest summer of film of 2017? At the risk of admitting to my own un-coolness I would have to say no. However, the audience at Metrograph, way downtown on Ludlow Street, was of a differing — dare I say younger? — opinion. This occasionally clever, unrelentingly cacophonous heist film didn’t leave me cold, but it didn’t heighten my “cool.” The basic tale is one that has been told a million times with a million protagonists, male and female. Good-natured, basically decent person (Mr. Elgort, here) gets in trouble somehow, owes a debt, is threatened into committing, or in this case, assisting crimes, robberies. “Baby” — Ansel — is a miraculously clever, fast driver. He assures the getaway. (Kevin Spacey is the head criminal, in his best trademarked love-to-hate-him mode.) Other disreputable types onboard include Jon Hamm, Ja-
mie Foxx, and sexy, heartless Eiza Gonzalez. There’s the standard “good” person dragged into the mess. In “Baby Driver” that would be Lily James, who actually seems to be a bit of a fellow traveler, in the area of recognizing trouble and not running exceptionally fast from it. In other words, she’s not “shocked, shocked!” that Baby has some shady pals. Oh, there’s also Baby’s kindly, wheelchair-bound, deaf foster father (CJ Jones). Yeah, the usual suspects. HERE’S the twist, the new plot point that I like, conceptually. Baby suffers from tinnitus, a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, the result of a traumatic accident as a child. (The script even reminds us that Barbra Streisand is prey to the affliction.) In order to keep his mind off the ringing, he is constantly listening to music, his earbuds firmly in place. He is shy, monosyllabic and inscrutable. His life is really the music he listens to, and even makes. (He records conversations and turns them into rap music.) But is this enough to build a movie around? Director Edgar Wright thought so, and he has packed his film with nonstop, blaring music — we have to listen to what Baby listens to! And it’s not that he doesn’t have good taste — we get, among others, Queen, Simon and Garfunkel, Martha and the Vandellas, Barry White, Sam and Dave, T Rex, Beck, Carla Thomas, The Beach Boys and on and on. And on. And loud. (But I’ll probably love the CD!) Not only that, there’s an assault of car chases and violence, which eventually moves so fast and furiously (yes, that’s a deliberate allusion to the famous franchise) that it becomes comical, and I’m not always sure it’s supposed to be. I became desperate for dialogue! The idea that Baby is so disconnected, yet so focused, is a good one, and I wouldn’t have minded some music, but after a while it
became clear that director Wright believes in the old Oscar Wilde dictum, “Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” An attitude, by the way, that is not unique. Sensory overload is de rigueur in contemporary cinema. (Just in case you’ve missed a “Transformers” movie a Marvel or DC epic, or anything by Quentin Tarantino.) I liked all the performances. Young Mr. Elgort is indeed a promising lad. Spacey and Foxx — icy and ferociously hotheaded, respectively — are excellent. And I loved Jon Hamm! His character seems to be positioned one way, then morphs into something else, and then he becomes almost weirdly immortal. Hamm looked like he was having fun, slicing the ham. Am I simply too old for this sort of thing? Was I sitting too close to the screen? Has the questionable “cool” of my youth, slipped away? The answer could be yes to any of those things. Or, I could be right — maybe “Baby” has been overhyped? But what do I know, and why should you care? Andrew Saffir’s star-studded Cinema Society audience — genuine cool people — loved it. THERE WAS a party afterward at a new rooftop spot, The Crown at the Hotel 50 Bowery. Adrien Brody, Anne Hathaway, Rosario Dawson, Gina Gershon, Peter Cincotti, Dan Abrams, Kieran Culkin, Fern Mallis, Will Cotton and more, more, more packed the rooms and the terrace. Avion Tequila cocktails were served, and spicy, summery food — daunting hotdogs. Outside, high above the earthbound stars and the mere mortals, a crescent moon gleamed. My reservations about “Baby Driver” notwithstanding, I am still cool enough to appreciate tequila, hotdogs and the moon! E-mail Liz Smith at MES3838@ aol.com.
VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN
NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22- a family-viewing guide, the key Dec. 21): Don’t make assump- for which appears below. tions. While you may feel someone knows exactly what you are thinking, they may actually be on STARTING THIS WEEK: “THE FATE OF THE FURIa completely different wavelength. Go out of your way to do some- OUS”: Even with some twists in thing to please your significant the concept, the franchise remains potent — as confirmed by the huge other. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- Jan. box-office take — in this eighth 19): Don’t fret over what you don’t edition, directed by F. Gary Gray have. The green-eyed monster (“Straight Outta Compton”). Vin could rear its ugly head when Diesel’s Dom turn against his harda friend shows off a shiny new driving crew, even after having just toy. This should really have little married his love Letty (Michelle impact on your life. Constructive Rodriguez), at the behest of a mystery woman (Charlize Theron) projects keep your mind busy. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. who wants his help in a scheme 18): Refocus your priorities. Too involving nuclear warheads and much information and mental submarines. The late Paul Walker’s clutter may divert you from the character Brian is referenced, and correct path but employing some additional returnees include the self-discipline and some planning enjoyably paired Dwayne Johnson could quickly have you back on and Jason Statham — who may the right track. be getting their own movie out PISCES (Feb. 19- Mar. 20): of this — as well as Kurt RusThere’s always a chance. The sell. Also notable, if improbable, odds of winning or losing could among the newcomers here is be equal, just make sure that you Helen Mirren (seriously, did you can afford the cost if you lose. ever expect to see her in one of Put creativity and originality on these?) ... and, as usual, the stunt display and before too long others performers deserve equal star billwill admire and respect you for it. ing for their engineering of visually
OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST By Jeraldine Saunders
LIZ SMITH
BRIAN LAUGHRAN
VARIETY
By Elizabeth Wagmeister
Southwest • Section 2, Page 7
jaw-dropping scenes. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by Gray; extended scenes. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE LOST CITY OF Z”: Inspired by a true story, screenwriterdirector James Gray’s (“We Own the Night”) early-20th-century drama focuses on explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who investigates evidence of an unknown civilization in the Amazon. He returns there time and again to seek what he’s looking for, with considerable backing from his loved ones (Sienna Miller and, as the grown son, Tom Holland) and an associate (Robert Pattinson). Ultimately, he disappears, but others refuse to believe his quest has ended. Brad Pitt (who originally was meant to star) was an executive producer of the film, which also features Angus Macfadyen and veteran performer Franco Nero. *** (PG-13: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE”: Those lovable blue creatures return in another animated feature, putting them on a search for said title village — which their perennial nemesis Gargamel (voiced by Rainn Wilson) is trying to reach before they do. Smurfette (voice of Demi Lovato) and her cohorts have to
make their way through a Forbidden Forest to reach their destination. Julia Roberts (yes, she’s a Smurf here!) Mandy Patinkin, Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”), Danny Pudi, Joe Manganiello, Michelle Rodriguez, Ellie Kemper and Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”) also are in the voice cast. DVD extras: 10 “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by cast and crew members; music video. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “NORMAN: THE MODERATE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF A NEW YORK FIXER”: Richard Gere stars as the title “fixer” in this drama, someone striving to be at the center of power among the Big Apple’s elite. He gets that chance by championing a young politician (Lior Ashkenazi) who eventually becomes a major mover and shaker, making Norman think he’s finally hit the career jackpot. Before he knows it, though, things start to go south ... with an international crisis the potential result. The cast also is loaded with other familiar faces including Hank Azaria, Steve Buscemi, Michael Sheen, Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”), Josh Charles (“The Good Wife”) and Harris Yulin. DVD extras: Q&A session with Gere and director Continued on page 8
Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond
OUT & ABOUT
The Regional News • The Reporter
WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Southwest • Section 2, Page 8
RICK STEVES’ EUROPE
How to survive a European road trip By Rick Steves
Horror stories about driving in Europe abound. They’re fun to tell, but driving is really only a problem for those who make it one. If you know what to expect, your drive can be a highlight rather than harrowing. Here are a few tips to know before you get behind the wheel. RESEARCH YOUR RENTAL. Most European rental cars use stick shift (standard transmission), so be sure to ask for an automatic if you’re not used to changing gears, especially if you’ll be driving on narrow, winding roads. Be aware, though, that you’ll pay about 50 percent more for an automatic transmission. It’s Dreamstime.com usually cheaper to arrange rentals This dish is so decadent you won’t even realize it’s vegan. from the U.S. Shop around and always check the fine print for add-on charges. Remember that it might make sense to pick up and return your car in different cities so you don’t have to backtrack. GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR. Once you pick up your car, test the wipers, headlights, and gearshift, and make sure you know what type of fuel the car takes (diesel vs. unleaded), and how to release the gas cap. based diet yourselves! By Wolfgang Puck BE PUMP SAVVY. Learn the local term for your fuel: diesel or Most people today understand VEGAN GNOCCHI WITH unleaded. At gas stations, prices what it means to be vegetarian, MUSHROOMS, GARLIC are by the liter (about a quart, four avoiding meats, poultry or sea- AND CASHEW CREAM to a gallon); regular gas is marked food in their diets. In fact, the SAUCE “95” while super or premium gasoever-rising popularity of farmers’ line is usually designated “97” or Serves 4 markets makes it possible for more “98.” In some countries there’s no and more food lovers to consider difference between the nozzles for For the gnocchi: themselves at least part-time vegdiesel and gasoline — check signs • 1 12- to-16-ounce (380etarians, enjoying the pleasures and before you fill ‘er up. 500g) package fresh health benefits of meals without LEARN THE RULES OF gnocchi animal proteins at least several THE ROAD. Ask your rental • 2 tablespoons extratimes a week. company, or check the U.S. State virgin olive oil Widespread familiarity with Department website (www.travel. • 3 quarts (3 L) cultivated vegetarianism has, in turn, led to state.gov, search for your country mushrooms, cut into 1/4more particular choices when it in the “Learn about your destinainch (6-mm) slices comes to the foods we eat. There tion” box, then click “Travel and • 2 cloves garlic, minced are lacto-vegetarians, who include Transportation”). In many places, • 1 sprig fresh thyme dairy products in plant-based dispeed is monitored by cameras that ets; ovo-vegetarians, who eat eggs; For the cashew cream sauce: click photos, and send speeders and, of course, lacto-ovo-vegetar• 1/2 cup (125 mL) raw ians. Pescatarians — fish-eaters cashews, roasted in a won’t eat any other animals — 350 F (175 C) oven deserve a mention, too. until golden brown, Then there’s the most observant about 15 minutes vegetarian category of all: vegans, Continued from page 7 • 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) who avoid any animal products water Joseph Cedar; red-carpet footage. whatsoever. That means no but• 1/2 cup (125 mL) good*** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray ter, no cheese, no milk, no eggs quality canned vegetable and On Demand) - nothing at all derived from anistock or broth mals. And you find that more and COMING SOON: more people interested in healthy To assemble: “FREE FIRE” (July 18): An eating today follow strictly vegan • Nonstick cooking spray diets, with celebrities including arms deal devolves quickly into • 3 garlic cloves, minced Gwyneth Paltrow, New England • 1/4 cup (60 mL) storePatriots superstar quarterback Tom bought grated vegan Brady, and Brady’s supermodel Parmesan cheese, plus wife Gisele Bundchen all touting extra for serving the health benefits of strictly plant• 1/4 teaspoon freshly based nutrition. ground black pepper With veganism gaining an ever• 1/8 teaspoon salt higher profile, it’s only natural that • Chopped fresh chives, my chefs and I get more and more for serving frequent requests for vegan dishes. Now, you might think that we’d Bring a large saucepan of lightly find it challenging to prepare deli- salted water to a boil. Cook the cious, even luxurious-tasting food gnocchi following manufacturer’s following such restrictions. But, in instructions. fact, more and more products are Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, widely available that make vegan heat the olive oil over mediumcooking not only possible but actu- high heat. Add the mushrooms, ally a pleasure. garlic and thyme, and saute, stirring You can find vegan “cheeses” frequently, until the mushrooms and even vegan cultured “butter” begin to turn golden brown, 7 to spreads made from nuts and oils, 10 minutes. Remove the thyme for example. And it’s also possible sprig and set the mushrooms aside. in your own kitchen to prepare Put the cashews and water in “cream” sauces based on nuts, a food processor fitted with the which turn wonderfully smooth stainless-steel blade. Process unand rich when pureed in a blender, til the nuts form a smooth paste, leading many people who sample stopping as necessary to scrape the results to doubt that a dish made down the side of the bowl with in this way doesn’t include dairy. a rubber spatula. Add half of the Don’t just take my word for it, sauteed mushrooms and process either. Instead, try the following again until smooth, scraping down authentic-tasting Italian recipe, the bowl as needed. which was developed by my team Transfer the puree to a small at Wolfgang Puck Catering. It fea- saucepan. Bring to a boil over tures fresh gnocchi, the traditional medium-high heat, stirring ocbite-sized potato-and-flour pasta casionally with a whisk. Reduce dumplings, which you can find the heat to a gentle simmer and vacuum-packaged and ready to cook until thick and creamy, about cook in the refrigerated section 1 minute, adding a little of the of many well-stocked supermar- vegetable stock if necessary to thin kets and in Italian delis. If you it to coating consistency. want to make sure you’re being To prepare the gnocchi for servstrictly vegan, check the ingre- ing, heat a large nonstick skillet dients listed on the package and coated with cooking spray over select a brand that doesn’t include medium-high heat. Add the garlic eggs. You’ll also want to look for and saute until fragrant, about 30 a store-bought, dairy-free Parme- seconds. Stir in the cashew cream san cheese. Roasted cashew nuts, sauce, gnocchi, remaining sauteed pureed in a food processor, are the mushrooms, grated Parmesan, pepsource of the rich-tasting, garlicky per and salt; cook until thoroughly “cream” sauce. heated through. You and your family and friends Spoon the gnocchi, mushrooms may find it hard to believe this easy, and sauce into individual heated delicious recipe is actually vegan. serving bowls or plates. Garnish And you may realize you’re one with chives and more Parmesan step closer to following a plant- and serve immediately.
Go nuts! Cashew ‘cream’ sauce is the highlight of this vegan gnocchi dish
Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves’ Europe
Scotland’s sparsely populated Isle of Skye is easiest to explore with a set of wheels that allow you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
tickets by mail — one last, pricey souvenir from your trip. PLOT YOUR ROUTE. Study roads and major interchanges and decide whether to take the faster autobahn/strada/route/cesta or a slower scenic route. If you’re headed for a small or midsize town, know which big city is nearby (and most likely to be signposted) to keep you headed in the right direction. Even if you’ll be using GPS or a mapping app, keep a paper map handy and pay attention to road signs. PREPARE FOR TOLLS. It’s free to drive on some expressways, such as Germany’s famous autobahn. But many roads have tolls; some countries, such as Portugal, use automatic, cashless toll systems — but there is often a toll-booth option to pay with cash or a credit card. Some countries’ toll roads require a permit sticker (called a “vignette”) displayed on windshields. Your rental car may already have one; if not, you can buy one at border crossings, gas stations, and post offices. If you don’t have a sticker, you’ll soon
meet your first local ... in uniform. Fines start at around $150. PLAN FOR PARKING. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask about parking. In many cities, it’s best to park your car on the outskirts and use public transportation or taxis; some cities even have free shuttles from parking areas into the city center. Even better, return your rental car. Cities across Europe have taken measures to discourage urban driving. For example, to drive anywhere in downtown London or Stockholm, you’ll pay a “congestion charge.” If you do drive into town, learn what the pavement markings mean (different curb colors can mean free parking-or no parking). Look for signs, or ask a local. Don’t assume that an absence of meters means you can leave your car there: You may need to get a timed ticket from a nearby payand-display machine, or display a parking-clock disc that allows you to use free, time-limited spots. GO WITH THE FLOW. Driving in Europe tends to be more aggressive than in the U.S., but
each country has its quirks. For example, in Germany if you drive less than 100 mph in the fast lane, you’ve got people climbing up your tailpipe. On the other hand, because Germans are almost notoriously good at obeying the rules, if there’s a 100-mph speed-limit sign and they’re driving 180 mph, they’ll slam on the brakes. Rural areas have plenty of other hazards, like high hedges blocking the view on narrow lanes, and the occasional sheep crossing that forces you to wait and enjoy the scenery. Think of it as enjoying the local culture. You may curse the confusing signs, narrow roads, and macho habits, but it’s all part of the experience. Driving at home is mundane; driving in Europe is memorable. Rick Steves (www.ricksteves. com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.
Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson star. (PG-13: P, V) “THE PROMISE” (July 18): In the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, a couple’s (Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon) mutual attraction generates problems. (PG-13: AS, V)
“THE BOSS BABY” (July 25): Alec Baldwin voices an infant whose arrival means less attention to his older sibling in this animated comedy. (PG: AS) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN an armed battle among those involved; Brie Larson, Armie Hammer and Sharlto Copley star. (R: AS, P, V) “KONG: SKULL ISLAND” (July 18): In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, a group of explorers encounters the enormous ape;